40: Chapter 40 is actually true?

New.

Brand new.

Undeniably new.

Fan Haiyang had lost count of how many times he'd repeated similar words today.

He was an antique appraisal expert. Since participating in the 'Huashan Sword-Meeting Treasure Hunt' program hosted by Shanbei TV, his gentle and refined personality had earned him over three million fans online, dubbing him the most 'Zen-like' antique expert in history.

Coming to the preliminary selection site in the City Name today, he had been busy all day with very few genuine items turning up. But he was used to it. After all, if genuine antiques weren't rare, what value would they have?

After finishing the day's work, Fan Haiyang walked out of the antique market.

"Cousin! Over here!" From a distance, he saw Fan Haitao waving at him from inside a Cadillac SUV.

Fan Haiyang felt somewhat resistant towards this older cousin. The reason was that his cousin was too slick, always looking to gain small advantages. Their personalities—his own refined and easygoing versus his cousin's—didn't mesh well. However, Fan Haitao worked in the gold industry, which made him somewhat connected to the circle. Plus, he was always quite enthusiastic towards Fan Haiyang, so they maintained contact.

Walking up to the car, Fan Haiyang smiled and said, "I could have just gone straight to the restaurant. No need to trouble you to come pick me up personally, cousin."

Fan Haitao patted his chest. "Cousin, you coming to the City Name is like coming home, isn't it? Of course, I have to take good care of you."

The two drove to a private room in the restaurant. Along the way, many passersby recognized Fan Haiyang, asking for photos and souvenirs. Fan Haiyang patiently accommodated them all.

Finally settled at their table, after ordering, Fan Haitao said, "Oh, by the way, cousin, a friend of mine is joining us later. He's also somewhat in the circle. More people, more fun."

Fan Haiyang inwardly groaned. He had been dealing with collectors all day and was exhausted, just wanting to rest. He had thought it would be a simple family meal with his cousin, not another social obligation.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei had already parked the car in the restaurant's parking lot. An Xiaoxi was sitting in the back seat ordering takeout.

Liu Haorui sat in the passenger seat, complaining gloomily, "The two of us get to eat takeout in the parking lot, while you happily go in to enjoy a feast."

Zhang Wei retorted impatiently, "Having takeout is good enough. Once I sell this imperial seal of china, I'll have a roast camel air-shipped from Xinjiang for you if you want." His expression then turned serious. "Listen, the cost of obtaining this imperial seal was too high. An Xiaoxi, you immediately take over all nearby surveillance cameras. If there are any suspicious people lying in wait or keeping watch, call me immediately. Old Liu, you're on backup. If I'm not out of the restaurant within an hour, call the police immediately and then get Zhang Hong and the others over to help."

He couldn't afford not to be cautious. As the saying goes, money moves hearts. This was a priceless treasure worth over a hundred million. Who knew if Fan Haitao's people might get greedy ideas after seeing it?

After detailing the plan, Zhang Wei stuffed the wooden box into his backpack and walked into the restaurant.

A short while later, there was a knock on the private room door. Fan Haitao opened it, saw it was Zhang Wei, and laughed heartily. "Young friend, we've been waiting for you! Come in! Let me introduce you. This is my cousin, Fan Haiyang, a famous antique appraisal expert. This is Zhang Wei, he's got quite a few good pieces on hand."

Fan Haiyang stood up and shook hands with Zhang Wei. The person before him was a young man dressed plainly, but with a reserved demeanor and handsome features. Probably a client of his cousin's, he thought, offering a greeting without paying too much attention.

Zhang Wei hadn't expected it to be *him* either. He had watched many antique-related videos before and had often seen Fan Haiyang smilingly dissuade various uncles and aunties from treating fake antiques as treasures. He quickly smiled and greeted, "I didn't expect Teacher Fan to be here. I often watch your videos. It was my oversight; the names Fan Haiyang and Fan Haitao are so similar, yet I didn't connect them."

Fan Haitao laughed beside them. "Since you know my cousin, young friend, that's even better. His appraisal skills are widely recognized. Now, hurry up and tell us what treasure you've brought."

Hearing this, Fan Haiyang inwardly sighed. He'd been appraising fakes all day, and now his cousin wouldn't even let him rest before the meal. However, being easygoing by nature, he wasn't angry, just thinking he'd appraise it quickly and finally get a sip of hot soup.

Zhang Wei didn't beat around the bush. "What I've brought is an imperial seal of china. I'd appreciate it if Teacher Fan could take a look for me." As he spoke, he took the wooden box from his backpack and placed it on the table.

Fan Haiyang was somewhat speechless. An imperial seal of china? That sounded even less plausible than yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain. The young man had definitely been fooled by a tall tale. If the guy pulled out a glass seal later, he'd have to try really hard not to laugh. After all, he was his cousin's guest; he had to save some face.

Fan Haitao beside him also looked puzzled. Could the imperial seal of china really be encountered so casually?

Seeing their expressions, Zhang Wei didn't expose anything, leisurely sitting down and sipping his tea.

Fan Haiyang had no choice but to pick up the wooden box for a look. At first, he just glanced at it casually, but then his expression turned to surprise. The box looked worn, but the material was rosewood, and it seemed quite old? No wonder the young man thought the contents were antique.

There's a type of scam in the trade called 'gilded exterior.' Many antique fraudsters use this trick: acquire an antique wooden box with age, get an expert appraisal certificate, put a fake inside, and sell it at a high price to swindle money.

Fan Haiyang shook his head and opened the wooden box. Inside lay a square seal, covered with five coiling dragons, exquisitely carved, the jade smooth and warm. It was clearly made from top-grade Hetian jade.

"Hmm? The quality of this jade is absolutely top-tier!"

The previous casualness on Fan Haiyang's face had completely vanished. He quickly took a magnifying glass from his bag, pressed it close to the imperial seal, and examined it carefully.

Fan Haitao was seeing his cousin this serious for the first time. He was very surprised. Could this imperial seal of china actually be genuine?

Zhang Wei, however, remained calm. The system had already spoiled it for him. Now, it was just a test of Teacher Fan's expertise.

Fan Haiyang looked for a full twenty minutes, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead towards the end. "How is this possible! Not a single trace of it being a replica!" He examined it repeatedly for a long time before finally putting down the magnifying glass, leaning back in his chair, and letting out a long sigh.

Fan Haitao hurriedly asked, "Well, cousin? Is the item new or old?"

Fan Haiyang was silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "The material is definitely not a problem. I've never seen a piece of jade of such quality, and this large. The entire seal is a single, integrated piece. The craftsmanship is also masterful. The item is definitely an antique."

He then shook his head. "However, my expertise lies more in porcelain. If you don't mind, Brother Zhang Wei, could I take a video to show an expert in jade artifacts in Beijing? To more precisely determine which dynasty it's from."

Zhang Wei nodded in agreement. As long as the item didn't leave his sight, it was fine.

Fan Haitao beside them was now a bit stunned. The jade was old, but the dynasty uncertain? Didn't that mean it really could be the genuine imperial seal of china? Was this something an ordinary person could see? A national treasure used only by ancient emperors! He must have accumulated eight lifetimes of good fortune to even catch a glimpse of it.

Fan Haiyang recorded a video, sent it, and made a call. Then he said to Zhang Wei, "I have an old friend at the Capital Museum. He took the video very seriously and wants to fly in from Beijing tomorrow for an on-site appraisal. I wonder if you could spare the time, Brother Zhang Wei?"

Zhang Wei smiled and agreed. "You're too kind, Teacher Fan. Then it's settled for tomorrow."