Chapter 659: The Counterfeit Warehouse
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Confronted by Mike’s actions, Luo Feng did not attempt to stop him. However, Eld, who was standing behind him, couldn’t restrain himself.
“Mr. Luo,” Eld warned, “there’s surely some trickery at play here. It would be wise to proceed with caution.”
Luo Feng appeared nonchalant. “Don’t worry. From this point on, it’s my responsibility. You’ve done your part. You may leave.”
Having said that, Luo Feng pushed the door open.
Eld hesitated, not wanting to depart. He had an inkling that Luo Feng was an important figure. Though he wasn’t fully aware of Luo Feng’s background, he felt that aligning himself with Luo Feng at this juncture might prove beneficial in the future.
“No,” Eld countered. “I’ve led you here, so why should I leave prematurely?” Eld took a couple of steps forward, positioning himself behind Luo Feng.
“Mr. Luo,” he continued, “I have a certain interest in antiques as well. If you’re here to examine treasures, why not let me accompany you?”
Luo Feng was indifferent to Eld’s proposal. He knew that their subsequent exploration might be fraught with danger. If Eld was undeterred by those potential perils, Luo Feng had no reason to dissuade him. “In that case,” Luo Feng responded, “Mr. Mike, please lead the way.” With a silent smirk, Mike guided the duo to his warehouse.
Mike’s warehouse, which housed his collection of artifacts, was usually off-limits to anyone but him. The sight of him leading Luo Feng and Eld inside immediately drew the attention of his butler. The butler observed from a distance and, as they approached the entrance, he noticed Mike making a particular hand gesture.
The gesture was a prearranged signal between them. It meant that someone had to be dealt with — and dealt with ruthlessly. The intended target was glaringly obvious.
Without any delay, the butler summoned a group of servants. Each one was handed a pistol, and they discreetly closed in on the warehouse.
Inside the warehouse, Luo Feng’s gaze swept over the myriad of artifacts. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face. Just as before, while the items appeared opulent, the majority were counterfeit. During his last visit, Luo Feng had held his tongue because he needed Mike’s cooperation. Now, with their relationship strained, Luo Feng saw no need to spare Mike’s feelings.
“Mr. Mike,” Luo Feng remarked, “I must say, your discernment leaves much to be desired.”
Picking up a jade bracelet from a shelf, Luo Feng continued, “You don’t actually believe this is pure jade, do you?”
Mike’s face paled instantly. He had spent a fortune acquiring that bracelet from a friend. Although he wasn’t an expert on jade, he had been told that the clearer the jade, the higher its quality. This bracelet was almost indistinguishable from glass. Trusting his long-time associate, he hadn’t given it a second thought.
“Mr. Mike,” Luo Feng elaborated, “genuine jade bracelets, even those that look like glass, will always have imperfections. No matter how advanced the craftsmanship, impurities, however minuscule, will always be present. Later, you can use a microscope to inspect this area where there’s an air bubble.” Mike snatched the bracelet and examined it closely but couldn’t identify any flaws.
“Why can’t I see it?” he challenged.
“I’ve been an appraiser for decades,” Luo Feng replied with a smile. “My expertise naturally surpasses that of amateurs like you. Just remember the spot I pointed out, and inspect it under a microscope later to see if I’m right.”
As Luo Feng continued to peruse the warehouse, he offered Mike insights about each artifact’s authenticity and value. The revelations were so unsettling that Mike began to question everything.
After all these years, all the money spent, were all his treasures really just fakes?
Mike was starting to dread Luo Feng’s comments. “Mr. Mike, look at this one. The forgery here is truly classic. Let me explain…” “Enough!” Mike’s voice quivered with emotion.
The constant undermining of his life’s work was too much to bear, especially as he couldn’t be certain whether Luo Feng’s claims were accurate or just taunts.
“Stop looking, stop talking,” Mike snapped. “The items I acquired recently are over here. If you want them, shut up and follow me.”
With a cold expression, Mike walked over to a corner of the room. A small shelf stood there, sparsely populated with a few artifacts..
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