CHAPTER 1189: CHAPTER 237: SILVER TONGUE, SATISFYING JUSTICE

"Oh, it’s Miss Ye! Miss Ye truly has a kind heart, donating such a precious painting for auction."

"Indeed, like mother like daughter. Back in the day, Lady Ye was quite the philanthropist too..."

The noblewomen, all of whom are keen on bolstering their reputations under the guise of charity, joined in to praise Ye Xiaoxiao upon hearing the host’s words, reminiscing about Lady Ye’s youthful generosity.

Ye Xiaoxiao stood proudly, head held high, her face full of pride.

Lady Ye’s smile was subtle, but upon closer inspection, her brows also showed signs of pride.

"Oh? It’s Miss Ye! They say one’s appearance reflects their mind, and surely your mind is as beautiful as your looks," Yun Ya said with a beaming smile. Others might perceive the compliment, but Ye Xiaoxiao felt every word was laden with sarcasm.

"It’s just a painting. It doesn’t serve much purpose at home. If it can bring warmth to more people by being donated, it has found its value," Ye Xiaoxiao replied skillfully, then eyed Yun Ya provocatively, "What’s wrong? Miss Ji, with your wealth, can’t spare even this little money?"

Yun Ya offered a gentle smile, captivating many onlookers, especially the men.

"Miss Ye mentioned finding value in things; I just feel this money isn’t well spent."

Ye Xiaoxiao frowned, "What do you mean? If you don’t want to spend, just say it. I won’t make fun of you."

Ye Xiaoxiao’s domineering nature was no secret. It was apparent to all that she was targeting Ji Yunya, attracting disdain, ridicule, and amusement.

Yun Ya didn’t respond, instead turning to the host, "Elder Master Qi Junxin’s ’Spring Light’ is a masterpiece handed down through generations. Can we have the privilege to see it today?" She smiled, "Miss Ye wouldn’t be so miserly, would she?"

Ye Xiaoxiao felt provoked, though rational thought warned her to remain calm. Yet, she couldn’t stand Ji Yunya’s arrogance. She sneered, "Do you think everyone is like you?" Then signaled the host, "Let some country bumpkins broaden their horizons."

The presenter walked onto the stage, wearing white gloves, took the painting from the box, and carefully unfolded it, displaying it to the audience.

The painting could sell for twenty million; partly due to Elder Master Qi Junxin’s reputation, partly because it genuinely seemed worthy. Some art enthusiasts stretched their necks to admire it, murmuring comments of appraisal.

Yun Ya, with keen sight, glanced at it lightly, and already had her suspicion.

The painting was undoubtedly a forgery.

Zhuang Xiyue sat in the front row, naturally more advantageous than those behind. Having been suspicious due to Yun Ya’s words, and being familiar with art evaluation due to her upbringing, she examined it closely and found issues. She trusted Yun Ya’s judgment more, sneering internally at the Ye Family’s impertinence, using a fake to deceive, treating everyone as fools.

"Certainly not worth it..." Yun Ya randomly uttered a statement.

Ye Xiaoxiao frowned at her, "What do you mean? Explain yourself clearly."

Yun Ya looked over with deep eyes; at that moment, Ye Xiaoxiao felt a sudden unease. Before she could speak, Yun Ya calmly remarked, "Spending millions in an auction for a forgery, am I too big-hearted, or does Miss Ye consider me a fool?"

Upon Yun Ya’s comment, the crowd paused briefly before erupting in discussion, gesturing towards Yun Ya and Ye Xiaoxiao.

Ye Xiaoxiao was infuriated but calmed down, "Forgery? Miss Ji, are you blind or do you just assume you know art appraisal? Laughable, would I, Ye Xiaoxiao, donate a fake? Or are you slandering because my earlier words upset you? Empty accusations, everyone here isn’t a fool for your deception. If you apologize now, I’ll let it slide, otherwise..."

Her words were certainly threatening. Most in the room believed Ye Xiaoxiao, given the Ye Family’s status, how could they present a forgery? Rather, they saw Ji Yunya as arrogant and conceited, questioning her expertise in art appraisal, so brazenly labeling it a fake.

Yun Ya didn’t get angry at such talk, smiling, "What if this painting is confirmed a forgery?"

Ye Xiaoxiao sneered, "Absolutely impossible."

"Then let’s make a bet: if the painting is genuine, you win; otherwise, I do, how about it?"