The moment Zhong Shenxiu appeared, Elena and Laurent, the siblings, instantly thought, Why is he back again? Didn't he just visit once? How did he find us here this time?
In contrast, Donald first froze, then a look of sheer delight spread across his face. He recognized Zhong Shenxiu—the child who had brought him such incredible surprises.
He still remembered the words he’d spoken to Zhong Shenxiu when he collected the artifact: "If you have any more of these things (referring to the 'War' relics), I want them all!"
Scanning the area, he spotted Angelia standing beside Zhong Shenxiu. Although Angelia’s muddy state made him pause momentarily, he was immediately captivated by the shield she held.
Donald wasn't a fool. A quick turn of thought told him exactly why Zhong Shenxiu was here.
He was so thrilled, he almost burst out cheering! (Another 'War' relic! Just wait until I rub this in Old Danny’s face!)
Thinking of Old Danny, Donald abruptly reined in his excitement. How could I forget this old fellow standing right here?
He absolutely could not let him know that this child was the one who sold him the 'War' relic, otherwise, he wouldn't get any future opportunities!
With that thought, Donald quickly said to Old Danny, "It's getting late, I won't keep you any longer. You should be heading back now!"
Old Danny, at that moment, was studying Zhong Shenxiu, finding the young boy vaguely familiar but unable to place him immediately.
He withdrew his gaze and gave Donald a strange look, as in his memory, Donald had never once urged him to leave. What’s wrong today? Why do I feel he’s acting a bit... odd?
After all, they had known each other for many years; even a subtle shift in expression was enough to detect an abnormality!
Though puzzled, Old Danny dismissed it. He paid no further mind to Zhong Shenxiu or Angelia. Of course, he noticed the item in Angelia’s hand, but he certainly didn't think it was a 'War' relic.
Watching Old Danny finally walk toward the exit, Donald let out a silent sigh of relief. Phew, I managed to keep it from that old coot. I almost spilled the beans!
However, his sense of security didn't last long, as it was utterly shattered by a voice.
"Ah! Little Brother, why does this child look so familiar to me?" Margo Xin cast an inquiring look toward Cecil. "Wasn't the one who came to sell us a 'War' relic last time him?"
Since Zhong Shenxiu’s face had been covered in mud last time, Margo Xin wasn't entirely certain this time!
In that instant, it was clear Old Danny’s body stiffened as if jolted by electricity, his foot, already mid-stride, halting in the air.
'War' relic???
Old Danny was currently obsessed with those words. Hearing Margo Xin mention them now, he whipped his head around, staring at Zhong Shenxiu and Donald with utter shock.
"Little Brother, isn't that right?" Margo Xin continued, looking Angelia up and down. "But I remember the person who came last time was supposed to be a little girl. How did she grow so tall in just a few days?"
(Some women’s imaginations really are frighteningly potent! Gotta sweat about that!)
Angelia was as mortified as one could possibly be. She hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to bring her here, and even less so to run into her old rival Laurent!
She had thought Zhong Shenxiu was going to teach her the "Kicking Technique." If she had known this would happen, she should have taken a bath and changed her clothes first! Being scrutinized so curiously by Margo Xin now made her want to crawl into a hole.
Meanwhile, Donald was seething inside, wishing he could strangle Margo Xin. What terrible luck! How did I raise such a daughter!
Sure enough, Old Danny guessed something from Donald’s expression. He was so agitated that he actually leaped back in one swift motion.
"Niece, what did you just say?" Old Danny asked Margo Xin, but his eyes never stopped darting between Zhong Shenxiu and Angelia, lingering particularly on the shield to the point of obsession.
"Ahem," Cecil, standing nearby, urgently coughed and signaled wildly at his sister.
Even Margo Xin, dense as she might be, finally caught on. She nervously glanced back at her father, catching sight of Donald's ashen face, complete with a clear 'Just wait until I deal with you later' expression!
Frightened, Margo Xin quickly turned her head back, just in time to receive a 'Good luck to you' look from her brother Cecil!
Although Margo Xin didn't reply, Old Danny, being as sharp as he was, had already figured it out. He was so thrilled he nearly shouted to the heavens!
"Hey, old man," Zhong Shenxiu suddenly interjected. "I’ve found another 'War' relic. Do you still want it?"
He was completely unaware of the secrets between Donald and Old Danny, and even if he knew, he wouldn't have cared.
He was the seller. As long as the price was right, it didn't matter who he sold it to!
