NOVEL WEB Chapter 23: Lin Feng to Participate in the Appraisal Competition
Lin Feng was completely oblivious to Jiang Chen's thoughts.
"Pre-trade fair appraisal?"
Lin Feng appeared confused, as he was unfamiliar with the concept.
Even Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi were unsure about its nature.
"Yes!"
"The pre-trade fair appraisal!"
"Every time our White Mountain Chamber of Commerce collaborates with local cities to hold a trade fair, a vast array of treasures accumulates here."
"Among them, many treasures have unknown types, uses, and values, making them difficult to identify. They need to be appraised before the trade fair commences."
"In the past, our White Mountain Chamber of Commerce president would personally handle it. However, this time, the president suddenly fell ill and cannot perform the task."
"Although our chamber of commerce's appraisers have tried their best, numerous treasures remain unappraised."
"Thus, I set out from headquarters to find a reputable appraiser within Autumn Glory City and was preparing to visit the Zhou Clan's residence."
"While en route, I heard that young friend Lin Feng had a keen eye and exceptional insight for rare and precious items, and was able to identify the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng."
"So, that's why I pursued you to invite you to participate in this appraisal event."
Lai Peng elaborated on the situation for Lin Feng, providing details about the reasons and background of the matter.
Evidently,
The rumors he heard were somewhat imprecise, as he only knew that Lin Feng had identified the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng.
The reason remains unclear—perhaps it's due to Lin Feng's protagonist status.
At this moment,
A look of realization flashed across Lin Feng's eyes, and he nodded, saying, "I see."
"Young friend Lin Feng,"
"Participating in the appraisal event offers not only rich rewards!"
"The crucial point is that this appraisal event will be held as a competition, with well-known appraisers from Autumn Glory City participating!"
"As long as young friend Lin Feng defeats them, he will immediately become famous and wealthy beyond measure!"
Lai Peng looked at Lin Feng with an excited expression and said.
After these words were spoken,
Lin Feng became a little intrigued.
However,
He glanced at Jiang Chen next to him and said, "I'll pass on this one. Jiang Chen was the first to identify the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng; he's even more skilled than me. Please invite him instead."
Jiang Chen was indeed the first to identify the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng, and both Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi had witnessed the event, along with many others.
If Lin Feng had agreed to the offer without considering Jiang Chen, it would imply that he believed himself to be more skilled than Jiang Chen.
Such behavior would be contemptible and disrespectful towards Jiang Chen's abilities.
If news of Lin Feng's disrespectful behavior towards Jiang Chen were to spread, it would further tarnish his reputation.
That's why
He resisted the urge and mentioned Jiang Chen instead.
"Huh!?"
"Young Master Jiang Chen's appraisal skills are even more remarkable!?"
Upon hearing Lin Feng's words, Lai Peng gazed at Jiang Chen in astonishment.
Lai Peng possessed some knowledge of Jiang Chen, who was the eldest young master of the Jiang Clan. However, he had never heard of Jiang Chen being involved in alchemy.
"Not quite, not quite."
"I merely happened to recognize the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng."
Jiang Chen smiled and shook his head, "Let Lin Feng attend instead."
He would have liked to simply take Lin Feng's place, as doing so would allow him to show off and alter the plot, while also reducing Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value and increasing his Villain Value.
Regrettably, he lacked the necessary appraisal skills to do so.
Even if he were to exchange Villain Value for the relevant manuals now, there wouldn't be enough time to learn the necessary skills.
If he were to attend the appraisal event, he would undoubtedly expose his lack of skills.
It would be better to assume the role of a good person once more and 'give' the opportunity to Lin Feng. This would alleviate Lin Feng's suspicions and potentially win Ning Xian's favor.
Indeed.
As soon as he uttered those words,
Ning Xian's beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement, and Qiu Liaoxi also smiled in response to his words.
Lin Feng was in dire need of this opportunity, and Jiang Chen's willingness to help him and relinquish the chance was remarkably generous. Jiang Chen demonstrated himself to be a person worth befriending.
[Ding! Ning Xian's impression of you has improved slightly once more. Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 100 points, and you have gained 200 points of Villain Value!]
