Elder Li's face grew stern, and he said, "Ruo Meng, don't make a fuss. There are rules in this business, and if the host hasn't invited you, you cannot enter. The antique trade is unlike other industries; the rules are very strict."
Qin Ruomeng was persistent, but Elder Li remained unmoved and even showed a trace of displeasure on his face.
For people of their old-fashioned mindset, rules were paramount. Even if Qin Ruomeng was the distinguished daughter of the Qin Family and could be the future leader, she could not make exceptions.
Not bowing for mere rice, nor bending to power, this was Elder Li's lifelong conduct. In appraising antiques, what was true was true and what was false was false. Even if a beggar brought a shabby bowl, as long as it was authentic, Elder Li would quote a fair price without any bias. But if it was a fake, even if a wealthy and influential business tycoon brought it, Elder Li would not hesitate to announce the result on the spot.
