Regarding the high-priced invitation from Wuji Group.

Ye Chen did not mention it to Chen Yinuo.

Nor did he inquire about the situation from Zhang Jingshan.

After a warm and pleasant night, the next day at ten o'clock, Ye Chen arrived at the Triumph Hotel as scheduled.

At the entrance, General Manager He Zhijun and three veteran antique appraisers from Wuji Group, whom Ye Chen had previously met, were already waiting.

"Mr. Ye!"

"Master Ye!"

Not only did He Zhijun show respect, but even those senior antique appraisers from Wuji Group expressed their admiration.

In the antique appraisal circle, seniority often dictates status. However, those recruited by Wuji Group were not the type to be arrogant or narrow-minded.

Before witnessing Ye Chen's skills, they might have acted indifferently. But after seeing his abilities, none dared to flaunt their experience or age in front of him.

"You gentlemen are too kind. Just call me Ye Chen. I really don't deserve the title 'Master Ye.' It's laughable if anyone hears it!" Ye Chen chuckled.

"Master Ye, you truly live up to that title," one of the appraisers said.

Ye Chen smiled and let it pass.

"Call me whatever you like."

"Mr. Ye, the chairman was supposed to attend with you, but something came up. He had to fly to Europe last night. He specifically asked me to explain this to you and hopes you understand," He Zhijun said with an apologetic smile.

"No problem! I'm just here working for Wuji Group. Whether the chairman comes or not, I'll do my best," Ye Chen replied with a smile.

He genuinely didn't care whether the chairman showed up.

"You're too modest, Mr. Ye. This isn't just business; you're doing us a favor!"

He Zhijun laughed, then gestured, "Mr. Ye, let's chat as we walk. The exchange has already started. Let's head up!"

"Alright, let's go."

With He Zhijun's constant flattery, the group proceeded to the nineteenth floor.

The grand hall, dedicated to high-end events, was lavishly decorated and filled with lively chatter.

The exchange had a relaxed atmosphere without excessive formality.

As Ye Chen and his group entered, a loud voice rang out.

"Ah, Manager He! I've been waiting for you!"

Ye Chen glanced over to see a casually dressed man in his early thirties striding over with a playful smile.

Upon recognizing him, He Zhijun's expression twisted as if he'd swallowed a fly.

It was Su Enping, the eldest son of Su Fu, the head of Fusu Group.

His identity alone wouldn't have bothered He Zhijun, but at a previous event, they had exchanged a few words, and Su Enping had slapped He Zhijun's face lightly, asking who he thought he was.

Though the slap wasn't hard, the public humiliation left He Zhijun feeling disgraced. He had to swallow his pride, given Su Enping's status.

Now, unexpectedly, they crossed paths at this exchange.

"Manager He, where's your chairman? Didn't he come in person?" Su Enping smirked.

"Su, your father didn't attend either," He Zhijun replied.

"That's different. This is Wuji Group's home turf in Jiangzhou. Isn't your chairman known for his 'Heavenly Eyes'—the very reason Wuji Group exists? I can't believe he wouldn't show up for an exchange in his own territory. Could he be afraid of embarrassing himself?" Su Enping teased.

"If our chairman were worried about that, we wouldn't be here today. He simply had a scheduling conflict, just like your father," He Zhijun replied calmly.

"Haha! You should've said that earlier, Manager He. No need to beat around the bush. Since we're all here, let's see whose eye for antiques is sharper!" Su Enping laughed and walked away, never sparing Ye Chen a glance, assuming he was just a lackey.

"Mr. Ye, that was..." He Zhijun began explaining.

But Ye Chen interrupted with a smile, "No need, Manager He. I'm here to appraise antiques, nothing more."

He Zhijun hesitated but nodded with a bitter smile, "Alright."

Forgetting the earlier encounter, He Zhijun and Ye Chen strolled through the large hall alongside the veteran appraisers.

Tables displaying antiques—porcelain, paintings, jade carvings—filled the room, resembling an antique fair.

Despite circling the room, He Zhijun showed little interest. It wasn't hesitation but rather that none of the items were worth much. Even if purchased, they wouldn't fetch high prices at Wuji Group's auctions.

"Manager He, is Wuji Group just here for show? If so, maybe you shouldn't have come. It's quite embarrassing!"

Once again, they ran into Su Enping, who smirked mockingly.

"These items aren't worth much. Where are the rare treasures promised for this exchange? As the organizer, surely Fusu Group didn't just bring junk?" He Zhijun frowned.

"Relax, Manager He. The real treasures are over there. Some renowned collectors brought their prized pieces. Rumor has it, there are mysterious items too," Su Enping said, pointing to a large red cloth-covered area.

"Then why are we still here? Won't you take us over?" He Zhijun asked.

"Manager He, I'm doing you a favor. Doesn't Wuji Group collect everything, even trash? That's probably why you can hold traveling auctions. Just joking! Let's head over," Su Enping grinned.

Throughout, he continuously mocked He Zhijun and Wuji Group.

Despite seething, He Zhijun held back, knowing he couldn't confront Su Enping.

"Lead the way, Su."

"This way, Manager He," Su Enping said, grinning.

As He Zhijun prepared to follow, he noticed Ye Chen was missing.

"Hmm? Where's Mr. Ye?" He asked the appraisers.

They looked around, equally puzzled.

Scanning the hall, He Zhijun spotted Ye Chen at a lonely table, engaged with an unknown antique dealer.