"…So, all things considered, I'm about seven or eight parts certain that this blue-and-white underglaze inscribed pomegranate-motif footed bowl dates back to the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty."

At this moment, Wang Guan chuckled lightly, "It’s a pity we can’t see the base; otherwise, I could add another twenty percent to my certainty."

"Of course, we don't examine the base for the inscription alone, but because large Chenghua-period vessels often left the base unglazed, supported by spurs during firing, resulting in brownish-black scorch marks and scattered speckles—a feature habitually known as 'milled-rice bottom.'"

Wang Guan explained, then smiled, "Director Wang, am I correct?"

"Don't you already know whether you are correct? Why ask me?" Director Wang returned the smile. "Besides, if you just handled it, you’d know immediately."

Wang Guan smiled, gently extending his hand to turn over the footed bowl. Immediately, the six-character double-line seal script marking, Daming Chenghua Nianzhi (Made in the Chenghua Period of the Great Ming), leaped into view. The style of the script was vigorous yet strong, the strokes rounded, and the inscription was enclosed by a double circle—a hallmark of Chenghua markings. Coupled with those slight milled-rice bottom specks, it was more than enough to confirm his initial assessment: this great bowl was indeed from the Chenghua era.

"Young and accomplished; truly formidable for a junior."

Simultaneously, Elder Cheng also expressed a touch of awe: "When I was your age, I was still running errands in the antique trade. My only thought was to work diligently and perhaps get a pointer or two from the senior manager. How could I possibly know all this…"

"Society is progressing, information flow is immense, broadening the audience and making knowledge easier to absorb," Wang Wang replied humbly. "However, this can also lead to a lack of solid foundation. Compared to the thorough, diligent learning you experienced, Elder Cheng, it falls short."

"You certainly know how to speak," Elder Cheng chuckled good-naturedly. "In fact, this is a good thing. More attention means the industry thrives and endures, leaving room for professional players like us to survive."

Wang Guan nodded lightly and returned to admiring the footed bowl. After all, confirming the stylistic characteristics of the Chenghua period didn't guarantee it was an authentic Chenghua piece; it could be an imitation, or worse, a forgery.

Driven by his suspicion of Meng Jian, Wang Guan studied and examined the bowl repeatedly. Director Wang and Elder Cheng merely admired his meticulousness, unaware of the underlying doubt consuming him.

After a prolonged inspection, however, Wang Guan found no signs of tampering or falsehood on the bowl. Since he couldn't continue peering at it indefinitely, he decided to employ his special ability for closer observation.

At first glance, contrary to Wang Guan’s expectations, a faint sheen of bright yellow light pulsed within the bowl, confirming his initial suspicion was wrong—this bowl was undoubtedly genuine.

"Strange…" Wang Guan muttered internally, feeling his suspicion toward Meng Jian begin to waver. Perhaps he had been overly cautious, misjudging the man. On the other hand, Meng Jian might be ruthless enough to use a genuine piece as bait to enhance credibility, fully understanding the principle of 'you have to risk the cub to catch the tiger.'

The bowl was only temporarily left with Mr. Han for appraisal, not given away outright. When Meng Jian returned next time, given Mr. Han’s status and standing, would he dare refuse to return it?

Of course, all possibilities existed, which made Wang Guan hesitant, though he betrayed none of this on his face, merely smiling, "A remarkable treasure. Director Wang, are you not planning to acquire this for the Palace Museum?"

"I’d like to, but they won't allow a single piece to be sold separately," Director Wang sighed. "Furthermore, this is just a sample. To purchase it, one must buy the entire museum collection—a massive deal worth eight or nine hundred million. Such funds aren't easily accessed; they require application and approval."

"Oh, by then, the cabbage will likely be cold," Wang Guan remarked with a smile, stating a simple fact that carried a subtle undertone of sarcasm.

This was the typical process for domestic bureaucracy. If a major leader took an interest, it would be handled as a special case, turning a procedure requiring several books into something finished in two or three hours. If no leader was involved and one failed to rush things, a task that took hours could be dragged out for days, perhaps never concluding successfully.

Director Wang was acutely aware of this reality and could only offer a bitter smile.

Yet, Director Wang remained relatively optimistic, smiling, "There’s no need to rush this. Such a large transaction naturally requires coordinating various parties and sending experts to verify its authenticity. By the time that is settled, there will surely be further competitive bidding."

"I reckon we shouldn't expect a resolution for at least two or three months," Director Wang chuckled. "That timeframe should be enough for the Palace Museum to respond and catch the very last train for the bidding."

"You certainly have a solid strategy," Elder Cheng offered kindly as a word of caution. "But be wary of 'man proposes, God disposes.' Plans often fail when change comes quickly. If everything went smoothly, there wouldn't be so many tragedies in the world."

While the three were conversing, Mr. Han seized the moment to speak to Han Lang, "What are you still doing here? Shouldn't the Qiao girl have arrived? Go out and greet the guests."

"Grandpa, that…" Han Lang gave a wry smile. "I don't think it’s necessary."

