Lin Feng was completely unaware of Jiang Chen's thoughts. With a puzzled look, he inquired skeptically, "Pre-trade fair appraisal?" since he was not familiar with the concept.
Even Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi were uncertain about what it entailed.
"Yes, the pre-trade fair appraisal!" Lai Peng affirmed enthusiastically, and then he began explaining, "Whenever our White Mountain Chamber of Commerce teams up with local cities to organize a trade fair, we end up gathering a vast collection of treasures."
"Among them, many treasures are of unknown types, uses, and values, which makes them challenging to identify. They need to be appraised before the trade fair starts."
"In the past, our White Mountain Chamber of Commerce president would personally oversee this. However, this time, the president unexpectedly fell ill and is unable to fulfill the duties," he stated with a hint of concern in his voice.
"Although our chamber's appraisers have put forth their best efforts, a significant number of treasures are still left unappraised. Therefore, I've come from our headquarters to seek a well-regarded appraiser within Autumn Glory City. I was actually on my way to visit the Zhou Clan's residence."
"While en route, I heard that young friend Lin Feng had a sharp eye and extraordinary insight for rare and valuable items, notably in identifying the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng. That's precisely why I sought you out to invite you to join this appraisal event," Lai Peng revealed, his face radiating admiration and a glimmer of hope.
It was clear, however, that the rumors he had heard were not entirely accurate. He was aware only of Lin Feng's identification of the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng. Curiously, the part involving Jiang Chen's actions had been mysteriously left out.
At that moment, a look of realization flashed across Lin Feng's eyes, and he nodded, acknowledging, "I see."
Lai Peng, unable to contain his enthusiasm, leaned forward and said eagerly, "Also, the special thing about this appraisal event is that it will be held as a competition, featuring well-known appraisers from Autumn Glory City!"
He continued with a persuasive tone, "As long as young friend Lin Feng defeats them, you won't just earn rich rewards; you'll also gain immense fame and wealth beyond measure!"
After hearing Lai Peng's words, Lin Feng felt a flicker of interest. However, he glanced at Jiang Chen, who was beside him, and declined, "I'll pass on this opportunity. Jiang Chen was the first to recognize the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng; he's far more skilled than I am. I suggest inviting him instead."
Indeed, Jiang Chen had been the one to initially identify the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng, a fact witnessed by Ning Xian, Qiu Liaoxi, and several others. If Lin Feng had accepted the offer without acknowledging Jiang Chen, it would have suggested he considered himself superior in skill, which would be both contemptible and disrespectful to Jiang Chen's expertise.
Aware of the potential damage to his own reputation if news of such presumptuous behavior were to spread, Lin Feng curbed his temptation and recommended Jiang Chen instead.
Upon hearing Lin Feng's recommendation, Lai Peng turned to Jiang Chen with a look of surprise. "Huh!? Young Master Jiang Chen's appraisal skills are even more remarkable!?"
Lai Peng was somewhat familiar with Jiang Chen, known as the eldest young master of the Jiang Clan, but he had never heard of Jiang Chen's involvement in alchemy.
"Not quite, not quite," Jiang Chen said modestly, dismissing the overestimation with a smile, "I just happened to recognize the Flame Whisker Mica Ginseng."
He then added with a hint of insistence, "Let Lin Feng attend instead."
Naturally, Jiang Chen would have liked to simply take Lin Feng's place. It would be an excellent chance to stand out, potentially altering the plot, while also decreasing Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value and boosting his own Villain Value. Unfortunately, he didn't possess the required appraisal expertise.
Even if he used his Villain Value points to acquire the necessary manuals, there simply wasn't enough time to master the skills.
Attending the appraisal event without adequate knowledge would only reveal his incompetence. So, he decided it was best to play the role of the good guy once again and 'offer' the opportunity to Lin Feng. This strategy would not only dispel Lin Feng's suspicions but might also help him gain Ning Xian's approval.
Indeed, as soon as Jiang Chen offered the opportunity to Lin Feng, Ning Xian's eyes lit up with excitement, and Qiu Liaoxi smiled appreciatively at his gesture.
