Save Myself from Desperation

Joseph winced, dropping that fake small bronze statue and making a beeline for the exit, desperate to scrub and disinfect his hands.

The appraisers nearby didn’t bat an eye since they've handled such things before.

“Yeah, I've heard my master spill the beans before. Burying fake bronze statues in an outhouse pit is a tricky way to fake authenticity.”

“Look, the rust on these two bronze statues is suspicious. None of it’s natural. They’re definitely knockoffs!”

“| mentioned earlier. The engravings could be bogus too. I’m on the same page. Ms. Ramos. | also think these small bronze statues are phony.”

The skeptical young appraiser shot Ashley a stare, staying mum with heavy breaths and turning red-faced.

Noah turned to Tobby who was baffled, saying, “The bronze statues you've got are fake. We can’t put them up for sale.” Tobby, gritting his teeth, argued, “How could they be fake?”

But StarGavel Auctions was the go-to, the real deal in the auction house game. That was why Tobby came here.

Noah grinned, subtly probing. “If you're not buying it, get someone else to take a look. Also, where’d you snag the bronze statues?”

Tobby avoided the question, growling in frustration, “Hold on. I’ve got another bronze statue here. I'll bring it over for you to check out.”

Ashley, a bit surprised, thought, ‘Another one?’

After that announcement, Tobby dashed out.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Noah looked at Ashley, respectfully asking, “Mind waiting a bit, Ms. Ramos?” Ashley replied, “Sure.”

After about half an hour, Joseph finally came back after washing his hands. Each hand was disinfected at least a hundred times, judging by the

red skin.

“Ashley...” Joseph said, eyes moist. ‘Oh, | am grimy. My hands are not 08:51

clean, he thought.

Ashley blinked. “It’s okay. You're not the first to lay hands on it. Besides, those bronze statues have changed hands so many times. They’re quite clean by now.”

Anearby appraiser chuckled, “Yeah, Mr. Fox, | touched them with my hands too. Just wash and disinfect. It’s no big deal.” Joseph felt a bit relieved. But he still wanted to wash his hands once again.

Soon. Tobby brought over another small bronze statue with anger and disbelief. “Give it a good look. Tell me if this is real or fake.”

Noah had someone carefully place it on a nearby table.

Ashley, back in gloves, bent down and gave it a thorough once-over.

The surrounding appraisers also gathered around, eager to see.

Ashley first checked out the rust and then scrutinized the inscription carved on it, her expression suddenly turning serious. “How’s it?” Joseph asked immediately.

This time, before Ashley spoke, he wouldn’t dare to touch anything at random.

Ashley stared intently at the inscription.

After a moment, Ashley turned to Noah, subtly nodding her head.

Noah was shocked. This is the real deal!’ he thought..

Seeing that Ashley didn’t immediately confirm its authenticity but instead signaled to him, Noah understood her meaning. He quietly left the private room and dialed the police.

After Noah made the call and returned, Ashley pretended to continue searching for a few more minutes. Tobby, impatient, urged, “Why's it taking so long this time?”

Joseph, protective, retorted, “What's the rush? Whether it’s real or fake, it’s right here. It isn’t going anywhere. Ashley looked at it for a few more minutes before slowly speaking. “Yep, this one’s the real deal.”

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Tobby’s eyes lit up with joy, and the steam from the fake statues “Well, at least one of them isn’t a knockoff.” van

Noah, wearing a sneaky grin, asked, “Where did you get this statue?”

Tobby casually brushed it off. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Help me hunt down some big shots, art collectors, or loaded folks.” A puzzled appraiser nearby threw shade. “Something feels off about this statue. Ms. Ramos.”

Tobby scowled. “What’s your deal? You aren’t gonna flip-flop and call it fake now, right?”

The appraiser waved it off. “Nah, not what | meant...”

While these two bickered, a bunch of cops barged in, bringing along some fancy folks in their middle ages.

Sharp-eyed appraisers recognized them. They were the big-shot director of the National Museum and a bunch of expert archaeologists.

Seeing the cops, Tobby went as pale as a ghost, stuttering. “What...what’s the deal here?” The top cop flashed his badge, talking tough, “We've got a tip about someone dealing in ancient swag.”

Ashley chimed in, “The inscription on it is from the Renaissance period, documenting the life of a noble. The legacy of this noble is under the custody of the state. How did you come across this statue?”

Joseph was shocked, wondering, ‘Is he a thief?’

Tobby, shaking like a leaf, denied, “I swear, | didn’t do that. | bough from someone else.” The cops moved in. “Come spill the beans at the station. Help us clea this up.”

Tobby, on the verge of a meltdown, shook as the law took him away.

Excited by Ashley’s words, the National Museum director beckoned to an archaeologist by waving his hand. “Edward, check this out.”

This archaeologist eyed it like a hawk, then beamed at Ashley. “You hit the bullseye! The scribbles do tell a noble’s story! This statue is legit, dating back to the Renaissance period. It’s remarkable that you were able

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to tell its history! These scribbles carry serious historical weight, goldmine for research.” Ashley smiled, “Got a bit of know-how in this area, so | could tell.”

a

The legit bronze statue got snatched by the pros, doing wonders for historical digs.

The archaeologist chuckled, “Not many decode these scribbles. You're more than just book-smart. You're slick with appraising. Are you also good at artifact restoration?

Those familiar with this field would know that appraising artifacts and restoring them share some similarities.

Nodding. Ashley spilled. “A bit.”

Smiling, the director was stoked. “You're a hotshot. Would you fancy a gig at the National Museum?”

Joseph scratched his head. ‘She is the specially appointed appraiser here. How can he openly poach her?’ he wondered. The director found a middle ground. “How about it? Let's swap digits. | might need your help down the road.”

Ashley pondered a second, pulling out her phone. “Sure.”

By now, Noah was downright bamboozled.

“Even the director of the National Museum showed up? He is raving about Ms. Ramos and asking for her digits. ‘StarGavel Auctions hit the jackpot!’ he thought.

This incident made headlines that afternoon. Rita Grant, a young fema appraiser from StarGavel Auctions, not only authenticated a bronze statue but also assisted the police in apprehending a group of cultural relics traffickers. Archaeologists initiated protective measures for the looted place, causing a huge stir in the world of cultural relics,

Even netizens who usually paid no attention to archaeology had heard of Rita Grant’s name and marveled at her skills.

In their hearts, this young lady seemed more formidable than Ashley and Cara. What kind of legendary figure is she?’ they all wondered.

It was said that the director of the National Museum, along with

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professional archaeologists, praised Rita endlessly. Many artifact

appraisers and restorers flocked to StarGavel Auctions to catch a glimpse of her true identity. Returning to the hospital room, before Ashley could sit down, she received a call from Noah.

Many people have come to the auction house to meet you, Ms. Ramos. Noah paused for a few seconds and said hesitantly, “Even Charlie from the Ramos family came. He says he came to see Rita Grant.”