Chapter 125: How Much is the Appraisal Fee?

Chapter 125: How Much is the Appraisal Fee?

"The very reason the old lady wants you two to stay is because she's worried about being deceived," Zhao Lin said. "Xin Yi, Xiao Tian, you brothers must protect the old lady and prevent her from being scammed by that so-called expert from online."

"An old expert? How old?" Gong Xin Yi asked.

"The same age as Grandma," Madame Gong said somewhat shyly. "Actually, he's also a friend of mine from online; we've known each other for half a month."

"Heaven forbid, could it be..." Online dating?

Zhou Tian didn't dare to say the last three words out loud, whispering in Gong Xin Yi's ear, "Cousin, I think the clamshell appraisal is fake, and the real intention is an online date."

Zhao Lin pulled Gong Xin Yi and Zhou Tian aside, whispering, "The person's online nickname is 'Autumn Water Traceless.' He's been chatting with the old lady for half a month, and only last night did he reveal he's an archaeologist, claiming to be the long-retired archaeology PhD, 'Leng Qingqiu.'

I checked online, and 'Leng Qingqiu' indeed is an archaeology expert, famous in his youth before suddenly disappearing.

I can believe Leng Qingqiu is an expert, but I can't believe the old lady's online friend is him. You must help the old lady discern the truth, to prevent the Gong family's fortune from falling into the hands of a stranger."

Zhou Tian was somewhat panicked, lowering his voice to Gong Xin Yi, "Cousin, we really need to advise Grandma well, in case that old man is a scammer aiming to marry her for the Gong family's fortune."

Gong Xin Yi also felt the matter was too serious, so he asked Madame Gong, "Grandma, how much is the online expert charging for the appraisal?"

If the charge is high, it means the person is just looking to make money. If it's low, or even free, then the old man's target might be the entire Gong family!

Madame Gong chuckled, "No charge! The appraisal is free!"

"No charge?" Zhou Tian immediately became anxious, "Then he must be a scammer, Grandma, you mustn't believe him!"

Zhao Lin added, "Yes, Mom, something that's free is definitely a trap. The archaeologist from yesterday charged you a hundred thousand yuan for the appraisal fee. This person asking for nothing definitely has other motives!"

Madame Gong nodded, "You're right, he does have other motives. He works at an orphanage and is very kind-hearted. In consideration of our online friendship, he doesn't want any appraisal fee, but he suggested that after the appraisal, he hopes I would make a donation to the orphanage, however much I wish."

"Hah, an orphanage, it's just an excuse," Zhou Tian concluded that the old online friend was a scammer and sat down on the sofa, "Fine, my cousin and I will wait for him. I want to see what kind of scammer he is!"

Thinking of the clamshell fragments belonging to Leng Xi Yue, Gong Xin Yi discussed with Madame Gong, "Grandma, let Leng Xi Yue come to the scene, after all, she is the owner of the clamshell fragments."

"No!" Madame Gong firmly refused, "I allow you to tell her the results, but she is not allowed to set foot in here."

Then she sternly added, "I've also invited a few old friends over; they all brought antiques, hoping to have the expert appraise them. They will all have lunch here; you and Xiao Tian prepare well to help me host them."

"I'm not having lunch here; I'll leave after the appraisal!" Gong Xin Yi stated.

"Then you might as well leave now!" Madame Gong erupted.

"Fine, I'll leave!" Gong Xin Yi stood up angrily.

"Cousin!" Zhou Tian grabbed Gong Xin Yi, "Aren't you worried Grandma will be scammed? What if that person is a swindler with malicious intent, and you regret it too late?"

Gong Xin Yi sighed and ultimately decided to stay.

……

Jin Family Inn.

At this moment, Leng Xi Yue was bustling in the kitchen, having prepared twenty signature dishes in one morning: eight meat dishes, eight vegetarian dishes, two desserts, and two soups.

Once the lavish dishes were served, everyone was drawn by the aroma.

"Wow, it smells so good, Mommy's cooking is really amazing!"

"Yeah, I'm drooling already."

The six adorable girls came over one by one, eyeing the dishes full of color, aroma, and flavor, eager to start eating immediately.

"Mommy, do we wait for Daddy?"