All eyes turned to the porcelain shard in Chen Fan's hand.
On the inner surface of the shard, where it should have been white, was an extremely faint imprint of a plum blossom.
Beside this imprint, there was also a character: Jin.
Judging by the curvature of this shard, this position was precisely the neck and shoulder of the plum vase.
This meant that this pattern was hidden on the inner wall of the plum vase, out of sight, and could not be seen at all. Furthermore, the color of this imprint and character was originally very light, and it would not be discovered unless one looked for it specifically.
"What is this?" Sun Mingen asked, greatly surprised after examining it for a while.
"There are different levels of forgery. The most skilled forgers can be called masters. When they create convincing fakes, they leave their own mark to showcase their extraordinary skill," Chen Fan said.
Sun Mingen listened, stunned.
Tao Xiaoyan, however, was not surprised. "This plum blossom imprint represents this plum vase. And the character Jin, is it Jin Buchuan?"
Chen Fan glanced at Tao Xiaoyan and nodded.
He was very familiar with Jin Buchuan and had seen many of his works, which was why he recognized it as his fake at a glance.
"Who is Jin Buchuan?" Sun Mingen asked.
"A master forger in the antique industry. Most of the porcelain he creates is indistinguishable from the real thing, and he likes to leave his own mark."
"This person once created a legendary masterpiece of Chai ware, which sold for over a hundred million."
Tao Xiaoyan clicked her tongue in admiration. "I never thought this plum vase was the work of Master Jin Buchuan. Even if it's fake, this plum vase is still very valuable!"
Gu Zi'an's expression twitched. "Master Jin's work, no wonder it's so perfect."
Everyone was full of admiration.
"Mr. Chen's eyesight is indeed extraordinary. You are a distinguished guest that I couldn't even invite!"
Sun Mingen was not angered by the wasted twelve million, but instead praised, "Today, I am convinced. Few people in Jinling can match your appraisal skills!"
Chen Fan smiled wryly.
If one were to directly compare the skill of authenticating fakes and preserving originals, let alone Jinling, few people in the world could compare to him.
"Mr. Chen, what about these few items?"
Chen Fan looked over and said, "These are genuine, but their condition is not particularly good. Keep them for fun."
Sun Mingen was not disheartened. "It's rare to meet an expert like Mr. Chen. Please, have a seat in the lounge next to you. I'll have someone serve you tea. We'll have a simple lunch here today, allowing me to entertain you properly!"
Gu Zi'an's expression twitched; he felt a little uneasy.
Due to his family background, Sun Mingen had been extremely enthusiastic towards him when they first met. But now, he had completely ignored him, the great young master Gu.
"No need, I'd like to take a walk around and see your centuries-old ancient mansion," Chen Fan said.
"Certainly, please, I'll accompany you on a tour."
Sun Mingen beckoned for a servant to clean up and accompany the other guests, while he himself led Chen Fan outside.
Gu Zi'an, feeling a bit bored, followed along.
Tao Xiaoyan's eyes flickered, and she also followed.
"This place is called Huabao Pavilion, it's my private collection," Sun Mingen said. "This way is the Orchid Pavilion, and over there is the main residence."
Sun Mingen personally introduced Chen Fan.
Chen Fan remained noncommittal and strolled around the Sun family's estate at his leisure.
Sun Mingen was genuinely enthusiastic. If Chen Fan showed any interest in any building, he would order it opened for Chen Fan to visit.
Half an hour later, Chen Fan had toured the entire hundred-year-old mansion of the Sun family.
Wherever there were buildings, Chen Fan visited them meticulously and at a slower pace.
However, he did not find any clues.
This was not surprising.
After the Su family, this Huayuan had undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions over nearly a century, so any hidden secret rooms or special treasure spots would have long been discovered.
As for the possibility of the dragon-patterned compass fragment being buried in the soil or in certain corners, it was also extremely slim.
This was because Chen Fan could actually sense the aura of the compass fragment.
