Perspective Medical Genius Young Master -
Chapter 359: Revealing Claws and Teeth
Chapter 359: Chapter 359: Revealing Claws and Teeth
Tan Zhenting heard Cao Heming’s words, said nothing, but Tan Yunjing could no longer stand to listen. What did Cao Heming mean by this? They came to cause trouble time and again, daring to be so intimidating on their family’s territory!
"On what basis do you say that our family’s item is fake, and not yours? Where is the evidence? Besides, the buyer hasn’t come looking for us to complain! Now where do you get off pointing fingers at us!"
Tan Yunjing, not the least bit intimidated, looked at Cao Heming, whose expression had changed, and spoke directly.
Cao Heming narrowed his eyes and gave Tan Yunjing a chilly look, "Yunjing, you should remember I’m of the same generation as your father. You’d better speak to me with respect. And how do you know the buyer who won the bid for that vase hasn’t said anything?"
Cao Heming gestured toward the elderly man with an air of a Daoist immortal standing behind him, "See this? Professor Jia is here at the buyer’s special request, to appraise your vase. You should be familiar with the name of Jia Dong, Professor Jia, shouldn’t you?"
Upon hearing Cao Heming mention him, Jia Dong stepped forward, stroked his goatee, and addressed Tan Zhenting, "I’ve long heard of the great reputation of Tan Zhenting, the Family Head of the Tan Family. It is indeed well-deserved to meet you in person today!"
Tan Zhenting gave Jia Dong an astonished glance. He had found this white-haired old man somewhat familiar but had not recognized him at first—it turned out to be Jia Dong! Tan Zhenting was a smart man; he immediately grasped the implications of Cao Heming’s words. Cao Heming had indeed come prepared!
This supposedly impartial professor hired by the buyer, Jia Dong, was likely a ploy of the Cao Family. Tan Zhenting was well aware that the damage to the reputation of an auction house, which relied on "honesty, trust," even once, could be immense. Furthermore, he knew that the Cao Family wouldn’t stop at just this one act. This was merely a prelude, a prelude to a declaration of war. It was clear from Cao Heming’s posture that his family was ready for battle!
While the Tan Family did not solely rely on antique dealing for its livelihood—there were other large enterprises supporting the family—nonetheless, due to reasons best kept from outsiders, their antiques business was an absolutely indispensable part of the family.
Tan Yunjing was also surprised to learn that this white-bearded, apparently immortal old man was Jia Dong. Xiao Yifei, noticing Tan Yunjing’s reaction, grew curious.
"Who is this Jia Dong, and is he that accomplished? How come I’ve never heard of him!" asked Xiao Yifei in a whisper to Tan Yunjing.
Tan Yunjing regarded Jia Dong with eyes full of perplexity, curious why he would appear at their family’s event. After hearing Xiao Yifei’s question, Tan Yunjing lifted her lovely chin, her eyes twinkling as she whispered back to Xiao Yifei, "Jia Dong—he’s the former president of the Huaxia Cultural Relics Authentication Association, a member of the Huaxia Archaeological Team, and the dean of the History Department at the Huaxia People’s University. In short, Jia Dong has a long list of titles and is a notable figure in the appraisal of antiques and cultural relics!"
After this explanation from Tan Yunjing, Xiao Yifei realized that this elderly man, with an air of otherworldly wisdom, was indeed no ordinary person. However, Xiao Yifei was puzzled as to why a family of the Tan’s caliber seemed to hold Jia Dong in high esteem.
Tan Yunjing noticed Xiao Yifei’s confusion.
"In the antique business, we respect those who are genuinely skilled, as antiques have their mystique, and sometimes we even need these experts’ services. So, of course, we treat them with respect," she explained softly to Xiao Yifei.
Xiao Yifei nodded in understanding upon hearing Tan Yunjing’s explanation.
Little did he know that he, too, had been mistakenly thought by Cao Heming to be a reclusive master of curios, which was why Cao Heming had also treated him with wariness.
"Professor Jia, I’ve long admired your great reputation!"
Tan Zhenting said to the white-haired Jia Dong with a smile. Although he was aware that Cao Heming and this Jia Dong’s visit to their family was certainly not with good intentions, the family customs of a great clan forbade Tan Zhenting from showing Jia Dong any disrespect.
"Clan Leader Tan, hello!"
Although Jia Dong’s visit was mission-driven, he still held full respect on the surface for Tan Zhenting, the Clan Leader of the Tan Family, who possessed terrifying resources and a profound background.
"Clan Leader Tan, since you’ve already taken such a long look just now, let’s cut to the chase," my employer, the one who won the bid for the Yuan blue-and-white ’Guiguzi Descends the Mountain’ vase at your esteemed auction house a few days ago, has specially asked for my help in appraising it to determine whether this item is genuine or a fake, as my employer does not wish to pay a large sum for a counterfeit."
Although Jia Dong’s initial attitude towards Tan Zhenting was fairly good, his tone became immediately charged when he spoke again, suggesting he had already presumed the Yuan blue-and-white vase auctioned by Tan Zhenting to be a fake.
Upon hearing Jia Dong’s tone, Tan Zhenting’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Jia Dong.
When the Yuan blue-and-white vase was initially auctioned, the mysterious buyer who spent nearly a hundred million Yuan did not reveal their face nor any information about their identity, but the money was transferred incredibly fast. They also specifically mentioned that there was no hurry to take possession of the item, so, consequently, the vase was still in Tan Zhenting’s hands.
Tan Zhenting, with narrowed eyes, looked at Jia Dong and laughed softly without saying a word.
Seeing the change in Tan Zhenting’s expression as he looked at him, Jia Dong quickly spoke to explain, "The buyer became worried after seeing another vase of the same kind appear in the Cao Family’s auction, which is why they specifically asked me to come and appraise it."
Tan Zhenting continued to gaze steadily at Jia Dong. Although he made no judgement about Jia Dong’s character, he affirmed Jia Dong’s ability in appraising treasures. Hearing Jia Dong’s words, Tan Zhenting was also curious to know what was going on with the two vases that, no matter how he looked at them, seemed authentic.
"Very well then, it will be trouble for Professor Jia, but please take a look and help us understand what’s the deal with these two Yuan blue-and-white vases."
Tan Zhenting gave a formal bow to Jia Dong.
Jia Dong nodded, stroked his goatee, and then with a waddling gait, moved towards the two Yuan blue-and-white vases on the table. He picked up each vase and scrutinized them carefully.
"Professor Jia, there are equipment available on the side for you to use at your convenience, if they can help you."
Jia Dong nodded again, then reached for a spotlight-style flashlight on the side and started inspecting with narrowed eyes, feigning an expert’s demeanor.
When Cao Heming saw Jia Dong begin a thorough examination, a glint flashed through his eyes. Turning his head to Tan Zhenting, he spoke in an indifferent tone, "Clan Leader Tan, I’ve been trying to reach you for several days, and you have never believed me. Today, with Professor Jia Dong here, there’s naturally no need for doubt from either of us. So, after his appraisal results come out today, I assume you will have no further objections!"
Tan Zhenting furrowed his brows, turned his head to look at Jia Dong, who was focused on his meticulous appraisal, then turned back to Cao Heming without a word.
Seeing such a reaction from Tan Zhenting, Cao Heming spread his hands and said, "Clan Leader Tan, if you still refuse to acknowledge after all this, then I will have no choice but to sever family ties and, disregarding our many years of friendship, make this matter public! After all, you have made a judgement, and everyone knows of Professor Jia Dong’s keen eye. If you continue to deny it after Professor Jia Dong’s judgement, that would seem rather untenable!"
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