Evan Lin stepped right over Victor Moore, never breaking stride. Victor, his rear aching terribly, wore a look of utter humiliation.
Leon Lin and the others hurried to help Victor Moore up. As they got close, they caught a whiff of the foul stench coming from Victor—so strong that one of them actually gagged and threw up.
"That punk! Just wait till this appraisal fair is over—he's finished!"
Victor Moore gritted his teeth, violently shook off the others, and stormed toward the elevator.
The stench clinging to him was unbearable—he had to change clothes. But every step sent a fiery pain shooting through his rear, making his walk look absolutely bizarre to anyone watching.
Melissa Mu watched Evan Lin’s figure fade into the crowd, worry gnawing at her heart. Only then did she let out a quiet sigh.
Soon, Victor Moore reached his room, clutching his rear and groaning for over ten minutes. Once the pain eased a bit, he changed clothes and limped back up to the rooftop.
"Who the hell is that guy!"
Face dark with rage, Victor Moore stalked up to Melissa Mu, his voice dripping with malice.
"No idea," Melissa replied, shaking her head.
Sam Su was holding a glass of wine, his face dark and sour. The Daoist from Mount Wutai at his side looked equally displeased, clearly simmering with frustration.
"It’s already impressive that Second Brother Su could invite this Daoist master. But let’s see whose appraiser is sharper—his, or the Sword Master Eric Cui I brought," Henry Lin said with a proud grin, voice full of smugness.
The Sword Master he mentioned, Eric Cui, looked to be in his thirties, dressed in a pale gray robe. He had an even more ethereal, otherworldly vibe than the Daoist Sam Su brought.
Just moments ago, Sam Su had wanted the Daoist to show off, but the poor guy was immediately overshadowed by Eric Cui from the Southriver Sword Sect.
"The Su and Lin families will soon be in-laws, so there’s no need to compete over little things. Besides, Sword Master Cui rarely leaves the Southriver Sword Sect, so his presence here is a huge honor for Henry Lin," said a man in his forties with a buzz cut, smiling on the surface but with a clear air of arrogance in his eyes.
This man was none other than Melissa Mu’s uncle, Martin Mu.
He hadn’t brought an appraiser today, since he was the organizer of the appraisal fair.
Now, Victor Su was openly opposing the marriage with the Lin family, trying to protect Molly Su, which had the Su and Lin families on the brink of war. But with the Southriver Sword Sect backing the Lins, and the Su family only barely holding their own thanks to ties with the Jinnan Military District, things were deadlocked.
"When Nathan comes out of seclusion, he’ll visit on Old Man Su’s birthday to propose and seal the marriage. After that, Sam and I will truly be in-laws," Henry Lin nodded slightly.
The group kept up the back-and-forth. Sam Su was frustrated but powerless to object. All he could do was hope the Daoist would help him regain some face at the appraisal fair.
Melissa Mu and Victor Moore walked over just then. Leon Lin, who was standing beside Henry Lin, immediately made a beeline for Melissa as soon as he saw her.
Melissa instinctively tried to put some distance between them, but Martin Mu coolly spoke up, "Melissa, stand with Leon Lin. You’ll participate in the appraisal fair together."
At those words, Melissa froze in place, not daring to move another step.
It wasn’t long before someone on the rooftop grabbed a microphone and spoke loudly.
"Hello everyone! I’m sure you’ve all been waiting. Today’s appraisal fair follows the usual rules. The items will rise from the platform, and if any boss sees something they like, just bid for it!"
"There are fifteen items up for grabs, each starting at one million. Whether you can spot a real treasure depends on your appraiser’s skill!"
The host spoke with a cheerful, booming voice.
Almost as soon as he finished, a rumbling sound came from the center of the rooftop. The ground sank, and a platform slowly rose up from below.
On the platform sat a Carved Dragon Jade-Porcelain Vase, its dragon motif and translucent glaze instantly catching every eye with a dazzling, treasure-like glow.
"Let the appraisal fair begin!"
The host didn’t offer any background, just announced the start.
Everyone turned their attention to the platform.
"By the rules, I can’t give any hints. Second Brother Su, Henry Lin, please go ahead," Martin Mu said with a slight smile.
Sam Su glanced at his Daoist, while Henry Lin looked over at Sword Master Cui.
The Su and Lin families were here for magic artifacts; ordinary antiques and collectibles didn’t interest them at all.
"Not a magic artifact—no trace of spiritual power," the Daoist declared first.
Sword Master Cui nodded slightly, agreeing with the Daoist’s assessment.
Sam Su looked pleased, shooting the Daoist an approving glance.
Melissa Mu kept scanning the crowd, hoping to spot Evan Lin. After a few rounds, she still didn’t see him, and a faint disappointment crept into her eyes.
(Translation missing. Please provide the English translation for this line.)