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Zhang Qimo's face soured at the thought.

"Furthermore, I'll have a serious talk with your parents about today's events. It seems to me that there's something amiss with your thinking," Zhang Hongyu said sternly. "I'll make it crystal clear to them and suggest they show Lin Yin the door without delay."

A glimmer of opportunity shone in Wang Ziwen's eyes. Zhang Qimo's parents could be the leverage he needed.

Zhang Qimo's family held a modest position within the Zhang Family, accustomed to a life of hardship. Rumor had it they faced exclusion and oppression from the family's power holders, Zhang Hongjun and Zhang Hongxuan.

Given their status, the prospect of the Wang Family's young master courting their daughter would likely send them over the moon. They would probably jump at the chance to deliver Zhang Qimo into his waiting arms.

With this in mind, Wang Ziwen was delighted. With his wealth and status, winning Zhang Qimo's favor seemed like an easy feat.

"Qimo, my apologies for the intrusion today," Wang Ziwen said with a smile. "I'll come by soon to express my regrets in person and bring some gifts for your parents."

Lin Yin glanced at Wang Ziwen, his lips curling into a subtle smile. It was clear he wasn't ready to back down.

Zhang Qimo's expression shifted uneasily. She hadn't expected Wang Ziwen to be so blatantly persistent.

She grew anxious, knowing her parents would likely be swayed by the attentions of a Qingyun City magnate like Wang Ziwen.

"Let's leave it at that. I'll take the gift to Qimo's home myself later," Zhang Hongyu declared, taking charge. "Some matters are better handled between us elders."

At a loss for words, Zhang Qimo felt a mix of annoyance and helplessness.

With Zhang Hongyu's intervention, Wang Ziwen's mood improved slightly. Just then, the Collection Forum commenced.

The attendees, including Wang Ziwen, made their way to the center of the Mingbao House's grand hall, with Lin Yin trailing behind Zhang Qimo.

The hall, aglow with lights, was lined with mahogany tables and traditional chairs.

Guests were already seated, engaging in lively conversations. The tables showcased an array of exquisite treasures, from jade and porcelain to fine calligraphy and paintings.

The hall was adorned in a style that harkened back to ancient times, evoking the ambiance of a grand, old-world mansion—a perfect complement to the day's theme. Zhang Qimo trailed behind Zhang Hongyu, her gaze alight with curiosity as she perused the array of treasures arrayed on the long table. She was particularly drawn to the uniquely crafted jade and jewelry pieces, her interest clearly piqued.

However, she had no understanding of the calligraphy, paintings, nameplates, and porcelain antiques, and thus paid them no heed.

"Qimo, I wasn't wrong, was I? These rare treasures are seldom seen outside of here and surely they must spark some inspiration for your designs," Zhang Hongyu remarked with a smile.

"That's absolutely true," Zhang Qimo replied, nodding in agreement.

The jade and jewelry displayed on the long table, such as the imperial green jade, rare coral, nephrite, Oriental jasper, and purple agate, were all of the highest quality raw materials. Their designs boasted a unique flair, nearly all crafted by the hands of renowned sculptors.

These treasures, worth a fortune, were a rare sight to behold in such abundance. For Qimo, the experience was eye-opening and far more stimulating than the monotonous task of poring over designs at the company.

"Do you like this, Qimo? It's a gift for you," Wang Ziwen interjected, approaching with an incense burner that exuded an ancient charm.

"This incense burner is from the Tang Dynasty. It's said that the incense it holds has beneficial properties for a lady's skin. Plus, I believe such a treasure could greatly inspire your jewelry designs," he explained.

Then, turning to Lin Yin with a smug look, Wang Ziwen added, "Assistant Lin, I'd like to buy this for Qimo. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Lin Yin glanced at the incense burner and offered a smile. "I don't mind at all. However, you've brought a fake—that's where you've gone wrong."

"A fake? That's absurd. You're a nobody—what do you know about antiques?" Wang Ziwen retorted, visibly upset.

"I may not be an expert in antiques, but I can assure you I'm more knowledgeable than the Wang Family. If you don't believe me, just look inside. Are the characters 'Ming Xuan' inscribed there?" Lin Yin said confidently, gesturing towards the incense burner.

"Nonsense! I personally brought this from the Wang Family. How dare you call it a counterfeit?" Wang Ziwen snapped back. Despite his words, Ziwen's confidence wavered under Lin Yin's assuredness.

He immediately opened the incense burner and placed it under the intense light, his face blanching at the sight.

The base of the incense burner indeed bore the inscription 'Ming Xuan,' and what's more, the characters were in simplified Chinese.

This meant it was essentially a modern craftwork, a fake.

Wang Ziwen's anger was palpable, his complexion turning a shade of green. He had never imagined that the antique he had brought from his family's collection was actually a counterfeit!

However, he refused to believe that Lin Yin had identified it through skill alone; he was convinced it was nothing more than dumb luck.

But with Lin Yin's brazen attitude, Wang Ziwen was determined to see him humiliated today.

After a brief pause, he redirected his focus onto Lin Yin.

"Did you just claim to have a greater understanding of antiques than the Wang Family?"

With that, he grabbed a microphone and strode to the center of the hall, clearing his throat twice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce an expert in antiques."

"This very expert has just boasted of having more knowledge about antiques than the Wang Family. Now, I'm eager to see just how skilled he really is!"

"What? Young Master Wang, surely you jest? Is there actually someone that audacious? He dared to make such a bold claim?"

Wang Ziwen's words captured the attention of everyone present, and someone immediately echoed the sentiment.

"Indeed. Young Master Wang, you hail from the renowned Wang Family of antique connoisseurs. Your erudition is well-known. Who is this person so formidable to utter such statements before you? Does he disregard the esteemed collectors of Qingyun City, claiming to be the most knowledgeable?"

"In Qingyun City, it's common knowledge that the Wang Family are heavyweights in the world of antiques. Their collection is filled with items that could be considered national treasures. This young man's audacity is simply too much."

In that instant, with Wang Ziwen's calculated prompting, all the distinguished guests turned their gaze toward Lin Yin.