CHAPTER 1193: CHAPTER 237: SILVER-TONGUED AND SATISFYING

"Why?" Li Yalong shouted, feeling quite favorable toward the young lady.

Yun Ya glanced around, her pitch-black eyes resembling a starry ocean, exuding a mysterious and profound light, seemingly drawing the soul in at a glance, radiant and breathtakingly beautiful.

"Because the genuine piece is at my house."

Yun Ya’s gaze quietly fell on Ye Xiaoxiao, seemingly gentle yet sending a shiver down Ye Xiaoxiao’s spine, a feeling only she experienced. Her hand under her sleeve clenched into a fist; Ye Xiaoxiao knew she had lost, but she wouldn’t accept it. She sneered, "Ji Yunya, it’s the one at your house that’s the counterfeit. Losing is losing. I’m not one to hold a grudge, but your actions are truly shameful."

Yun Ya thought this Ye Xiaoxiao was truly out of her mind, her dislike for her growing deeper, "I should be asking Miss Ye this. A fake is a fake, and I believe everyone’s eyes are bright and clear. Every bet has a risk of losing, Miss Ye. Are you unable to bear the loss? You set the wager yourself, after all."

Yun Ya spoke each word softly yet firmly.

Lady Xiao saw the situation spiraling out of control and stood up to mediate: "Let’s not talk about what’s real or fake for now; we mustn’t damage our harmony. Miss Ye, don’t you agree?"

Ye Xiaoxiao knew she couldn’t gain any advantage now. In her heart, she scolded the person who sold her the painting, cursing them thoroughly. To be deceived and humiliated in front of so many people, she felt determined to destroy him if she didn’t bear the surname Ye.

Though Lady Xiao clearly offered her a way out, Ye Xiaoxiao knew she had no choice but to take it. Unexpectedly, Ji Yunya turned the tables on her. Just you wait.

Despite how she felt inside, she didn’t show it: "This affects my reputation; it can’t end like this. Later, I will have it appraised again by the most professional institution."

After speaking, she sat down and took out her phone to make a call. She was absolutely going to destroy that person.

"Hold on." A crisp voice suddenly rang out.

At first, Lady Xiao aimed to resolve the matter peacefully, knowing that blowing things out of proportion would be embarrassing for everyone. She looked toward the speaker, Ji Yunya. Although it was Ye Xiaoxiao who provoked first, this young lady should also know when to stop. Being overly assertive isn’t appealing.

Yun Ya couldn’t care less about others’ opinions. She smiled gently: "Miss Ye, self-deception doesn’t change facts, but if it makes you happy, that’s fine. However, you mentioned before that a bet is a bet; I hope you will honor your own bet. The Shenghua Group believes in honesty, and as Shenghua’s heiress, naturally, you wouldn’t do anything dishonest, right?"

Ye Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth internally, determined that she would never bow to Ji Yunya, over her dead body.

"Just by your word alone on what’s real or fake, I firmly believe my painting is authentic." The implicit meaning being, asking her to kowtow is utterly impossible.

A tree relies on its bark, and a person on their reputation; it seemed Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t care about face anymore, playing the rogue so brazenly.

Most believed Yun Ya, especially with Gao Qi’s backing, making it clear this painting was a counterfeit. Initially, it was Ye Xiaoxiao who provoked, she who set the wager, and now she was denying it all; truly unsightly.

Yun Ya was not angry, however, and smiled: "Miss Ye, please feel free to go for an appraisal. Whether it’s early or late, I can wait." To the others, she appeared magnanimous and garnered much goodwill.

"Sorry for taking up everyone’s time. I apologize here and will personally donate one million as a small contribution."

Lady Xiao chuckled: "Miss Ji’s kindness will be remembered by everyone."

Yun Ya handed the microphone to the host, then stepped down with Gao Qi, softly saying: "Thank you, Teacher Gao."

Gao Qi turned to look at her: "Are you Yan Song’s fiancée?"

She was always immersed in school life, immune to gossip, and unaware of the recent buzz in the Capital City. But hearing Ye Xiaoxiao’s earlier comments, she deduced that Zhuang Xiyue’s future daughter-in-law was inevitably Ah Song.

Yun Ya smiled shyly, showing a hint of a young lady’s bashfulness.

Gao Qi understood, smiling: "Not bad, my junior’s taste has always been good."

Then she laughed again, "You handled yourself well earlier; no wonder my junior likes you. Where do you study? What grade are you in?" She was keen on taking her as a student.

Yun Ya felt awkward about being asked about academics. No response seemed appropriate. Just as she hesitated, Zhuang Xiyue approached and smiled, "Senior, bombarding someone with questions right away—what’s appropriate?"

Gao Qi looked at her with a smile: "Ah Yue, this child is smart; I really like her."