Chapter 47: Antiques Must Not Change Hands

“What? He knows Master Tang?”
The audience all around heard Lin Feng’s words and turned to look at one another in surprise.
Pei Dafu was stunned as well—what was going on here?
“Haha, so it’s young brother Lin. What a coincidence! I didn’t expect we’d meet again here.”
The moment Tang Chunqiu looked at Lin Feng, his expression immediately brightened.
Lin Feng responded with a smile, cupping his hands politely. “Master Tang, you’re too kind. You arrived at just the right moment. My friend just picked out an antique here, but I noticed something was wrong with it and mentioned it to the owner, which led to his doubt.”
“Oh? So that’s how it is.”
Tang Chunqiu listened and understood the situation.
He turned coldly, looking at Pei Dafu with a stern expression. “Boss Pei, bring me the antique that this young man selected. Let me take a look.”
“Yes, Master Tang.”
Pei Dafu quickly complied, bringing over the antique that Li Bing’er had chosen and handing it to Master Tang with both hands.
Master Tang tapped his fingers on the counter, prompting Pei Dafu to place the antique on the tabletop, allowing Tang to pick it up for examination.
This was the principle of not passing antiques directly by hand!
Master Tang took the piece and began to examine it carefully. He first observed the shape and carving of the jade pendant, then held it up to the sunlight to inspect the quality of the jade.
Finally, he asked Pei Dafu to bring a light-transmitting lens and scrutinized the pendant further. His expression gradually grew colder.
With a look of disdain, he set the jade pendant back on the counter and fixed his gaze sternly on Pei Dafu. “This jade pendant is indeed a fake. It contains embedded fluorescent powder to enhance its luster.”
“The texture is highly problematic. The forger attempted to use intricate carving to disguise the smoothness of the jade. Although the imitation is quite sophisticated and could fool most appraisers, it remains a fake. It can never become genuine.”
“What? This—”
Pei Dafu’s face changed dramatically; he never imagined the pendant was counterfeit.
The crowd around was equally shocked!
Master Tang’s appraisal was identical to what that young man had said moments ago!
That young man really was an appraiser, and his skill rivaled Master Tang’s.

Even Li Bing’er found herself stunned after hearing Master Tang’s verdict.
She stared at Lin Feng in disbelief, unable to comprehend how his appraisal skills could be so formidable!
It seemed that this old man named Tang held a significant position in the antique world. After his words, everyone fell silent.
“Haha, young brother Lin, when we met last time, it seems I didn’t know you well enough. The fact that you could determine the authenticity of this jade pendant proves your expertise in appraisal.”
“There are probably fewer than three appraisers in the world who could identify this piece.” Tang Chunqiu praised Lin Feng once again.
The crowd was shocked anew!
Lin Feng remained calm, smiling humbly. “I was just lucky, Master Tang. My appraisal skills are still far below yours.”
“Who says so? I think your appraisal skills surpass even Master Tang’s. Just now, you identified the origin and authenticity of the jade without even handling it, whereas Master Tang took quite some time to examine it.”
“That proves his skills aren’t as refined as yours.” Li Bing’er couldn’t help but explain on Lin Feng’s behalf.
Lin Feng’s face immediately reddened, quickly shaking his head, signaling her not to be disrespectful in front of Master Tang.
Master Tang was a veteran in the antique world of Jiangcheng, while he was merely a newcomer—how could he compare to such a senior?
When Tang Chunqiu heard this, his expression changed. He looked at Lin Feng in surprise and asked, “Young brother Lin, is what this young lady says true? Did you really determine the authenticity and origin of the jade without handling it?”
“Well…”
“It’s true. We can all vouch for him.”
Before Lin Feng could respond, someone from the audience spoke up on his behalf.
Tang Chunqiu shook his head in amazement, unable to help himself. “It seems I’m truly getting old. My appraisal skills can’t compare to those of a young man.”
“Master Tang, you needn’t be modest. As I said, it was just luck that allowed me to identify this piece. In terms of skill, I am no match for you.” Lin Feng hurriedly explained.
Tang Chunqiu raised his hand, looking at Lin Feng with sincerity. “Young brother Lin, there’s no need to comfort me. The people’s eyes are sharp. The fact that you can appraise antiques without touching them is a boon to the world of antiquities.”
“I used to worry that once I grew old, no one would succeed me in Jiangcheng’s antique world. Now, it seems I’ve found my successor.”
“Young brother Lin, would you be interested in joining the Jiangcheng Antique Association? If you wish, I would recommend you as our vice president.”
“Vice president?”
Lin Feng was startled by the honor, stunned for several seconds before shaking his head. “Master Tang, I’m sorry, but I’m not interested. Please find someone else.”

“What? This—” Tang Chunqiu was deeply shocked!
The surrounding crowd was equally incredulous. No one expected Lin Feng would refuse Master Tang’s invitation.
To join the Jiangcheng Antique Association was a great honor, marking one as a prominent figure in the city’s antique world.
Others would do anything to be admitted, yet Lin Feng declined without hesitation.
“Well… Very well. If you don’t accept, I won’t insist. But the doors of the Jiangcheng Antique Association will always be open to you. If you ever wish to join, I will make sure you are admitted.”
“Thank you, Master Tang.” Lin Feng smiled in gratitude.
“Ah, I truly am ashamed. I never imagined I would mistake a fake for the real thing. My apologies to all my customers.”
“I hereby announce that from today, Mingyu Pavilion will close its doors for good. I, Pei Dafu, will never set foot in the antique world again. Please disperse.”
Suddenly, Pei Dafu announced this in deep embarrassment to everyone.
The crowd snapped out of their astonishment, looking around and whispering among themselves.
Pei Dafu held considerable status in the antique world, and his withdrawal would cause a sensation.
Moreover, his reputation had been quite good over the years—his departure would be a real loss!
Lin Feng turned to him with a gentle smile, stepping forward. “Boss Pei, there’s no need for shame. As Master Tang said, there are very few people who could identify the authenticity of this jade pendant.”
“Your mistake today is understandable. As long as you pay closer attention to the origins and authentication of antiques in the future, you can continue running your shop.”
“What? Mr. Lin… you’re even speaking up for me?”
Pei Dafu’s eyes widened in disbelief. He had just treated Lin Feng so rudely, yet the man was still willing to speak in his defense.
He was utterly mortified.
Tang Chunqiu also stepped forward and patted Pei Dafu’s shoulder. “Pei Dafu, I know your character. Your reputation in the antique world is quite good. If you really leave, it would be a great loss for our field.”
“How about this—you listen to me. Today you wronged young brother Lin, so why not offer a hundred million as compensation? This sum will also serve as your punishment.”
“I believe with so many people present, you will be forgiven.”