"Thank you in advance, Chairman Zhao. You're too kind!"

Ye Chen shook Zhao Qian's outstretched hand with a smile.

Although Zhao Qian exuded the unmistakable aura of a nouveau riche, Ye Chen didn't mind at all. In fact, he had a certain respect for him.

In his previous life, Zhao Qian's name was well known across the country.

Beyond the common perception of him as a showy, flashy tycoon, Zhao Qian was always the first to step up whenever the nation faced difficulties.

Even though he wasn't the wealthiest, he consistently made the largest donations when national interests were at stake.

His most famous moment was during a live TV broadcast when he declared, "If the country needs it, the Zhao family will give everything we have without reservation. If war breaks out and soldiers are in short supply, my entire family will take up arms and fight on the front lines without hesitation!"

That statement stirred widespread debate at the time. Some called him a show-off, others mocked him as an unsophisticated fool, and some even questioned how someone like him had amassed such wealth.

Regardless, that moment made Zhao Qian one of the most beloved businessmen among millions of netizens.

Ye Chen deeply admired Zhao Qian. Despite his love for flaunting wealth, Zhao Qian's deeds were genuinely admirable.

"You're too polite! Not at all! Hey, I own a Mercedes-Benz and a Porsche dealership. If you need a car, just take one. No need to pay!" Zhao Qian laughed heartily.

"Dad, can you stop embarrassing yourself? Seriously, do you have to show off like this?" Zhao Jiwei, clearly regretting coming along, scolded him.

"Embarrassing? I'm just being honest! What's embarrassing about that?" Zhao Qian shot back.

Zhao Jiwei ignored him and turned to Ye Chen apologetically.

"Ye Ge, my dad's just got those annoying nouveau riche habits. Don't take it to heart!"

"Jiwei, it's fine. I've heard a lot about Chairman Zhao. Straightforward and generous—this isn't an act!" Ye Chen chuckled.

"You hear that? Even Ye understands me better than you do!" Zhao Qian laughed, shaking Ye Chen's hand again. "Forget the formalities. Call me Uncle Zhao from now on!"

This left Su Enping and He Zhijun stunned.

First Zhang Xingguo, now Zhao Qian—what kind of connections did Ye Chen have?

Both Fusong Group and Wuji Group were familiar with Zhao Qian. He was a major client.

Fusong Group especially had to cater to him, as the wealthy businessmen in Zhao Qian's circle followed his lead, generating substantial deals annually.

Now, seeing Zhao Qian's attitude toward Ye Chen left Su Enping nervous.

If Zhao Qian and his connections shifted toward Wuji Group, his father, Su Fu, would be furious.

Thankfully, Ye Chen wasn't interested in stirring up trouble.

"Alright, Uncle Zhao, enjoy the event. We'll catch up later!" Ye Chen said casually.

As Zhao Qian and the others left, He Zhijun swallowed nervously.

If Ye Chen could help bring Zhao Qian and his circle into Wuji Group's client base...

"Mr. Ye, you and Zhao—"

Ye Chen interrupted with a lighthearted tone.

"Mr. He, as we discussed over the phone—strictly appraising, nothing else."

"Ah... understood!" He Zhijun laughed awkwardly and dropped the subject.

"Let's go check out the antiques."

Ye Chen smiled and began walking around the exhibition hall.

Su Enping, previously brimming with confidence, now felt deflated.

Watching Ye Chen's back, he swallowed nervously, cold sweat trickling down.

No longer feeling bold, he kept his distance from He Zhijun.

And so, the two groups started exploring the antique exhibits.

However, Ye Chen found little interest in the items on display.

There were indeed valuable pieces, but none met his criteria.

Ye Chen wasn't just looking to make money—he sought rare bargains, but none seemed to be present here.

Yet, while he remained disinterested, Fusong Group and Wuji Group's appraisers were deeply engrossed, examining the antiques intently.

Among the exhibits were remarkable pieces:

• A jade carving from the Sui-Tang period.

• A Xuande blue and white dragon jar.

• A Yuan dynasty "Master Guigu Descending the Mountain" blue and white porcelain.

These three alone could stir excitement anywhere, not just here.

Whether the blue and white dragon jar or the porcelain, both were treasures worth billions.

Seeing these pieces, even Zhao Qian felt parched with excitement.

However, Ye Chen frowned.

Aside from the jade carving, the two blue and white porcelain pieces were fakes—modern replicas aged to look old.

The real ones hadn't resurfaced yet.

"Mr. Qi, what do you think?" He Zhijun whispered to a senior appraiser after careful inspection.

The appraiser nodded silently.

Exchanging glances with two other senior appraisers, they all discreetly affirmed their conclusions.

This puzzled He Zhijun.

Was there really no trap?

Could Fusong Group's invitation be genuine?

Impossible.

He Zhijun approached Ye Chen quietly.

"Mr. Ye—"

"Not worth it," Ye Chen responded flatly.

"What?" He Zhijun froze.

Three appraisers had unanimously approved the items, yet Ye Chen dismissed them outright?

"Trust me, don't make a move. But if you want to trick Mr. Su, feel free to drive up the price. They're already interested." Ye Chen smirked.

He Zhijun instinctively glanced at Su Enping.

After consulting with Fusong Group's appraisers, Su Enping furrowed his brow deeply.

His appraisers insisted the items were authentic.

But Su Enping wasn't convinced.

If these were genuine, bringing Wuji Group here would backfire.

"Who is the consignor of this jade carving?" He Zhijun asked the caretaker.

"Mr. He, you know the rules—consignors remain confidential," the caretaker replied.

"But I can tell you this—these three items share the same consignor. The owner wanted Wuji and Fusong to bid on them directly!"

At this, both He Zhijun and Su Enping's expressions darkened.

They were being played.