You went on a blind date and presented an A-level wanted criminal as a meeting gift?

As night falls, the lights are on.

The State Guesthouse in Beijing is ablaze with starlight tonight, a gathering of celebrities.

One after another, top-of-the-line luxury cars came to a slow stop in front of the red-carpeted gate, like a swarm of locusts crossing a river.

Those who stepped out of the car were all business tycoons, popular celebrities, and renowned artists who were well-known in Beijing and even across the country.

They were impeccably dressed, with sophisticated yet aloof smiles on their faces, holding champagne, chatting and moving about under the crystal chandeliers, creating a vivid picture of high society.

This is the scene of the charity auction dinner hosted by Zhao Tiansheng.

Unlike the other jeweled female companions, the one accompanying Lin Chen tonight was Jiang Tingxue.

She wore a simple black off-shoulder dress, without any extra jewelry. Her cool and aloof, unadorned face and her indifferent eyes that seemed to see through people's hearts were enough to make her the focus of the entire room in an instant.

She is like an ice lotus blooming on the summit of a snow-capped mountain, noble and pure, completely out of place with the surrounding noise and extravagance.

She wasn't used to this kind of occasion, but as long as she could stay by Lin Chen's side, she would gladly endure any hardship, even if it meant going through fire and water.

She simply held Lin Chen's arm quietly, like a most loyal shadow.

"Lin Chen, look at that person."

Jiang Tingxue suddenly lowered her voice and cast her cold gaze at a middle-aged man not far away, who was surrounded by a crowd like a star.

The man was around fifty years old, dressed in a well-tailored dark Zhongshan suit, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and his hair was neatly combed.

With a gentle and refined smile on his face, he was chatting and laughing with the powerful and influential people around him. Every gesture he made exuded the composure of a person in a high position and the elegance of an intellectual.

He is Zhao Tiansheng.

"Yes, I saw it."

Lin Chen's gaze was calm as still water, but the faint curve at the corner of his mouth carried a hint of amusement.

Just then, as if sensing Lin Chen's gaze, Zhao Tiansheng also looked over.

The moment his gaze met Lin Chen's, the smile on his face not only didn't change, but became even more gentle and friendly.

Holding his wine glass, he pushed through the crowd and walked straight toward Lin Chen and Jiang Tingxue.

This move immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Everyone watched with curiosity, wondering who this person was that could make the protagonist of the night, the great philanthropist Mr. Zhao Tiansheng, take the initiative to befriend him.

"This must be Lin Chen, the consultant who has recently risen to fame in the capital, right?"

Zhao Tiansheng stood in front of Lin Chen with a friendly smile and a gentle tone, like a spring breeze.

"I've heard so much about you! I've heard so much about you!"

Lin Chen looked at him and sneered inwardly.

What a cunning old fox!

Even though she knew perfectly well that he was the target, she still managed to act so flawlessly, even taking the initiative and adopting an attitude of being respectful and appreciative of younger generations.

This level of composure is indeed far beyond what a reckless brute like Ghost, who only knows how to fight and kill, can match.

"Mr. Zhao, you're too kind."

Lin Chen smiled in an equally harmless manner.

"I'm just a lowly police officer on a paycheck, I can't compare to a great philanthropist like you, Mr. Zhao, who serves the country and its people."

"Hehe, Consultant Lin is too modest."

Zhao Tiansheng glanced at Jiang Tingxue next to Lin Chen seemingly unintentionally, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he returned to his sanctimonious demeanor.

He raised his glass and said meaningfully:

"I've heard that Advisor Lin has recently solved a series of major cases, making outstanding contributions to the security of the capital."

"He's really accomplished at such a young age."

He then changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of an elder "advising" a younger person.

"However, young people, being too sharp can sometimes lead to being broken."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding air seemed to freeze.

This is a statement that seems concerned, but is actually full of threats and warnings!

Everyone present was shrewd; who couldn't sense the tension in the air?

Zhao Tiansheng is giving Lin Chen a warning!

Jiang Tingxue's hand, which was holding Lin Chen's arm, tightened unconsciously.

Lin Chen, however, seemed oblivious to any hidden meaning, and his smile only grew brighter.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Zhao."

"But I'm tough. Usually, I'm the one who breaks others, but no one can break me."

boom!

If Zhao Tiansheng's words were laced with hidden meaning, then Lin Chen's response was a blatant provocation!

For the first time, a barely perceptible stiffness appeared on Zhao Tiansheng's smile.

