Chapter 307: A Fake

"Look at this excellent ginseng. Even in Yeringham, this is extremely rare," the middle-aged man said, sneering at Jared. "Now that you've lost, where's my ten million? You don't even look like you have that kind of money."

Ignoring him, Jared reached for the ginseng.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

The middle-aged man's expression changed drastically as he tried to stop Jared, but it was too late. Jared already held the ginseng. He picked it up and attempted to break it.

"Jared, what are you doing?" Zeke asked, his expression darkening. He knew the ginseng's value depended on its perfect condition; breaking it would render it worthless.

Crack!

The ginseng snapped in two the moment Zeke spoke. Zeke closed his eyes, feeling the rage of a twenty-million-dollar loss welling up inside him. Josephine and Frida stared at Jared in shock.

The middle-aged man paled and turned to flee, abandoning his claim to the money.

"Trying to escape? Do you think you can?" Jared grinned.

Before the man could run, Tommy sprang up and kicked him back.

"W-What's going on?" Zeke was confused by the man's attempt to flee.

"Zeke, check if the ginseng is real," Jared said, handing it over.

Zeke examined the broken ginseng, his rage flaring. "Damn it! You tried to swindle me! You're asking for a beating!" He kicked the man's abdomen. "Men! Take him out and teach him a lesson!"

The man was dragged away, his cries of agony following.

"Jared, I appreciate your help. The financial loss isn't the issue; it's the reputational damage that would have been humiliating," Zeke lamented.

"It happens to the best of us," Jared replied with a smile.

"How did you know it was fake without even seeing it?" Zeke asked, intrigued.

"I have a very sensitive nose," Jared lied, unable to reveal his ability to sense spiritual energy. He hadn't sensed any from the box, indicating it was either fake or not a hundred years old.

Zeke stared in disbelief. "I've never heard of anyone authenticating herbs by smell! Today's been an eye-opener."

"Josephine, what other hidden talents does your boyfriend have? His sense of smell is sharper than a dog!" Frida exclaimed, then, realizing her words, stuck out her tongue apologetically.

Jared smiled; he knew Frida didn't mean it.

"Jared, for your help, I'll take you around the city. If you see any herbs you like, I'll negotiate. Every herb trader knows me," Zeke offered, patting Jared's shoulder.

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