He had toured the entire Sun family estate. If there were compass fragments within three meters, he would be able to perceive them.
This was precisely the reason for his visit to the Sun family.
After the tour, Sun Mingen had already arranged for a banquet.
Chen Fan did not stand on ceremony and ate in the Sun family's internal dining hall.
With Sun Mingen's hospitality, anyone who visited was offered a meal when it was time to eat. He paid extra attention to Chen Fan, specifically asking the family's chef to prepare a few signature dishes.
"Brother Fan, you are truly an expert, a master of antiques. I toast you!"
After the clinking of glasses, Sun Mingen raised his cup and said, "It is my greatest honor to know you. Brother Fan, how long will you be staying in Jinling?"
"It depends!" Chen Fan did not drink alcohol and raised his water glass in a toast.
"I wonder if I have the honor to invite you to the antique street?" Sun Mingen said with a smile, "Name your conditions, as long as I can be of use, I will comply without question."
"The antique street?" Chen Fan chuckled.
"You don't know, in the antique world, I am just a foolish rich person. As you've seen, most of the items I buy are not in perfect condition!"
Sun Mingen laughed at himself. "I dream of finding a hidden gem, a truly great one, to make those who think I'm a foolish rich person look foolish. Now that I've had the good fortune to meet you, please grant me this favor. No matter the conditions, or..."
"You don't know, I just lack an expert with keen eyesight like you for guidance and help."
"Mr. Chen, do you have the time to fulfill my wish just once? I will absolutely not let you work in vain!"
Chen Fan looked at Sun Mingen and found the portly young man quite honest.
However, he refused. "Finding gems, especially great ones, is not that easy. I also have matters to attend to and may not be able to help Young Master Sun."
"If there are any good items you're unsure about, you can find me at the Jinling Grand Hotel. As for looking for bargains in the market, forget it!"
Sun Mingen was disappointed.
However, finding bargains was indeed not that easy.
Moreover, his dream was to find a great bargain that would earn him respect.
In recent years, with the continuous hype surrounding the antique industry, basic knowledge of antiques has been widely disseminated. Eighty to ninety percent of people who enter this field with the aim of finding bargains end up being cheated.
Did people really think others were foolish enough to sell a priceless item for the price of cabbage?
This was why Chen Fan refused him.
However, Sun Mingen quickly adjusted his mood and smiled, "That's great then. I won't be bothering you much these past two days!"
Although Chen Fan refused to help him hunt for bargains in the market, he agreed to appraise items for him, which was still a gain for him.
He could take advantage of Chen Fan's presence in Jinling to directly go after high-priced items and then have Chen Fan appraise them. This way, there was still a possibility of acquiring exquisite pieces.
After a satisfying meal, Chen Fan did not linger and took his leave.
He left the Sun family and got into the car with Gu Zi'an.
Tao Xiaoyan, however, followed. "Chen Fan, can I have your contact information? I have some questions I'd like to ask you."
Chen Fan glanced at her. "Sorry, we're not close."
Then he told Gu Zi'an's driver to drive.
Tao Xiaoyan was a little annoyed, pouted, and watched Chen Fan's car drive away, muttering, "Do you think I can't find you?"
Upon arriving at the hotel, Gu Zi'an followed Chen Fan back to the suite.
"Mr. Long, this matter is almost settled. My antidote?" Gu Zi'an said with a fawning smile.
Chen Fan chuckled. "I told you you weren't poisoned, why don't you believe me?"
"Why would Mr. Long tease me?" Gu Zi'an was filled with resentment but spoke subserviently. "Just tell me what you need, but you don't know that I haven't been able to eat or sleep properly these past two days. This feeling is too unbearable. Please pity me and stop playing with me!"
Knowing that Gu Zi'an would never believe he wasn't poisoned, Chen Fan simply said, "I'll give it to you tomorrow!"
"Alright!"
Gu Zi'an's expression brightened, and he left happily.
The next morning, Jiang Tiansheng received a phone call and said to Chen Fan with surprise, "Mr. Chen, we have news!"