From Nun to Real Heiress: Expert at Turning the Tables

Chapter 255 - 255: 122 Answer (Revision 2)

“We are here to bear witness for Madam Jiang. Mr. Gutian is an appraisal master, a leading figure in the industry. If everyone doesn’t trust Ms. Zhu, they should at least trust Mr. Gutian,” said Madam Gu as she stepped forward.

Feeling awkvvard, Mr. Gutian laughed, “Madam, you flatter me. I am ashamed.”

No need for modesty, Mr. Gutian. I trust you, and so does Jiade Group.”

At this moment, the secretary walked over and whispered something in Zou Dawei’s ear. Looking at Jiang Chunlan, he asks, “Madam Jiang, does what I just said count?”

She raised her eyebrow, “Of course it counts.”

Great. Everyone present here is a witness. Regardless of the outcome, Jiade Group will not back down,” said Zou Dawei with a serious face.

Zhou Xue brought a rosewood box over and placed it on the table in front of them.

“Mr. Gutian, please.” Zou Dawei gestured.

“Mr. Gutian?” Zou Dawei called out again.

Only then did Mr. Gutian come back to his senses, retracting his gaze from Mingjing. Clearing his throat, he walked up to the box with a solemn expression.

“Ms. Zhu, you wanted to show off in front of Madam Jiang… Youthful and impulsive, lacking a steady mindset,” Madam Gu sighed.

With just one sentence, Mingjing is accused of showing off her skills recklessly.

“You probably don’t realize how serious the consequences of your actions could be. Not only has it led to a falling out between Madam Jiang and Jiade Group, but it has also ruined the reputation that Jiade Group has built over the years.

Can you bear these consequences, Ms. Zhu?”

“If you admit your mistake now, Mr. Zou may still let you off the hook out of respect for Madam Jiang. But if we wait for Mr. Gutian’s appraisal result, it may be too late for Madam Jiang to protect you.”

Not only will she not be able to protect you, but she will probably dislike you even more.

Jiang Chunlan glanced at her but said nothing. Madam Gu felt a pang of joy in her heart.

It seems that Jiang Chunlan also agrees with her.

“Thank you for your concern, Madam Gu. But you’re overthinking it,” said Mingjing with a calm smile and no hint of anxiety, remaining calm and composed.

Overthinking? Ha, I hope I am,” Madam Gu sneered and looked away with disdain.

She can hold her nerve. I wonder how long she can keep up this act.

“What’s the rush, Madam? Master Gutian hasn’t finished his appraisal yet.

Can’t you wait for just a moment?”

Shen Zhou’s sudden interjection caught everyone off guard.

Nobody noticed that Mr. Gutian’s hand, which was opening the box, suddenly trembled.

With her pride bruised, Madam Gu scoffed, “I’ve long heard that Mr. Shen and

Ms. Zhu have a complicated relationship. It seems the rumors are true.”

There’s only one kind of rumor that could spread between a single man and a single woman.

It’s obvious if you think about it.

For a moment, everyone’s gaze shifted between Shen Zhou and Mingjing. The two parties remained cool and composed, making it seem as if Madam Gu was making something out of nothing.

“Indeed, there is a relationship between us,” Shen Zhou admitted generously.

Even Jiang Chunlan was surprised by this.

Mingjing gave Shen Zhou a calm look.

Shen Zhou raised his eyebrows at her, and Mingjing narrowed her eyes.

Mr. Gutian’s hands trembled even more. Now he was caught between a rock and a hard place, with both sides not to be offended.

Today, he didn’t consult the almanac before going out. What a strategic error!

Madam Gu sneered sarcastically, “Mr. Shen is quite straightforward.”

Her disdainful gaze at Mingjing also swept over Gu Qingshan.

The flower is taken, let go of your thieving heart.

“Next week, at the Shenzhou Group Oasis Program launch, Madam Gu, the life of the party, would surely be in attendance. Ah Ke, please send an invitation to

Madam Guts residence later,” said Shen Zhou.

Shen Ke grinned and replied, “Yes, sir.”

Madam Gu’s face turned beet red at Shen Zhou’s sarcasm. This vile man, no wonder he has yet to find a wife at nearly forty. With such a foul temper, what woman could stand him?

While they were talking, Gutian opened the box. Seeing the object inside, he exclaimed in amazement, “Song Dynasty Ruware Narcissus Basin! “Madam Shen finally found the opportunity and immediately said, “Master Gu, what you said is exactly the same as what Ms. Zhu said before.”

