Three hostesses placed three numbers on the three Dragoncloud Cauldrons, from left to right: 1, 2, and 3.
Seeing many people observing his expression, the short, stout man smiled and said, “You don’t need to watch my expression because I can’t tell which of the three cauldrons is real either.”
“Next, the lovely hostesses will distribute three cards to the three bidders. Each bidder will write the number of the cauldron they believe to be genuine on the card and hand it back to the hostess. I will then announce the results.”
After he finished speaking, the three hostesses walked to the tables of the Bloomer family, Meredith family, and Watson Family, placing a card and a pen on each table, signaling them to write down their chosen cauldron’s number.
To avoid confusion, the card at the Bloomer family’s table had a “B” at the top, the Meredith family’s had an “M,” and the Watson Family’s had a “W.”
Baldwin stood up and looked at the short, stout man. “Director Mosley, shouldn’t we be allowed to examine the cauldrons closely before making our choice?”
“Of course, but each family can only send one person to observe. You can only look with your eyes; no touching. Anyone who touches will lose their bidding qualification,” Director Mosley replied with a smile.
Baldwin turned to Master Obrien and respectfully gestured, “Master Obrien, please!”
Master Obrien stood up, nodded slightly, and walked confidently to the stage.
“Levi, you go,” Jair Sterling nodded to his younger brother.
Levi Sterling got up and followed Master Obrien to the stage.
Nicholas turned to Leo. “Dr. Leo, why don’t you go up and take a look?”
“No need. I’ve already identified the real cauldron from a distance,” Leo said casually.
Jason was nearly in tears with frustration. “Even Master Obrien needs to check personally, and you say you’ve already identified it!?”
“If you won’t go, I will!” Jason would have suspected Leo was a spy if Old Bloomer hadn’t invited him.
Jacob stood up and pulled Jason back. “Jason, let me go. I noted the details of the real cauldron earlier; I should be able to tell them apart.”
“Really?” Jason paused and nodded. “Alright, Jacob, go ahead. Be very careful!”
“Don’t worry,” Jacob said confidently and quickly walked to the stage.
Jason sat down but kept his eyes locked on his brother, praying Jacob could identify the real cauldron.
Seeing Leo’s unwavering confidence, Nicholas couldn’t help but ask quietly, “Dr. Leo, have you studied Dragoncloud Cauldrons before?”
“I’ve heard a bit about them,” Leo smiled. “Old Mr. Bloomer, this cauldron isn’t as magical as rumored but is still very valuable as an antique.”
Nicholas nodded slightly. The cauldron’s mystical properties didn’t matter; what mattered was that it didn’t fall into the hands of the Meredith family.
Soon, the three who went to examine the cauldrons returned.
“Jacob, did you find the real one?” Jason asked eagerly.
“Jason, well…” Jacob scratched his head in embarrassment. “The three cauldrons on display are identical. I really can’t tell which is real.”
Jacob’s words made Jason’s face darken instantly. He sighed deeply and slumped back in his chair.
The situation wasn’t any better for the Watson Family. Levi Sterling’s face was icy as he muttered angrily, “Who made these fake cauldrons so identical!?”
Only Master Obrien remained confident and proud. He walked to the Meredith family’s table and assured Clyde Crawford and Josiah, “Mr. Meredith, I’ve identified the real cauldron without a doubt!”
“Haha, Master Obrien is indeed impressive!” Josiah finally relaxed upon seeing Master Obrien’s confidence.
“Baldwin, give me the card and pen,” Master Obrien said after sitting down.
Baldwin quickly handed over the card and pen.
Master Obrien took them and swiftly wrote down his choice.
Behind the Meredith family’s table, Jair Sterling and Levi Sterling craned their necks to see what number Master Obrien had written.
But Baldwin stood up just in time to block their view. “What are you looking at? The Watson Family is a prestigious family in the capital; surely you wouldn’t stoop to peeking?”
Baldwin’s sarcasm made Jair Sterling and Levi Sterling’s faces change color as they quickly sat down.
Jair Sterling gritted his teeth and pushed the card and pen toward Levi Sterling. “Second brother, just go with your gut feeling.”
Levi Sterling took the card and pen, thought for a moment, then quickly wrote down a number.
At the Bloomer family’s table, Jason held the card in one hand and the pen in the other. “Dad, should I write it?”
Jason had a strong feeling that Cauldron No. 2 might be the real Dragoncloud Cauldron.
Nicholas frowned and said coldly, “You write it? Then why did I invite Dr. Leo here? Give the card and pen to Dr. Leo!”
Nicholas’s words nearly made Jason choke. Even now, Old Bloomer still trusted this man who only talked big!
Did Old Bloomer take some wrong medicine today!?
Though he grumbled inwardly about his father, Jason didn’t dare disobey. He reluctantly pushed the card and pen toward Leo.
“Leo, you can make a wild guess now. I hope you guess right!” Jason added spitefully.
Leo ignored Jason entirely. Taking the card and pen, he said to Nicholas, “Since Old Mr. Bloomer trusts me so much, I’ll write it.”
Leo then turned slightly and quickly wrote on the card.
“Leo, which number did you write? Let us see,” Jason frowned as Leo deliberately hid his choice.
Jacob was also curious about Leo’s choice and couldn’t help asking, “Dr. Leo, which number did you pick?”
Leo handed the card directly to the waiting hostess and smiled mysteriously at Jason and Jacob. “The secret cannot be revealed; you’ll know soon enough.”