"Fake?"

"The thousand-year-old golden lotus is a fake medicine?"

The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd. Instantly, everyone's eyes filled with astonishment and suspicion turned toward the table where Lin Kerou and Zhang Xiaoshan sat.

A flicker of panic appeared in the old Hyena's eyes, but only for a moment. In the next instant, he regained his composure, even adding a touch of malice to his gaze.

"Manager Lin, we've been in business for quite a few years, and my reputation in the Northeast herbal market is well-known. Pray tell, who have I ever deceived?"

"By slandering me like this, do you realize you've committed a grave taboo in our herbal industry?"

"Moreover, today's auction was organized by Mr. Zhu. It's one thing for you to doubt me, but do you also doubt Mr. Zhu?"

This old Hyena was also a cunning individual, still knowing how to find a scapegoat in a tricky situation.

He dragged Zhu Changxiong into it.

Zhu Changxiong understood old Hyena's intentions, cursing him and his ancestors internally, but as part of an alliance of interests, he had to stand up and vouch for old Hyena.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe none of you are unfamiliar with who I am. It's not the first time my Hundred Treasure Tea House has hosted such an auction. When have I ever deceived anyone?"

"I would like to ask Manager Lin, are you accusing me of being blind or colluding with fraudsters by claiming the thousand-year-old golden lotus is fake?"

After all, Zhu Changxiong was one of the four Hall Masters of the Flying Fox Sect and the head of the largest family in Ha City. His words held significant weight here, immediately rallying the Northeast merchants and herbalists present.

"Indeed, old Hyena has been a longstanding business partner with our pharmacies, with some collaborations spanning over twenty years without any issues."

"Furthermore, today's auction has the endorsement of Master Zhu, one of the four Hall Masters of the Flying Fox Sect. How could he deceive us?"

"Manager Lin, if you cannot afford the price, you are free to withdraw from the auction. Why ruin the auction and bring harm to both others and yourself?"

"Apologize, apologize, apologize immediately."

A large group of influential businessmen from the Northeast began pressuring Lin Kerou.

Under scrutiny, Lin Kerou felt wronged and turned her aggrieved gaze to Zhang Xiaoshan, speaking resentfully.

"My esteemed Chairman, are you satisfied now?"

Zhang Xiaoshan shrugged with a helpless expression.

"I only whispered to you, but it seems you riled up everyone by shouting yourself, didn't you?"

On the other side, Jiang Qin, dressed in a white coat, looked at the golden lotus pod on the stage with some concern and doubt.

Three hundred and forty million wasn't a small amount for her either.

If that money went down the drain, it would be painful, especially since she was the eldest granddaughter of the Jiang family. It would put the family far away in Taiwan to shame if word got out.

"Uncle Yang, what do you think?"

She inquired of the elderly man beside her, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.

"Miss, rest assured. I didn't earn my reputation as the best doctor in Taiwan for nothing. Even if this golden lotus pod isn't a thousand years old, it's at least eight hundred, with excellent medicinal properties. The abundant Spiritual Energy alone is enough to extend the old master's life by more than five years. It's definitely worth three hundred forty million."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qin nodded.

"If it can indeed extend my grandfather's life by five years, then three hundred forty million, even ten billion, would be worth it."

"It seems that woman across is deliberately causing trouble because she can't raise the bid, hoping we give up so she can snatch it at a low price."

Now, Jiang Qin was even more convinced that the golden lotus pod was a treasure.

"Manager Lin, I believe you owe me an explanation, don't you?"

Zhu Changxiong slammed the table, glaring viciously at Lin Kerou.

It seemed he intended to resort to intimidation.

"I..."

While Lin Kerou was still formulating her explanation, Zhang Xiaoshan, who had been sitting and watching the drama unfold, slammed the table and stood up.

"If you have something to say, come at me. Bullying a woman shows no skill."

With that, he began to weave through the crowd, heading toward the stage.

"Who is he?"

"Seems like a new face."

"Probably from out of town, or else how would he have the guts to talk to Master Zhu that way?"

"Could he be Lin Kerou's kept man, trying to make a mark here with a 'hero saves the beauty' act?"

"Heh, if that's the case, he's got it all wrong. He'll end up with his teeth knocked out later."

The crowd watched Zhang Xiaoshan with icy, mocking gazes.

In a blink of an eye, Zhang Xiaoshan was already standing before Jiang Qin.

"Miss Jiang, today I'll do you a favor, saving you that three hundred forty million."

"Do you really think the lotus pod is fake?"

Zhang Xiaoshan was a handsome guy, and to a lady of Jiang Qin's stature, handsome men held a certain allure.

At this moment, she found Zhang Xiaoshan pleasing to the eye, feeling a bit of kinship.

Zhang Xiaoshan nodded.

"Of course."

"Rubbish, daring to spout nonsense in my Hundred Treasure Tea House and ruin my scene, you've had enough, haven't you? Take him down."

Zhu Changxiong, seeing the situation turn critical, issued an order. His loyal follower, following closely by his side, launched a move called "Black Tiger's Heart Strike" at Zhang Xiaoshan.