Chapter 42
Chapter 42:
After the opening concert wrapped up, the main event of the evening, the auction, was poised to begin. Interestingly, Phillip and Emalee found their seats were quite close to Ashton’s. Phillip cast a sidelong glance at Ashton, now basking in the limelight, and his dissatisfaction was palpable.
In Phillip’s view, the concert had merely been a precursor. Even though Ashton had captured some attention, he considered him just a minor distraction. The true luminary would be the one who excelled at the auction.
Phillip took great pride in his deep knowledge of antiques. He felt certain that he would outperform Ashton. Seizing an opportunity to redeem his reputation in front of Emalee, Phillip raised his voice. “Some folks show up at auctions just to strut around. They lack any real understanding of these exquisite artifacts. I hope they recognize their limitations and keep silent, or they risk becoming the butt of the joke here in Inewood!” He let his gaze drift pointedly toward Ashton, making his target unmistakable.
Ashton, overhearing the jab, simply smiled and offered no reply. Phillip’s attempts to unsettle Ashton didn’t stop there. He lobbed several more cutting remarks, aiming to provoke Ashton into making a public gaffe. Yet, Ashton remained composed, his smile steady, as he waited for the auction to commence.
It was Ivan who detected the simmering tension. Perceiving the unresolved discord between Phillip and his student, Ivan decided it was time to intervene on behalf of his student. With a casual yet firm smile, Ivan spoke up. “All right, young man, I’ve taken note of your cautionary words. As an antiquity myself, I admit my expertise in antiques isn’t profound. I’ll maintain my silence during the auction to spare myself any embarrassment. Does that appease you p>
Ivan’s remarks, though delivered in a light-hearted manner, clearly conveyed his disapproval and a warning to Phillip. Upon hearing Ivan’s intervention, other dignitaries around them began to criticize Phillip.
“How can you address Professor Stewart in such a disrespectful manner p>
𝕄ØЯE 𝕌PĐΛTΞŞ IИ GΛŁИØVΞŁŞ.ᑕØᗰ
“Be quiet! Who gave you the right to mock Professor Stewart p>
Ashton, seeing the support from his mentor, shook his head with a wry smile. He played along, adding, “Professor Stewart, don’t fret. I’ll explain each item during the auction so you can fully appreciate their allure as well p>
The crowd’s sharp rebukes quickly silenced Phillip. He closed his mouth with a scowl, though his bitterness lingered. In his head, he dismissed Ashton’s earlier assurance as mere bravado.
Phillip harbored a grim expectation, silently hoping for Ashton to falter in his explanations of the auction items. He was eager for a chance to have the last laugh and witness Ashton’s potential embarrassment during the auction.
The auctioneer soon commenced the event, and the first item was presented. It was a stunning piece of antique porcelain, adorned with intricate designs that suggested both mystery and immense value.
Seeing an opportunity, Phillip couldn’t resist another jab at Ashton. “Earlier, you seemed ready to lecture us all, Ashton. What’s the hold-up? Go on, enlighten Mr. Stewart about what makes this piece of porcelain exceptional p>
Then, turning to Ivan, Phillip took the moment to frame his previous remarks. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stewart. My earlier words weren’t aimed at you. I was merely concerned that you might be swayed by unsubstantiated claims. Rest assured, if others falter in their explanations, I’m here to offer a precise description p>
Ashton then took the floor. He began explaining, “This item is a classic example of ancient celadon ware. The rim of the bowl flares gently, while the body tapers smoothly down to a flat base. This design marries practicality with the sophisticated artistry of the ancient craftsmen. The celadon glaze is especially notable for its vibrant green shade, reminiscent of verdant mountains post-rainfall. This gives it a refreshing and almost mystical appearance, as if enveloped in a soft mist p>
But Ashton wasn’t finished yet. He went on to elaborate on the bowl’s creation, from the choice of clay, through the shaping and glazing processes to the meticulous temperature control needed during its firing. His detailed exposition surpassed the information in the auction catalog, captivating the audience with its depth and clarity.
Phillip, who had been poised to mock Ashton, found himself unexpectedly speechless and impressed. He hadn’t anticipated such a profound and insightful analysis from Ashton.