CHAPTER 1192: CHAPTER 237: SILVER-TONGUED AND SATISFYING

The one asking the question during the first auction is Li Yalong.

Ji Yunya smiled gently, "Elder Li recorded in his autobiography that the event happened on April 25, 1988, while this painting was created on April 28, 1988. In the autobiography, the Elder recorded that a piece of his seal was chipped by his little grandson. This seal was used by the Elder for a lifetime and wouldn’t have been easily replaced, as you can see."

Yun Ya pointed to the seal at the bottom right corner of the painting, "It’s clearly written in the book that the seal was chipped, yet the seal on this painting is flawless. Are we to believe that Elder Qi wrote his book just for fun?"

Of course not.

Yun Ya’s words reminded everyone, and they all looked towards the bottom right corner of the painting, indeed finding nothing on the seal.

Ye Xiaoxiao, realizing it belatedly, responded angrily, "Ji Yunya, what nonsense are you spouting about seals and whatnot? Stop spreading lies here and admit defeat. It’s the only way I might still acknowledge you have some self-awareness."

Yun Ya didn’t look at her, "Miss Ye should use her brain to think things through. It’s not a big deal if you get cheated, as the Ye Family is rich enough to cover for you. But considering the occasion today, doesn’t Miss Ye feel embarrassed?"

"You..." Ye Xiaoxiao was left speechless with anger.

Yun Ya pointed at the painting, stating decisively, "Those familiar with Elder Qi should know about his seal. This was Elder Qi’s final work, and based on the seal, I conclude that this painting is a forgery."

Yun Ya spoke with unwavering certainty, and the room fell silent for a moment. Ye Xiaoxiao’s voice pierced through, "You’re lying! This painting is definitely not a forgery. Ji Yunya, don’t spew lies!"

Gao Qi suddenly stood up, walked to the stage, took a closer look at the painting, then glanced at Yun Ya. Yun Ya smiled serenely, exuding a quiet charm. Gao Qi raised an eyebrow and took the microphone from her hand, saying lightly, "Regardless of the coloring, art style, or era, this painting can easily pass for the real thing. However, as Yun Ya mentioned, Elder Qi indeed told this story in his autobiography, and his seal was damaged. This seal, though, is flawless. While this doesn’t conclusively prove the painting is a forgery, those who know Elder Qi know he wouldn’t use a second seal. Therefore, the likelihood of it being a forgery is high. Of course, an accurate conclusion requires further assessment by a professional institution."

Gao Qi’s words weren’t definitive, but they supported her viewpoint that the painting was a forgery.

Gao Qi herself held a degree of authority, and people trusted her words. Thus, they looked at Ye Xiaoxiao and Lady Ye with barely concealed disdain, surprised that they would truly bring a forgery to auction. What was the Ye Family thinking?

Ning Zijin felt utterly embarrassed for coming today, yet there was a sense of delight inside. Ye Xiaoxiao was too clever for her own good, and it served her right.

Lady Ye glared at Ye Xiaoxiao harshly, snapping, "Sit down."

How could Ye Xiaoxiao stay quiet? She shouted, "Everyone knows you’re Zhuang Haisheng’s student, and Ji Yunya is Zhuang Xiyue’s future daughter-in-law. You’re clearly biased towards Ji Yunya. How dare you call yourself a teacher? Everyone, don’t be fooled by her; she’s in league with Ji Yunya."

Everyone knew Zhuang Haisheng as a great scholar, and Zhuang Xiyue was well-known. However, the idea that this poised, gentle, and elegant young woman might be Zhuang Xiyue’s future daughter-in-law made them think, Zhuang Xiyue had an excellent eye for people.

Gao Qi laughed in disbelief, "This girl spins the truth so skillfully. Let it be known that this is the first time I’ve met this young lady today. Even if we were acquainted, I wouldn’t joke about such matters. If you don’t believe me, you can find a professional appraisal agency..." Here, she sneered, "Yes, your painting was certified by a professional appraisal agency."

Plainly mocking.

Li Yalong believed Gao Qi’s words. Thinking about how close he came to spending millions on a forgery ignited his anger, and he glared at Ye Xiaoxiao, speaking harshly, "I presumed Miss Ye was beautiful and kind-hearted, but I see you have a deceitful nature. Your Ye Family only knows to do these dirty things, making fools of us all. It’s clear fraud, and I will sue you."

"What are you saying? This painting is genuine. Don’t listen to her nonsense..." Ye Xiaoxiao tried to defend herself, but Yun Ya didn’t give her the chance, smiling calmly, "Isn’t anyone curious why I’m so certain this painting is a forgery?"

The crowd, reflecting on her previous words, thought she might be skilled in art appraisal and familiar with Elder Qi’s autobiography. It seemed she was a talented young woman. Zhuang Xiyue had been a celebrated intellectual in her youth, and choosing such a young woman as her future daughter-in-law seemed fitting, contrasting so starkly with the aggressive and overly smart Ye Xiaoxiao, as if she exceeded her by ten times.