"Here, Dulcie." Maynard skillfully and elegantly filled a third of a wine glass and handed it to Dulcie. "Thank you." Dulcie received the glass politely, but her expression was uneasy. She glanced at Theophilus, whose expression remained unchanged. Maynard poured another glass and, assessing Theophilus, asked: "Who is this? I don't believe we've been introduced." "He's just the assistant manager for Dulcie at Miller House, doing odd jobs for Dulcie." Layla preemptively answered for Theophilus. "Oh? An assistant." Maynard's interest piqued: "If he's Dulcie's assistant, then let's have a drink together." "I'm sorry, I don't drink alcohol." Theophilus replied coolly. "What? Mr. Jones is offering you a drink for recognition, and you don't want it?" Reginald was the first to challenge him. "Such a minor assistant, how could he appreciate such fine, superior wine?" Rowan arrogantly said: "I doubt he'd ever get another chance like this in his lifetime." Theophilus just shook his head,
He also subtly flaunted the watch he was wearing on his wrist, a precious piece from the traditional collection of Vacheron Constantin, worth over four hundred thousand USD. "Dulcie, this is a women's handbag that I found quite beautiful. When I bought it, I was hoping that one day I would meet an elegant and beautiful girl to whom I could give this bag." Maynard said, his demeanor glowing with charm as he slowly opened the gift box. Inside the exquisite box was an LV women's handbag. At first glance, it appeared classically styled, yet not outdated. The craftsmanship of the intricate patterns and detailing was evidently sophisticated. Maynard smiled, a look of self-satisfaction flickering across his face as he glanced at Theophilus. "Dulcie, my fondness for the Louis Vuitton brand stems from an old story." Maynard said, slowing his speech for effect: "In the last century, during the salvage of the Titanic's wreckage, a leather suitcase was recovered from the ocean floor after over
"Ha ha! That's hilarious! Truly a poor house's response, not knowing the value of these things. He probably thinks a few hundred USD will do the trick." Rowan laughed scornfully, showing no mercy. "Theophilus, this calligraphy painting as a meeting gift is already a sign of great sincerity. It's a masterpiece worth several million USD! You won’t earn that much money in your entire life, you know? Haven’t you realized your own capabilities yet?" Layla said coldly: "Dulcie is about to join the elite of Elysian Echo. You are as different from her as heaven and earth. Do you still dream that the Miller family will keep a freeloader like you?" "Assistant Jake, this is just a small meeting gift from me to Dulcie. Can't a man like you be a bit more magnanimous?" Maynard said with a half-smile: "Or is a failure like you unable to bear this disparity?" Theophilus glanced at Maynard and suddenly burst into laughter, saying: "Disparity? No, no, I just wanted to say that Dulcie is not intereste
"Alright, let it be so. Later, I will take the gifts and personally deliver them to Dulcie’s parents." Layla decisively stated: "There are things us adults can discuss more easily amongst ourselves." Dulcie didn't know what to say. She felt somewhat unhappy, yet there was nothing she could do about it. With Layla's support, Maynard's expression slightly improved. At this moment, the collectors' gathering at another section of the hall officially began. The group, led by Maynard, moved towards the center of the Treasure House hall, with Theophilus following behind Dulcie. The Treasure House hall was brightly lit, with long antique tables and redwood chairs arranged throughout. Talented individuals gathered, sitting down and engaging in lively conversations. On each long table, precious items like jade ceramics or calligraphy paintings were displayed. The entire grand hall was decorated in an ancient style, giving the impression of stepping into the mansion of a noble family from
"Whose antique is this? Could you please come forward to verify?" Maynard said, momentarily unsure of what to believe. "Mr. Jones, could it be as he said? How could this worthless man recognize it, or is he just guessing?" Reginald asked incredulously. "How can a freeloader like him recognize it so quickly, and even talk as if he knows a lot? I'm sure he's just guessing." Rowan said mockingly, dismissive. "Reginald, if you don't understand this field, don't make baseless comments. This is an item I collected, and it is indeed a Ming Dynasty plate." a young man sternly said to Reginald, then turned his doubtful gaze to assess Theophilus. To authenticate this valuable item, it took him several months, consulting no less than ten experts, all of whom initially declined, before finally determining the true origin of the item. "The exquisitely crafted Qing Dynasty bronze censer is mine." said a bespectacled elderly expert, looking somewhat awkwardly at Theophilus. Previously, he had mo
"Hmm..." After observing the long red wooden table for a while, Maynard looked thoughtfully at Theophilus: "Expert Jake, why don't you come over and take a look? Do you have any opinions on this famous painting?" "That's right, Expert Jake, aren't you an expert? None of the guests here dare to comment on these two collectibles; this is a perfect opportunity for you to showcase your expertise! Share your opinion!" As soon as Maynard spoke, Reginald immediately echoed, addressing Theophilus with a peculiar tone. "It's an original work by Xu Wei from the Ming Dynasty." Theophilus replied nonchalantly, succinct and to the point. "All of us have examined it closely for a long time and still couldn't come to a unanimous conclusion. He makes a judgment from a distance? He's bluffing too much, isn't he?" An elderly expert expressed dissatisfaction, as if Theophilus's demeanor was insulting experts like him. "Huh, what kind of level is this? Who doesn’t know it’s a Xu Wei painting?" Maynard
"Spot on, wonderfully articulated! Mr. Jones' knowledge is not to be underestimated. I've been in this field for thirty years and have never seen anyone with such precise and discerning judgment." an expert with glasses exclaimed in awe. "Mr. Jones' thought process aligns with ours, but we didn't have the courage to conclude as he did!" another senior expert remarked. "Excellent insight! To see such a high-class collectible at today's gathering, this trip has been worthwhile." a master from another family expressed. "Cheng Hua Doucai porcelain is already valuable, but a rare matching pair, and originating from the House of Xu? Its significance and value are truly exceptional!" another master enthusiastically added: "With Master Roy's contribution, it indeed broadens our horizons! Mr. Jones' judgment also elevates our understanding substantially!" Maynard eyed the pair of porcelain vases with a burning gaze. He turned to Clement and asserted firmly: "Master Roy, for these vases, I b
Theophilus stood up, walked over to the wooden table, and picked up a piece of the shattered porcelain. "When porcelain is fired to its final shape, natural lines will form, but the lines on this porcelain are too perfect. This is enough to prove it's a counterfeit." Theophilus calmly said. After speaking, he threw the piece he was holding at Maynard. Maynard, both shocked and skeptical, picked up the fragment to examine it, then his face darkened, looking as if he was choking, his complexion turning the color of liver. The distinguished guests present, still in shock, suddenly hearing these words from Theophilus, hurriedly stabilized their emotions and quickly rushed to the wooden table, their expressions serious, beginning to inspect the fragments of the two porcelain vases. "Mr. Jake is absolutely right, from this fragment it's easy to distinguish. The refinement, shine, thickness, and other aspects of the lines inside this porcelain are too perfect! Ancient porcelain was handc