"Not to overpraise, nor to tear down, but merely to state a fact," Curator Wang chuckled upon hearing Wang Guan’s complaint. This immediately drew concurring nods from Mr. Feng and Elder Cheng.

Though astonished by Wang Guan’s youth, neither man questioned Curator Wang's statement. The profound significance of the Jiaowei Zither needed no elaboration, and the person who discovered it, even if a novice, was destined to be recorded in history alongside the zither itself. Such fortune was enviable, representing the lucky few in every era, and often the object of widespread jealousy.

Mr. Feng and Elder Cheng weren't jealous, but they certainly marveled at Wang Guan’s sheer luck...

Meanwhile, Wang Guan glanced at Curator Wang, quite certain that the curator had deliberately exposed his hand. The purpose was simple: to push him into the spotlight so Curator Wang could implement his plan. It seemed, even now, the curator hadn't entirely abandoned the idea of acquiring the Jiaowei Zither through a transfer.

Thinking this, Wang Guan gently shook his head and smiled faintly, "As long as the insiders keep quiet, no one will know this is the truth."

"Wrong. A fact remains a fact even if nobody speaks of it," Curator Wang smiled slyly. "Besides, paper can't wrap up fire, and there are no airtight walls in this world. How could such an important matter be hidden from those who are paying attention? The only difference is a matter of time."

"Mr. Wang."

At the same time, Mr. Feng caught on and quickly extended his hand to Wang Guan, sighing with a smile, "My apologies, truly my oversight."

"Mr. Feng is too kind. It is I who should apologize for intruding on your time," Wang Wang replied with a smile. He decided not to argue further with Curator Wang; responding to change with steadfastness was the best approach. It merely meant one more person would covet his treasure.

In fact, Wang Guan’s deduction was correct. Once he was established as the owner of the Jiaowei Zither, Mr. Feng’s conversation began to revolve entirely around it, subtly probing through roundabout phrasing whether Wang Guan had any intention of selling.

In every word, Mr. Feng conveyed one message: I am sincere, my resources are vast, and if you have the slightest inclination, everything is negotiable, and I guarantee you will be satisfied.

Wang Guan, being experienced in such matters, employed his usual tactics: either pretending not to understand or deliberately deflecting the conversation, thus refusing to engage with the topic and clearly signaling his stance.

Seeing this, Mr. Feng felt a touch of helplessness. It was their first meeting, making it inappropriate to press the issue directly. He reluctantly changed the subject as if abandoning the topic: "The Jiaowei Zither officially opens for exhibition tomorrow. I hope Mr. Wang can attend."

"...That shouldn't be a problem."

Wang Guan considered it. Since nothing pressing would come of it, he simply nodded his agreement. After some more pleasantries, he took the opportunity to excuse himself. Mr. Feng couldn't persuade him to stay and could only see him off respectfully.

Returning to the hotel, Bei Ye and Qiao Yu had indeed returned first. Judging by their smiling expressions, they were in good spirits. However, Wang Guan couldn't help but complain, "You two came back early without even sending a message. Don't tell me you bolted the moment I went to find Han Lang."

"Don't blame me, Xiao Qiao dragged me along and wouldn't let me call you..." Bei Ye laughed lightly. "She was afraid you’d sell her off again, so she held me hostage and fled in fear."

"The banquet was pointless. I attended, which is more than enough respect shown to the Han family. Grandpa won't find fault," Qiao Yu pouted. "As for when I leave, that's my own freedom. Who do I need permission from?"

"You don't need permission; I just wanted to tell you that there’s no need to rush. I sense Han Lang has given up hope and no longer harbors any expectations of you," Wang Guan sighed with a smile. "Congratulations, you've succeeded in eliminating another suitor."

"Wonderful!" Qiao Yu’s face lit up with joy, and she clapped her hands with Bei Ye in celebration.

Wang Guan offered a friendly warning, "Don't celebrate too soon. Given Fourth Master Qiao’s character, as long as you remain unmarried, he will certainly arrange successors."

"Doesn't matter. I'll take things one step at a time. Delaying it for even one day is a victory," Qiao Yu remained optimistic.

Seeing this, Wang Guan shook his head and let her be. He then turned to Bei Ye with a smile, "I ran into Curator Wang from the Palace Museum quite coincidentally earlier. He invited us to tomorrow's exhibition. Shall we go together?"

"The Jiaowei Zither exhibition?"

Just then, Pi Qiushi also returned and happened to overhear Wang Guan's words. He immediately chuckled, "Brother, what a coincidence. Old Meng and Old Sha were just planning to invite me to see it too. I almost burst out laughing then."

"Let's go then," Wang Guan smiled. "After all, besides the Jiaowei Zither, the Two Yi Zang Museum's collection will also be displayed, which includes many superb pieces worth seeing."

"In that case, let's all go together."

