Xin Jiuwei still remembers that her father lost his temper that time, and her brother was beaten as a form of family discipline, unable to get out of bed for half a month.

Although it wasn't as serious as betraying the party, many people saw how smug the elder brother was after winning first place. Everyone said that this young master Xin was not only eccentric but also stupid, and not worth taking seriously.

It was after that that the father completely gave up the idea of ​​letting his elder brother inherit the Xin family business.

Thinking of this, Xin Jiuwei quickly went to Xin Yunzhou and said, "Brother, you shouldn't go to the treasure appraisal event."

"Why?" Xin Yunzhou asked, displeased. "Even if you want to encourage me to study, you can't just not let me have any fun at all, or I'll become a bookworm."

Knowing she might not be able to persuade Xin Yunzhou, Xin Jiuwei had to change her approach, "Going is fine, but has brother decided what treasure to bring?"

Xin Yunzhou said, "Don't worry, sister. I asked my cousin to find me some good stuff in Qingzhou. It should be delivered tomorrow. I guarantee it will amaze everyone!"

Cousin and Qi Huaiyu have absolutely no connection, so Xin Jiuwei felt a little relieved, but she still advised, "That must be an excellent treasure. Brother, remember, the worst thing you can do in a battle is to change generals on the front lines. The same applies to this treasure appraisal competition. Once you've decided on a treasure, don't change it easily. That's how you'll have a better chance of winning."

Xin Yunzhou waved his hand, "I know, I know, little sister, you don't need to nag."

Listening to their conversation, Xin Xiyao felt that her younger brother was like a baby who needed to be coaxed. Seeing her younger sister's earnest and patient manner, she found it amusing. She took the book and left on her own.

Xin Jiuwei was still worried, and for several days she had Wang Qing keep an eye on Xin Yunzhou's movements.

Sure enough, the day before the treasure appraisal event, Wang Qing returned and said that she saw her brother's servant, A Yong, meet with a page named Xun Mo.

Xunmo was someone Xin Jiuwei had asked her father to arrange for Qi Huaiyu. Xin Jiuwei didn't interfere much, and Xunmo just continued to work for Qi Huaiyu.

Where did they meet?

“At the pawnshop entrance in the north of the city,” Wang Qing said. “But our men didn’t see what they went in to pawn. Miss, the young master has always treated A Yong well, why would he go to the pawnshop? Could he have gotten into some trouble?”

Xin Jiuwei was angry.

It wasn't Ah Yong who got into trouble, it was her stupid brother!

"I just can't persuade them."

She guessed that her brother was probably like he had been in her previous life, half-goaded and half-coaxed into pawning his valuables to buy that jade artifact from the previous dynasty, and that no matter how she tried to persuade him now, it would be useless.

So he had no choice but to make the arrangements: "Wang Qing, go and sort out the accounts of my brother's courtyard for the past few days; Mian Feng, take two guards and come with me tomorrow."

The following day, the appraisal event was held on the largest pleasure boat in Yingzhou, and almost all the young masters from the city's wealthy families and some literati who were interested in this art form came.

Halfway through the appraisal event, a man and a woman finally arrived late and boarded the ship hand in hand.

Upon seeing this, everyone rushed to greet them.

"Brother Qi, you've finally arrived!"

"It's been a few days since I last saw you, Brother Qi, you still look as dashing as ever."

"We've been waiting for Brother Qi to arrive for this occasion!"

Qi Huaiyu was dressed in a brocade robe that day, looking every bit the handsome young master.

Xue Yingxue remained dressed as always, elegant and refined, standing demurely to the side, occasionally responding to the compliments from the young men.

In Yingzhou City, no matter how big or small the gathering, as long as Qi Huaiyu was present, he would always be the center of attention.

Someone egged him on, saying, "Brother Qi, you're late today. You'd better show some sincerity!"

"Yes, yes," the others chimed in. "According to the rules, Brother Qi should pay the bill today!"

Xie Changjing, the Third Young Master Xie, was also in the crowd and interjected, "What rule? The rule is that whoever wins first pays. What, are you so sure that Brother Qi's treasure is the most outstanding?"

"Is there any doubt about it?" someone said. "With Brother Qi's strength, what treasures doesn't he have? We're just here to make a show and be there as supporting characters!"

The others chimed in, "That's right, that's right. With Brother Qi around, what need is there for us?"

"Brother Qi's talent and abilities are truly beyond our reach!"

Upon hearing this, Xie Sanshao laughed and said, "That's true! Brother Qi, thank you very much for paying the bill today!"

Qi Huaiyu, who was enjoying the adulation of everyone and feeling quite pleased with himself, stiffened his smile upon hearing about paying the bill.

The treasure appraisal event was so luxurious and grand, and this pleasure boat was one of the top money-spending dens in Yingzhou. In the past, it would have been fine if he had the Xin family's money, but now where did he get the money?

But with these people showering him with praise, and Xue Yingxue looking at him with admiration, how could he possibly refuse?

Qi Huaiyu gave the page a look, and the page nodded and got off the painted boat when no one was looking.

At worst, we can just ask Xin Jiuwei for money. No matter how much she throws a tantrum, does she expect us to let him lose face in public?

Thinking of this, Qi Huaiyu smiled gently, his gaze suddenly falling on Xin Yunzhou boarding the boat.

Another idea came to him, and he said loudly, "Brothers, you flatter me. In terms of wealth, how could I possibly compare to Brother Xin?"

Only then did everyone notice that Xin Yunzhou had walked over.

Xin Yunzhou was accompanied by A Yong, and he didn't give Qi Huaiyu a friendly look, but there was a hint of eagerness in his eyes.

He was determined to defeat Qi Huaiyu today!

But then Qi Huaiyu strode over and greeted him warmly with a cupped-hand salute, saying, "Brother, you're late today."

"Who's your older brother?" Xin Yunzhou asked warily.

Qi Huaiyu smiled, appearing not to care, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear:

"I know that Brother Xin has brought an extraordinary treasure today, and he will surely be aiming for the top spot. In that case, wouldn't we all be his juniors? We dare not compete with Brother Xin for glory."

Xin Yunzhou was straightforward and couldn't understand the subtle meaning in Qi Huaiyu's words. Hearing this, he couldn't help but feel a little smug.

"That's right, you'll be in for a big surprise later."

Upon hearing this, everyone became curious and gathered around, crowding around Xin Yunzhou as he walked towards the table.

"Brother Xin, is what you say true? What kind of treasure is it? Please let us see it!"

"If we're talking about someone, it has to be our Brother Xin. The strength of the Xin family goes without saying."

"Brother Xin, please take a seat!"

"Brother Xin, you have to treat us to a meal if you win!"

Seeing everyone surrounding Xin Yunzhou, Qi Huaiyu was not unhappy at all because his limelight had been stolen.

He knew Xin Yunzhou, and he also knew these young masters. Who among them truly respected Xin Yunzhou? They were all just curious, and wanted to see the spectacle and make a fool of Xin Yunzhou.

Qi Huaiyu smiled without saying a word, willingly standing outside the crowd, appearing humble and gentle.

Xin Yunzhou, flattered and overwhelmed, kept exclaiming, "It's all on me! It's all on me today!"

The crowd cheered again, and then someone suddenly said, "Brother Xin, quickly bring out the treasure so we can see it for ourselves!"