Chapter - 5745

The entire process of Timothy Carey's acting quickly spread throughout the industry group, arousing great anticipation among the onlookers who eagerly clicked on the video as soon as they received it.

In the video, Timothy Carey's acting skills reached the pinnacle, effortlessly concealing any trace of pretense. Viewers could also witness the bronze Buddha's deceptive resemblance to a valuable artifact. If they had seen it in person, they too might have been fooled.

Witnessing Timothy Carey's astute ability to see through the tricks of the counterfeiters, admiration swelled within the crowd. As the saying goes, true expertise can be discerned through action, and Timothy Carey vividly exemplified the essence of this adage in the video.

No matter how well the counterfeiters disguised their wares, they were no match for a true expert like Timothy Carey. With just a glance, he could discern that the item before him was a modern creation masquerading as an ancient relic, with a base from the Xuande Year of the Ming Dynasty to deceive unsuspecting viewers.

This revelation caused many professionals in the industry to reevaluate Timothy Carey's abilities.

Since Timothy Carey took over Vintage Deluxe, the store's performance had been on the decline. Some had attributed this to Timothy Carey's lack of competence. However, it was now clear to everyone that Timothy Carey possessed more than enough skills to excel in his role, and the decline in performance was likely due to the overall downturn in the industry and the scarcity of valuable items. It was not Timothy Carey's fault.

Praises for Timothy Carey flooded the group, elevating his spirits and fueling a sense of pride within him. He believed that after tonight, he would become the most remarkable figure on the antique street. The legend surrounding him would undoubtedly grow more illustrious as it spread, greatly enhancing his standing in the industry.

At that moment, someone in the group suggested, "Manager Carey, I have a short video account with over 10,000 followers. If you give me verbal authorization, I can upload this video to my account. Maybe you'll become a sensation!"

Others chimed in agreement, "Yes, yes! Let's share it on short video platforms! Videos about appraising treasures are trending right now. Manager Carey, if this video is uploaded, you'll definitely gain fame!"

"Great idea! I'll share it too. Although I don't have many followers, I have over 3,000!"

Upon hearing this, Timothy Carey's excitement surged. He pondered, "Could I become an internet celebrity with just this video? It must be quite challenging, right?"

Yet, he quickly dismissed his doubts, thinking, "What's so difficult about it? Just a few days ago, a cute girl became popular for saying a single word in a powerful manner. She even dominated the rankings for several days. I, Timothy Carey, possess the courage, strategy, and discernment to recognize fakes. If I upload this video online, I might become a recognized expert in treasure appraisal!"

With determination in his voice, he spoke to the others, "I don't mind personally, so if you all want to share it, go ahead. But let me remind you, although I don't care about my image rights, it's best to blur the face of the scammer. Otherwise, if he causes trouble for you, you might get banned or even have to pay compensation."

Assured by his caution, the others agreed, "Don't worry, we'll only show your face, Manager Carey!"

Timothy Carey breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't want to expose Zachary's underling just for the sake of his own fame. By requesting that these individuals blur the face of Zachary's underling, he could rest easy.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he hastily added, "Oh, whoever shares it, don't forget to send me the link."

Seeing the main person's agreement, everyone had no reason to hesitate. They downloaded the video onto their phones and uploaded it to the short video platforms.

Within moments, multiple short video links were sent.

Timothy Carey quickly reviewed each one, assessing the number of followers each person had. Determined, he gritted his teeth and secretly gave the person with the most followers 5,000 dollars for promotion.

In his mind, although 5,000 dollars was a significant sum, it was a worthwhile investment in promoting himself.

Timothy Carey was a shrewd individual. He targeted the local users in Aurous Hill during his promotion. He understood that 5,000 wouldn't garner much attention if he didn't limit the promotion to a specific area. By focusing on Aurous Hill's antique circle, he aimed to establish himself as a local authority on antiques. From there, he planned to expand his reputation gradually, encompassing the entire province, the eastern region of China, and eventually the entire country.

His goal was to ensure that as many Aurous Hill locals as possible would see him. It would be ideal if Jasmine, the chairman of the Moore Group, came across the video. If he could capture her attention, success would be within his grasp!

Soon, aided by the 5,000 dollar boost, the video began to gain popularity in Aurous Hill.

The video quickly surpassed 10,000 views and within minutes, it exceeded 50,000 views.

Comments flooded in, with many praising Timothy Carey's extraordinary professionalism. Even a cunning scammer was effortlessly exposed by him at first glance.

Timothy Carey sent the video link to Zachary, who opened it and played it in front of Jacob.

Curious, Jacob asked, "Zachary, what's this?"

Zachary smiled and replied, "Chairman Wilson, since we couldn't post a video of Felix being fooled, I've prepared a comparison video that will make him look even more foolish!"

He handed his phone to Jacob and continued, "Take a look, Chairman Wilson. Once this video is released, Felix ,will undoubtedly lose face."

Jacob watched the video, recognizing the person in it, and exclaimed, "Isn't that Timothy Carey, the manager of Vintage Deluxe?"

Zachary nodded, "Indeed, it is him. Originally, his skills were inferior to Felix's, but this operation will make people think Felix ,is far worse. He won't be able to continue running his store. Finding a job at an antique shop in Aurous Hill will become impossible for him!"