The decision made, everyone discussed the day's experiences. Feeling somewhat tired, they dispersed to rest.

The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, Old Meng and Sha Qingfeng arrived at the hotel punctually to escort Wang Guan and the others toward the Two Yi Zang Museum.

The Two Yi Zang Museum is located on Hollywood Road, Hong Kong's most famous antique street—a globally renowned hub for the collection and transaction of antiques. The auctions held here annually attract numerous visitors from both home and abroad to bid.

"The Tang Hou Xing Cong Tu you were interested in is being displayed at a hotel nearby," Pi Qiushi pointed out. "It’s just around the corner from here..."

Wang Guan nodded gently, paying attention not only to the route but also being captivated by the storefronts along the antique street.

According to Old Meng's introduction, Hollywood Road was one of the earliest streets built since the founding of Hong Kong. Its name doesn't come from Hollywood, the film city in Los Angeles, but from the holly trees that once grew there—translated into Chinese as He Li Wu Dao.

This ancient street winds and stretches from Central to Shek Tong Tsui and Kennedy Town, housing over a hundred antique shops, displaying countless fine Chinese artifacts spanning numerous categories.

Chinese ceramics, jade, calligraphy and paintings, and gold and silver ware are commonplace. Additionally, there are jewelry, silverware, and antiques from Japan, Thailand, and South Asia...

Every shop possesses its own unique charm, and the items inside are dazzling—if you can think of it, you can likely find it here. Thus, this street is naturally a must-visit destination for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide searching for beloved antiquities.

Of course, the items here, much like the mainland antique market, are a mixed bag. If one possesses sufficient appraisal skills and diligence, it’s possible to acquire genuine antiques for a small price in inconspicuous little shops.

Naturally, many fakes are also hidden here: painstakingly copied Ming and Qing dynasty calligraphy, seemingly genuine Han and Tang ceramics, dyed Warring States period jade pendants, counterfeit bronze artifacts... etc., making it impossible to guard against every potential deception, leading to easy errors in judgment.

So, all crows are black in the world. Don't assume that only the mainland antique market is rife with fakes; this is actually a universal phenomenon, a global challenge that cannot be solved. It is merely that Chinese craftsmanship in counterfeiting has accumulated such a rich history that it has gained more notoriety.

Meanwhile, Old Meng smiled faintly, "I come here to browse every few days. Logically, I should be used to it by now, but my feelings are different every time I visit."

"Why?" Wang Guan asked curiously.

"He's being pretentious."

Before Old Meng could explain, Pi Qiushi next to him chuckled, "He’s showing off. Twenty or thirty years ago, he was just a runner here, earning his keep. Now that he’s successful and a leading art broker in Hong Kong, he naturally can't keep a low profile; he has to come back periodically to flaunt his success."

"Hey, Fatty Pi, you're deliberately smearing me," Old Meng retorted without irritation. "Am I that vulgar?"

"You’re not vulgar, you’re lowbrow," Pi Qiushi laughed.

Old Meng was momentarily speechless and stopped engaging with Pi Qiushi, instead explaining more seriously, "The reason I often come here to look isn't to show off, but to absorb the vibrant atmosphere and motivate myself..."

It was a rather inspiring statement, but the effect was somewhat ruined by his wisecracking friend nearby.

Because right then, Sha Qingfeng, who had been maintaining communication in the other car, interjected at a highly inconvenient moment, "Old Meng, that’s not what you said before, is it? I distinctly remember you saying you browse the antique street frequently to snag a massive bargain (jian yi ge da lou)."

"Yes, exactly," Pi Qiushi immediately agreed with a sly smile. "That's the real reason."

"You two!" Old Meng grumbled, frustrated. "You’re deliberately undermining me, aren't you?"

"We’re just telling the truth..."

Amidst their banter, the cars slowly arrived at their destination: the Two Yi Zang Museum. The scene outside the museum was bustling; about a thousand citizens had gathered nearby to watch. After days of media hype, anyone who had followed the news should know that the world-renowned Jiaowei Zither was being exhibited today.

Furthermore, it wasn't just citizens waiting to enter. Thanks to Mr. Feng’s connections, many wealthy individuals and celebrities had arrived early to show their support.

So, as Wang Guan and his group alighted from the cars, they saw a swarm of reporters blocking the entrance, clicking away furiously; flashes of light erupted incessantly.

Seeing this, Wang Guan immediately frowned. Entering through the main entrance would inevitably mean being photographed. He also understood the nature of reporters; if one was overly curious, they might dig up every detail about his ancestors.

Wang Guan didn't want to attract such attention and hesitated, somewhat reluctant to move forward.

However, after a quick survey, Wang Guan sighed in relief. The organizers had apparently considered that some people disliked the hustle and bustle and preferred privacy, as there was a side entrance available for entry as well...