Mr. Gutian glanced at Ming Jing, this overly quiet and unassuming girl, who did not seem like someone who would blurt out falsehoods. Could there be some trickery involved?

Not daring to take it lightly, he put on white gloves he carried with him, got out his reading glasses, and carefully picked up the narcissus basin to examine

it closely.

Zou Dawei whispered to his secretary, “Pour Master Gu a cup of tea.” The secretary understood Zou Dawei’s gaze and left to get the tea.

“Master Gutian, what have you found?” Mrs. Gu asked, while throwing a glance at Ming Jing.

Jiang Chunlan patted Ming Jing’s hand, her smile gentle and kind, “Aunt Lan believes in you.”

After studying it for a while, Gutian put the narcissus basin back, his movements not as cautious as before.

He looked at Zou Dawei with a solemn expression, “May I ask Mr. Zou, where did you get this item?

This involved trade secrets, but at this point, with his reputation at stake, Zou Dawei had no choice but to answer, “We bought it from an overseas Chinese collector a year ago.”

At this moment, Zou Dawei’s secretary handed him a cup of tea, “Master Gu, please have some tea.”

Gutian was originally a little annoyed, but now he couldn’t resist taking the tea. He faced away from everyone, and the female secretary opened her mouth with a threatening look in her eyes.

Gutian looked stunned, and cold sweat broke out on his palms.

“Master, please enjoy the tea.” The female secretary repeated with a sweet smile.

Gutian shakily picked up the teacup and pretended to take a sip.

Everyone was waiting for his answer, and Zou Dawei asked, “Master Gu, what does your question imply? What does this have to do with whether the narcissus basin is genuine or not?”

“The history of an antique and who has handled it is very important. Tracing the source can help determine its origin, and for experienced appraisers, this is an important factor in judging authenticity.”

Zou Dawei said, “Master Gu may not be familiar with this collector, as he has always lived abroad. He obtained this item many years ago by chance from a tomb-robbing gang.”

Gutian’s eyes flickered, and at this moment, the answer became clear to him.

Zou Dawei pressed on, “Master Gu, you must have an answer by now. Don’t worry about the young lady’s feelings; if she dared to make such a claim, she should be prepared to face the consequences.” Zou Dawei glanced at Ming Jing as he spoke.

Gutian took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Master Gu, you are an authority in this field. Your words must be accurate, unless you no longer want to work in this field….”

The emphasis on the last sentence of Zou Wei’s words carried an obvious threat.

Gutian’s heart trembled, and he wished he could faint from a heart attack on the spot.

“Of course, if I dare to lie, not only will Master Guts reputation be ruined, but even the entire Gus family will be despised by everyone. I wonder if Master Gu can bear this consequence.” Shen Zhou said lightly.

How had this turned into an issue about the entire Gus family?

Gutian looked towards Ming Jing, “Ms. Zhu must be an expert appraiser herself. In that case, on what basis did she determine that this is a fake?”

Early on, he would much rather have chosen to leave without saying goodbye even at the risk of offending Madam Jiang, now it was much worse to be caught in the middle with his family being threatened.

The question was thrown back to Ming Jing.

Ming Jing smiled slightly, “Doesn’t the master have an answer in his heart already?”

What a cunning girl.

Gutian snorted and glanced at her seriously.

I just remember she said that during the Song Dynasty, kiln firing technology was monopolized by the imperial court. The craftsmen were the best of the best, so it’s impossible for the basin to have bubbles in it. It’s only with modern technology that they can replicate the color but not the technique, which is related to temperature and other factors. I think that’s about it.”

Gutian hadn’t noticed this detail before, “The kiln change must be controlled above 11000C; otherwise, a large amount of anorthoclase crystals, or small bubbles, would form.”

Madam Shen’s eyes brightened, “Does Master Gu agree with Ms. Zhu’s explanation?”

Gutian looked deeply into Ming Jing’s eyes; the girl’s eyes were deep black, like a quiet pool, unfathomable.

With everyone’s expectant gaze, Gutian sighed, “Actually, I have seen a genuine Ru Porcelain Narcissus Basin before.”

With this sentence, he had already revealed too much information.

Ming Jing’s eyes flickered as she looked up at Gutian.

Zou Dawei’s face changed, and he shouted, “Master Gu, you must take responsibility for what you say.”

Gutian replied coldly, “Don’t worry, Mr. Zou, I will take responsibility for every word I say..”