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Dozens of curious eyes turned their gaze toward us, and Zhang Qimo, who was seated beside me, blushed with a touch of shyness and embarrassment.

Lin Yin remained unfazed, seemingly oblivious to the attention. He gracefully lifted his cup of fragrant tea with his right hand and savored a sip.

"You're not serious, are you? Him?" A skeptical rich young man scrutinized Lin Yin. "Dressed in nothing but street market clothes, I doubt he could afford even the cheapest antique. And he claims to be an expert in antiques?"

"Young Master Wang, the son-in-law you're talking about from the Zhang Family, Lin Yin, isn't he that notorious loser?"

"Yes, that name rings a bell. I'm quite close with Zhang Tianhai of the Zhang Family. I've often heard him recount stories of Lin Yin's pathetic escapades. According to Tianhai, this man is completely dependent on the Zhang Family. His own wife looks down on him. He spends his days fetching footbath water for his in-laws and scrubbing toilets. He's even been strung up and beaten by them. He's the epitome of disgrace."

"Young Master Wang, this infamous good-for-nothing has the audacity to boast about his expertise in your presence?"

Upon learning Lin Yin's identity, the assembled guests couldn't hide their contempt, whispering and sneering among themselves.

Wang Ziwen couldn't conceal his smug grin; this was exactly the reaction he had hoped for.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the ocean's depths are immeasurable! Let's do this—I'll randomly select two pieces, and let's see if he recognizes them," Wang Ziwen proposed with an amused chuckle. He strolled over to the mahogany table and pointed at a small red-glazed pot and an antique bronze tripod.

"Let's go with these two. Master Lin, shall I have someone bring them closer for your inspection?" Wang Ziwen mocked.

"Brother Wang, with his track record, you expect him to identify antiques?" Qin Fei chimed in, his voice dripping with scorn.

"If this waste of space can discern the real from the fake, the quality from the trash, I'll write my name backward!" Shen Hao scoffed with a snicker.

Lin Yin glanced at the two antiques on the mahogany table with a serene expression and replied, "No need to bring them here."

"Is Master Lin feeling guilty?" Wang Ziwen taunted with a sneer. "We've barely started, and I've only chosen two items for you to authenticate. Are you scared already?"

Lin Yin declared, "To identify antiques, a single glance is all I need."

"Nowadays, the youth really do exaggerate," lamented a white-haired expert as he shook his head.

They were regulars at these networking events for antique enthusiasts, and they all possessed some foundational knowledge of antiques. It was common knowledge that to authenticate collectibles, one must examine them closely, often using a magnifying glass to scrutinize the details. Sometimes, experts would don gloves to feel the texture and even use their nose to detect subtle scents.

Even the most seasoned experts would take their time before venturing a definitive opinion.

Lin Yin, a novice who likely hadn't seen more than a handful of antiques, dared to claim he could discern their authenticity with just a glance?

Wang Ziwen let out a scornful chuckle and challenged, "Very well, Master Lin, we are all eager to hear your esteemed insights. Could you enlighten us about the origins of this small jar and incense burner?"

Unfazed, Lin Yin replied, "The chicken oil yellow plate is genuine, originating from the Ming Dynasty's Hongzhi official kiln. The bronze tripod, however, is a replica, a Qing Dynasty reproduction of Ming Dynasty work."

Wang Ziwen's brow creased slightly. He had casually indicated two items without having reached his own conclusions about their authenticity, yet Lin Yin's assessment was surprisingly cogent.

Upon Wang Ziwen's request, an expert carefully examined the small plate with gloved hands and, indeed, found the Hongzhi mark of the Ming Dynasty.

"Who owns this piece? Could you please step forward and elaborate?" Wang Ziwen inquired, still puzzled.

"Brother Wang, could it really be as he described?" Qin Fei asked incredulously. "How could this nobody accurately identify antiques? He must be bluffing."

"This nobody, discerning the authenticity of an antique with just a glance? He's clearly spouting nonsense," Wu Chuyu mocked dismissively.

"Qin Fei, if you're not familiar with this field, better to refrain from making baseless comments. This is my collection, and it is indeed a plate from the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty," a young man sternly told Qin Fei, then turned to give Lin Yin a look filled with surprise and curiosity.

He had dedicated several months and consulted over ten experts to authenticate this treasure. Each expert had their own opinion, and it took considerable time to establish its true origins.

"This Qing Dynasty replica bronze tripod is mine," said the bespectacled expert, glancing at Lin Yin with a hint of embarrassment. He had previously ridiculed Lin Yin, only to have his bluff called in an instant.

Suddenly, the three cronies flanking Wang Ziwen fell silent. Their faces flushed, and the air filled with awkwardness.

The distinguished guests had previously examined two particularly rare antiques. The chicken oil yellow glaze of the Hongzhi-era dish had already been unanimously declared genuine, while opinions on the incense burner varied.

The crowd's perception of Lin Yin shifted; their earlier dismissive attitudes were replaced by a newfound respect.

Lin Yin's discerning eye was nothing short of astonishing. Recognizing one genuine piece might be chalked up to good fortune, but to also identify the authenticity of the Xuande Furnace at a glance, even pinpointing it as a Qing Dynasty imitation of the Ming era? He might well be considered extraordinary.

"You've got some insight," Wang Ziwen acknowledged, eyeing Lin Yin. "This should be interesting. I hope you won't disappoint me in our upcoming discussions."

"Brother Wang, I think he's just stumbled onto this by chance. Have him examine a few more items, and he'll eventually slip up," Wu Chuyu interjected, unconvinced.

Wang Ziwen gave a dismissive snort and surveyed the array of treasures on the rosewood table, ready to select a few challenging pieces to test Lin Yin.

"What's all the excitement about today? I heard Young Master Wang has brought in a heavyweight? The so-called top collector of Qingyun City?"

At that moment, a robust voice filled the room.

A middle-aged man, dressed in a traditional green Tang suit and toying with a pair of jade baoding balls, strolled in leisurely.

"Master Hu? What brings you to Mingbao House today?"

"Master Hu, it's been a while. Have you brought some exceptional treasures to sell this time?"

The arrival of the man in the Tang suit prompted warm greetings from the assembled guests, signaling his significant reputation.

"Qimo, meet Hu Mingren, Qingyun City's renowned antique master. You've probably heard of him," Zhang Hongyu introduced. "You're in luck today. Whenever Master Hu visits Mingbao House, he's known to bring a piece or two of national significance. You're sure to gain some valuable insights."

"Hu Mingren? Is that the legendary figure from Qingyun City?" Zhang Qimo exclaimed, her expression one of surprise. It was evident she had heard of him before.

In Qingyun City's antique circles, Hu Mingren was considered second to none.

Coming from a humble background, he started as an apprentice in the collectibles market. Over time, he honed his skills in appraising treasures. Through sheer determination and an eye for value, he fought his way up over the years, amassing a considerable fortune. He went on to establish the Min Ren Jade Corporation, managing a major collection company and auction house, and has since become a prominent elite in Qingyun City.

Wang Ziwen glanced at Hu Mingren and said with a smile, "Master Hu, the esteemed antique expert I mentioned is none other than Lin Yin."

"Oh?" Hu Mingren looked over at Lin Yin, his smile unfaltering. "That's fortunate. Today, I've brought along a selection of items, and there's one in particular that even I can't quite figure out. I'd appreciate your insight."

"Please, I invite everyone to assist in verifying the authenticity of these pieces."

With a smile, Hu Mingren took his seat and clapped his hands. The two young apprentices trailing him cautiously placed several exquisitely crafted wooden boxes on the table and gingerly presented his collectibles.