The system prompt sounded, and Jiang Chen's face broke into a pleased smile.
Simultaneously,
Lin Feng, who was entirely oblivious to what he had lost, experienced a surge of happiness at the prospect of participating in the appraisal event.
Nevertheless, he assumed that Jiang Chen was still attempting to recruit him as a follower, so he didn't harbor any gratitude towards him.
As for Lai Peng,
he possessed a rudimentary understanding of Jiang Chen and had never heard of him being involved in alchemy.
Upon hearing Jiang Chen's words, Lai Peng accepted them without hesitation.
"Since that's the case,"
"Please, young friend Lin Feng, follow me,"
Lai Peng nodded at Lin Feng before turning to Jiang Chen, Ning Xian, and Qiu Liaoxi with an apologetic expression on his face, saying:
"Young Master Jiang Chen, and these two friends, many of the items requiring appraisal must remain confidential. I apologize for that."
"It's alright."
"You guys go ahead; we'll wander around on our own."
Jiang Chen smiled warmly and then walked over to Ning Xian's side.
Upon seeing this,
Lin Feng couldn't help but cast a glance at Jiang Chen and Ning Xian.
'Jiang Chen is here for me.'
'He shouldn't harbor any feelings towards Ning Xian, right?'
These thoughts crossed Lin Feng's mind as he nodded in agreement.
"Let's proceed, young friend Lin Feng!"
"We must also visit locations such as the Zhou Clan and Liao Hong Medical Hall."
As he spoke, Lai Peng whisked Lin Feng away with him.
"Agreed!"
Lin Feng accompanied Lai Peng, swiftly departing the scene.
His thoughts were consumed by anticipation for the appraisal meeting.
Concerning this appraisal gathering,
He brimmed with confidence!
Simultaneously,
Observing Lin Feng being ushered away by Lai Peng, Jiang Chen's mind raced with fervor!
How could he thwart Lin Feng's exhibition of talent and deter him from reaping rewards at this appraisal meeting?
"Young Master Jiang Chen, what are you pondering? Let's proceed and enjoy a stroll!"
Ning Xian's melodious voice echoed, and as she spoke, her visage illuminated with a radiant smile. Her complexion was fair and flawless, and her bright eyes and pearly teeth were genuinely captivating.
"Ah, yes, let's go!"
Upon returning to the present, Jiang Chen offered a subtle smile.
His rapport with Ning Xian had slightly progressed!
Shortly after,
Jiang Chen, Ning Xian, and Qiu Liaoxi advanced onward.
As they ambled along, Jiang Chen's thoughts raced, leaving him disinterested in the increasingly bustling marketplace surrounding them.
'Lin Feng has already confirmed his attendance at the appraisal meeting.'
'I cannot alter that reality, so I must consider other perspectives.'
'At the appraisal meeting, if Lin Feng wishes to demonstrate his prowess and humble others, he will require adversaries, spectators, and treasures to evaluate.'
'If that's the case, then I will concentrate on these elements!'
'Lai Peng must still visit numerous locations and extend invitations to multiple appraisers. I have time to strategize!'
'...'
A subtle glimmer flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes.
He then covertly retrieved the transmission jade token and, shrouded by his robe sleeve and the Moondust Ring, relayed a message to Elder Ge—
"The White Mountain Chamber of Commerce is set to host an appraisal meeting prior to the main event, with Lin Feng participating."
"Issue a directive forbidding anyone from our Jiang family or those associated with us from partaking in the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce's appraisal meeting, be it as contestants or spectators. Even if invited, they must decline!"
"Disseminate the order to promptly contact all renowned appraisers in Autumn Glory City before Lin Feng can, and deter them from attending the appraisal meeting!"
"Convey the instruction to make every effort in reaching out to the owners of the items being assessed during this White Mountain Chamber of Commerce appraisal meeting, and purchase their treasures at any price to compel them to withdraw from the event!"
"Communicate the directive to devise methods of preventing key members of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce from attending the appraisal meeting. Additionally, request Uncle to negotiate with the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce, setting the rewards for the appraisal meeting as spiritual stones or other commonplace treasures!"
"Ensure that all actions remain clandestine, and identities stay undisclosed!"