C15 Selfserving

Cao Jiang had made arrangements for his grandfather's surgery, and the medical team was already waiting just outside the door. The hospital's dean, aware of Cao Jiang's reputation for keeping his promises and his pride in his finances, decided to prioritize treating the elderly man.

With the Treasure Evaluation Conference only a day away, the grandfather's surgery was swiftly completed, and he was now in the recovery phase. Cao Jiang was immensely thankful to the dean, unaware that it was actually Qin Danfeng who had discreetly taken care of the medical expenses.

Back at home, Cao Jiang pulled numerous books from his cabinet. Despite being linked to the Treasure Hunting System, he knew he couldn't overlook the significance of the upcoming event and was eager to do some additional research to avoid any embarrassment. The system, sharing a fate with its original owner, expressed its dissatisfaction with his concerns.

Once again, the familiar voice of the Treasure Hunting System echoed in Cao Jiang's ears: "Master, I am your Treasure Hunting Angel. You just wait and see; we'll get that gemstone." Cao Jiang managed a stiff smile, acknowledging his reliance on the system's assistance for his past successes.

Time flew by, and soon it was two o'clock in the afternoon—the opening of the Treasure Evaluation Conference. Dressed sharply in a suit, Cao Jiang represented Phoenix Jewelry with poise, ready to mingle with the jewelry circle's elite. He had done his homework, familiarizing himself with the backgrounds of the attendees, which bolstered his confidence.

His car raced towards the venue, arriving at a scene that was nothing short of spectacular. Cao Jiang admired the grandeur before him, adjusted his tie after stepping out of the car, and walked in with his invitation in hand.

Entering the venue, he found himself momentarily disoriented—a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of the gathering. Rumors about why Qin Danfeng was absent from the Treasure Evaluation Conference were already circulating among the insiders, who cast a mix of curious and disdainful glances at Cao Jiang. Unfazed by their judgment, Cao Jiang, known for his aloof demeanor, paid them no mind. With half an hour to go before the event began, he was ready to face whatever came his way.

Cao Jiang strode through the crowd of keen-eyed individuals and approached the dining area. He picked up a glass of red wine and downed it in one gulp.

Upon seeing Cao Jiang arrive, a shadow of unease flickered through Ye Guoli's mind. Cao Jiang caught sight of a man making his way towards him. He recognized the man as the one he had embarrassed previously, yet here he was, bold enough to attend the Treasure Evaluation Conference.

Cao Jiang had no desire to engage in a dispute, much less converse with him. However, Ye Guoli seemed oblivious to social cues. Despite Cao Jiang's clear reluctance, Ye Guoli followed him and loudly inquired, "I've heard you're quite the expert on jewelry. It was Qin Danfeng who asked you to come in his place, wasn't it?"

Ye Guoli's voice was intentionally loud, ensuring the entire room could hear. The onlookers, already intrigued by Cao Jiang, converged around them.

Cao Jiang's brow furrowed as he fixed Ye Guoli with a piercing gaze. Ye Guoli seemed momentarily disoriented under Cao Jiang's scrutiny, unsure if it was the intensity of the gaze or his own conscience that unsettled him.

"Why, didn't you embarrass yourself enough last time? You seem eager for a repeat performance. But since we're in a crowd, if you're not worried about losing face, I'm more than willing to oblige," Cao Jiang remarked, eyeing Ye Guoli with a hint of interest.

The onlookers took in Cao Jiang's reaction with surprise, and Ye Guoli felt a chill run from his chest to his spine at Cao Jiang's words.

"I didn't finish you off last time, you lucky runt," Ye Guoli hissed in Cao Jiang's ear.

Cao Jiang remained unfazed, responding with a serene smile. "Attending the Treasure Evaluation Conference was a request from Mr. Qin. Are you questioning my judgment, or Elder Qin's?" Cao Jiang's retort struck a chord with the crowd.

Suddenly, the murmurs ceased, and Ye Guoli's eyes reddened with frustration. "You... you little scoundrel, have you managed to get Qin Danfeng on your side too?"

Ye Guoli's speech became jumbled, and Cao Jiang, who had no tolerance for such behavior, especially after dealing with Huang Zhongtian, showed no mercy. "Last time, you stooped so low as to flirt with someone's wife over a few trinkets. I won't name names, but we both know who," Cao Jiang delivered the cutting remark with precision.

Ye Guoli was mortified, unable to find a place to hide as Cao Jiang fixed him with a fierce glare.

The crowd began to fervently discuss Ye Guoli, who felt so worthless and embarrassed that he couldn't bear to stay any longer.

He quickly vanished from sight, his hatred for Cao Jiang deepening with every heartbeat.

The Treasure Evaluation Conference soon commenced, with tables proudly displaying exquisite jade porcelain, various pieces of jewelry, and necklaces.

Moments before, the attendees had been engaged in lively discussions; now, they each found and settled into their seats.

The venue quickly transformed into an orderly scene, falling silent as anticipation grew to see what lay beneath the red cloths.

Ye Guoli found himself seated next to Cao Jiang. The existing animosity between the two was palpable, causing a ripple of surprise among the onlookers.

The host, with a clear and confident voice, delivered the opening remarks of the Treasure Evaluation Conference, introducing the distinguished guests in attendance.

Cao Jiang rested his hand on his forehead, seemingly lost in thought, while unbeknownst to others, Ye Guoli's gaze was fixed intently on him.

Following the conclusion of the opening remarks, it was time to select the appraisers.

Typically, appraisers would be pre-selected by the organizers of the Treasure Evaluation Conference, but due to Qin Danfeng's car accident, preparations had fallen short.

The host then announced, "I'm sure all of you here share a passion for jewelry and possess a deep understanding of it."

The announcement sent a wave of surprise through the crowd, as it implied that the appraiser would be chosen from among them.

Cao Jiang was unimpressed, feeling no sense of surprise, but cast a puzzled glance at Ye Guoli.

What was behind that look? Cao Jiang sensed that something was amiss.

As expected, amidst the buzz of conversation, Ye Guoli suddenly rose to his feet.

Everyone assumed Ye Guoli was stepping forward to volunteer as the appraiser, their eyes filled with expectation.

To their astonishment, he took the microphone and nominated Cao Jiang for the role, leaving the crowd bewildered.

The host was taken aback but knew that a good host must navigate such situations with grace.

The tension was quickly diffused by the host's words, "Since this gentleman has endorsed you, you must indeed possess exceptional expertise."

The host beamed at Cao Jiang, indicating that it was time to pull back at the brink of danger.

The crowd felt that Ye Guoli had taken things too far today, and their opinion of him had dropped, although Ye Guoli himself seemed oblivious to this fact.

His mind was preoccupied with plotting against Cao Jiang.

Cao Jiang accepted the role with grace: "Being the appraiser for this event is an honor. Thank you all for bearing with me."

Unbeknownst to them, Cao Jiang had accepted the invitation with a calm confidence that only heightened everyone's anticipation for his performance.

Ye Guoli, on the other hand, was secretly reveling in schadenfreude, convinced that Cao Jiang would embarrass himself before the onlookers.

However, the outcome was always unexpected. Cao Jiang was naturally good-looking, and today, his sharp suit only added to his appeal.

Stepping onto the stage, he introduced himself as the representative of Phoenix Jewelry, a perfect face for the brand.