Reborn As Super Heiress

Chapter 1842: Chapter 1745: The Wishful Abacus

The guests all wanted excitement. Many of them knew about the New York Treasure Appraisal Conference but had not had the privilege of witnessing Huo Sining appraising treasures live at the International Appraisal Center, so this impromptu proposition by Li Hang was perfectly aligned with the guests’ expectations. Many applauded and cheered, clearly showing their support.

Old Master Li, although having heard his grandson and old friend Adrian mention several times how formidable this young master appraiser from Huaxia was, didn’t really understand where her skills lay. Now that Li Hang suggested consulting with Huo Sining, he could also take this opportunity to find out more about this little girl in front of him, so he certainly wouldn’t refuse.

However, sitting below Old Master Li were Li Jun and his father, both frowning deeply. They were quite displeased with Li Hang causing such a commotion during the birthday banquet, yet found it inappropriate to rebuke him publicly, which would embarrass the Liuli side. They could only suppress their anger.

With the blessing from Old Master Li and the support of the crowd, Li Hang couldn’t conceal his pride, his demeanor was full of satisfaction, which made Li Jun’s teeth itch with anger, almost wishing to slap him.

Huo Sining was well aware that Li Hang had some scheme in mind, but she didn’t mind.

Previously, at Su Zhongqing’s birthday banquet, she had already crossed paths with Li Hang, so she understood this person’s nature well. He was like a half-filled bucket that clattered loudly for fear that others wouldn’t know he was a treasure appraiser. Someone with such superficial behavior couldn’t possibly settle down to study and learn the art of treasure appraisal deeply; his achievements were ultimately limited and posed no real threat.

However, Li Hang was overly self-assured, thinking his abilities were superior, dismissing others. Such narrow-minded and insular thinking was typical of the island people, no different from those who claimed that ”Mainlanders can’t afford tea eggs, their toilets are open-air, and oyster omelets are shared among several people.”

Huo Sining didn’t intentionally harbor animosity towards the Liuli people, but the impression Li Hang left her with, coupled with the previous earthquake rescue situation, was far from pleasant.

This quietly gave Huo Sining the feeling that over the years, the domestic emphasis has been on assimilating Huaxia and Liuli as one, continuously instilling the notion of mutual affection across the straits among the younger generation. The country is certainly enthusiastic towards them, but they may not necessarily appreciate it.

Of course, this wasn’t something an ordinary person like Huo Sining could comment on, but her distaste for Li Hang’s actions was undeniable. If he didn’t actively provoke her, she would just watch his antics as a farcical clown show and laugh it off, but if he insisted on running headlong into her gunpoint, then he had no one but himself to blame for her unkindness.

Huo Sining sneered inwardly; she didn’t mind taking this chance to teach these Liuli people a thing or two about how to behave!

Old Master Li’s brother wasn’t entirely pleased with his grandson’s overly humble solicitation for guidance. He glanced at Huo Sining standing over there, chuckled, and said:

”They’re all young people, having some fun is good. Miss Huo is a renowned appraiser in Huaxia Country, and my grandson is also among the top young appraisers in Liuli. I think instead of simply consulting, it would be better if you two have a competition. Let’s see who is more skillful, Huaxia’s appraiser, or our young Liuli appraiser.”

Huo Sining found this eagerness of the Li Family to engage in verbal sparring rather contemptible. She smiled faintly and said, ”Since Old Master Li suggested it, that’s fine by me. Set the rules however you like; I’m fine with anything. I just wonder how Young Master Li wants to compete?”

Li Hang was waiting for this sentence from Huo Sining, and he couldn’t help but be secretly pleased, realizing that his grandfather understood his intentions well. With his own grandfather’s support, everything was unfolding seamlessly!

Li Hang feigned contemplation, though he already had a plan. After ”thinking” for half a minute, he raised his head and said:

”I think it’s better this way. Earlier, I saw many gifts at the reception area on the second floor, some of which were antiques. How about each of us select three antiques and conduct appraisals. Then, we could have the guests here judge who demonstrates superior appraisal skills, how about it?”

Huo Sining was taken aback, thinking to herself, what kind of idea is this? The items brought to the Li Family as birthday gifts have mostly been carefully selected and appraised many times, so there shouldn’t be any doubt about their authenticity. Since they are already authenticated, there’s little use for further appraisal, and not much room for skill display; it’s just spewing book knowledge. What kind of appraisal competition is this?

Moreover, choosing three antiques each essentially allows them to pick pieces they are adept at appraising, so what’s the point?

Li Hang’s competition rules were full of holes, leaving Huo Sining speechless. She looked at Li Hang, her expression showing a few traces of incredulity, as if looking at an idiot.

The people present weren’t lacking in intelligence, and upon a little consideration, they all realized the loopholes in this rule, shaking their heads as they felt this arrangement was unsuitable. The appraisers wouldn’t be able to demonstrate their skills, much less did the situation offer any thrilling competitive edge.

Li Jun felt disdain aplenty for Li Hang’s rules as well. He didn’t appreciate this kid stirring up such antics during his grandfather’s birthday feast, but his grandfather had agreed, so he couldn’t stop it.

However, this kid hoped to shine and even aspired to leverage the event to step over Huo Sining’s shoulders, an outcome Li Jun couldn’t allow.

Thinking about it, Li Jun stood up and said loudly, ”Since it’s a competition, it shouldn’t be too simple, or it’d be meaningless. Isn’t that right, Miss Huo?”

Huo Sining curled her lips and nodded with a smile.

Li Hang had it all planned out, even thinking about how to act in a moment. Unexpectedly, Li Jun suddenly stood up to disrupt things, which immediately darkened his expression as a trace of displeasure and frustration flashed through his eyes. He glared at Li Jun and asked irritably, ”Then tell me, how would you make it interesting?”

Li Jun smiled, ”Making it thrilling isn’t hard at all. Just tweak the rules you mentioned a bit. Since it’s a competition between both sides, there should be an element of competition and gambling to make it fascinating. First, each side should put up a stake, letting the winner take the other’s stake, which would drive the competitive spirit. Otherwise, it’s pointless, don’t you agree?”

The guests nodded in agreement, finding Li Jun’s words sensible.

Li Hang had no objection to the stakes concept, but he grew wary about what Li Jun would say next: ”And what’s the second?”

Li Jun cast a sidelong glance at Li Hang and said, ”The second rule: although each side picks three items, these items must be appraised by the other side, not their own team. After all the appraisals are done, the total value of the three items will be compared, along with the appraisal results. Both aspects will be evaluated, and those with superior skills will win the stakes!”