It was the ninth day, and the monthly tickets were already cast? I implore everyone for further support, please.

Old Man Qian’s sudden invitation caused Old Master Kong a slight start. After all, based on what had just been agreed, he should have been the host, and he had already reserved a table at the grand hotel, ready for the banquet to commence once everyone arrived.

However, Old Master Kong was not a rigid traditionalist. More importantly, he perceived the deeper meaning in Old Man Qian's tone. At this point, the best course was to go along with the flow. With a cordial smile, he replied, "Brother Qian invites me; how could I possibly decline? I certainly wouldn't refuse."

"In that case... let's go then," Old Man Chang stood up, calling out casually, "Oh, and bring the Tianzi Jar as well, to liven up the drinks."

That excuse was a bit flimsy; the jar couldn't talk, nor could it sing or dance, so how could it possibly enhance the merriment? But some things are best left understood among them, with no need to spell them out. After all, exposing it would bring no benefit, and might only offend someone.

There was no need for further words. The group departed the VIP room in a grand procession, taking the internal elevator straight down to the underground parking lot. Then, under Old Man Qian's guidance, they arrived at the grand residence after about half an hour.

After getting out of the car and surveying the imposing yet elegant mansion gate, Old Master Kong sighed with envy, "Brother Qian, you are truly blessed in your old age."

Old people tend to favor nostalgia. Even though Old Master Kong enjoyed a luxurious life abroad, his residence there was a Western-style villa. He hadn't thought much of it before, but seeing the rustic and natural Siheyuan now, memories of his childhood surged back, naturally eliciting a certain indescribable emotion.

"If Brother Kong finds it agreeable, you might as well stay a few days here," Old Man Qian said with a smile, gesturing for him to enter.

At this moment, Old Master Kong temporarily set aside the confusion clouding his mind and stepped into the grand residence with enthusiasm, looking around with keen interest. After touring the front and back courtyards, he finally entered the living room, still feeling unfulfilled.

After they were seated, dividing themselves according to host and guest, Wang Guan and Yu Feibai worked together seamlessly—one boiling water for tea, the other cleaning the tea set. To accommodate Old Master Kong's preference, the two specially prepared a pot of Dianhong. Being abroad, perhaps he favored black tea.

After the tea was brewed, it was uncertain whether it suited Old Master Kong's palate, but Yu Wei certainly drank it with great relish.

"Brother Qian."

At the same time, Old Master Kong took a sip of the tea, then set his cup down. He smiled faintly, "There are no outsiders here. What you couldn't say conveniently just now, you can say now. What exactly is the problem with that Chenghua Doucai Tianzi Jar?"

"The problem with the Tianzi Jar itself isn't major; the issue lies behind the object. That matter is quite serious," Old Man Qian said in a grave tone. "Brother Kong, forgive my intrusion, but how did you acquire your Tianzi Jar?"

"I collected it."

Knowing there was an issue, Old Master Kong's expression remained very steady. "I bought it from a peer for three million Euros. Because the price was relatively cheap, I've always felt uneasy about it..."

"Was that peer a friend of yours?" Old Man Chang pressed.

"No." Old Master Kong shook his head. "We only occasionally did business."

Hearing this, although it was what they expected, Wang Guan and the others couldn't help but feel a wave of disappointment.

Seeing their reaction, Old Master Kong finally couldn't help but ask, "Brother Qian, what exactly is going on? It feels like there's something strange about this matter. Can you tell me?"

"And what was the third point you wanted to mention just now?" Yu Wei looked at Wang Guan, adding, "There's no need to hesitate and hide it now, is there?"

"Then allow me to explain."

At the appropriate moment, Wang Guan signaled for Old Master Kong to bring out the Tianzi Jar. He then held it in his hands, weighing it, before pointing to a patch of seaweed pattern on the jar's surface: "Mr. Yu, look here!"

"What about here?"

Yu Wei peered at it intently. The motif depicted a cluster of seaweed sprouting from beside a rock. The form seemed to sway with the ocean waves, several thin strands of water-plants intertwined, giving an appearance of slight disarray.

However, in Yu Wei's eyes, this was perfectly normal; he couldn't discern anything amiss, even suspecting that Wang Guan might be putting on an act.

"Ah."

Yet, Old Master Kong beside him also looked over. At first glance, he froze, startled, anxious, and then jolted: "Zhu... it's him. No wonder..."

"Huh?"

For a moment, Wang Guan looked rather strange and surprised. "Old Master Kong, you know Mr. Zhu the Great as well?"

"How could I not know him?"

At