The eyes are the windows to the soul, and those with impure intentions habitually avoid looking others directly in the face, instead sneaking glances—their movements naturally betraying a furtive nature.

The young man currently presented himself as reasonably well-featured, much like Liu Zhicheng, with thick eyebrows and large eyes.

However, Liu Zhicheng's prominent brows and large eyes conveyed an air of heroic spirit and an impression of deep loyalty and uprightness.

This young man’s large eyes, however, darted about restlessly, possessing a shiftiness that spoke of roguish deception.

Wang Guan saw it, and naturally, his initial impression was not good.

Judging a person by appearance is certainly wrong, but observing the 'spirit' rather than the 'form' should not be incorrect.

Of course, no matter how poor his impression, Wang Guan would not show it; he merely nodded subtly, acknowledging the greeting, and then returned to his tea, paying the young man no further heed.

Yet, Wang Guan’s indifference sparked the young man's curiosity. He pressed on, asking, "Elder, who are these guests? Yours, or Brother Cheng's?" "Whose guest they are is irrelevant; a guest is a guest."

Old Master Liu smiled faintly, "He’s a fellow villager from Wuning, just stopping by for a chat."

Wang Guan felt a touch of surprise upon hearing this. From Liu Zhicheng’s previous remarks, the Old Master seemed quite fond of this youth, but the current situation suggested otherwise.

At the very least, the Old Master had omitted any mention of the bronze bell or the substantial sum of money involved.

Indeed, if one isn't one’s own flesh and blood, even affection has its limits.

Wang Guan muttered inwardly, a slight smile playing on his lips as he nodded in agreement.

"Oh."

The young man immediately lost interest in further inquiry. He then began to ramble aimlessly with Old Master Liu, his eyes still rolling around as he schemed about something unseen.

Two minutes later, the youth could restrain himself no longer.

The true purpose surfaced: "Elder, do you have any other old objects around the house? Something like that box from last time..." "Why are you asking about that?" Old Master Liu was taken aback. "Didn't I tell you that was an urn? If you actually tried to sell it, didn't they scold you?" "Elder, you don't understand. People where I'm from love antiques—they don't care if it's an urn. As long as it’s old, they’ll pay good money for it."

As he spoke, the youth's eyes darted again: "Oh, and Elder, that box sold for a thousand. According to the trade's rules, I keep five hundred. I’ve come to deliver your five hundred now."

At that precise moment, the youth quickly pulled out five crisp hundred-yuan notes, making a show of offering them to Old Master Liu.

However, the gesture was deliberately slow, granting the Old Master ample time to refuse.

"No need. It was just a broken box. It's your skill that you managed to sell it. As for the money, let's not mention it."

Old Master Liu shook his head. "But you must be careful. If people find out you sold an urn, you might get into trouble."

"Elder, no need to worry. It’s the rule of the trade: clear transaction for clear goods. If the item truly is an antique, they have no grounds to trouble me."

The youth smoothly pocketed the money, preening with satisfaction: "Otherwise, if this gets out, he’s the one who loses face."

"Is that so?"

Old Master Liu nodded. "It’s good that you understand the situation. But constantly engaging in these dubious schemes isn't a long-term plan. You're not young anymore; it's time to settle down..." "Elder, this isn't a dubious scheme, this is collecting—collecting for the masses!"

The young man exclaimed, "This is a path to great fortune! If I just manage to snag one real find, I'll never have to worry about food or clothing again."

"A real find? I estimate the probability of you being struck dead by a falling stone outside is about the same as your chance of finding a genuine antique."

Just then, Liu Zhicheng returned, carrying seven or eight bags, his face impassive as he looked at the youth—his expression suggesting he wished a stone would fall from the sky and crush the young man immediately.

"Brother Cheng!" The youth quickly stood up, looking somewhat constrained and uneasy.

"Hmph."

Liu Zhicheng completely ignored him; anyone could see he did not welcome the youth's presence. If the Old Master weren't home, he likely would have thrown the young man out the door.

The youth was acutely aware of this, so he kept glancing at Old Master Liu, silently pleading for support.

Old Master Liu understood and smoothed things over: "A’cheng, go start preparing the meal; don't keep the guest waiting."

Under the Old Master’s instruction, Liu Zhicheng reluctantly headed toward the kitchen.

The youth also knew he had to use the time efficiently and hastily inquired, "Elder, are there any other old objects at home? If there are antiques from the Ming or Qing dynasties, our family will be set for life."

"Liu Liang, stop dreaming in broad daylight," Liu Zhicheng called back mockingly before he was far away. "You've already ransacked the place several times; surely you know the situation here?"

Most people would feel a twinge of shame upon hearing such a remark and blush slightly. However, Wang Guan was amazed to see that the youth named Liu Liang remained utterly unmoved, still grinning at Old Master Liu as if he hadn't heard Liu Zhicheng's words at all.

This shamelessness, thicker than a city wall, only fueled Liu Zhicheng’s displeasure.

