Chapter Two: Three Million for an Old Mirror

They wanted it declared fake, then seized cheaply. “Master Xu is right,” Chenzhou said. “Destroy it according to policy. Melting it will settle the alloy ratio.” Zhao's glass struck the table. “Wait.” “Why worry about worthless junk?” Livestream cameras turned. Chenzhou opened the hidden panel and announced that the real sample sat in the second shelf of Xu's left-hand safe. Security opened it. The room erupted. Metallurgy and seal genealogy appeared on the main display: authentic, estimated at 2.4 to 3 million. Xu went white. Zhao recovered quickly and bid three million. “Four million,” called a bright voice from the rear. A short-haired woman held the paddle.