Jacob, not the sharpest tool in the shed, failed to grasp Zachary's dual intentions. Nonetheless, he acknowledged Zachary's cunning and thought to himself, "Zachary, you've done it again!"

Zachary smirked and said, "Chairman Wilson, tonight, Felix's reputation will be utterly destroyed. If he doesn't leave tonight, he won't have a chance to save face!"

"Alright, alright!" Jacob nodded proudly, a smile playing on his lips. "I'll pay Peter a visit. If he can't endure the night and leaves, then he'll miss his chance!"

Zachary interjected hastily, "President Wilson, do consider. If he suspects your involvement in this, won't it make him angry?"

Jacob arched an eyebrow, a hint of disdain coloring his tone. "Me afraid of him? He's no longer the big shot at Vintage Deluxe. Should I cower before him? He's just suffered a setback and lost his dignity. Fear him? I, Jacob, am a skilled calligrapher and painter. That association's vice-president is merely an old relic clinging to his last breath. Fear him?"

With a determined adjustment of his collar, Jacob snorted derisively. "I'll pay him a visit, just to put him in his place! Thinks he's untouchable? Let's see if he still feels invincible after this!"

Zachary chuckled in agreement, "Absolutely right, sir! People like him need to be taken down a peg or two!"

Zachary quickly added, "But Chairman Wilson, I'll quietly follow you. If he tries anything, I'll rush in to help. If he doesn't dare to do anything, you can deal with him as you please."

"Alright!" Jacob, wary of a physical confrontation, nodded in agreement. "Let's go, I'll go first, and you can follow me and take appropriate action!"

...

In the teahouse, Charlie, realizing that Felix had discovered the trap, felt a sense of relief.

His father-in-law had attempted to deceive him but ended up sabotaging himself. Although Charlie suspected that his father-in-law had made some money, he hadn't suffered any actual losses. However, knowing his father-in-law's temperament, Charlie anticipated several days of discomfort and loss of appetite once he discovered that he had handed over millions in profits.

Yet, Charlie viewed this as a positive development.

His father-in-law needed a reality check, even if it meant facing a harsh truth. He'd rather sabotage opportunities than let Peter succeed. This ordeal would surely haunt him for a while, like a nagging nightmare.

And Zachary? Charlie made a mental note to set him straight too. He had brains, sure, but they needed to be employed wisely. Otherwise, a lesson or two might be in order.

Just as Charlie was about to leave the teahouse and head home, a familiar figure sauntered into view at the street corner below.

It was none other than his father-in-law, Jacob, sporting a smug grin.

And sneaking behind him? Zachary, of course.

Charlie couldn't help but think, "Is this a setup?"

So, he settled back into his seat, ready for the show.

Meanwhile, Peter busied himself photographing a Bronze Buddha in the shop. He knew of certain online platforms where antique aficionados congregated. He intended to list the Buddha at a price slightly lower than market value to entice potential buyers.

These websites operated discreetly, much like exclusive clubs, relying on word-of-mouth among elite collectors. Membership was reserved for those with clout. Thus, anonymity was guaranteed.

Peter registered a new account, paying a hefty fee for the privilege. Feeling secure in the anonymity, he confidently posted images and details of the Buddha, pricing it at a cool 20 million.

To him, it seemed reasonable given the Buddha's historical significance. And with scarcity in mind, he expected a quick sale.

But just as he began crafting the listing, a knock interrupted him.

He glanced up to see Jacob peering through the window.

Peter recognized him immediately. He had been cozying up to Jacob in hopes of luring Charlie to Vintage Deluxe. Seeing him now, Peter realized today's events were no coincidence.

In that instant, he found himself unable to stifle a laugh, realizing inwardly: "So, that individual was acting on Jacob's orders..."

Amused, he opened the door, meeting Jacob's smug gaze.

"Ah, Mr. Wilson, a surprise to see you," Peter greeted with a hint of sarcasm.

Jacob chuckled. "Back already, Cole? Why no heads up on WeChat? You've got my contact."

Peter feigned innocence. "Sorry, Mr. Wilson. Keeping things low-key this time."

Jacob said with a smile, "You're quite the modest one, aiming to amass wealth quietly, aren't you?"

Peter smiled in return and replied, "Oh, I wouldn't dare. My aspirations are modest—I simply wish to return to Aurous Hill and engage in some small-scale ventures. I wouldn't dream of striking it rich."

"Exactly." Jacob sneered, jabbing his finger at Peter. "Old Cole, Old Cole, you're a sly one! You stumble upon a goldmine, yet you play coy about it. Who'd buy into that?"

Peter hesitated for a moment, then replied with a smile, "Ah, Mr. Wilson, your sources are truly impeccable. Yes, I've just acquired an item, and the word's already out."

With a touch of humility, he added, "It's true, I got lucky with this find. Honestly, it caught me off guard. I never anticipated such a windfall."

Jacob's tone dripped with disdain. "You're still living in a dreamworld, aren't you?"

"Me?" Peter asked, taken aback. "What do you mean, Mr. Wilson?"

Jacob retorted sarcastically, "Take a look at the short video site; you're already a legend in the Aurous Hill antique scene! They've dubbed you 'The Antique Street Old Moneybags.' Quite the achievement, Manager Cole!"