"What's not necessary?" Mr. Han immediately glared. "Are you backing down at the critical moment?"

"It's not that I'm backing down, but…" Han Lang hesitated, then lowered his voice, "I'll explain later. The responsibility isn't mine, honestly; she cut off all retreat."

Hearing this, Mr. Han knew the situation was complicated and must involve some hidden issue. He stopped pressing the matter, continuing to chat with Director Wang and Elder Cheng composedly. Fortunately, both Director Wang and Elder Cheng were perceptive; after a short while, they rose to take their leave simultaneously.

Mr. Han offered no fake pleasantries to make them stay, simply agreeing to host them for dinner another day. However, as they were departing, Director Wang smoothly extended an invitation: "Young friend Wang, since we’ve run into each other unexpectedly in Hong Kong, would you like to go out for a gathering?"

"...That would be fine," Wang Guan agreed after a brief consideration. Director Wang was merely a minor inconvenience, but the Han residence felt like a place rife with trouble, and leaving sooner rather than later seemed prudent.

Escorted by Mr. Han, Wang Guan left with Director Wang and Elder Cheng. As they crossed the lawn, he glanced over and noticed that Qiao Yu and Beiye were indeed gone.

Seeing this, Wang Guan departed with greater peace of mind. Yet, as the car sped away, he vaguely felt as if he had forgotten something. As to what exactly, he couldn't recall immediately.

Well, if he couldn't remember it, it must not be important, so there was no need to dwell on it. With that thought, Wang Guan felt lighter and more cheerful, driving off without any burden.

It wasn't until much, much later, after the Han family banquet had concluded, that a certain Young Master Cai realized he had been abandoned, leading to another bout of weeping. Of course, he wasn't the unluckiest; others were even more tragic. Following that day, Han Lang was absent from social circles for a significant period, sparking considerable gossip…

Naturally, none of this concerned Wang Guan. By this time, he had arrived with Director Wang and Elder Cheng at an extremely luxurious villa. Seeing the destination, Wang Guan felt a flicker of surprise; he had assumed Director Wang was staying at a hotel.

"I don't live here. This is the home of Mr. Feng, the owner of the Liangyi Zang [Two-Dependent Collection]."

Sensing Wang Guan’s confusion, Director Wang explained, "This matter is quite important, and we need to give him a heads-up."

"I see," Wang Guan nodded lightly, following the two through the villa gates and slowly into the living room. The reception area was brightly lit, the lotus-pod-shaped crystal chandelier casting brilliant, exquisite light that illuminated every corner of the spacious hall with stark clarity.

As they stepped into the hall, Director Wang immediately smiled, "Mr. Feng, it's quite late to be intruding; my apologies."

"Not late, not late. You’ll learn when you stay in Hong Kong long enough that this is when the nightlife truly begins."

A man was already waiting in the hall—Mr. Feng, the master of the villa. He was not only the founder of the Liangyi Zang Museum but also a well-known figure in Hong Kong's financial sector. Unlike other tycoons preoccupied with luxury cars and fine wines, Mr. Feng was deeply devoted to collecting, making him a legendary figure in Hong Kong’s collecting circles.

After some pleasantries, Mr. Feng gestured with a smile, "Please, have a seat…"

After seating his guests and calling for tea, Mr. Feng asked with a smile, "How did it go?"

Though the question was vague, Elder Cheng nodded in understanding. "Mr. Feng guessed correctly. That young man did indeed go to see Mr. Han to discuss the museum deal."

"Haha, I knew it. For such a huge transaction, he wouldn't approach only me," Mr. Feng chuckled knowingly, lost in thought. "It’s likely not just Mr. Han either. Anyone interested in this kind of business, he’ll actively approach to promote it."

"Exactly," Elder Cheng smiled. "Mr. Han came after Mr. Feng. And before Mr. Feng, this young man met with Mr. Meng and many mainland magnates in Shanghai to discuss the matter. It's clear he intends to cast a wide net to catch more fish."

"That's only natural," Mr. Feng expressed his understanding, then looked curiously at Wang Guan. "And who is this young man?"

"I almost forgot to introduce him," Director Wang said with a gracious smile. "This is my namesake, young friend Wang Guan, the very person Mr. Feng has been most eager to meet."

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Both Mr. Feng and Elder Cheng appeared somewhat confused.

"What, you don't believe me? Think I’m joking?" Director Wang chuckled. "I recall only yesterday Mr. Feng specifically inquired about him with me. Have you forgotten already?"

"What!" Mr. Feng paused, then was instantly startled, his expression shifting to one of immense surprise and delight. "He is the owner of the Jiaowei Qin [Warped Tail Zither]?"

"Do you find this shocking, almost unbelievable?" Director Wang smiled, sounding deeply impressed himself. "But it is the truth. Let me offer a more formal introduction: Mr. Wang Guan, the owner of the greatest discovery of the early twenty-first century—the Jiaowei Qin. A man destined to be recorded in the annals of collecting history."

For a moment, Wang Guan could only offer a wry, helpless smile. "Director Wang, when you speak like that, are you trying to kill me with praise, or kill me outright?"