THE ABSOLUTE APPRAISER SYSTEM

Chapter 5: Backing of a Titan

The dark alleyway felt freezing as the three thugs stepped closer, their shadows stretching under the dim streetlights. Scarface Qi tapped his wooden cane against the cobblestones, a sinister grin splitting his scarred cheek. "Well? I don't have all night, kid. Hand over the backpack, or my boys will break your legs and take it anyway."

Ryan didn't retreat. Instead, his eyes flashed with a subtle golden glow as the System rapidly pulled up the thugs' personal profiles.

[Target: Elite Thug (Scarface Qi).]

[Secret Data: Currently acting as a secret informant for the Vance Family's main corporate rival, the Genesis Group. He just stole a flash drive containing high-level trade secrets from the Vance shipping docks two hours ago.]

[Current Vulnerability: The stolen flash drive is hidden inside the lining of his silk shirt's inner pocket.]

Ryan’s lips curved into a cold, confident smile. The system wasn't just a tool for finding treasure; it was an absolute weapon of information warfare.

"Scarface Qi," Ryan said, his voice completely calm and devoid of fear. "If I were you, I’d be sprinting toward the border right now rather than worrying about an old ash tray in my bag. I wonder how Victoria Vance will react when she finds out the thief who raided her shipping docks is standing right here?"

Qi froze mid-stride. His predatory smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of sheer, unadulterated terror. His hand instinctively twitched toward his chest pocket. "You... who the hell are you? How do you know that?"

"Boss? What is he talking about?" one of the larger thugs asked, looking confused.

"Shut up!" Qi roared, his forehead breaking into a cold sweat. He glared at Ryan, his knuckles turning white around his cane. "Kid, you know too much. I don't care what's in your bag anymore. You aren't leaving this alley alive. Get him!"

The two massive thugs lunged forward, their fists raised.

SCREECH!

Before the thugs could even take two steps, the blinding high-beams of a luxury vehicle illuminated the entire alleyway. A sleek, armored black Maybach tore around the corner, slamming its brakes down just inches from the thugs.

The doors flew open, and four elite, muscular bodyguards in crisp black suits stepped out smoothly. Their unified, military aura instantly suffocated the aggressive energy in the alley. Following them from the back seat was Victoria Vance herself, looking as breathtaking and authoritative as she had in the auction house.

"Mr. Qi," Victoria’s voice cut through the damp air like a razor blade. "I believe you have something that belongs to my family."

Qi’s knees buckled. He dropped his cane, shaking violently. "M-Ms. Vance! It’s a misunderstanding! I was just—"

"Search him," Victoria commanded coldly, not even giving him a second glance.

Two bodyguards pinned Qi against the brick wall, while another ripped open his silk shirt, instantly pulling out a sleek silver flash drive from the hidden lining. He handed it directly to Victoria, who inspected it before turning her sharp eyes toward Ryan.

She had originally followed Ryan to the market hoping to see if the mysterious young appraiser could find any more hidden treasures for her gala. She never expected him to inadvertently corner the very thief her intelligence team had been hunting all evening.

"You continue to surprise me, Ryan," Victoria said, a genuine, fascinated smile gracing her lips. "How did you know he had this?"

"An appraiser doesn't just look at objects, Ms. Vance. We look at details," Ryan replied smoothly, adjusting his backpack strap.

Victoria let out a soft laugh, thoroughly impressed by his composure. She turned to her lead bodyguard. "Tie them up and deliver them to the authorities. Ensure the Genesis Group knows exactly who caught their rat."

"Yes, ma'am!"

As the bodyguards dragged the screaming thugs away, Victoria walked closer to Ryan, the faint scent of premium jasmine perfume surrounding her. She glanced at his heavy backpack. "Did you find what you were looking for in this dusty market?"

"I did," Ryan said, tapping the bag. "An authentic, imperial gold-splashed Xuande incense burner. True value is roughly one hundred and twenty thousand dollars."

Victoria’s breath visibly hitched. A normal appraiser would need days of chemical testing and laboratory equipment to verify a gold-splashed Ming dynasty relic hidden under dirt. Yet this young man had found it in a trash market in less than an hour. His talent wasn't just rare—it was miraculous.

"Ryan," Victoria said, her tone becoming incredibly serious as she looked into his eyes. "The Vance Family is hosting the Global Heritage Gala in three days. We are facing heavy sabotage from rivals who want to see us fail. I don't just want to buy your antiques. I want to hire you as our chief consultant for the event. Name your price."

Ryan felt a wave of absolute triumph wash over him. The System’s notification suddenly popped up in his vision:

[Ding! Total Net Worth calculation: $40,500 cash + $120,000 asset value = $160,500.]

[Congratulations! Net worth exceeds $100,000. Tier 2 Appraisals successfully unlocked!]

[New Feature Unlocked: Aura Reading (Host can now scan the luck, health, and hidden intentions of human targets within a 10-meter radius).]

Looking at the beautiful, powerful woman standing before him, Ryan extended his hand. "I accept the position, Ms. Vance. Let's make sure your rivals regret ever crossing you."