Chapter 474
In general, a person of great wisdom would usually have sharp eyes. Speaking of this, Ingrid definitely
had the air of a wise woman.
“I'm also looking forward to seeing Ms. Young, the expert antique appraiser, to liven things up,” said
Bailey.
As Ingrid and Bailey exchanged glances, they seemed to have communicated wordlessly. Without
another word, both of them broke into a smile.
“Let's take our seats.”
“Sure.”
Lydia scratched her head over the duo's conversation. She could not help asking Zeke, “Did you get
what they were talking about?”
A smile crept onto the latter's face. “You invited Master Ingrid to this event to liven up the mood, didn't
you?”
At that point, Lydia became even more confused.
Soon, the staff pushed the unearthed antiques onto the stage piece by piece. Everyone down the stage
was amazed and astounded at the same time.
It's no wonder that the higher-ups regarded this exhibition with great importance. Even the heir of the
Fletcher family is here to handle and monitor the event. All of these antiques will become priceless
treasures once their authenticity is verified.
“Vespera and our specialist team have concluded that this bronze vessel dated back to the Bronze Age
is authentic. No documentation is available,” the curator announced.
Everyone at the scene was shocked to hear that.
Wow! The first piece of antique is a relic from the Bronze Age. It dates back thousands of years! The
gang of tomb raiders that has been arrested... I wonder where did they steal all of these relics?
Meanwhile, in the VIP area, Bailey was gazing at the bronze vessel on the stage. As she was filled with
admiration for the ancient people's wisdom, she also began to admire Lina's courage.
Even though there is a team of specialists helping her, she's still considered courageous enough to
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtbear the responsibility of an appraiser. After all, she is just an imposter. Alas... her greed for fame will
surely ruin her one day.
“Bay, is this thing really authentic?” Lydia queried.
“Yes, it is. The techniques of metalworking are not fully established during the Bronze Age. Thus, the
authentication process is rather complicated. But there is a way to ascertain its authenticity. Have a
look at...”
Bailey softened her voice as she explained it in detail.
“Oh, I see!” Lydia was instantly enlightened.
“As expected of a world-renowned expert. You're very knowledgeable, Ms. Jefferson. Your skills in
antique appraising are impressive too. Looks like I'll have to learn from you,” Ingrid praised with a
smile.
“You flatter me!”
While they were chatting, another few pieces of relics were examined.
Among them, some were authentic; some were replicas.
Of course, the counterfeit relics were not replicated by the ancient people.
When collecting an antique, some immoral antique dealers would also acquire its replica to trick people
into buying the fake antique at an exorbitant price.
A moment later, an antique statue was confirmed to be fake. Looking at the antique statue, Bailey
frowned slightly.
Noticing her unusual expression, Artemis asked softly, “What is it? Is there something wrong with the
judgment of this antique statue?”
At that moment, an idea struck Bailey, and a calculating glint flashed across her eyes.
I reckon Mrs. Luther will like this antique statue even though she has already acquired the handwritten
scripture. An antique statue is more meaningful than a modern scripture anyway. On top of that, this
statue had been in the hands of kings and queens. It was believed that monarchs possessed healing
powers in ancient times. I'm sure the Luther family will prosper and be blessed with excellent health if
we display this statue at home.
“Hmm. If I'm not mistaken, this statue dates back to the Middle Ages. Clay is not a valuable material
nowadays, but using clay for sculptures was rare until the late Middle Ages. This statue was handmade
with clay by a famous sculptor. Rumors had it that he was very enthusiastic about art. Also, since this
statue had passed through the hands of kings and queens, its spirituality could now be felt,” Bailey
expounded.
Artemis was taken aback to hear that. “There are such rumors? How come I've never heard of it?”
“You only have your heart set on money. Without any interest in art, it's natural that you've never heard
about this.”
Bailey's remark instantly rendered him speechless.
Since the duo had been talking quietly, and the crowd around them was noisy, Ingrid and Lydia did not
overhear their conversation.
Hence, when Lina concluded that the antique statue was fake, Ingrid could not help asking, “Ms.
Jefferson, I'm not knowledgeable enough to talk about the technicalities, but I get the feeling that
something is off with this antique statue. Can you please enlighten me?”
Bailey curled her lips into a smile and shook her head. “You're overthinking things, Mdm. Wolcott. I
reckon that you know all the antique statues with historical records. You don't remember seeing this
antique statue, do you?”
Ingrid could not help but chuckle. “No. I've never seen this statue, but there's something fishy about it.
Hmm. Don't you think this antique statue is out of the ordinary, Ms. Jefferson?”
Bailey shook her head in response.
This antique statue will surely be handed in if I conduct an appraisal. As such, I won't be able to gift it to
Mrs. Luther.
In actuality, Bailey did not lack patriotism. She had been working hard to contribute and had become a
pride of her nation. To her, that was how a patriotic citizen should be.
A moment later, gasps of surprise echoed through the hall.
As Bailey looked toward the stage, she saw a blood-red antique emerald. On its surface was the
engraving of some densely packed ancient alphabets.
This is...
Bailey sat up straight and squinted her eyes to observe the red emerald. Her eyes were filled with
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmexcitement.
Is this the Haju people's red emerald? After thousands of years, it has finally reemerged...
“Gosh! What is this?”
“That's such a bright red. It's surprising to see a blood-red emerald!”
“I reckon modern craftsmanship can produce an emerald with such bright color. Yet, this is a relic!
There was no modern technology in ancient times. So how is it possible for a red emerald like that to
exist?”
“Where are the official representatives? They should explain to us.”
“This is the emerald seal. Thousands of years ago, it was the foundation of the Haju people's
inheritance,” an elderly in the crowd stated.
His bold speculation instantly attracted everyone's attention.
“What? This is the emerald seal that went missing thousands of years ago?”
“How can this be? This is impossible! How can it reemerge after it went missing for these past
thousands of years?”
At that moment, the curator went up the stage.
With a solemn expression, he voiced, “What this mister has just said is true. Indeed, this is the emerald
seal, but we've yet to confirm its authenticity. Of course, we won't simply jump to conclusions either. As
this relic means the world to us, we've already revealed all the related information, hoping to receive
advice from some organizations. Thankfully, we have successfully invited Vespera, an internationally
accredited antique appraiser, to work with us today. I believe she possesses the skills and ability to
examine this relic. Without further ado, we shall proceed with today's main agenda.”
Having said that, he landed his gaze on Lina.
The latter was utterly dumbfounded at that moment. Gosh! What am I supposed to say? I can't even
tell what this relic is made out of. To me, it looks exactly like a replica produced with modern
craftsmanship. After all, no technology was available during the Pre-Quix Era. That was thousands of
years ago! There was no way to create such an exquisite product back then.
Despite thinking of that, Lina dared not utter a word. She found the gaze of the audience too
intimidating.
But what if it is real? I'll be doomed for making a wrong judgment. Gosh! How am I going to shoulder
the blame by then?