It was clear that the blood-colored patterns were not real but rather a three-dimensional projection created by the instruments at the four corners of the table, making it look incredibly lifelike.
The scene felt like being in a movie, and the audience was utterly captivated.
Besides being curious about the copper basin, Leo noticed that the owners of various antique shops sitting in the front row had started whispering among themselves.
They all appeared nervous, even Ollie James from RH Auction Company was no exception.
Ethan, sitting next to him, also had an unusual expression on his face.
Noticing these details, Leo felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding. Coupled with the sudden power outage and the alarm going off earlier, this feeling grew stronger.
The lights wouldn’t go out for no reason, and the alarm wouldn’t sound without cause; someone must have tampered with them.
Charles had finished chanting his exorcism scripture, and the Tiger’s Roar in the Forest was now covered with a faint blood-colored mist instead of blood-colored patterns.
The dimmed lights gradually brightened.
“The first prize of this Exhibition goes to Spirit Moon Antiques for Tiger’s Roar in the Forest. Let’s give a warm round of applause to Spirit Moon Antiques!”
As soon as the host finished speaking, applause erupted. However, Leo noticed that the owners sitting in the front row did not clap.
Christine also noticed this and felt somewhat uncomfortable. However, it wasn’t the right time to say anything. According to tradition, the next segment would be an interview.
The interview would typically cover feelings about winning the first prize and how they acquired the genuine Tiger’s Roar in the Forest.
Just as Christine was waiting for the host to approach her, the host raised the microphone and loudly announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I now declare this Ghost Scholar Exhibition officially over. Thank you all for attending!”
Leo and his companions were stunned. They had seen the entire schedule of the Exhibition, and this was not supposed to be the final segment.
This abrupt ending felt rushed and incomplete.
“Please line up and exit the hall in an orderly manner. Security checks are set up at the exit; please cooperate.”
“Owners of antique shops, please stay behind for a moment,” added the host.
“We were already checked when we came in; why do we need another check when leaving?” a voice protested.
“Exactly, this is ridiculous! What kind of rule is this?” another voice chimed in.
“It’s late now, why bother with checks?”
The crowd began to stir restlessly.
Seeing that the situation was getting out of control, the host quickly raised his voice, “Please be patient. All exits are now open, so it won’t take much time.”
“This is a routine check after the alarm was triggered. We appreciate your understanding. Thank you!”
The host’s explanation didn’t sit well with many. The alarm was supposedly a false alarm; when did routine checks become necessary?
“What’s going on? Something doesn’t feel right,” Arlene whispered to Leo.
Leo glanced at the unmoving antique shop owners in the front row and replied, “I don’t know either, but I suspect something’s wrong. Let’s wait and see.”
Despite their complaints, people saw that security checks were quick and reluctantly lined up to leave.
It was already late, and everyone wanted to go home and rest.
Soon, only the antique shop owners and Exhibition staff remained in the hall, including Charles.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there has been an issue during this Exhibition. Please stay for a moment and cooperate,” the host’s voice echoed again.
Hearing this, everyone looked at each other in confusion, not understanding what he meant.
The host quickly clarified, “During inventory checks, we found that some antiques have been stolen.”
“The stolen items include RH Auction Company’s Dragon and Phoenix Jade Bracelet, Bonham Auction House’s Golden Flying Squirrel, Triple Element Commerce Association’s Bodhi Leaf Scripture…”
He listed a total of nine stolen antiques. Although none were paintings or calligraphy, their value was comparable.
Given the significant value of these nine antiques and that they belonged to well-known antique shops in Langstel, the Exhibition organizers decided to end early to investigate the thefts.
All attendees had been checked upon leaving, but no stolen items were found.
Thus, the suspects must still be in the hall, along with the stolen antiques.
“Now please come up to the stage. We will arrange for individual checks. Your cooperation is appreciated.”
After speaking, more than ten security personnel at the exits began inspecting each row of seats.
Being treated as suspects without cause left everyone feeling disgruntled but compliant.
Nine stolen antiques were no small matter. No one wanted to draw suspicion by protesting too much.
The owners on stage had attended many Exhibitions but never encountered such a theft. It was truly bad luck.
After checking the audience seats, security moved onto the stage.
Ollie James looked grim as he approached security first, raising his arms for inspection.
A guard scanned him with a special device which did not alarm.
Ethan followed suit for inspection, then Mr. Rich from Triple Element Commerce Association, followed by Mr. King from Spring Antiques House…
Soon, over ten major antique shop owners were checked without issue.
Next were smaller shop owners and Exhibition staff.
Charles walked over to Leo and half-jokingly said, “Leo, do you think they’ll search me?”
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Leo replied jokingly.
As security continued their checks, Arlene suddenly remembered something and whispered, “Our bag is still under our booth.”
“I’ll get it,” Leo said as he headed towards their booth.
Finding a black bag under the booth, Leo picked it up but stopped abruptly as he realized it felt heavier.
He had carried this bag when they arrived at the Ghost Scholar Exhibition and knew its weight well. Why was it suddenly heavier?
Leo crouched down and opened the bag…
Standing at one side of the stage, Ethan watched Leo intently. Seeing him open the bag, Ethan’s face twisted into a sinister smile.