Rebirth: The Ascent of a Socialite-Chapter 454 - 190: Counterfeit Crisis

When Fake Yellow Love was brought out, Hang Yishao and Fei Qing were both astonished by its beauty.

This necklace, if displayed in a showcase, would certainly not arouse any suspicion. Made of platinum, the delicate chain held variously sized yellow diamonds, with a two-centimeter-long rhombus diamond perfectly set in the center of the chain.

"How come it looks even more... than the real one?" Hang Yishao couldn’t help but compare as he held the precious Yellow Love.

"The new always looks more exquisite than the old," Fei Qing didn’t know how to explain it; he certainly couldn’t complain that Shang Yin had made the fake too refined.

Hang Yishao had just put down the Yellow Love when he heard the laughter of Mr. Fei from outside.

The two exchanged glances, both slightly panicked, wondering why Mr. Fei had returned.

Hang Yishao hastily switched the fake with Yellow Love, placing the counterfeit in a finely crafted velvet box, while the real Yellow Love was tucked into his clothes. The cold necklace caused him to shiver, but it soon warmed up against his body temperature.

Fei Qing quickly stuffed the jewelry box into the safe, and the two had just settled on the sofa when Mr. Fei entered with two guests.

Both guests were known to Fei Qing and Hang Yishao: one was the director of the Supervision Bureau sent from the province to inspect the seaside project, and the other was the Vice Speaker.

Hang Yishao had intended to leave with the necklace, but Mr. Fei pulled him back to introduce him to the guests. After talking for another two hours and trying to leave again, Mr. Fei then said, "Nephew Hang, you’re in for a treat today. Without the blessing of your two uncles, you wouldn’t have the chance to see such a fine piece."

Hang Yishao and Fei Qing broke out in sweat, with the genuine Yellow Love almost sticking to Hang Yishao’s body.

After finishing his words, Mr. Fei eagerly opened the safe and carefully lifted the box from inside.

"Your dad won’t notice, will he?" Hang Yishao, squeezed between the two officials, could only make eye contact with Fei Qing. After all, Mr. Fei had seen the Yellow Love more times than they had, and it would be troublesome if he recognized it.

"Probably not," Fei Qing answered silently, Mr. Fei was old, and it was good enough that his vision wasn’t blurred; it was unlikely he’d recognize such a high-fidelity fake.

After displaying Yellow Love, Mr. Fei was very pleased by the burst of admiration. The flattery from the two officials was incessant, and he felt somewhat euphoric, his hand involuntarily touching the counterfeit necklace.

"Huh," Mr. Fei exclaimed in surprise, "Why do I feel this necklace has gotten brighter? I’ve never maintained it."

Considering the dubious origin of Yellow Love, Mr. Fei had never dared to take the necklace out for regular maintenance. Worried that it would become dull over time, now it seemed even more lustrous.

Fei Qing silently cursed, wishing he had told Shang Yin not to make the imitation so perfect. But it wasn’t really Shang Yin’s fault; he merely acted as the transporter. The real issue was Pello, the perfectionistic craftsman who designed and made the necklace. If he could replicate "Mussen’s Blessing" for his parents, he would certainly aim for perfection.

As Mr. Fei was about to take a closer look, Hang Yishao chimed in, "Uncle, congratulations are in order. I’ve only heard of jade and silver jewelry that can become brighter with the wearer’s fortune and health. It seems that Uncle has been riding a wave of good luck lately, and you’ve been looking younger, which is why the once-dim Diamond Necklace is now showing a different kind of luster."

His words were cleverly crafted, catering to Mr. Fei’s vanity. The two officials, upon hearing this, hurriedly offered their flattery. Mr. Fei, buoyed by the compliments, no longer cared about the truth behind those words.

"Yishao, you are much more useful than this rascal of our family," Mr. Fei said as he put away the jewelry box and locked it back in the safe. The relief only washed over the two young men after they saw Mr. Fei’s doubts dissipate.

Mr. Fei had strongly invited Hang Yishao to stay for dinner, but he declined using work as an excuse. Fei Qing wasn’t so lucky and was asked to stay and entertain the guests.

When he saw the opportunity as Mr. Fei was seeing Hang Yishao to the door, he asked, "You’ve got Yellow Love now, when will you give me the money?"