Li Du had the idea to find out the true identity of the box because of the tricolored gemstones and black enamel paint.
He had read about it in a book on jewelry culture. Although the legend came from China, the legend of the emerald bird was always associated with jade jewelry in Asia, especially in East Asia.
Looking at the exquisite red, blue, and green gemstones on the box, Li Du thought that if the box was really made of artificial gemstones, there would be no need to decorate it with gemstones.
After all, this was America. American jade products had nothing to do with the legend of the emerald bird. Even if the box was decorated with gemstones, red, blue, and green gemstones would not be chosen.
If the emerald box came from East Asia or even China, those regions would not have spent so much effort to make such an exquisite fake and sell it to America.
Moreover, there were exactly nine gemstones on the box, which matched the description of the emerald bird. A series of coincidences could not be called a coincidence.
Because of this, he found a suspicious point and finally found out the true identity of the box.
The applause from the audience was like a tidal wave. Li Du's interest was piqued. He explained, "My poem just now is a China Tang poem. Is everyone interested in its interpretation?"
The crowd shouted, "Translate it, child, translate it."
Li Du said, "There is a bird called the emerald. It nests on the coast of the South China Sea. Both sexes live in the forest. The traces left behind by its flight can be made into beautiful jewelry. Its feathers are even more dazzling and gorgeous!"
Sophie looked at him with admiration and clapped with the crowd. She asked, "Is what you said true?"
Li Du nodded confidently. "Yes, it's true."
Marate, who was sitting in the audience, was dumbfounded. He looked at the confident Li Du on stage. His heart was filled with disbelief, jealousy, and hatred.
This was his home ground, but why was such a loud applause for his opponent?
He calmed himself down and said loudly, "You said it yourself. Who knows if it's true or not? You make it sound good, but you can't make a fake into a real one! "
Marate's voice was heard. Many people nodded. They had the same doubts.
Li Du opened the box and dug out the remaining lipstick. There were two lines of words at the bottom of the box, and he showed them to the crowd.
"There are two languages inside. One is Burmese, which you might not understand. The other is English. Everyone should be able to understand this name, right?"
"Angkor Tanway?" Russell Lynch, who was sitting in the front row, said.
Li Du smiled and nodded. "Yes, everyone. You can search online about this. He's a master in Burmese jade products.
Marate wanted to say something, but Li Du didn't give him a chance. He continued, "Of course, everyone can totally suspect that someone might have forged Mr. Wu Danwei's name."
"This guess is very reasonable, but everyone should know that Mr. Wu Danwei is not famous in the US. Who would spend so much effort to carve his name on a fake? It is in English and Burmese. "
"Furthermore, I can promise you that this box is made of jade, and the gems on it are all real. Furthermore, it was made by a master, and it is worthy of being a limited edition jewel!"
Everyone nodded. Marate seized the opportunity and shouted, "What do you mean by your promise?"
Lynch stood up and said, "I can vouch for Li. He's not a liar. This young man is one of the best I've seen in recent years. His words carry weight!"
Li Du smiled. "Thank you, Russell. If you don't believe me, you can take the box for an appraisal. Check the material and the handwriting. The results will prove that I'm telling the truth."
Martin also stood up and said, "That child is my daughter's good friend, a very good friend. I can also vouch for him."
Terry and the others stood up and said, "Although Li is not very close to us, he once risked offending the Comanches to help us, and he did a great job. We can vouch for him."
The auctioneer, Lewis, added, "Du Li is a super treasure hunter from mysterious China. He's the best new talent in Flagstaff and the Arizona Warehouse Auction Association. In our industry, his name is a golden signboard!"
Now everyone was convinced. Marate wanted to say something but realized he had nothing to say.
The priest walked out and said, "Everyone, please be quiet. Now, let's continue the auction. Mr. Li, do you want to auction this jewelry box? "
Li Du said, "It's not me. It's actually Miss Sophie Martin. Miss Martin didn't introduce the box clearly. I'm here to introduce it to her."
He winked at Sophie and said, "Let's continue the auction, okay? But we have to change the starting price. I think 10,000 dollars is more appropriate. "
Sophie's eyes were watery. "Whatever you say, Li."
Li Du raised the box and said, "A premium jade lipstick box with three pure rubies, three sapphires, and three turquoise. It's a masterpiece by a Burmese jewelry master. The starting price of 10,000 dollars is absolutely reasonable. Who's willing to accept it?"
There were many rich people present. Marate was right about one thing. The charity auction was not just about donating money. Everyone wanted a win-win situation.
Ten thousand dollars for a jewel-encrusted jade jewelry box was a bargain. Lynch and the others could see how exquisite the box was. They knew what such craftsmanship meant.
A middle-aged white man with a beautiful female companion raised his hand. "Ten thousand dollars, I'll accept it."
Li Du pointed at him and said, "Okay, this gentleman is bidding 10,000 dollars. Who's willing to bid higher? Like 11,000 dollars?"
Lynch raised his hand without hesitation. "Eleven thousand dollars."
Li Du smiled. "Mr. Lynch is bidding 11,000 dollars. I guess he wants to use it to make a stamp collection box. Although it's a bit extravagant, I know he has many more valuable stamps. So, this is a good match."
"Twelve thousand dollars," someone else made a bid.
"How about 13,000 dollars?"
"I'm willing!"
"Fifteen thousand dollars. My daughter, Barbara, likes East Asian jewelry. I need a graduation gift."
"Sixteen thousand dollars …"
The price slowly increased by 1,000 dollars. Li Du took on the role of the auctioneer. He had seen a lot of auctioneers, so he did a good job of controlling the situation.
Finally, a white man in his fifties or sixties made a bid of 20,000 dollars. Lynch and the others shook their heads and backed out.
Li Du pointed at him and said, "This rich and kind gentleman is going to donate 20,000 dollars to the church. 20,000 going once, 20,000 going twice …"
He looked at the audience with bright eyes and said, "20,000 going thrice! I hereby announce that this jade jewelry box belongs to this kind gentleman! "
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone stood up and applauded!
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