But sarcasm, biting remarks, and even outright curses had no effect; the only thing missing was a physical beating. Protected by the Old Master, Liu Zhicheng could only fume and retreat to the kitchen, soon followed by the distinct sound of a knife being sharpened.

To be fair, hearing that sound did cause the smile on Liu Liang's face to freeze. His eyes rolled around again, this time with a measure of panic. Even with the Old Master's protection, better safe than sorry. If he truly enraged Liu Zhicheng and got swung at with a kitchen knife, he was guaranteed to be crippled or killed.

With this thought, Liu Liang grew restless and urgently pressed, "Quickly, tell me if there are any old things! If you have anything, let me contact a buyer; we can definitely make a huge profit."

"Old objects? We truly do have one."

Old Master Liu thought seriously for a moment, then suddenly pointed toward the courtyard: "Do you see that tree outside? It was here before this residence was even built. It’s probably older than I am—it surely qualifies as an old object."

"Elder, please don't joke," Liu Liang exclaimed, his initial excitement instantly collapsing into disappointment.

"I’m not joking," Old Master Liu shook his head. "Our Liu family isn't some prestigious lineage. According to your great-grandmother, our ancestors only produced a few poor scholars who couldn't even pass the provincial exams and ended up as village schoolmasters. Then, your great-grandfather was caught up in the War of Resistance and conscripted into the army; he never returned..."

"Speaking of Great-Grandfather," Liu Liang’s eyes suddenly lit up, and he quickly interjected, "Great-Grandfather was a soldier, right? When his remains were sent back, wasn't there any reward? Not gold bars or silver, but at least a medal?"

"Elder, medals are valuable too! For example, a Blue Sky and White Sun Medal is worth at least five million—five million!" Liu Liang's expression was incredibly excited, as if he could already see five million waving at him.

"You must be referring to the Blue Sky and White Sun Medal worn by Chairman Chiang Kai-shek," Wang Guan interjected helpfully at this moment. "That medal is the highest honor of the Republic of China. Only those who have rendered significant military service are qualified to receive it. Of course, many have earned it over the years, but the one valued at five million is probably only the one Chiang Kai-shek himself possessed. However, rumor has it that Chairman Chiang's medal was buried with him, so what appears on the market are likely fakes."

"Oh?" Liu Liang was surprised. "You know so much; are you also a connoisseur?"

"Something like that," Wang Guan smiled vaguely.

"Oh?" Encountering a peer, Liu Liang’s first reaction wasn't pleasure, but suspicion: "Are you here to scout houses?"

"Scout houses for what? I told you, he’s a fellow villager, here as a guest," Old Master Liu waved his hand. "If you’re looking for old objects, go rummage through the storeroom. All the household junk is piled up there anyway. If there’s anything, you'll find it."

"Fine, I'll go take a look."

This was precisely what Liu Liang was waiting for. In an instant, he forgot about Wang Guan and rushed toward the storeroom to begin his search.

Seeing this, Old Master Liu shook his head slightly, offering an apologetic smile. "Young man, I apologize for the spectacle."

"It's alright; I can understand..." Wang Guan certainly didn't mind. There were all sorts of people in the world—with China's massive population base, it was inevitable that all manner of oddities would arise, leading to strange occurrences. He was quite accustomed to it.

Old Master Liu sighed softly, then changed the subject. "How is Lingxi doing these days?"

"Very well. With Elder Lü taking care of him, his spirit and complexion are much better than before," Wang Guan replied with a smile, which was the truth.

"That's good. At his age, what is there left that he can't come to terms with?" Old Master Liu said sincerely. "I've been advising him to return to the capital for a long time, but it’s not too late now..."

Wang Guan naturally agreed. Amidst their casual talk, Liu Zhicheng had finished preparing lunch and called them over to eat.

Glancing around, Liu Zhicheng frowned. "Has that fellow left?"

"He's in the storeroom; go call him," Old Master Liu instructed. Seeing Liu Zhicheng remain still, the Old Master decided to go himself.

However, before he could step toward the storeroom, a furious shout erupted from outside: "Liu Liang, get out here!"

"What's going on?" Wang Guan was startled, momentarily confused by the situation.

"Trouble!" Simultaneously, Liu Liang burst out, his face pale with alarm: "Elder, is there anywhere I can hide? Quickly hide me, then go deal with that person..."

"Hide? Why hide?" Liu Zhicheng seemed to grasp the situation and glared furiously. "You scoundrel! Stirring up trouble at your own house wasn't enough, you had to drag it here? Get out right now! Whatever happens—whether they kill you or chop you up—it's your own business; don't implicate us!"

Liu Liang shoved past Liu Zhicheng and clutched Old Master Liu's hem, pleading desperately, "Elder, they really will kill people! You can't just stand by and watch!"

"What exactly is going on?" Old Master Liu frowned. "Why is the person outside looking for trouble with you?"

"They are my business rivals. They're jealous that I'm doing better than them, so they're angry and looking for a fight," Liu Liang explained, but his eyes were rolling around, clearly indicating he wasn't telling the truth. This kind of lie could only fool a three-year-old; Wang Guan and the others certainly didn't believe it... (To be continued)