Don't Refuse a Toast Only to Drink a Forfeit

Chen Shaojun strode straight through the hall, passing the screen in its center.

Behind the screen were several separate rooms, each like a small courtyard, fashioned with arched entrances. Above each entrance hung a plaque.

The plaques bore the words Purple Jade Pavilion, Gold Treasure Room, Water Cloud Retreat...

They were precisely the appraisal rooms of the three Certified Appraisers.

"So this is what it means to be a Certified Appraiser. Their treatment is so much better than that of an Appraiser Apprentice."

Chen Shaojun sighed, then headed directly to the entrance of Water Cloud Retreat.

Just as he was about to knock, he vaguely heard voices conversing within.

After his strength had increased, his five senses had likewise sharpened greatly. Even through the door, though the voices were faint, he could still hear them clearly.

"This is the second batch. It would be best to finish appraising it before the Treasure Fair begins.

"We need to hurry with the first batch as well. They specifically asked for these items."

A somewhat deep voice drifted out.

Chen Shaojun halted, a trace of surprise appearing on his face.

This voice sounded somewhat familiar.

And this conversation seemed to carry the air of a secret conspiracy?

"Rest assured. I've practically finished appraising the first batch already; only two troublesome treasures remain.

"You know I still have to help the pawnshop appraise treasures regularly, so my time and energy are somewhat lacking.

"But it'll be done soon. I plan to call over a few more apprentices to help. We definitely won't delay your affairs."

Zhang Gao's voice soon followed.

"Don't talk nonsense.

"This matter has nothing to do with me. I'm merely passing it through my hands and earning a little silver."

The other voice seemed somewhat wary and hurriedly warned him in a low voice.

"Rest assured, I understand.

"We're all just earning a little extra money. It has nothing to do with that side."

Zhang Gao chuckled, his voice revealing a tacit understanding.

"It's good that you understand.

"Also, let me remind you: it's fine to call a few Appraiser Apprentices to help, but don't make too much of a stir.

"Especially those newcomers—don't touch them for now.

"That Lin Qi is no ordinary man."

"Newcomers can't withstand much Killing Intent. I wouldn't choose them.

"Those old hands have been here at least half a year. They'll naturally be more adept at fending off Killing Intent.

"Especially one of them—didn't he just raise his Divine Gaze Technique to the proficient level?

"He's exactly what we need to appraise this batch of treasures.

"As for Lin Qi, isn't he merely from a collateral branch?"

"A collateral branch? A true dragon can still emerge from a collateral branch.

"I've said all there is to say. I won't linger here any longer. Hurry up with this batch of treasures."

"Understood..."

The conversation ended. The sound of a chair scraping back came next, followed by footsteps approaching the door.

Chen Shaojun was startled and quickly hid behind a massive wooden pillar.

Having heard such secret words, he knew it was no longer suitable for him to appear before the two of them.

Very soon, the doors of Water Cloud Retreat opened, and a burly figure hurried out before heading straight downstairs.

"So it really was him, Xu Hongtao."

Seeing the figure, Chen Shaojun's gaze flickered.

He had already recognized Xu Hongtao's voice earlier. Now that it had been confirmed, he was not overly surprised.

What truly surprised him was that Xu Hongtao had dealings with Zhang Gao.

Moreover, it was not difficult to tell from their previous conversation that their transactions had happened more than once—perhaps more than twice.

"Earning extra money? Then why did they act as though it were something deeply taboo?"

Chen Shaojun knew that pawnshop appraisers were dangerous yet special professionals, and they were also sought after by outsiders. They truly could earn extra money by appraising treasures for others.

Even if the shopkeeper knew, he would generally turn a blind eye and say nothing.

But judging by Zhang Gao and Xu Hongtao's furtive manner, the matter was definitely not so simple.

"Besides, the Third Appraiser Zhang Gao really is preparing to call apprentices in to appraise treasures again.

"And his next choice really is me?"

Chen Shaojun trembled with anger and cold. Who had he offended? Was he being targeted just because he stood out a little?

When would an Appraiser Apprentice like him ever be able to stand tall?

He could only feel fortunate that he had chosen to strike first. Otherwise, if he sat waiting for death, it would only bring endless future troubles.

Originally, he had still felt somewhat reluctant and apprehensive about using the Plum-for-Peach Substitution Technique on Zhang Gao.

After all, this was an act of harming another. Having been influenced by his previous life, at heart he was still a simple, kind, promising young man.

Murder? He had never considered it.

But when he learned that he himself would be the other party's next target, he was utterly enraged and cast aside his final trace of reluctance.

As for the Lin Qi they had mentioned, he had long known that Lin Qi was no simple person. Now, it had merely been confirmed.

His status as a collateral descendant was quite normal.

A true direct descendant would not lower himself to work as a mere ticket clerk in a pawnshop.

After deliberately waiting for a while, Chen Shaojun returned to the entrance of Water Cloud Retreat and knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

A gloomy voice sounded from within.

Chen Shaojun pushed open the door. Before him stood a solid wooden table, surrounded by all kinds of carved wooden ornaments and jade artifacts. Farther inside stood a screen, beyond which he could vaguely make out a wooden bed.

At this moment, Zhang Gao was the only one in Water Cloud Retreat. He sat in a chair and looked up at Chen Shaojun, asking strangely, "Why is it you?"

"Reporting to the Third Appraiser.

"When I was downstairs, I happened to run into A Zheng. His stomach was upset, and he was afraid of delaying the Third Appraiser's tea, so he asked me to bring it up for him."

Chen Shaojun hurriedly explained.

In any case, Zhang Gao would not investigate it.

"Put it down."

Zhang Gao nodded, unconcerned. Instead, he studied Chen Shaojun with interest and said, "Since you're here, it saves me a trip.

"Come to Water Cloud Retreat on the second floor tomorrow. I have a few treasures that need your help appraising."

Chen Shaojun's heart tightened. So it really had come. Yet he said aloud, "Thank you for the Third Appraiser's kindness, but I have been diligently appraising treasures recently and my mind has been injured by Killing Intent. I truly have no strength to spare."

"Killing Intent injuring your mind?

"That's no great matter. I have several sticks of calming incense here. Take them back and light them; you'll recover before long.

"Besides, if you help me appraise treasures, I won't treat you poorly.

"I can authorize six hundred copper coins for you per day. In three days, you can save up two taels of silver. That is far more than what you earned before.

"And you'll receive guidance from a Certified Appraiser like me. Ordinary people do not get such an opportunity."

Zhang Gao persuaded him.

"But..."

Chen Shaojun was about to speak when Zhang Gao had already grown impatient. Few Appraiser Apprentices dared defy him, so he directly interrupted, "It's settled, then. Tomorrow, come over with Zhang Ke.

"Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit."

"..."

"Yes!"

Chen Shaojun answered in a low voice, though a cold glint flashed deep in his eyes.

Since Zhang Gao was so impatient, he could not blame Chen Shaojun.