C8 Elder Ji the Longevity Star

Chiang Xinxin watched for a while, thinking this was a perfect chance to knock Chiang Ci down a peg. After this, that girl’s reputation in the circle would be ruined.

"Ci, even though my mom didn’t teach you much, she always taught you to be honest and own up to your mistakes. I have no idea where you picked up this behavior; it’s a disgrace to the Chiang family."

Chiang Ci looked at Xinxin with amusement, thinking how foolish she was. Did she really think she was only embarrassing Ci? If Ci lost face, wouldn’t it also reflect poorly on the Chiang family? Such venomous stupidity.

Soft laughter rippled through the crowd.

"Isn’t she the one born to the ex-wife? Poor thing, you can tell from her clothes her stepmom doesn’t care for her."

"Imagine having a kid eight months older than the first wife’s child and still trying to teach others."

"Neither of these Chiang women are fit for polite society."

Xinxin seemed to realize the situation, her face turning red, yet she kept her back straight, trying to maintain a facade of impartiality.

Chiang Ci watched the two women’s clumsy performance with cold detachment, pondering how to find a reputable place for a test...

"Hey, young lady, I heard you have some artifacts from the Monarch Jiaxi era. Mind if this old man takes a look?"

The noisy chatter was suddenly silenced by the commanding voice of an elderly man.

Amidst the crowd, an elderly man strode in confidently, dressed in traditional attire. Though he appeared to be in his sixties with graying hair, his posture was upright, and his eyes shone with wisdom. His presence commanded respect, and people instinctively made way for him, politely addressing him as "Elder Ji."

"Is this distinguished gentleman the birthday star today?" Chiang Ci turned to look at Elder Ji and the group following him. Among them, one young man stood out—it was the same man from the elevator that morning.

Now dressed in a striking royal blue three-piece suit, he wore an ornate gemstone brooch on his left lapel, clearly crafted by a renowned artisan. With his right hand in his pocket and a champagne glass in his left, he raised the glass slightly in acknowledgment toward Chiang Ci. The dazzling indoor lights highlighted his charming, mischievous eyes, giving him an air of both elegance and intrigue.

She subtly curled her lips, thinking, "He's everywhere!"

Someone nearby complimented him, stepping forward, "Young Master Shaang, you're here too!"

The man turned slightly, smiling at the person, "It's Elder Ji's birthday, and since I was on a business trip to Z City, the old gentleman asked me to bring a gift."

A curious onlooker whispered, "Who is this guy? Why is he here instead of Elder Ji's own family?"

"You don't know? He's Shaang Peiyan, the vice president of Hengtian Company and the only son of the Shaang family."

Chiang Ci fiddled with the hem of his shirt, his eyes shifting from surprise to understanding. He smirked slightly, thinking, no wonder spending five million was so effortless—this guy's a mega-tycoon!

Hengtian is considered a leader in the business world, having started in real estate and expanded into construction, hotels, and now e-commerce.

As the group approached, Chiang Ci looked at the kind, approachable elder in front of him and spoke with sincere regret, "I'm sorry, Elder Ji, for causing trouble at your birthday celebration."

Ji Yuanli discreetly assessed Chiang Ci, the young man that Shaang Peiyan had asked to help out of a bind. He had a good appearance, but Ji wondered if he truly had the skill to identify antiques or if he was just bluffing.

The elder warmly smiled at both parties in the dispute, took the bracelet, and pulled out a pair of reading glasses from his jacket pocket. He meticulously examined it, even requesting a professional inspection light. It took him nearly ten minutes before he finally stopped.