Chapter 42: True and False Treasures

Beautiful women and beautiful women are always bound by grudges from their past lives. The degree of resentment is directly proportional to the disparity in their beauty. Yet, it was clear that Qian Shuangyu could only be considered pretty, while this woman was a true beauty of the highest order.

The hatred, then, was boundless.

Qian Shuangyu's expression grew darker, her eyes flickering to the side, only to pale further when she noticed the clothes—all luxury brands from Europe and America.

Where did this woman come from?

Zhou Ran and his assistants were utterly transfixed.

Meanwhile, Sui Yi, standing quietly to the side, noticed Tang Lao and his associates greeting the elderly man beside the beautiful woman with respectful deference.

President—that was how they addressed him.

He was the leader of the Nanjun Chamber of Commerce, commonly called Elder De by many.

Yunlong Residence belonged to his business empire, and this gathering was likely instigated by him.

Seeing the man's demeanor, Sui Yi instinctively frowned, shifting closer to the wall to avoid the sweep of his commanding gaze.

"Elder De, who is this...?" someone asked in surprise.

Men, by nature, pay more attention to beautiful women—especially those with a powerful aura, exuding the presence of a leader. They naturally guessed at her business background, perhaps wondering if she was some renowned socialite.

Elder De's lips curled into a gentle smile, introducing her to the group: "This is my distinguished guest, Ms. Tang Hanyan. She is an industry expert from the provincial capital. She came today with her daughter to enjoy the festivities..."

Though Elder De spoke modestly, everyone noticed the words "provincial capital" and "industry expert," realizing that anyone Elder De called a distinguished guest could not be ordinary.

Tang Hanyan nodded graciously, greeting them with formal, measured words. She seemed familiar with everyone, her manner neither distant nor intimate—just a calm composure that, in a few words, won the whole assembly over.

She was no ordinary woman.

Elder De had mentioned her daughter, who now stepped forward, smiling faintly as she revealed the slender figure standing behind her.

Zhou Ran and Quan Ling's eyes lit up.

What a beautiful girl!

Yan Qingwu—that was her name.

The seasoned businessmen could immediately discern Yan Qingwu's calm self-possession as she met their gaze, a composure flowing seamlessly from her mother.

"Jiangnan mist and wild geese, with Yan comes clarity and elegance—what a lovely name. Who would have thought Ms. Tang's daughter would be so grown, while you yourself look so young!"

Amid cheerful exchanges, Yan Qingwu stood quietly to the side. Beside her was a strikingly beautiful woman in her thirties, speaking to her in low tones.

Sui Yi leaned against the wall, watching the group with silent surprise, though her face betrayed nothing. Her eyes also drifted toward the always silent Tang Lao.

"I bet Yan Qingwu's family must be quite wealthy... Only those with such backgrounds can cultivate that kind of poise—clearly rich. Look at how Quan is trying to ingratiate himself... Ha, maybe he’s thinking of a marriage alliance!"

Zhou Ran murmured beside Sui Yi, full of envy, his words hinting at something more.

Sui Yi merely smiled, saying nothing. Not far from her, Ah A glanced at Sui Yi after hearing this, then curled his lip.

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Elder De was clearly the central figure. Upon arrival, he took the seat of honor, overseeing everything. He adjusted the jade ring on his thumb and said, "As agreed, the artifact appraisal contest will be judged by accuracy—the one with the highest number of correct identifications wins. As per custom, the person with the poorest results must give the item they brought to the winner unless they prefer to pay half the item's true value in cash. If the item is a fake, its value is calculated as if it were genuine. Any objections?"

Naturally, there were none.

They were all businessmen—wealthy, idle, and proud. None would admit to being the worst.

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Upon hearing the rules, Tang Hanyan was intrigued, and even Yan Qingwu smiled.

"Let’s begin..."

Tang Lao and the others rose, approaching a row of tables, each covered in red cloth. On the tables lay various items: besides the "Collection of Side-Caps," there was a Western short dagger, a rusted Tang sword about an arm’s length, a painting, a dusty gray jar, a snuff bottle, and a piece of celadon.

Each item corresponded to Yu Quan, Elder Lin, Elder Han, Boss Wang, Boss Qian, and Boss Quan—matching their usual collecting preferences.

They explained the origins of their items.

"My item, as you can see, is Nalan Xingde’s 'Collection of Side-Caps.' I bought it a few days ago for 300,000 yuan! Ha!" said Tang Lao.

