Chapter 179: [179] Can only blame his youth_1

“My God, is this really a Cizhou Kiln Black Porcelain Bowl worth two million? Zhao Xingbo is really something else.”

“An expert’s action reveals knowledge, and just by this, one can see the depth of someone’s skill; truly remarkable indeed.”

“Since Mr. Qi has appraised it as genuine, there probably isn’t any doubt about its authenticity. Now, the only point worthy of debate is the price—is it really worth two million?”

“Although Mr. Qi’s character isn’t worthy of compliment, his appraisal ability is beyond question. If he says it’s worth two million, it probably won’t be far off.”

“Indeed, although the market for ancient porcelain hasn’t been great these past few years, Cizhou ware is an exception, with a lot of room for appreciation.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“If it’s really worth two million, then Tang Feng might be facing a loss…”

Everyone was stunned by the Cizhou Kiln Black Porcelain Bowl brought by Zhao Xingbo, their eyes all turning towards Zhang Jicheng.

“Mr. Zhang, would you like to appraise it again? See if the valuation I’ve given is reasonable or not?”

Qi Maocai raised the black porcelain bowl, looking at Zhang Jicheng.

If Zhang Jicheng didn’t agree with his valuation, then according to the agreement made earlier, the audience present would help appraise and give the final valuation.

“No need to look again, I trust Mr. Qi’s appraisal skills. Since you’ve estimated two million, then let’s stick with two million,” Zhang Jicheng’s reply was completely unexpected to everyone.

In their minds, Zhang Jicheng might have raised objections.

After all, valuations, aside from objective factors, tend to be influenced more by subjective desires.

The same item might be valued at two million by one person, but only one million by another.

Unless it’s a truly exceptional piece that leaves no room for debate, there’s usually a lot of leeway in such matters.

Had Zhang Jicheng disagreed with the valuation, and the audience given the chance to appraise, the valuation might have ended up being lowered.

But unexpectedly, Zhang Jicheng readily agreed.

Qi Maocai’s smile deepened, “Since Mr. Zhang has no objections, then let’s set the Cizhou Kiln’s Black Porcelain Bowl at two million. As long as the ceramic piece that Mr. Tang has chosen is valued higher than two million, we’ll concede, and all six items will be yours.”

Though he said this, his smile clearly conveyed, “You think you can win against us?”

A ceramic piece worth two million was indeed hard to come by.

For the item Tang Feng chose to exceed this value would be very difficult.

The audience also seemed skeptical, shaking their heads.

“Ah, Mr. Tang is too kind-hearted, if he had not agreed to change the rules just now, he would have already won.”

“You can only blame his youthfulness, how could he possibly match up to an old fox like Qi Maocai?”

“But speaking of which, Qi Maocai’s apprentice really has skills, to pick out a ceramic piece worth two million, that’s incredible.”

“Ah, Mr. Tang’s loss isn’t wrongful; consider it a lesson bought…”

The crowd felt sorry for Tang Feng, not understanding why he agreed to modify the rules.

If he had firmly disagreed with changing them, Qi Maocai’s reputation would have suffered greatly, whereas he himself would have lost nothing.

But he agreed to the rule change, suddenly giving Qi Maocai the upper hand.

If the piece chosen by him wasn’t valued over two million, then the competition was destined to be a loss.

Even if his piece was indeed worth two million, there was no guarantee that Qi Maocai wouldn’t play dirty.

Unless, of course, the piece he had chosen was valued much higher than Qi Maocai’s black porcelain.

But that possibility was extremely slim.

The crowd couldn’t help but worry for him.

“Mr. Zhang, it’s time to show us the piece your apprentice has chosen,” urged Qi Maocai, as Zhang Jicheng remained motionless.

“Ah!” Zhang Jicheng’s expression turned even more bitter, hesitating and unwilling to reveal it.

Seeing his demeanor, Qi Maocai felt a surge of joy inside.

It looked like they were truly going to win this time.

“Mr. Zhang, stop dillydallying, losing to us isn’t shameful. Let’s just finish the competition, I’ll treat you to a grand meal at the best restaurant, haha… But first, you have to fulfill your promise and chant up and down Antique Street a hundred times, ‘Ya Garden’s Zhang Jicheng loses to Mo Xiang House’s Qi Maocai, defeated thoroughly,’ as your esteemed apprentice requested, haha…”

Qi Maocai was truly delighted.

He was on the verge of triumphing over an old rival, making names for his two apprentices, while scooping up six antiques worth millions for free.

It was like hitting three birds with one stone.

How could he not be overjoyed?

“Alright, let’s finish the competition a bit earlier, then.”

Zhang Jicheng spoke, and his expression suddenly changed. His brow went from worried to joyfully lifted as he took out the porcelain hidden behind him and held it high above his head.

All eyes gathered on the object in his hands.

It was a plain white porcelain box.

About the size of a palm, unassuming and simple.

From its appearance alone, it didn’t seem to have any notable qualities.

“This is the third antique piece selected by my apprentice, Tang Feng. After my appraisal, I am certain it is a genuine Ding Kiln from the Northern Li Dynasty ‘Shangyao Bureau’ branded Carved Dragon Pattern Round Covered Box, valued at… six million three hundred thousand!”

His voice was loud, resonant, and powerful, echoing through the entire street.

Due to the excitement, his voice was shaking constantly.

But to those listening, it was as if thunderbolts were exploding beside their ears.

“My apprentice Tang Feng chose…”

“A Ding Kiln from Northern Li Dynasty ‘Shangyao Bureau’ branded Carved Dragon Pattern Round Covered Box…”

“Valued at six million three hundred thousand…”

These words, as if possessing infinite magic, kept echoing in everyone’s ears.

In an instant, the entire street became eerily silent.

Including Qi Maocai and his apprentices, everyone stared blankly at the unremarkable porcelain box.

It was as if the box had some kind of spell on it that was about to consume their souls.

A colossal find, an earth-shattering discovery!