“Alright, stop with those vague legends. If you want something, you have to put in the effort and pay the price. There’s no such thing as a free lunch!” Nicholas reprimanded.
“Old Mr. Bloomer, I have some knowledge of geomancy as well. If you manage to acquire that item, I can offer some advice,” Leo said with a smile.
Hearing this, Jason was initially stunned, then his face darkened. He glanced at Leo and sneered, “You know traditional medicine, antique appraisal, and geomancy? Is there anything in this world you don’t know? It’s one thing to boast, but don’t overdo it!”
Jason was quite displeased with Leo at this moment. He had gone through great lengths to invite Master Obrien, believing that with his help, securing the item at the afternoon auction was a sure thing. But all his plans were disrupted by Leo.
If another family won the item that afternoon, Jason would have wanted to strangle Leo if he could.
Before lunch, Leo checked Lady Alyvia’s pulse and prescribed a remedy. He instructed the servants to buy and prepare the medicine according to the prescription for the elderly lady.
Perhaps because of Leo’s presence, Lady Alyvia’s dementia did not recur, and her health visibly improved compared to the previous days.
Before heading out in the afternoon, Nicholas changed into a Tang suit embroidered with a golden dragon pattern, looking much more spirited.
If it weren’t for his cane and slightly shaky walk, one might say Nicholas looked ten years younger.
Led by Nicholas, the group headed to a place called Springhill Gardens.
The reason for calling it a large group was that besides Nicholas, Leo, Jason, and Jackson, there were also several bodyguards.
Springhill Gardens had an elegant name. It wasn’t located in a high-end hotel in the city or a well-known club or hall but in a remote suburban area.
No wonder the Bloomer family brought so many bodyguards.
It took almost two hours of driving to reach their destination.
The destination was a vast Chinese-style estate with many pear trees planted within. It was evident that this place used to be a pear orchard.
After entering the estate, the car continued along a wide asphalt road until it reached the main building at the center of the estate.
To the left of the main building was a parking lot, which was already half full, indicating that many people had arrived before the Bloomer family.
After Nicholas and the others got out of the car, the driver parked it in the lot.
Nicholas led the group towards the main building entrance.
At the entrance stood several people, including a short, chubby man in his forties who warmly greeted each guest.
“Old Mr. Bloomer, it’s an honor to have you here. Please forgive us for not welcoming you sooner!” The chubby man said as he hurriedly approached Nicholas with a broad smile.
Nicholas only nodded slightly at him before entering the main hall through the entrance.
The hall was spacious, simply yet tastefully decorated.
Unlike other auction venues Leo had seen before, this hall wasn’t arranged with rows of seats but was dotted with many small Eight Immortals tables. Each table had three chairs around it and was set with snacks and tea.
Many people were already seated in the hall. Several young women in cheongsams moved among the tables, refilling tea cups for the guests.
At first glance, the hall looked more like a large teahouse than an auction venue.
As people sat drinking tea and chatting, they noticed Nicholas’s arrival and stood up to greet him respectfully.
“Old Bloomer, you’re finally here!” An elderly man with white hair near the front desk called out loudly and quickly walked towards Nicholas.
“Old fox, didn’t expect you to get here so fast,” Nicholas joked.
From their conversation, it was clear that Nicholas was quite familiar with this elderly man.
Leo was quickly drawn to the elderly man’s appearance because he bore some resemblance to Josiah.
As Leo suspected, this elderly man was indeed Josiah’s father, named Clyde Crawford.
Clyde Crawford was only a year younger than Nicholas but appeared much healthier based on his physique and walking pace.
Near the seats arranged for the Meredith family, Josiah and Baldwin were chatting with several men in suits, laughing and talking.
While Nicholas, Jason, and Clyde Crawford exchanged pleasantries, the chubby man guided Jacob and Leo to the seats reserved for the Bloomer family.
The Bloomer family’s seats were not far from those of the Meredith family, separated by an aisle.
Before Leo and the others could sit down, Josiah approached them with a tone of surprise. “Leo, what a coincidence! I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Hearing Josiah address Leo by name made Jacob frown slightly.
Jacob glanced at Josiah and said in an indifferent tone, “Dr. Leo is here at our special invitation to help us evaluate items at the auction.”
Josiah was taken aback by Jacob’s words. He hadn’t expected Leo to be associated with the Bloomer family again and even accompany Nicholas to this auction.
Leo getting too close to the Bloomer family was something Josiah least wanted to see.
At this moment, Baldwin also walked over and sneered sarcastically, “Mr. Jacob, if every doctor were an expert appraiser, then every butcher at the market would be a scientist.”
Jacob shot Baldwin a cold look and retorted unhappily, “Baldwin, let me tell you that Dr. Leo’s expertise in antiques is unparalleled. If you don’t believe me, you can inquire in Langstel. It seems your understanding needs improvement.”
Jacob’s words praised Leo while subtly insulting Baldwin. Baldwin couldn’t miss the implication and coldly snorted, “What nonsense are you spouting!?”
“Baldwin, do not be disrespectful to Mr. Jacob!” Josiah turned and scolded coldly.
Josiah felt slightly disappointed with Baldwin’s behavior today. His son had abilities but sometimes lacked composure and acted impulsively.
After reprimanding Baldwin, Josiah turned back to Leo with a smile and said playfully, “I didn’t expect Dr. Leo to be not only skilled in medicine but also so proficient in antique appraisal. Truly impressive.”