Donald was somewhat stunned; he couldn't figure out why Robin had dodged away. Perplexed, he could only look toward Cecil.

Cecil was rather speechless at this moment; he hadn't expected his father to be so impatient, actually trying to touch the item without so much as a greeting. He thought to himself, Father, you’re lucky this time. I distinctly remember the consequences of making a rash move back then! (He still clearly recalled the strength in Robin’s hands.)

“Dad, you’re too hasty! That thing isn't ours yet! You showed up just as we were about to buy it; we haven't even paid the owner yet!” Cecil said.

So that was it!

Donald realized he had lost his composure just now. After all, he was somewhat of a celebrity (even if not a very famous one); he couldn't afford to be made a spectacle of, so he quickly composed himself and said with feigned calmness, “Is that so? Then pay up quickly! What price did you agree on?”

Cecil was waiting for exactly this question. Seeing Donald inquire, he quickly replied, “Dad, I didn't anticipate that this 'Z-War' relic would be so expensive—a full 250,000 Diamond Coins. You know I don't have much money, and my sister is just a teacher. While she earns some, it's just a drop in the bucket! We've been worrying about this!”

Having said that, Cecil put on a look of deep distress.

“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, Father. I know things haven't been easy for you both. I absolutely will not let you pay this. Just finding the 'Z-War' relic for me has already helped me fulfill a dream. Ah~ For years, I misjudged you, always thinking you were wasting your life. Fine, do whatever you want from now on; I will never interfere again. If you run short of money, just tell Manager Brandon, and as long as it’s not an excessive amount, he can give it to you directly without needing my approval.”

Hearing this, Cecil felt an immense surge of satisfaction. He hadn't expected his sudden inspiration to bring him such a great benefit.

Not only did he fulfill his father’s wish, but he also did his elder sister a favor—a double win! What was even more fortunate was that he didn't have to spend a single cent.

“Excuse me, I must interrupt you again. The price is no longer 250,000 Diamond Coins; it is now 300,000 Diamond Coins,” Zhong Shenxiu announced with startling words.

Everyone present gasped in shock. Cecil urgently asked, “Why? We already agreed on 250,000 Diamond Coins, payment upon delivery. How can you go back on your word just like that?”

“You can’t blame me for this. I told you my time is precious; wasting my time is wasting my money. Since you’ve wasted so much of it now, the price naturally has to go up. Who told you to dawdle so much!” Zhong Shenxiu said coolly.

“How can you go back on your word?” Mako-shin also grew anxious, realizing she no longer felt the item was too expensive.

“Are you buying or not? If you think it’s too expensive, you don't have to buy it. I’m not forcing any of you!” Zhong Shenxiu was unconcerned.

This was extortion—outright, naked extortion!

For merely a little bit of delay, the price had increased by fifty thousand Diamond Coins. That was fifty thousand! If this wasn't extortion, what was?

From this, one could see that Zhong Shenxiu's skill in shaking people down had made significant progress compared to before.

“We’ll buy it, we’ll buy it!” Donald quickly said. He didn't want the cooked duck to fly away, especially not if it flew to Old Danny, which would surely infuriate him to death.

“You don’t think it’s expensive anymore?” Zhong Shenxiu asked, feigning ignorance.

“Not expensive, not expensive at all. I’ll transfer the money to you right now!” Donald said, pulling out a card.

This card was a universally accepted bank card in this world, a tool designed for convenient large-scale transfers and settlements.

Zhong Shenxiu stared intently at the bank card in Donald’s hand; he clearly had no idea what this object was used for.

“Hey, what is that thing you have?” Zhong Shenxiu asked curiously.

“You mean this?” Donald asked, holding up the bank card.

“Yes, this one!”

“A savings card. Don't you know what it is?” Donald could hardly believe that someone who could sell a 'Z-War' relic wouldn't know about storage cards.

“Is it that strange that I don’t know?”

“No, not strange at all.” What else could Donald say? Right now, he dared not offend this little master; what if he got angry and refused to sell?

“What is your storage card used for?” Zhong Shenxiu asked again.

“For transfers,” Donald replied, and then began explaining the function of the storage card to Zhong Shenxiu.

After the explanation, Zhong Shenxiu finally understood how to use the item. He hadn’t expected such a small card to have such great capabilities; it could not only transfer money and make deposits but also be swiped for purchases at large stores—it was incredibly convenient.

“Where can I buy one of these?” Zhong Shenxiu was clearly tempted.

“They can be processed at any major bank. How about this, I can accompany you to a bank to get one processed, so I can give you the money sooner. 300,000 Diamond Coins is no small sum, after all. It might be inconvenient for you to carry it all in cash,” Donald suggested.

He actually desperately wanted to obtain the 'Z-War' relic sooner; only when it was truly in his hands would he feel at ease.

Zhong Shenxiu pondered for a moment and found his words reasonable; carrying 300,000 Diamond Coins in cash would indeed be inconvenient.

“Fine, I’ll go with you,” Zhong Shenxiu said, standing up. “Robin, you wait here. If I don’t come back, no one is to touch the item.”

Watching Donald leave with Zhong Shenxiu, Cecil let out a sigh of relief. Although the 'Z-War' relic no longer concerned him, he hadn’t lost out; rather, he had gained an unexpected advantage.

“Little brother, you are truly brilliant!” Mako-shin crept over and whispered.

“Of course. But big sister, you must keep this a secret! It’s for both our sakes,” Cecil said, not worrying that Mako-shin would betray him, as they were now two grasshoppers tied to the same rope.

“Got it!” Mako-shin winked at Cecil, signaling her understanding.

Manager Brandon, standing nearby, felt somewhat dizzy—what exactly was this situation?

But whatever the situation, it seemed the deal was struck. Although the item wouldn't belong to Brandon, he was happy too! After all, having entered this household, he was now part of this family. Moreover, under normal circumstances, Donald would consult him about antiques, allowing Brandon to study the 'Z-War' relic every day.

Mako-shin, now much calmer, slowly approached Robin, observing the young girl who seemed quite young.

“Little sister, how old are you?” Mako-shin asked with a smile. She found this little girl quite interesting, actually listening so closely to what the little boy said.

Robin glanced at her twice but ignored her.

“Little sister, what is your name? I heard them call you Robin just now. Is your name Robin?” Mako-shin moved a few steps closer to Robin.

Robin glanced at her a few more times but still did not respond.

“Little sister, where are you from?”

Robin blinked her eyelashes, and this time she finally spoke, uttering a sentence that left Mako-shin thoroughly frustrated.