[[[CP|W:210|H:140|A:C|U:http://file2.qidian.com/chapters/201211/24/2510132634893784135235276979754.jpg]]]Prompted by the horn, Wang Guan stepped aside a few paces to let the vehicle pass.

Since the car windows were open, Wang Guan could see clearly that there were three people inside. Setting aside the driver, the front passenger seat was occupied by a young man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and carrying a leather briefcase—he looked like a secretary.

In the back seat sat a middle-aged man, well-dressed and slightly plump. Judging by his demeanor, he was clearly either a high-ranking official, a magnate, or at the very least, a successful figure in society’s elite.

In this era, wealthy people were as common as weeds; even the poorest mountain village could produce a few millionaires. Wang Guan wasn't particularly surprised and continued his leisurely stroll, though his direction of travel happened to coincide with the car’s.

After walking about a hundred paces, Wang Guan suddenly noticed the luxury vehicle stop in front of a house made of dull, dark gray bricks and tiles. The gleaming metal of the car seemed utterly out of place against the humble surroundings.

However, the occupants didn't seem to mind. The secretary-like young man swiftly got out, hurried to the rear, opened the door, and helped the slightly stout middle-aged man alight.

Just then, the secretary called out loudly, "Is Old Man Cao home? We’ve come again."

After several loud calls from the secretary, the front door of the gray brick house opened, and an elderly man, over sixty, with a gaunt face and a wild, unkempt beard, emerged—this must be Old Man Cao.

"It’s you again."

Seeing his boss and the secretary, Old Man Cao’s brow immediately furrowed, and he turned to retreat back inside.

"Old Man Cao, don't push us away so coldly," the secretary quickly stepped forward to block him, smiling as he said, "Our boss is here for the third time—emulating the ancient tradition of 'three visits to the thatched cottage' shows our sincerity. Surely that hasn't failed to move you?"

"Brother Cao," the plump middle-aged man now set aside his airs and smiled gently, "Whether we can reach a deal or not, a guest is a guest. You can’t just keep us standing outside the door, can you?"

"There’s nothing to discuss. If you want to buy my precious inkstone, fine! But don't even dream about it for less than one million," Old Man Cao stated firmly.

The middle-aged man chuckled, "Brother, we can discuss the money slowly. But before that, can you at least let us step inside for a drink of water?"

Old Man Cao hesitated for a moment, then turned and went back into the house, leaving the door slightly ajar—his meaning was clear enough.

The middle-aged man and the secretary exchanged a knowing glance and followed him in.

Meanwhile, upon hearing the word "inkstone," Wang Guan’s eyes lit up. A sudden thought struck him, and he quietly followed in the secretary’s wake, slipping inside without a sound.

The old-style houses, built at a time before electricity was widespread, intentionally left a large open space in the center of the structure to maximize natural light. Wang Guan didn't know the specific architectural term for this design, but in his hometown, they simply called it a tianjing (courtyard well).

Old Man Cao’s house was no exception. The gray-black bricks and tiles made it inherently dim, but the light from the tianjing provided ample illumination, negating the need for lamps.

However, various odds and ends were stored in this central area. As Wang Guan stepped in, he inevitably brushed against something, making a noise.

Hearing the disturbance, Old Man Cao, the middle-aged man, and the others all turned to look. When they saw Wang Guan, everyone froze. For an instant, Wang Guan's heart hammered, ready to offer an explanation.

Unexpectedly, after a brief glance, the others simply turned away, ignoring him.

Wang Guan was momentarily stunned, relieved yet deeply perplexed.

At that moment, he hadn't thought much of it, but in retrospect, he realized how lucky he was. Back then, Old Man Cao had likely assumed Wang Guan was part of the middle-aged man’s entourage, while the middle-aged man mistakenly assumed Wang Guan was some junior relative of Old Man Cao.

Each side assumed Wang Guan belonged to the other's party, so they asked no further questions, allowing him to remain fortunate enough to stay.

In any case, spotting Wang Guan was merely an interlude; no one paid him much mind. Upon entering the main hall, Old Man Cao showed no inclination to play host and settled onto a large, prominent chair.

There were few seats in the room, just two others besides the one Old Man Cao occupied. After the secretary diligently wiped down the second chair, the middle-aged man naturally took it.

As for the rest, including Wang Guan, they had no choice but to stand respectfully to the side.

Having sat down, the middle-aged man wasn't foolish enough to expect Old Man Cao to suddenly become generous and offer refreshments. He got straight to the point: "Brother Cao, could you please bring out your inkstone again so I may examine it?"

"Didn’t you look at it last time?" Old Man Cao grumbled.

The middle-aged man didn't get annoyed, replying with a smile, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say. Such a magnificent treasure—I can hardly stand not handling and admiring it every day."

"Then just buy it already," Old Man Cao muttered, but he rose and headed toward the inner room. After a moment, he returned, holding a box. The contents of the box were presumably the inkstone priced at one million.

Wang Guan wondered privately what kind of stone could command such a price and watched closely.

At this moment, seeing Old Man Cao emerge holding the box, the middle-aged man’s expression remained neutral, but a sharp observer would have detected a flicker of excitement in his eyes.

"The item is here, and you may look. But this is the final time. If you don’t buy it now, I will start contacting other interested parties," Old Man Cao said coldly, placing the box on a small table beside his chair.

The middle-aged man paid no heed to the threat, opening the lid with a slight sense of urgency. Instantly, an inkstone the size of a palm was revealed to everyone.

Wang Guan seized the opportunity to step forward two paces and examine it closely. In terms of size, this inkstone clearly fell into the category of a small desk item; one palm could cover it entirely.

The inkstone was oval-shaped, wider at one end and narrower at the other. On the narrower end, a semi-circular, slightly concave pit had been carved. Logically, this small depression could hold very little ink; just a few strokes would likely drain it completely, making it impractical for heavy use.

However, Wang Guan dared not underestimate the value of this inkstone. This was because the stone surface bore natural patterns that perfectly resembled the figure of Kui Xing (the Star of Literary Success), exhibiting exquisite detail in the form, the drapery of the robes, and even the expression—lifelike and vivid.

Therefore, this was not a utilitarian inkstone, but a piece meant for appreciation.

"A naturally formed Kui Xing Shadow Stone, truly marvelous," the middle-aged man lifted the inkstone, stroking it lightly in his hand. He felt the stone's texture—fine and smooth—and a look of slight enchantment crossed his face.

In contrast, Wang Guan and the others, observing only from a distance, felt it was like scratching an itch through a boot—they couldn't fully connect with its essence.

"I wonder if it’s a new stone or an ancient one," Wang Guan mused.

The price of an ancient inkstone would certainly be higher. The value of a new stone, however, would depend on its material, the master's design, and the carving craftsmanship.

Of course, what Wang Guan truly needed to know right now wasn't the stone’s monetary worth, but whether it contained the aura required for the You Si Jin Xian (Wispy Gold Thread). But the inkstone was currently held by the middle-aged man, and he certainly couldn't just try to snatch it.

.......................... New book, please give your full support, seeking collection and recommendations.