Chapter 23: The Battle Begins

"Hey, tell me, is Cheng Ziqiu just putting on an act? He's as calm as can be even though he’s staring down the barrel of a gun."

A junior clerk whispered to his colleague.

"Who knows? Maybe he’s just given up and is letting it all crash and burn."

The colleague pushed up his glasses, his face full of disdain. "What could a newcomer like him possibly know? He’s probably just here to pad his resume."

Cheng Ziqiu chuckled to himself.

*Pad his resume?*

*I’ve seen more gold in my life than I’d ever need to plate anything with. These small-time nobodies wouldn't know real treasure if it hit them in the face.*

Just then, Han Lishan strutted over, followed by a group of sycophants. He threw a scornful glance at Cheng Ziqiu and said in a snide, mocking tone:

"Little Brother Ziqiu, you’d better bring your A-game for the showdown later. Don't lose too miserably—it would be a disgrace to President Chen."

Cheng Ziqiu set down his tea cup, looked at Han Lishan with a half-smile, and drawled:

"Don't worry, Supervisor Han. I may not have many talents, but I do have a thick skin. Being embarrassed isn't exactly my specialty."

Han Lishan’s expression stiffened; he hadn't expected Cheng Ziqiu to be so dismissive. He let out a cold snort and flicked his sleeves, stalking away and leaving an awkward silence in his wake.

Meanwhile, the live-streaming setup area was in total chaos. With camera, lighting, and audio equipment in short supply, trying to launch two broadcasts simultaneously left resources stretched thin. A high-definition camera was being passed around like a prize, with staff members shoving each other over it.

"Let go, damn it! Teacher Han needs it urgently!"

"Like hell! Teacher Cheng’s broadcast is more important! President Chen gave the orders herself!"

"Pfft! Who do you think you are? Can you take the fall if you ruin things for Teacher Han?"

Chen Churan rubbed her temples. The sudden "Antique Appraisal Duel" had brought in traffic, but the logistical nightmare was giving her a migraine.

Cheng Ziqiu crossed his arms, watching the farce with great interest. The staff were all Han Lishan’s old subordinates; this struggle wasn't really about equipment—it was about choosing sides.

"Enough, that’s enough! Stop arguing!" Chen Churan shouted, putting an end to the brawl. "Since there isn't enough equipment, then—"

Before she could finish, Cheng Ziqiu interrupted.

"President Chen, don't worry about it. I’ll just use my phone for the stream."

"Use your phone?" Chen Churan was stunned. "Isn't that a bit too unprofessional?"

"Yep, just the phone," Cheng Ziqiu said, looking relaxed. "Phone cameras have high enough resolution these days, and it’s more down-to-earth. It’s better for interacting with the viewers."

He knew that even if he fought for the best equipment, these people wouldn't work with him in good faith. Rather than endure their petty sabotage, he’d rather go it alone.

Chen Churan hesitated, then nodded in agreement. She didn't have the energy to deal with these trifles anymore, and besides, Cheng Ziqiu’s logic wasn't entirely wrong.

And so, Han Lishan occupied all the professional equipment to build a luxurious studio, while Cheng Ziqiu was left with only a phone, a tripod, and a clean table.

Before the broadcast began, Han Lishan led his entourage past Cheng Ziqiu’s "shabby studio," wearing a look of unconcealed mockery.

"Cheng Ziqiu, are you ready?" Han Lishan stopped, looking at him with a smirk. "Don't forget our bet. Whoever loses packs their bags and gets out."

Cheng Ziqiu shrugged, looking indifferent. "Don't worry. I may not have many skills, but I’m perfectly capable of keeping my job."

With that, he pulled out his phone, opened the streaming app, and flashed a roguish grin at the lens.

"Alright folks, don't miss out! Today, I’m going to show you what real antique appraisal looks like!"

Han Lishan snorted in disdain and entered his luxurious studio. It was bright, sparkling with professional lighting and equipment—practically a mini television set. Compared to that, Cheng Ziqiu’s setup, with nothing but a table and a phone, looked like a roadside stall.

*This kid is just killing himself to save face,* Han Lishan thought with satisfaction. *With a setup that pathetic, how many viewers could he possibly attract?*

The broadcast began.

Han Lishan was in high spirits. In front of him sat a bronze tripod, its ancient patterns glowing under the studio lights.

"My friends, this Western Zhou bronze tripod is a treasure I managed to acquire from an old collector! Look at the patina, look at the craftsmanship—it’s undoubtedly authentic!" Han Lishan was spitting with excitement, pointing at the *taotie* pattern on the tripod. "See that? The eyes of the *taotie* are piercing; you can tell at a glance it was used by the royal family!"

[Teacher Han is a true master! His eloquence and knowledge are unmatched!]

[That wine vessel is worth a fortune! I’m so jealous of the guy who gets to video chat with him!]

[Teacher Han, look at my treasure, it’s an ancestral chamber pot, please appraise it!]

The shills were working hard, sending gifts and pumping up the atmosphere in the studio to a fever pitch.

On the other hand, Cheng Ziqiu’s side was desolate, with only a handful of viewers.

[Who is this guy? Looks pretty pathetic.]

[Is he just trying to leech off the hype? He doesn't even have a decent antique.]

[Let’s go, let’s go watch Master Han. It’s much livelier over there.]

Occasionally, a few viewers who grew tired of waiting in line for Han Lishan would, out of curiosity, connect to Cheng Ziqiu’s stream.

A middle-aged man held up a cracked porcelain bowl and asked cautiously, "Young man, can you see if this bowl is worth anything? My ancestors said it was from the Song Dynasty."

Cheng Ziqiu glanced at it, his tone flat. "Modern craft. Worth five bucks."

"Huh? No way? My ancestors..."

The man tried to argue, but Cheng Ziqiu cut him off. "Next."

Another young man held up a copper coin and said excitedly, "This is a Qin 'Ban Liang'! I’ve had it appraised by experts!"

Cheng Ziqiu glanced at it again. "Fake. Worth twenty-five cents."

The young man was dumbfounded. "This... how is that possible?"

Cheng Ziqiu waved his hand impatiently. "Next!"

A string of viewers brought in worthless trinkets, and his viewer count continued to dwindle. Chen Churan checked the backend data, her brows furrowed. The gap was too wide! If this continued, Cheng Ziqiu would certainly lose.

She couldn't help but walk over to Cheng Ziqiu’s station and whisper, "Cheng Ziqiu, can you take this seriously? Show them some real skills!"

Cheng Ziqiu lazily picked at his ear, looking unbothered. "What’s the rush? The real show is just beginning."

He cleared his throat and switched to a mysterious tone.

"Brothers, basic appraisal is too boring. Let’s play something exciting!"

"From now on, as long as you connect with me and pan your camera around every corner of your house, I will find the most valuable item you own!"

"That’s right, you heard me! It’s that simple! A chance to get rich overnight is right in front of you—don't regret it if you miss out!"

As soon as he said this, the chat exploded.

[Holy crap, for real? This guy has some guts to say that.]

[Are we at the point where even fortune tellers are live-streaming antique appraisals?]

[What if it's true? Take a gamble, turn your bicycle into a motorcycle!]

[Hahaha, my house is full of treasures—my wife, my kids, and a warm bed!]

[To the guy above: your wife and kids are treasures, but you? You're just a joke!]

Han Lishan heard Cheng Ziqiu’s words from his studio and scoffed. "Grandstanding! Just a bunch of smoke and mirrors!"