"Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Tian, you've said it all. Let's hurry up and start the appreciation session."
With Tian Feng's words, everyone naturally echoed his sentiment.
The so-called appreciation session was where everyone brought out their treasures for all present to admire.
For many, this was a segment that greatly enriched their experience with antiques, and thus it was always well-loved.
After all, it was a way to personally experience rare items they wouldn't normally encounter, without spending a single cent.
Of course, there was also the possibility of fakes and imitations appearing during this segment. For the holder, it was naturally a cause for embarrassment.
Fan Qingshan, having lost the spar, looked quite displeased. He lowered his head and returned to Old Man Fan's side, looking dejected. "I'm sorry, Dad. I actually lost to such a young whippersnapper. I've embarrassed you greatly."
"Hmph, if you know you've embarrassed me, then quickly find a way to make it up," Old Man Fan grunted unceremoniously.
His faction and Lou Dong's faction had been at odds for a long time. Every time the Treasure Gathering Basin大会 (Jubao Pen Dahui) was held, they would stir up trouble.
However, Lou Dong was also quite capable and could always handle them, never allowing him to gain any advantage.
He had thought that this time, by using the young man Li Yang as a breakthrough, they could give Lou Dong a taste of a major defeat. But unexpectedly, his own son, whom he had always highly regarded, had lost the spar so easily!
It was truly embarrassing!
Fan Qingshan clenched his fists and said, "Don't worry, Dad. I've already made arrangements. As soon as Lou Dong brings out that item for everyone to appreciate, he'll have a hard time."
"Then why aren't you quickly finding a way to get him to bring it out?" Old Man Fan said sternly.
Fan Qingshan nodded. "I'll go do it now."
Saying this, he gritted his teeth and walked towards Li Yang and Lou Dong.
"Mr. Fan, is there something you need?" Li Yang asked with a smile as he approached.
Generally, people were polite to those who gave them money, like this scatter-money boy. Li Yang was no exception.
This fellow looked like he meant trouble. Could he be here to give him more money?
Fan Qingshan snorted, "I'm not looking for you."
"Then who are you looking for?" Li Yang glanced at him suspiciously, seeing the fellow looking towards Lou Dong.
"Boss Lou, I heard that you unexpectedly acquired a rather rare crystal when you were inspecting the market in Donghai. You're going to unveil it at this Treasure Gathering Basin大会 to broaden everyone's horizons. Is that true?"
"Heh, Mr. Fan, your news is quite well-informed," Lou Dong chuckled, then said, "There is indeed such a matter. However, I wouldn't dare to claim that I'm broadening everyone's horizons. I'm merely bringing it out for everyone to admire."
"If it can receive the praise and admiration of my peers, then it would naturally be my honor."
"Boss Lou's words are always watertight. I just wonder if your heart is as pleasant as your words," Fan Qingshan said without any politeness.
Lou Dong didn't bother to argue with him. After all, although their ages weren't vastly different, he considered Fan Qingshan's father, Old Man Fan, his peer.
In his eyes, Fan Qingshan was merely a junior.
Arguing with a junior would be a loss for him, regardless of the outcome.
He simply smiled slightly and then said, "Mr. Fan, your opinion of me is surely due to your father. I won't bother with you."
"As for that crystal, you'll see it soon enough."
"Is that so?" Fan Qingshan sneered.
Lou Dong smiled and glanced at someone beside him. That person immediately picked up a large box and placed it on a table, then announced loudly, "This is Boss Lou's crystal. Please, everyone, admire it."
As he spoke, he opened the box, revealing a crystal the size of a head, resembling a crystal throne, composed of many smaller white crystals!
"Oh, how beautiful!" Such a crystalline aggregate immediately attracted many people's attention.
"Amazing. There are no signs of artificial work. It's clearly shaped by nature."
"A natural crystal throne. Its value must be considerable."
"Indeed!"
"Thank you all for your compliments," Lou Dong said with a slight smile. Hearing everyone's exclamations, a hint of pride appeared on his face.
As an antique dealer and collector, it was naturally a proud thing for his items to be admired by experienced peers.
However, some people who knew nothing about crystals asked, "I heard that the value of crystals is far less than that of jade. Where is the value of such a crystal?"
"From your question, you're clearly a novice when it comes to crystals. Crystals are less valuable than jade, but that's generally the case."
Someone immediately explained, "Most situations are general situations, but there are also rare exceptions. For example, rare crystals might not be less valuable than Imperial Green jade."
"Boss Lou's throne crystal is a naturally formed crystal throne, unprecedented. It can be considered a rare of the rare crystals. I estimate its value to be no less than thirty million."
"So expensive!" Some people's expressions immediately changed.
After all, the technology for artificially synthesizing crystals had become quite advanced. Top-quality synthetic crystals could almost rival natural crystals, with no discernible difference.
In such a situation, the value of many crystals couldn't rise.
A crystal that could sell for tens of thousands was already considered a rare and good crystal. One worth thirty million, how rare must it be?
Lou Dong's lips curled slightly, and a smile appeared on his face. He then noticed that Li Yang showed no admiration at all, and couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Boss Li doesn't seem very interested in my crystal?"
"You're mistaken. I've always been quite interested in things like crystals and jade," Li Yang shook his head, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes. "It's just, Boss Lou, there's something wrong with your crystal."
"Are you implying that my crystal is not a naturally formed throne?" Lou Dong's brow furrowed.
Li Yang shook his head. "If it were just that, it would be fine. After all, jade has techniques like 'burning red,' which are recognized in some circles. A little post-processing on crystals wouldn't be unacceptable."
"Then what are you implying?" Lou Dong was a bit confused by him.
Li Yang said in a low voice, "This thing is fake."
"What?"
Lou Dong's expression changed, and then he said sternly, "That's impossible! I bought it personally at the Donghai market and had it appraised several times. It can't be fake."
"Boss Lou might not have seen incorrectly at the time, but the one sent here for everyone to appreciate is indeed fake," Li Yang said with a serious expression.
Lou Dong still found it hard to believe, but since it was Li Yang speaking, he dared not take it lightly. He immediately walked quickly to the crystal throne and examined it carefully again.
Suddenly, his pupils contracted. There was a problem!