"My Western short dagger was given by a business partner, supposedly bought in Germany. It’s said to be a family heirloom from a major under Hitler," Yu Quan explained, refraining from smoking out of respect for the women present.

Boss Qian and Boss Quan gave similar explanations, claiming their snuff bottle and celadon were treasures found at antique markets.

Each insisted their item was genuine.

The seven of them inspected the items, and out of respect for Tang Hanyan, Elder De invited her group to examine them as well—even Quan Ling and Qian Shuangyu were allowed.

"Elder De, aren’t you participating yourself?" Tang Hanyan asked as she examined the Western dagger, her tone reminiscent of Sui Yi.

Boss Quan chimed in, "Yes, President, you’re hosting. It wouldn’t be right for you not to join!"

Though Elder De had previously said he wouldn’t take part in the cultural artifact contest, letting him join would be a favor for all. The group understood this well.

"I’m too old—my eyesight isn’t what it used to be. I can’t compete myself."

Naturally, the crowd protested.

"But I do hope a young person will assist me..."

Eh?

The businessmen’s eyes brightened, especially Quan Ling and Qian Shuangyu, whose faces glowed as they looked at Elder De.

After all, both were on the path to inheriting their family businesses, brought here to gain experience and network. If Elder De favored them, the advantages would be obvious.

So, as Elder De’s gaze swept over them, both straightened their backs.

"Ha, miss, I think Elder De might choose you," murmured the career woman beside Yan Qingwu, her lips curling in a low laugh.

Yan Qingwu’s brow furrowed slightly. She thought for a moment and then shook her head. "It won’t be me. But Sister Li, you can just call me by my name—you don’t need to be so formal."

Li Ling only smiled.

She worked for Tang Hanyan and knew her place. With Yan Qingwu’s background, friendship was unlikely.

Even she felt the pressure.

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"You there!" Elder De pointed.

Zhou Ran’s eyes gleamed, nearly in disbelief, elated—was Elder De favoring him?

If so, then...

But soon, he realized Elder De’s gaze wasn’t directed at him.

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Instinctively, he turned and saw someone in the corner, leaning against the wall.

Actually, two people stood there—a young man and woman.

Ah A glanced at Sui Yi, raising his brows.

"Not me," he said quietly.

Sui Yi’s brows knitted slightly. She straightened up, thought for a moment, and stepped out from the corner, finally coming into view of Yan Qingwu and her companions.

"Hey, it’s you!" The voice came not from Yan Qingwu, but from Li Ling at her side.

Tang Hanyan cast her a brief glance.

Li Ling shivered, explaining to Tang Hanyan, "I met this young lady on the bus—she once helped me."

Sui Yi remembered Li Ling, nodded to her, and silently marveled at how many familiar faces she had encountered today.

"Ha, is she working for Manager Tang now?" Elder De asked Tang Lao.

Tang Lao nodded, saying, "The girl has some talent, but she’s never been interested in this field. She hardly knows anything—she might embarrass Elder De."

He hadn’t expected Sui Yi to be dragged into this. It was hardly a good thing, since she knew nothing of the trade—she would only embarrass herself!

If it had been before, it wouldn’t matter, but now he hoped to groom her for the industry. Who knew if this humiliation would affect her future? Among this crowd, it would certainly tarnish her reputation!

He absolutely wouldn’t allow it!

"No matter... It’ll be just for fun. If she wins, the reward is unchanged—she’ll represent me."

At last, Elder De looked at Sui Yi, stroking his beard, smiling. "What do you think?"

Damn, this won’t do! Sui Yi, are you being pushed into a dead end by Elder De? Why is he setting you up like this?

Tang Lao desperately signaled to Sui Yi.

Sui Yi noticed, paused, and responded.

"It is Sui Yi’s honor."

Elder De laughed. Some of the other businessmen snickered, others were noncommittal. Qian Shuangyu, for instance, made no effort to hide her disdain, laughing aloud.

Clearly, in this field, novices were scorned.

Tang Lao wilted, slumping as Sui Yi approached. He lowered his head and asked, his tone sharp, "Didn’t I signal you? Why did you agree? Don’t tell me you didn’t see..."

"Signal?" Sui Yi glanced at him, her expression calm. "I thought your eye was twitching. You always do that..."

"...." Tang Lao glared at Sui Yi, but then heard a faint laugh nearby.

He turned to see Yan Qingwu standing there.

His expression froze. He stared at her for a moment, then, frustrated, stalked away.

It felt a bit like a retreat.

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