C11 Leave the Antique Realm

"Look, if we don't clear this up, it might affect your reputation in the future!"

"You think I don't know what you're up to, kid? But there's a way around it. It's been a while since this old man has been in the spotlight."

Elder Ji teased Shaang Peiyan, then turned to give a few instructions to his staff, making a calming gesture with his hands.

"Everyone!"

The crowd quieted down, focusing on the main event of the day.

"First, I'd like to welcome you all to my 60th birthday celebration. Thank you for taking the time to be here!" Elder Ji said warmly, clasping his hands together and raising them in a gesture of gratitude.

The guests responded with applause.

He continued, "Today, I take full responsibility for the appraisal of this bracelet. If Miss Ding can find someone to overturn my assessment, I'll retire from the antique world. You can all bear witness to Ji Yuanli's promise!"

The room erupted in murmurs, and even Shaang Peiyan, Chiang Ci, and Ding Lirong looked surprised.

Only the Ji family remained unfazed, having complete faith in their elder.

Who would doubt Elder Ji's appraisal now? To make such a decisive statement about leaving the antique world, he must be absolutely certain about the authenticity of the piece.

"Looks like the Ding family really bought a fake this time." "Yeah, as if Elder Ji could be wrong."

"Even Jieli can't guarantee there are no fakes. We'll need to be more cautious at future auctions."

Shaang Peiyan glanced at Chiang Ci, who appeared momentarily stunned before bowing his head in deep thought. Ding Lirong looked utterly bewildered, repeatedly reminding herself to stay calm and relaxed, yet her face remained pale. She instinctively took two steps back, unable to accept the embarrassment of being exposed in front of everyone. The disgrace was too much, especially with Jieli involved—how would she explain this later?

"Elder Ji, you don't need to..."

Elder Ji interrupted Shaang Peiyan with a look, patting his arm and smiling knowingly. "You rascal, you got lucky. Make sure to thank me properly later."

Shaang Peiyan paused, then sincerely clasped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Elder Ji. Both shared a knowing smile.

A waiter soon brought over a long table, placing two items on it with a tray, then stepped back a few paces, waiting for Elder Ji to approach.

"Here are two antiques from my collection, dating back to the Jiaxi era and earlier. Does anyone here have an artifact from a similar period to add to the display?"

"I have one. It's a gift I brought today to celebrate Elder Ji's milestone birthday. Let's add it to the collection."

A short, stout man took a gift box from a young man behind him and placed it on the table.

Elder Ji stepped forward, his eyes lighting up with delight as he thanked the chubby old man, "Old Qian, you're too kind! This is a real treasure!"

"Of course, I wouldn't bring anything less. It has to pass your discerning eye," the two old friends shared a knowing smile as they jotted down the history of the antiques on the cards prepared on the long table.

Elder Ji turned to face the crowd, beaming as he spoke, "I'm in a great mood today, so let's add a little fun with a game."

"On the table, there are three ancient items from the era of Monarch Jiaxi and earlier. I invite all antique enthusiasts here to join in and play this treasure appraisal game. For those who guess correctly, there's a little prize!"