Hearing Zhong Shenxiu say this, Old Danny could no longer suppress his excitement. He rushed right up to Zhong Shenxiu. "You... you really have a 'War' relic?" he asked, though his eyes had clearly veered off course, continually tracking the shield in Angelia's arms.
However, Zhong Shenxiu merely glanced at him and then completely ignored him. Instead, he instructed Angelia, who was behind him, "Girl, watch that item carefully. No one touches it without my permission. If anyone manages to snatch it, I’ll hold you accountable!"
Zhong Shenxiu’s tone was serious, startling Angelia into clutching the shield tighter, her expression seemingly saying, Try anyone who dares to grab this, and I’ll yell 'He’s molesting me!'
It was only then that Zhong Shenxiu turned to Old Danny and asked, "Are you also interested in the 'War' relic?"
Old Danny had been annoyed that Zhong Shenxiu hadn't acknowledged him, but upon being addressed, he nodded frantically. "Yes, yes! I am extremely interested in 'War' relics! Tell you what, follow me back to my estate. If it really is a 'War' relic, we can definitely negotiate a good price!"
Old Danny looked utterly frantic. If not for Shijilia’s watchful eyes upon him, he probably would have snatched the shield right there to examine it.
While Old Danny was ecstatic, he had completely overlooked one person: his old friend, Donald!
Donald was now furious on top of his previous anger. That old dog is ruthless. He thinks he can pull my client away? Not a chance!
With that thought, Donald also stepped forward, forcing a strained, half-smile. "Brother, don't stand out here in the open. Come inside, come inside!" As he spoke, he shot a warning glance at Old Danny.
Old Danny paused, realizing Donald was still present. Unwilling to back down, he quickly countered, "I think you should come to my place instead. Mine is much more spacious and luxurious than this!"
"Brother’s time is precious; he doesn't have time to visit your place!" Donald retorted. "I think we should just stay here!"
As the two old men were about to escalate their verbal spat into a physical confrontation, Zhong Shenxiu remained silent, watching the spectacle with keen interest.
Normally, someone like Zhong Shenxiu, who valued his time, wouldn't dawdle with them. What was different this time?
It was through the argument between Donald and Old Danny that Zhong Shenxiu confirmed one thing: both men desperately wanted the 'War' relic he possessed, and both were determined to secure it.
That made things much simpler: whoever offered the higher price, he would sell to!
For Zhong Shenxiu, the fiercer their fight, the better. Only this way would they be driven to bid more aggressively, resulting in more profit for him. Why complain?
Margo Xin considered intervening, but feeling guilty about her blunder, she lacked the courage. Her brother, wanting to avoid drawing fire, adopted a 'watching the fire from the opposite bank' stance. After all, such arguments weren't new; let them shout, it kept them healthy!
However, Elena couldn't stand idly by. She and Laurent had already walked a good distance away but were now forced to return.
"Father, Uncle Donald, please stop arguing!" Elena’s voice remained mild. "Shouting like this won't solve anything!"
Elena's words seemed to carry some weight. The two old men glared at each other and finally ceased their argument.
Zhong Shenxiu saw his opening and promptly asked, "Can we go inside now to talk?"
Donald first froze, then beamed, quickly saying, "Please, come in!" He then shot Old Danny a look of triumph.
Seeing Zhong Shenxiu and the others enter, Old Danny, unwilling to be left behind, followed them in.
"Oh? Didn't you say you were heading back?" Donald asked Old Danny with mock innocence.
Old Danny didn't argue, instead displaying an expression that suggested, A true man knows when to bend and when to stand firm.
Once inside, Zhong Shenxiu showed no ceremony, finding a seat immediately.
After sweeping his gaze over everyone present, he finally spoke softly. "Alright, let's cut the small talk." (His gaze shifted toward Cecil.) "Boy, go fetch that old appraisal master from last time. Let him examine the goods first!"
Cecil first paused, then understood. He knew he was being sent to fetch the old butler, Brandon!
In no time, Brandon was ushered in by an excited Cecil. His excitement stemmed from the disbelief that another 'War' relic had surfaced in just a few days!
"Girl, go over there and let that old man look, but the item cannot be handed to him," Zhong Shenxiu instructed Angelia.
Angelia dared not refuse and walked over, clutching the shield.
Laurent was standing near Brandon at that moment. Seeing Angelia approach alone, he could no longer contain his confusion and asked:
"You... are you really Angelia?"
In that instant, Angelia felt an overwhelming urge to kill him to ensure his silence.