C19 It's Just Trash

"Mr. Chu, what did you just say?"

Ye Tianxin thought she had misheard, so she asked again.

"I said this is also trash. It can't even compare to the exhibits downstairs," Chu Tian shook his head.

He had initially thought Wuu Wenhao had something worthwhile, but it turned out to be even more disappointing.

This time, Ye Tianxin heard him clearly, as did all the prominent figures present.

Wuu Wenhao looked a bit displeased, but as a seasoned businessperson, he was good at keeping his composure. However, just because he could tolerate it didn't mean others would.

The first to lose patience was Wang Hongwei, a respected figure in the jade industry.

He was an authority in Shui'an City's Jade World, with decades of experience. So highly regarded was he that even governmental officials had appointed him as a jade appraisal expert.

Archaeologists would seek his expertise for appraising jade artifacts found in ancient tombs.

He was, in essence, a true expert.

"You're too arrogant! To call such a high-quality jade 'trash'? You're truly ridiculous! Someone as vulgar as you doesn't belong here," Wang Hongwei said, sounding quite angry.

In his view, it wasn't a problem if Chu Tian was ignorant about treasures. But openly doubting the evaluations of professionals was unacceptable.

Especially for an authoritative expert like Wang Hongwei, who found Chu Tian's behavior intolerable.

"Exactly! Who is this ignorant kid? Is he here to make a mockery? Saying such a fine piece of jade is trash? Is he blind?"

"Look at him; he looks poor. He probably has never seen a real treasure, so it's understandable if he can't recognize the jade's value. But boasting here is certainly wrong!"

After Wang Hongwei, others around him also voiced their contempt for Chu Tian.

As the owner of the Jade Ruyi, Wuu Wenhao was quite displeased. His treasure was being labeled as trash, indirectly questioning his judgment.

Moreover, he was attempting to sell the Jade Ruyi. Chu Tian calling it trash was equivalent to ruining his business prospects.

In the business world, affecting someone's income is akin to jeopardizing their life.

"Mr. Chu, it's one thing not to appreciate my Jade Ruyi, but calling it trash is crossing the line. I've been in business for decades, and I've never met anyone as disrespectful as you. If not for Miss Ye, I would have put you in your place by now," Wuu Wenhao said, clearly agitated but holding back because of Ye Tianxin.

If it weren't for Ye Tianxin, he would have ordered his men to act long ago.

"Do you intend to make a move on me? Aren't you a seller? Doesn't the buyer have the right to judge the quality of your goods? What kind of attitude is this?" Chu Tian glanced at him and spoke quietly.

"Of course the buyer can judge the quality of my item, but you are deliberately slandering my treasure. You can't do that!" Wuu Wenhao glared at him in response.

Slander? You must be joking. Do I need to slander you? If I say your Jade Ruyi is garbage, then it's garbage. It's not slander; it's the truth. You just can't see the truth, or perhaps you are in denial."

"I can't understand? I'm kept in the dark? What a joke! I may not be a professional, but I've seen many treasures. I can tell whether or not something is valuable."

"Furthermore, if I can't understand it, do you really think all the experts here can't either? Do you think even Great Master Wang Hongwei can't understand it?" Wuu Wenhao sneered, visibly angered by Chu Tian's "ignorant" statements.

"Exactly! You're overhyping worthless items as treasures. So, you're saying you understand it?" Chu Tian stood his ground.

"Very good!"

"Then today, I'd like to hear your expert opinion. What gives you the right to declare my treasure as trash?" Wuu Wenhao was now visibly enraged.

"If you can provide a compelling reason that convinces everyone here, I will publicly apologize to you."

If you can't, don't expect to leave this room unscathed."

As soon as Wuu Wenhao finished speaking, three bodyguards emerged from the corner of the room, blocking the door, emanating a strong aura.

Nobody doubted that a mere look from Wuu Wenhao would prompt these three to subdue Chu Tian immediately.

Their strength was not in doubt.

"Add me to the list. If Mr. Chu can provide an explanation, I will acknowledge him as a master. Everyone here can testify," Wang Hongwei interjected.

"With my decades of experience in the world of jade, I guarantee this is a priceless treasure. If Chu Tian can prove me wrong, his appraisal skills must be higher than mine. Then, I will refer to him as Master Chu."

But was this possible?

Absolutely impossible!

Unless the sun rises from the west!

"As a leading figure in the world of jade, I have that much confidence."

"Mr. Wu, what do you mean by this?" Ye Tianxin stepped forward at that moment.

After all, Chu Tian was her invited guest and also a valued guest of the Ye family. Seeing him publicly accused by so many, she felt obligated to intervene.

However, Chu Tian's recent behavior was indeed excessive, at least in Ye Tianxin's view. Publicly dismissing other people's treasures as trash would probably upset her too.

Wuu Wenhao was holding it in because of the Ye Family.

"Miss Ye, you saw what just happened. It's not that I'm unwilling to show your friend respect. It's that your friend seems to have no respect for us. He owes everyone an explanation, doesn't he?" said Wuu Wenhao, his voice tinged with severity.

If pushed into a corner, Wuu Wenhao would dare to act, regardless of Chu Tian's relationship with the Ye family.

Wuu Wenhao was a significant figure in Yungang, not a mere subordinate to the Ye family like Lin Tianbiao.

His hesitance to offend the Ye family stemmed solely from his desire to avoid trouble.

Yungang and Qingzhou was separated by Shui'an City. Wuu Wenhao doubted that the Ye family would go to great lengths to retaliate on behalf of a junior friend.

It was unrealistic to think so!

Obviously, should he harm a member of the Ye family, retaliation would be certain. But Wuu Wenhao wasn't foolish enough to think that Chu Tian was a threat.

"Of course, we are all reasonable people here. Mr. Chu, if you apologize and admit your earlier words were sheer nonsense, I believe no one will dwell on your mistake," Wuu Wenhao offered.

For someone of Wuu Wenhao's temperament, this was the biggest concession he could make, while also respecting the Ye family's standing.

If Chu Tian failed to grasp this lifeline, Wuu Wenhao would be left with no other options