One million, indeed, exceeded the Buddha statue's value, but Ye Fan didn't even frown.
"I suppose no one will compete with me?"
Glancing around and seeing no one bidding, Ye Fan gave Shen Tianyin a meaningful look.
"Miss Shen, you promised me a million labor fee earlier. Let's exchange it for this Buddha statue."
Naturally, he didn't have that much money on hand; all the money he had earned was used to pay Ye Xuanxuan's hospitalization fees.
Shen Tianyin frowned, not because of the million, but because Ye Fan's actions were too strange.
However, Ye Fan's gaze was firm, showing no signs of joking. Helplessly, he could only nod silently, "After the appraisal fair, I'll go pay."
...
As the double-faced Buddha was sold, Qin Zhonghe immediately ordered the items prepared by the Antiques Association to be brought out.
As expected of the Jiangcheng Antiques Association, the items they prepared were all masterpieces.
Tang Yin's calligraphy and paintings, Northern Song Dynasty Chai ware porcelain, early Qing Dynasty polychrome glazed vases, almost every item fetched an astronomical price, yet the wealthy attendees were still unsatisfied.
Shen Tianyin remained silent, nor did she ask Ye Fan about the value of these items, as if they had nothing to do with him.
It wasn't until the end that Qin Zhonghe ordered a sandalwood box to be brought out.
Instantly, the fresh scent of sandalwood permeated the entire venue.
At this moment, even Ye Fan sat up straight. Such a large sandalwood box alone was worth over a million, and what was contained within such a precious sandalwood box must be extraordinary.
Staring intently at the box, Ye Fan's brows furrowed repeatedly.
A familiar aura emanated from the box, making Ye Fan feel a sense of closeness.
And through the sandalwood box, Ye Fan could clearly see that inside the box lay a pearl, pure white, about an inch in size, entirely snow-white, but within the wooden box, it emitted a lustrous sheen.
"The Marquis of Sui's Pearl?"
Ye Fan frowned deeply. This pearl was identical to the Marquis of Sui's Pearl, even its aura was almost the same.
But the Marquis of Sui's Pearl had already been swallowed by him and integrated with his bloodline. How could another Marquis of Sui's Pearl appear here?
He gently closed his eyes, sensing the aura emanating from the pearl, Ye Fan's heart gradually calmed, and his breathing became slower and slower.
It was as if, at this moment, he merged with heaven and earth.
Suddenly, Ye Fan opened his eyes, "So that's how it is."
He murmured softly, no wonder this pearl was so similar to the Marquis of Sui's Pearl; it turned out there was indeed a connection.
However, this was ultimately a fake. No matter how similar it was, it couldn't compare to the one he had swallowed.
"What's wrong?"
Hearing Ye Fan's murmuring, Shen Tianyin asked curiously.
Just now, her gaze had also been fixed on the sandalwood box; this was the object she aimed to acquire at this appraisal fair.
The Marquis of Sui's Pearl, a treasure passed down for thousands of years, she had to obtain it. Only by gifting this treasure to her grandfather could she regain her status within the family.
Ye Fan shook his head, "Is this the item you want?"
"Yes, help me appraise it later. If there are no problems, you must get it, no matter the cost."
Clenching her small fists, Shen Tianyin vowed.
Through the understanding of the past few days, Ye Fan had a general idea of Shen Tianyin's situation within the Shen family and understood why she was so determined to obtain this treasure.
However, if this Marquis of Sui's Pearl was truly bought, not only would it cost her everything, but if it were discovered by someone with ill intentions, Shen Tianyin might truly have nowhere to turn.
But looking at Shen Tianyin's determined gaze, Ye Fan knew that even if he told her it was a fake, she probably wouldn't believe him.
Helplessly, he could only sigh inwardly, hoping that someone would bid against her and snatch this item away...
At this moment, Qin Zhonghe smiled broadly, "Esteemed guests, this is the last item displayed at this appraisal fair, and it is the grand finale. I believe everyone has heard of two treasures from the Spring and Autumn period: one was the Heshibi, later carved by Qin Shi Huang into the Imperial Seal, which has long since vanished into the river of history. The second was the Marquis of Sui's Pearl."
The audience below listened intently, their tension growing. Could the box contain the Marquis of Sui's Pearl?
Qin Zhonghe did not rush but continued smugly, "Legend has it that the Marquis of Sui, during his travels, arrived at a place called 'Duanshe Hill' and saved a large snake. Later, the large snake brought a pearl as a token of gratitude. This pearl is the Marquis of Sui's Pearl, entirely snow-white and crystal clear, emitting light at night, making it extremely precious. And this last item is the Marquis of Sui's Pearl."
Saying so, he raised his hand and opened the box. The tray inside was taken out, and on the tray carved from Hetian jade lay a pearl.
"The Marquis of Sui's Pearl, it's truly the Marquis of Sui's Pearl."
"Such treasures are only heard of in legends; I never thought I'd have the fortune to see it with my own eyes today."
"Treasure, a great treasure, we must buy it."
The crowd erupted instantly, chattering excitedly, eager to possess it immediately.
Seeing that the crowd's emotions had been fully stirred, Qin Zhonghe's smile widened, and his gaze swept across Ye Fan's face.
Seeing Ye Fan still with his eyes closed, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.
But the heated atmosphere he had painstakingly created must not be interrupted.
Fortunately, he stopped looking at Ye Fan and said softly, "Now, please appraise it. If anyone wishes to purchase it, please make your bid. The highest bidder wins."
As soon as these words were spoken, someone below immediately called out a bid.
"Three million."
"Five million."
"Eight million..."
Shen Tianyin's body trembled slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on the pearl.
"Ye Fan, is it real?"
Her voice was surprisingly hoarse and trembling.
For the second young lady of the Shen family, who was known for her composure in the face of storms, to be so flustered showed how important this pearl was to her.
Ye Fan gave a wry smile, "Miss Shen, do you trust me?"
Ye Fan's words immediately brought Shen Tianyin back from her state of disarray. She frowned and looked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
Gazing into her eyes, "This pearl..."
Before he could finish speaking, a cold voice rang out.
"Such a precious treasure, if it falls into the hands of the mediocre, wouldn't it be like a gem being tarnished? I bid fifty million."
Fifty million, an astronomical sum!
Even though the Marquis of Sui's Pearl was precious, it was, after all, a decorative item, a collectible. But fifty million was tangible money.
Hearing this voice, everyone turned their heads, only to see a woman sitting in the corner. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, her nose was delicate, her teeth were white, her eyes were bright, and a qipao with a phoenix tail pattern revealed her enchanting figure.
Even Ye Fan, with his astonishing self-control, felt his heart tremble at the sight.
What an exquisite beauty...