Amid the gasps of the crowd, the spotlight shifted, focusing on the host who had been turned into a skeleton by Ghost Scholar’s red robe.
“Now I announce, the Ghost Scholar Exhibition is officially open!”
As soon as the host finished speaking, the audience burst into enthusiastic applause.
Leo had never seen such a unique opening and couldn’t help but admire the creativity of the event organizers.
“Distinguished guests, the stub of your entrance ticket is a Top Scholar Ticket. You can cast your Top Scholar Ticket for your favorite antique at any booth.”
“After voting ends, the antique with the most Top Scholar Tickets will be the champion of this Exhibition!”
“Now, please enjoy the exhibition!”
The audience stood up and moved towards the exhibition area.
Leo and Arlene naturally headed to the Spirit Moon Antiques booth.
Due to its poor location and lack of fame in the industry, Spirit Moon Antiques had very few visitors.
Even those who came were mostly attracted by the humorous painting “Tiger’s Roar in the Forest” hanging on the wall. Leo had arranged some fluorite around it, but under the bright lights of the exhibition hall, it didn’t stand out.
This Exhibition was highly competitive. Prime locations were given to well-known businesses or auction houses.
Less favorable spots were assigned to small shops like Spirit Moon Antiques, which often ended up as mere foils once voting concluded.
Spirit Moon Antiques was situated near a fire escape, making it easy to evacuate in case of an emergency.
The three of them stood idly at their booth, hoping someone would cast a few votes.
As voting continued, a large screen behind the stage began displaying the tally.
RH Auction Company, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, 38 Top Scholar Tickets.
Bonham Auction House, Cold Smoke, Clear Spring and Rain, 22 Top Scholar Tickets.
Autumn Antiques Shop, Prosperity of the Five Elements, 11 Top Scholar Tickets.
Leo glanced at the screen. RH Auction Company was leading, followed by Bonham Auction House, with third place fluctuating.
“It seems RH Auction Company will take the lead again this time,” Christine said wistfully.
Despite being mentally prepared, she couldn’t help but feel disheartened by their booth’s lack of visitors.
It seemed unlikely that this Exhibition would boost Spirit Moon Antiques’ reputation.
Finally, their patience paid off as a spectator slowly approached.
He was short and chubby with a baby face, looking like an oversized child.
He hesitated as he looked at Christine, holding his Top Scholar Ticket.
Christine’s eyes lit up like a starving person seeing a roast chicken. She asked gently, “Hello, are you here to vote for our booth?”
The chubby man shook his head and stammered, “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”
Leo and Arlene almost burst out laughing at Christine’s expectant expression.
Had Christine’s look not turned murderous, they wouldn’t have been able to hold back.
Christine impatiently pointed, “Left of the fire escape, walk in and turn right!”
After he left, three more spectators approached their booth.
One of them placed his Top Scholar Ticket on “Treasure Mountain and Water Painting,” surprising Christine. She quickly thanked him.
An hour passed, and half of the exhibition time was over. Spirit Moon Antiques still had only one lonely Top Scholar Ticket.
On the big screen, RH Auction Company’s Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains had 53 Top Scholar Tickets. Bonham Auction House’s Cold Smoke, Clear Spring and Rain had 43 Top Scholar Tickets…
Christine sighed. She didn’t want to wait until the end of the exhibition and said to Leo and Arlene, “Let’s pack up and leave.”
“Sis, there’s still an hour left,” Arlene protested.
“Given the current situation, even ten more hours wouldn’t make a difference. There’s no point wasting time here,” Christine had given up hope.
Arlene didn’t want to leave because she hoped Charles would appear again, even though she hadn’t had a chance to take a photo with him.
Christine’s eagerness to leave was understandable too. She dreaded seeing Ethan’s annoying face after the Exhibition ended.
Christine began packing up their booth.
“Wait a moment!” Leo spoke up.
Christine and Arlene turned to him.
Leo pointed at “Tiger’s Roar in the Forest” on the wall and smiled mysteriously. “We might still have a chance for a turnaround.”
Christine understood his meaning but sighed. “How can we convince anyone it’s a painting within a painting?”
“I have a plan. Watch me,” Leo said as he left the booth to secretly turn off the main power switch of the hall.
Suddenly, the entire Exhibition hall went dark, followed by piercing alarms and panicked cries from people.
At that moment, Spirit Moon Antiques’ booth had the only light source-the emergency light from the escape route!
The Exhibition already had a spooky theme. The sudden blackout and alarm created an eerie atmosphere that spread among everyone.
Someone screamed, “Fire! Everyone run!”
Panic ensued as people rushed towards the escape route.
“Leo, Arlene, let’s go!” Christine’s voice called out in the dark.
“Sis, look at ‘Tiger’s Roar in the Forest’… Hey, check this out!”
In the darkness, under the glow of fluorite, the true painting of “Tiger’s Roar in the Forest” was revealed.
Christine saw the change in the painting and understood. “Leo, is this what you meant by a turnaround?”
“Yes,” Leo replied.
Panicked people crowded into the escape route only to find its door locked.
The door was locked for security reasons during the Exhibition but now added to their fear. Some irrational people began banging on it.
Terrified screams echoed throughout the hall. The scene was chaotic; no one noticed “Tiger’s Roar in the Forest” on the wall.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. Security has checked; it was a false alarm. There is no fire.”
“The power supply malfunctioned. The backup generator is on; lighting will be restored shortly!”