On What Grounds?

The bespectacled treasure appraiser pushed his glasses up his nose bridge and picked up the emerald bracelet. He took a few glances at it and then put it down. Then he picked up the twenty-carat diamond ring and the so-called emerald earrings. He looked at them a few times before shaking his head, letting out a long sigh, and pushing them all back to Vanessa.

"How is it? You've finished so soon? Don't you need to take a closer look? Are these genuine or fake?" Vanessa asked profusely.

The treasure appraiser said, "I'm sorry, Miss, but these items are not from the Heavenly Pavilion. Moreover, they're all artificial gems. These things are very cheap, and you can probably get them for a few dozen dollars. If you wear them for a long time, they will be harmful to your health. Try not to wear them again in the future!"

Vanessa felt as if she was struck by lightning. Her eyes were wide open, and she stood rooted to the spot, completely dumbstruck.