C9 It's Fake

Witnessing an appraisal on the spot, especially with Elder Ji himself taking the lead, is a rare spectacle indeed! Friends from the antique community were already recording the event from the start.

Elder Ji removed his reading glasses, giving Chiang Ci a meaningful look before approaching Lirong. Chiang Ci felt a bit puzzled by the glance but responded with a sweet smile.

Some impatient onlookers were whispering, speculating about the significance of Elder Ji's glance. The consensus was that the Chiang family's Second Miss was poorly raised and prone to making things up, and she was about to be exposed. The mocking remarks weren't just aimed at Chiang Ci but also included her sister, Chiang Xinxin.

Chiang Xinxin bit her lip, glaring at Chiang Ci with resentment. If Chiang Ci embarrassed herself, it would tarnish the family's reputation, and she'd suffer the consequences too. She resolved to tell their father to deal with her sister properly when they got home.

Elder Ji approached Lirong, placing the item back in her hand. Meeting her slightly evasive gaze, he gently asked, "Lirong, did your father really acquire this at a Jieli auction?"

Lirong felt a wave of anxiety, her instincts on high alert. She continued with the difficult-to-verify excuse, "Yes, Elder Ji, he got it at a small auction in Italy during a business trip last year."

Elder Ji patted her hand reassuringly, a calming smile on his face. "The young lady was right; this piece is a good imitation, but it's definitely a fake. If your father wants to file a claim against Jieli, I can help with an appraisal."

His words were like a bolt of lightning, leaving everyone stunned for a moment. Shaang Peiyan crossed his arms and chuckled, while Young Master Bai and Young Master Lee both sighed in relief, finally at ease for Chiang Ci. The others, once they processed the information, looked at her with a mix of emotions.

"No way... that's impossible..."

"You must be mistaken, Elder Ji!"

Ding Lirong's mind went blank. It couldn't be true. The person had assured her repeatedly that no one would be able to tell. She tightened her grip on the bracelet and stepped forward, clutching Elder Ji's sleeve with a tense, incredulous expression.

Her grip was strong enough to make the elderly man sway, but Shaang Peiyan quickly steadied him. Meanwhile, the elegantly dressed woman who had previously scolded Chiang Ci took a step back, distancing herself from Lirong.

"Elder Ji, you must have made a mistake! My sister doesn't know about these things; she was just guessing."

Chiang Xinxin couldn't believe Elder Ji was siding with Chiang Ci. Even if her sister had guessed correctly, she couldn't let this turn Chiang Ci into the center of attention.

"Are you questioning my expertise? Just because a little girl makes a wild guess, do you think I would too?"

Elder Ji frowned slightly, looking displeased at the two girls. It was the first time he had been questioned so openly, and his scholarly temper began to flare.

Chiang Xinxin felt a chill run through her at his gaze, causing her to shrink behind Young Master Bai, unable to meet the elder's eyes. This was someone even her father wouldn't dare offend, and she wished everyone would just forget she was there.

Ding Lirong was also startled by the elder's stern look, but despite her stiff limbs, she stood her ground, clasping her hands to stop them from trembling, and forced herself to meet Elder Ji's gaze calmly. She knew that if this matter was confirmed, the Ding family would become the laughingstock of Z City's elite. Moreover, she didn't believe Elder Ji had truly discerned the truth; perhaps he was just taking pity on Chiang Ci.

Regardless of his motives, she needed solid evidence from him today before she would let this go.