This was a crucial chance for Lin Feng, and Jiang Chen's selflessness in giving it up was remarkably magnanimous. In doing so, Jiang Chen proved himself to be someone worth forming an alliance with.
[Ding! Ning Xian's impression of you has improved once again. Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 100 points!]
[Ding! You have gained 200 points of Villain Value!]
As the system notifications chimed, a more pronounced smile spread across Jiang Chen's face.
Simultaneously, Lin Feng, completely unaware of what he had just lost, felt a wave of excitement at the opportunity to participate in the appraisal event. However, he suspected that Jiang Chen's gesture was another attempt to recruit him as a follower, so he felt no gratitude towards him.
As for Lai Peng, his knowledge of Jiang Chen was limited, and he had never known of Jiang Chen's involvement in alchemy. He accepted Jiang Chen's words without question.
"Since that's the case, young friend Lin Feng, please follow me," Lai Peng said, gesturing with an inviting hand.
Then, turning to Jiang Chen, Ning Xian, and Qiu Liaoxi, he wore an apologetic expression and added, "Young Master Jiang Chen, and these two friends, I must apologize. Many of the items for appraisal require confidentiality, so I'm afraid they cannot be disclosed."
"It's alright. You guys go ahead; we'll wander around on our own," Jiang Chen reassured with a warm, friendly smile before walking over to Ning Xian's side.
Seeing this, Lin Feng couldn't help but cast a glance at Jiang Chen and Ning Xian. 'Jiang Chen is here because of me. He shouldn't have any romantic interest in Ning Xian, should he?' These thoughts flitted through his mind as he nodded in agreement.
"Let's proceed, young friend Lin Feng. Our visit will also include stops at places like the Zhou Clan and Liao Hong Medical Hall," Lai Peng urged, leading Lin Feng away.
"Understood!" Lin Feng replied, quickly accompanying Lai Peng. His mind was already buzzing with excitement about the upcoming appraisal event.
Meanwhile, as he watched Lin Feng being led away by Lai Peng, Jiang Chen's mind was ablaze with thoughts. He was pondering over ways to undermine Lin Feng's moment of glory and prevent him from gaining any accolades at the appraisal event.
Just then, Ning Xian's melodious voice broke his train of thought. "Young Master Jiang Chen, what's on your mind? Let's go and enjoy a walk!" Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she spoke. Her fair, unblemished skin, bright eyes, and sparkling teeth were truly enchanting.
Snapped back to reality, Jiang Chen replied with a discreet smile, "Ah, yes, let's go!" He couldn't help but notice that his connection with Ning Xian was slowly but surely deepening.
Shortly after, Jiang Chen, Ning Xian, and Qiu Liaoxi resumed their stroll, moving forward. As they ambled along, Jiang Chen was deep in thought, barely noticing the lively marketplace around him.
'Lin Feng has already confirmed his attendance at the appraisal event,' he mused inwardly, his mind working rapidly. 'I can't change that fact, so I need to think from different angles.'
'At the event, if Lin Feng aims to showcase his skills and outshine others, he'll need opponents, an audience, and items to appraise.'
'In that case, I should focus on influencing these factors. Lai Peng still has many places to visit and other appraisers to invite.' Jiang Chen concluded confidently to himself, 'I have time to plan my next move!'
With a subtle move, he discreetly took out his transmission jade token. Concealed by his robe sleeve and the Moondust Ring, he sent his covert instructions to Elder Ge:
"Regarding the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce's upcoming appraisal competition, where Lin Feng is set to participate, issue an order. No one from our Jiang Clan, or anyone affiliated with us, should take part in this competition, either as competitors or observers. They must decline any invitations received!"
"Immediately get in touch with all well-known appraisers in Autumn Glory City, and persuade them against attending the appraisal event!"
"Spare no effort in contacting the owners of items to be appraised at the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce event. Offer to buy their treasures at any price, thereby compelling them to withdraw their items from the competition!"
"Find ways to keep key figures of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce away from the appraisal competition. Also, tell my uncle to negotiate with them to set mundane rewards for the event, such as spiritual stones or other common treasures."
"Make sure all these actions are carried out secretly, and our identities remain hidden!"