He never expected that this young man would be so ungrateful as to dare to contradict him in front of so many people!

Just as the atmosphere became tense, the host on stage announced that the charity auction had officially begun.

Zhao Tiansheng gave Lin Chen a deep look, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

He snorted coldly and turned to walk to the center of the first row.

The show is about to begin.

One valuable item after another was presented for auction, and the celebrities present raised their paddles one after another, creating a lively atmosphere.

Soon, the final item was carefully carried up by two hostesses dressed in cheongsams.

It was a bronze incense burner with an ancient and simple design, a thick patina, and a radiant glow.

"Distinguished guests!"

The host introduced it in an extremely enthusiastic tone.

"Next up is our grand finale tonight! A Ming Dynasty Xuande incense burner, donated by Mr. Zhao Tiansheng from his private collection!"

The audience erupted in gasps and enthusiastic applause.

Zhao Tiansheng stood up, bowed slightly to everyone, and his face returned to that compassionate philanthropist look.

He picked up the microphone and spoke with great emotion:

"I acquired this Xuande incense burner by chance in my early years and have always treasured it."

"But today, for the sake of those children still suffering in the mountains, I am willing to part with this treasure! The starting bid for this furnace is 100 million, and no matter how much it ultimately sells for, I, Zhao, will personally double that amount and donate it all to Project Hope!"

"Whoosh—"

The audience erupted in applause!

"President Zhao is truly of noble character!"

"This is a true philanthropist! They have guts!"

"This Xuande incense burner is in such perfect condition, its estimated value is at least 300 million! Mr. Zhao is truly amazing!"

Hearing the thunderous praise around him, Zhao Tiansheng's face broke into a satisfied smile. This was exactly the effect he wanted.

He turned his head and, with a victorious air, glanced defiantly at Lin Chen in the corner.

His eyes seemed to say: See that? Kid, this is my power! What do you think you can fight me with?

However, what he saw was the undisguised, intense mockery on Lin Chen's face!

Just as everyone was preparing to start a frenzied bidding war.

A lazy yet clear voice that echoed throughout the entire venue rang out.

"Pfft."

Lin Chen actually burst out laughing.

That abrupt sneer, like a sharp knife, instantly shattered the warm and harmonious atmosphere.

All eyes immediately turned to Lin Chen.

The smile on Zhao Tiansheng's face froze completely.

"Consultant Lin, what are you laughing at?"

Zhao Tiansheng's tone was already filled with barely suppressed anger.

Under everyone's gaze, Lin Chen stood up gracefully, strode confidently, and walked directly onto the auction stage!

He completely ignored the host's attempts to stop him, and unlike those so-called experts, he didn't put on white gloves.

[Divine Treasure Appraisal]! Activated!

[God-level Materials Science Mastery]! Unlocked!

In an instant, countless invisible data streams appeared in Lin Chen's eyes on that so-called "Xuande incense burner".

[Item: Imitation Ming Dynasty Xuande Incense Burner]

【Material: Modern electrolytic copper (92% purity), zinc alloy (5%), trace amounts of lead and tin】

[Process: Lost-wax casting, surface chemical aging, strong acid corrosion to create a fake patina]

[Actual timeframe: No more than three months]

[Total cost: No more than 3,000 RMB]

Rubbish!

Completely industrial waste!

Lin Chen walked up to the incense burner, and to everyone's astonishment, he bent his finger and flicked the burner hard!

"Buzz—"

A dull, short, and utterly monotonous "plop" sound rang out in the silent meeting room.

It completely lacks the crisp, melodious, and continuous humming sound that ancient bronzes should have!

Those in the know immediately changed their expressions!

Lin Chen turned around and looked at Zhao Tiansheng, whose face had turned deathly pale, with an expression as if he were looking at an idiot.

"Mr. Zhao, I find your charity disgusting."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a series of resounding slaps, striking Zhao Tiansheng's face, and also the faces of everyone who had just flattered him!

"You dare to bring a pile of modern electrolytic copper and zinc alloys, chemically aged to imitate industrial waste, costing less than three thousand yuan in total, and claim it will fetch three hundred million yuan in front of all the celebrities in Beijing, to launder your shady money?"

"Zhao Tiansheng, do you think everyone is a fool?!"

Lin Chen's voice, like a thunderclap from the heavens, resounded throughout the banquet hall of the state guesthouse!

The entire venue was deathly silent!

Everyone was stunned, their minds blank!

At this moment, Zhao Tiansheng's hypocritical face lost all color and became as stiff as if he were wearing a plaster mask!