"Alright, how do you want to compete?"
Yang Chen's primary objective for attending Chu Luan's birthday banquet was to network with influential figures and boost the reputation of his Golden Jade Auction House. Since Shen Sa was offering to humiliate himself, why would he miss such an opportunity?
Shen Sa furtively glanced at Chu Junhao beside him.
"Grandfather, I have an idea. Let's take ten items from your collection of treasures. Of course, some of these items are genuine and some are fake. Let's have them both start selecting simultaneously. Whoever picks out two genuine pieces in the shortest amount of time wins. What do you think?"
The wealthy guests present, always eager for some excitement, applauded enthusiastically.
Chu Luan looked at Yang Chen, seeing his confident demeanor, and smiled, "This sounds good. Since you came up with the method, you go and select ten items from my treasure room on the second floor."
"Yes!"
...
In a short while, Chu Junhao, accompanied by servants, brought ten antiques down from the second floor. Each item was covered with a red cloth.
"Grandfather, the items are selected."
"Good."
Chu Luan looked at Yang Chen and Shen Sa, "When I announce the start, these ten items will have their red cloths removed simultaneously. Are you two ready?"
"Ready!"
Yang Chen and Shen Sa said in unison.
"I'll count to three. Three, two, one, start!"
At Chu Luan's command, ten servants simultaneously lifted the red cloths from the antiques.
With the boost of his innate Daoist techniques, Yang Chen could sense the residual energy within the antiques, allowing him to discern their authenticity at a glance. This was why he was so confident in betting against Shen Sa.
As the red cloths were removed from the ten antiques, his eyes scanned them one by one. To his surprise, Shen Sa was even faster than him. Before he could even finish examining the items, Shen Sa spoke.
"I'm done. Items nine and ten are both genuine!"
Wow!
A ripple of astonishment went through the crowd at his declaration.
"Experience is the best teacher. Master Shen is too amazing!"
"Indeed. The entire process seemed to take less than thirty seconds."
"I haven't even finished looking at the ten antiques, and he's already made his selection. This appraisal ability is truly incredible!"
"..."
Yang Chen was also shocked, "How can his speed be faster than my special ability?"
With a hint of doubt, he looked at antiques number nine and ten, and then couldn't help but chuckle, "Both of these are fakes. He's just guessing wildly!"
Shen Sa, however, arrogantly called out, "Yang Chen, Master Shen has made his selection. Are you done yet? You're so slow, should we let you announce your answer after we've finished the birthday banquet?"
"The dragon-patterned Hetian jade in item five is genuine, and the Zhang Guolao riding a donkey snuff bottle made of Hetian jade in item seven is also a royal creation from the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty."
Yang Chen said calmly, "We are competing in appraisal, and authenticity is the most important factor, not just speed."
"Hmph, you lost, and you're still making excuses."
Shen Sa sneered and turned to Chu Luan.
"Elder Chu, these are all your family's items. You know their authenticity best.
"Tell me, are the Qianlong double-sweet white glaze bottle from the ninth item and the Qing Daoguang white jade inlaid gold flower petal peony bowl from the tenth item genuine!"
Sigh!
Chu Luan sighed and patted Yang Chen on the shoulder, comforting him, "Young Yang, it's already very impressive that you managed to find two genuine pieces in such a short time. Moreover, you are still young and have plenty of room for improvement. Don't be discouraged!"
What did he mean?
Yang Chen was confused. Hearing Chu Luan's tone, it sounded as if he had lost?
"I announce that the winner of this competition is Shen..."
"Elder Chu, wait!"
Yang Chen quickly interrupted, "The sweet white glaze and the peony petal jade bowl that Shen Sa chose are clearly both fakes. I should be the winner."