“Well…” Imagining the scene described by Leo, if it were true, Martin would have no face left to mingle in the antique collecting circle.
Immediately, Martin carefully examined the porcelain cup in his hands. Just as the atmosphere became somewhat awkward, a waiter pushed the door open from outside, coinciding with someone passing by and glancing inside the room.
The man outside exclaimed happily, “Mr. Bloomer!”
Saying that, he walked in, followed by another person.
All eyes turned toward the door. There was only one Mr. Bloomer in this private room, but who would address Leo so respectfully as Mr. Bloomer?
Leo recognized the newcomer and stood up from his chair, smiling. “Mr. Toby, you’re also dining at Intercontinental?”
“Mr. Toby? Who’s that?” Lillian looked at Merry, both puzzled. They thought Leo had brought in an actor.
On the other hand, Martin was initially confused, but then remembered who this person was. He couldn’t help but say, “He’s Harry Toby.”
“Toby, Langstel’s wealthiest man, Harry Toby?” The Henley family relatives looked at each other in astonishment.
Harry shook hands with Leo, saying, “Mr. Bloomer, what a coincidence to meet you here. My father’s health has greatly improved, and I haven’t properly thanked you. Today, I must toast to you.”
Upon hearing Harry’s words, the faces of the Henley family relatives turned completely shocked. Leo, the useless son-in-law, actually knew Langstel’s wealthiest man and seemed familiar with him. This was absolutely astonishing!
After a momentary silence and shock, the Henley family relatives became restless again.
Max stood up from his chair and looked at Harry, saying, “Mr. Toby, are you mistaking someone? This person is the Henley family’s useless son-in-law who doesn’t even have a job and relies on his wife for support.”
“I’m not mistaken. He saved my father.” Harry looked displeased at Max. “Who are you? I don’t know you, so please don’t speak to me.”
Max felt embarrassed, not knowing whether to stand or sit.
“Mr. Bloomer, do you have any conflicts with this person?” Harry looked at Leo again.
Leo smiled. “He’s my sister-in-law’s husband, so we’re relatives. There’s no conflict. We were just debating about the authenticity of an antique.”
“Antique?” Harry glanced at the exquisite box on the table and then turned to the person behind him. “Mr. Kipling, appraising antiques is your expertise. Can you help them?”
Mr. Kipling walked forward upon hearing the request, his gaze falling on the monochrome glazed porcelain cup inside the box.
Martin stood up from his chair. The name Mr. Kipling seemed familiar to him. He tried hard to recall and suddenly remembered. He quickly stepped forward and politely said, “Are you Mr. Horace Kipling, the president of the antique collectors association?”
The man nodded. “That’s correct. And who might you be?”
“I’m Martin, Leo’s father-in-law and an antique enthusiast.” Martin replied promptly.
“Pleasure to meet you.”
They shook hands politely.
Upon hearing their conversation, Max’s heart sank to the bottom. With the president of the collectors association present, he would surely be able to determine the authenticity of the cup. It was over.
“Mr. Henley, may I appraise the porcelain cup on the table?” Mr. Kipling asked.
“Please, by all means.”
With Martin’s consent, Mr. Kipling carefully examined the cup with his eyes and began to speak, “From the appearance alone, this monochrome glazed porcelain cup should be a product of the official kiln 1000 years ago in China.”
“I bought this cup at an auction for four million five hundred thousand. It’s definitely an authentic monochrome glazed porcelain cup from the Song Dynasty,” Max hurriedly interjected.
Mr. Kipling took out the cup, carefully inspected it, and looked at Leo, who was talking to Harry. “Are you saying this is a fake?”
Leo nodded and affirmed, “Absolutely a fake. What do you think, is it genuine?”
A profound smile appeared on Mr. Kipling’s face as he turned to Harry. “Mr. Toby, I never expected that this young man you know is actually an expert in appraising treasures.”
Max’s face gradually turned grim.
“This monochrome glazed porcelain cup nearly fooled me with just a casual glance. It’s undoubtedly the work of a professional counterfeiter. The level of craftsmanship is quite remarkable, and to increase its sense of age, it was probably placed in a tomb for at least five years.” Mr. Kipling gave his judgment.
Hearing this, Martin took a step back. A counterfeit cup placed in a tomb, this was truly unfortunate.
Mr. Kipling’s words made the faces of the Henley family relatives turn unpleasant, especially Max, whose face had turned liver-colored.
Originally, he had wanted to show off in front of the Henley family, but now everything had backfired.
Jessica pointed at Max and exclaimed, “You, how dare you give your uncle something that was placed in a tomb?”
If it weren’t for the presence of outsiders, Jessica would have started cursing already.
Max didn’t know what to do. Leo had accused the cup of being fake, and he could have retaliated. But now, the president of Langstel’s antique collectors association said it was fake. He couldn’t challenge such an authority.
He felt utterly ashamed.
To ease the tense atmosphere, Mr. Kipling laughed, saying, “In the antique business, misjudgments happen. This young man had good intentions. However, it’s best not to keep this at home. It’s not auspicious to have something taken from a tomb in the house.”
Mr. Kipling then looked at Leo and said, “Your expertise in antique appraisal is impressive. We must communicate about it sometime?”
“Mr. Kipling, you’re always enthusiastic about antiques. Please don’t disrupt Mr. Bloomer’s family dinner. Mr. Bloomer, may I have a word with you?” Harry had something to say to Leo.
Leo nodded, and the three of them left the private room.
Once the door closed, the Henley family relatives returned to their seats.
The sudden turn of events made them slightly uncomfortable, but their cunning attitudes quickly made a 180-degree turnaround.
“Brother, I never expected your son-in-law to be so capable. Even Langstel’s wealthiest man treats him so respectfully. He’s certainly hidden his talents well,” Merry said, forcing a smile on her face.
Lillian also apologized, “Brother, we’re really sorry. Max doesn’t understand antiques. It’s your birthday, and he meant well…”
“Let it go. Max isn’t to blame for this. The world of antiques is treacherous, and mistakes happen.” Martin waved his hand with generosity. However, he covered the box containing the monochrome glazed porcelain cup and placed it in front of Max. “You can return this if possible.”
Max accepted it with an embarrassed expression.