"Mr. Ye, we'd like to ask for your help tomorrow, if it's convenient for you?"

He Zhijun chuckled awkwardly over the phone.

"Help? What kind of help?" Ye Chen was puzzled.

"Here's the thing, Mr. Ye. There's an antique exchange event tomorrow. Although it's called an exchange, transactions are allowed. We'd like to ask you to oversee things for us. Many items at this event have complex histories, and to ensure everything goes smoothly, we need someone with your expertise to help us evaluate them," He Zhijun explained.

"Doesn't Wuji Group have plenty of appraisers under its wing? Why ask me?" Ye Chen was surprised.

"Mr. Ye!"

At that moment, another voice came through the call—deep and firm, belonging to a middle-aged man.

"And you are?" Ye Chen asked in confusion.

"Mr. Ye, this is Dong Qian, Chairman of Wuji Group. I truly owe you for what you did last time! If you hadn't retrieved those three artifacts and brought them to our experts for analysis, Wuji Group's reputation and credibility could have suffered immensely. I can't thank you enough!"

Dong Qian sighed with relief, then got straight to the point.

"This time, I must shamelessly ask for your help again. Although our appraisers are experts in their fields, they all admit that they pale in comparison to you. So, Mr. Ye, would you consider helping Wuji Group once more?"

Even Wuji Group's chairman himself had stepped in—Ye Chen was taken aback.

What kind of antiques could warrant such attention from Wuji Group?

Curiosity began to stir in him.

In his past life, during the later years, Ye Chen had developed a deep passion for antiques. He had even established a personal collection room filled with artifacts worth millions. Before his time ran out, he either auctioned them for charity or donated them to museums.

His obsession and decades of research had earned him the title of a leading figure in the antique world. Even top appraisers were hesitant to boast about their skills in front of him.

Over the years, he had handled countless antiques and attended numerous high-level antique events.

However, he hadn't heard of this particular exchange. Events like this were rarely publicized.

Still, his interest was piqued.

He was curious to see what treasures might appear—and if he could potentially snag a rare find.

As Ye Chen was about to respond, Dong Qian, who hadn't heard back, assumed Ye Chen was about to decline.

"Mr. Ye, we would never ask for your help without fair compensation. We know money isn't an issue for you, but to show our sincerity—Wuji Group is offering 20 million yuan for your assistance. Please consider it payment for your expertise and protection at the event!"

Wuji Group certainly knew how to flaunt their wealth.

A 20-million-yuan appraisal fee was nothing short of extravagant.

It also reflected just how crucial this event was to Wuji Group.

"Mr. Dong, may I ask what kind of antiques will be at this event?" Ye Chen asked seriously.

"Mr. Ye... to be honest, we don't know. This so-called exchange is more of an exhibition. Collectors from all over will bring their prized possessions to trade or display. There's always something valuable at these events, but people also risk being fooled," Dong Qian explained.

"Mr. Ye, to be blunt—Wuji Group isn't short on money. Even if we end up with a fake, we can afford the loss. But our reputation is priceless. Wuji Group's name carries weight in this industry. If we misstep, the consequences will be severe. This exchange is rumored to feature rare and significant artifacts, which is why I'm asking for your help!"

Dong Qian left unsaid that previous appraisals had shaken his confidence.

This event might feature extraordinary relics, and he felt Wuji Group couldn't afford any mistakes.

"Since you've put it that way, Mr. Dong, and I appreciate your trust, I'll agree to help. But I have two conditions. First, I'll only appraise items you select. Second, if I make a mistake, I won't take responsibility," Ye Chen replied frankly.

"No problem! If even you miss something, I'll accept it!"

Dong Qian was elated at Ye Chen's agreement.

His conditions were reasonable.

"Alright, time and place?" Ye Chen asked.

"Tomorrow at 10 a.m., the 19th floor of the Triumph Hotel," Dong Qian said.

"Alright, I'll be there."

Ye Chen hung up amidst Dong Qian's hearty laughter.

Back at Wuji Group's office, Dong Qian put down his phone.

However, He Zhijun, the general manager, frowned.

"Chairman, tomorrow's exchange is organized by Fusu Group. They've always viewed Wuji Group as their biggest rival. The fact they invited us clearly suggests something's up. This could be a trap. If we walk into it, wouldn't we be falling right into their hands?" He Zhijun said cautiously.

"You're right, but that's only half the picture," Dong Qian replied solemnly.

"Fusu Group has always seen us as a threat. If they can undermine us, they will. Their hosting the event in Jiangzhou is a direct provocation. If we decline, rumors will spread, tarnishing our reputation. We have no choice but to engage."

"If we avoid any pitfalls, we'll maintain our dominance. So not only must we attend, but we must do so in style!"

"But if—"

Dong Qian cut him off.

"There are no ifs. Didn't you praise this Ye Chen highly? If even he makes a mistake, so be it. But if we succeed, Fusu Group will be the laughing stock. They'll have handed us an opportunity on a silver platter."

He Zhijun still felt uneasy.

He wanted to avoid the exchange altogether.

But faced with Dong Qian's resolve, he stayed silent.

"Alright. I'm flying to Europe tonight, so I won't be attending tomorrow. Explain this to Mr. Ye on my behalf," Dong Qian instructed.

"Understood, Chairman."