"…If there are Western concepts like God, angels, Satan, and devils, then there must be Eastern elements."

At that moment, Cai Peng’s expression was one of fanatical fervor: "So, I think the painting should include figures like the Tathagata Buddha, Laozi, the Jade Emperor, and Guanyin Bodhisattva. Oh, and we absolutely need the eighteen levels of Hell, the Ten Kings of Hell, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, and the Judges—after all, one shouldn't forget one's roots…"

"Mmm, truly shouldn't forget one's roots."

As he spoke, Cai Peng turned back with a serious air and asked, "Brother, do you think we should add Mazu in there too?"

"Uh."

Wang Guan couldn't help but stifle a laugh, suppressing a chuckle: "You decide that for yourself."

"Then let's add her," Cai Peng considered for a moment, then immediately signaled: "But it must be painted beautifully, at least more beautiful than the women in this current painting."

"You…"

At this point, if Mo You didn't realize Cai Peng was there to cause trouble, he would truly be an idiot. Amidst his shock, his face began to take on a greenish hue: "Who sent you here to cause a disturbance?"

"I come when I want to come; who can command me?" Cai Peng scoffed, "You're just out here selling your services, so stop pretending to be pure. In short, I have money; are you taking this job or not?"

"...Get out!"

Mo You was furious. If looks could kill, Cai Peng would already be riddled with holes. However, Mo You prided himself on having status and breeding; no matter how angry he was, he couldn't resort to physical violence. He could only grind his teeth and say, "You are not welcome here."

"Running a business and kicking out customers."

Just then, Cai Peng found even more reason: "What kind of customer service is this? I’m going to file a complaint against you…"

In an instant, Cai Peng demonstrated with concrete action what it meant to be the villain who sues first, nearly causing Mo You to suffer internal injury from rage. His voice trembled slightly: "...Xiaomei, call the police immediately. Tell them there's a scoundrel causing trouble here…"

"Who's afraid of who?"

Cai Peng was unconcerned. He casually pulled over a chair, sat down, crossed his legs, and scoffed, "I am a customer, engaging in the normal process of commissioning a painting. Everything is reasonable and proper. You, however, as the painter, are using abusive language and even trying to chase away a client. Where in the world does a business operate like that…"

"I think you should just close this gallery down. Shut it for good, that would be best."

Cai Peng’s words were laced with malicious cursing; anyone who wasn't deaf could hear it.

Mo You was not deaf, so he became even angrier, his face darkening: "Who exactly are you? We have never met before. Why are you coming to bother me?"

"That's because you've done too many immoral things. I am simply someone who cannot stand by when injustice is done…"

As Cai Peng spoke, Wang Guan faintly heard the sound of a siren. He immediately tugged on Cai Peng’s sleeve and whispered, "That's enough now; you can head back. If the police arrive and things escalate, it could damage your family's reputation."

"Mmm."

Cai Peng considered it and nodded slightly, then sneered coldly at Mo You: "You got off easy today, but remember this—this isn't over…"

After dropping this threat, Cai Peng followed Wang Guan and swaggered out. Because several burly bodyguards cleared a path for them, Mo You’s expression fluctuated between dark and gloomy, but he dared not step forward to obstruct them.

Only after Wang Guan, Cai Peng, and their group departed did the police finally arrive, late as usual…

Cai Peng wasn't worried at all about what might happen next or whether Mo You might try to embellish things to the police. On the contrary, having vented his frustration, his mood immediately brightened considerably.

Seeing this, Wang Guan smiled faintly: "You seem pleased, but I'm a bit worried. If the police had arrived sooner and caught us in the middle of it, that could have been a real problem."

"What's to be afraid of?" Cai Peng was nonchalant. "I didn't hit anyone, nor did I damage anything. If the police dared touch me, I could sue them for abusing their power and infringing upon my personal freedom at any time."

"Furthermore, I’m not afraid if things blow up. At worst, I'll just tell the truth. Then, maybe I’ll get fined a bit, but that fellow's reputation will certainly be ruined."

At that moment, Cai Peng gloated: "Without any reputation, who would dare buy his paintings?"

"That's true…" Wang Guan nodded, smiling, "As long as you have a clear head about things, that’s fine. I should be heading back in a couple of days anyway, so I won't be able to join you in causing trouble then."

"So soon?" Cai Peng was startled. "Is everything settled?"

"That's right." Wang Guan nodded. "The next time I come, it will probably be next year."

"Next year…" Cai Peng registered this and immediately chuckled, "It's only a month or two until next year; that’s not long."

"I never said it was a long time."

Wang Guan smiled casually. "Anyway, I need to take care of some miscellaneous business over the next two days, so if you want to cause trouble for Mo You, you’ll have to handle it yourself. Before I leave, I’ll call you, and we can all gather again."

"Deal, I’ll treat you to dinner then."

After making arrangements, Cai Peng saw Wang Guan back to his hotel and then bid him farewell.

Over the next two days, he certainly looked for trouble with Mo You every waking moment—though not the kind involving assault or malicious harm. At most, he employed minor annoyances designed to keep Mo You unsettled and unable to focus on his painting.

These were minor details and not worth dwelling on. Two days later, Wang Guan, amidst a send-off from Director Cui and others, headed toward the airport in a sizable contingent, preparing to board his flight back to the Capital. Naturally, reporters were present to cover the event. During their interviews, Wang Guan and Director Cui both spoke about the significance of cultural exchange.

To many observers, the farewell was nothing more than a staged spectacle. But it didn't matter if people knew; knowing or not, the required procedures all had to be followed.

After all, Director Cui and his team needed promotion, the reporters needed news material, and the public needed something to watch. As for Wang Guan, he wanted certain people to know that he was leaving Taiwan. A single show satisfied multiple needs—why object?

In any case, witnessed by many, Wang Guan held his press conference, waved goodbye to everyone, and passed through security to board his plane. Soon after, the aircraft took off smoothly, slicing through the air.

At that time, the crowd dispersed in small groups. Under such circumstances, no one noticed a man dressed in a dark suit, wearing sunglasses, and sporting stubble calmly blending into the flow of people leaving the airport.

Simultaneously, a dark sedan had been waiting discreetly near the airport. After the man emerged and got into the car, the vehicle immediately started and vanished down the highway in a flash.

"Elder Fang, I’ve troubled you again."

The man in the car was, of course, Wang Guan. Thanks to Elder Fang's arrangement, he had pulled a small trick, making everyone believe he had boarded the plane and left, when in fact, he had stayed behind.

"It’s just a small matter."

Elder Fang waved his hand, then grew somewhat serious: "Do you truly suspect that Mo You has a problem?"

"That's right."

Wang Guan explained the reasoning he had formulated: "Two days ago, I went with Cai Peng to Mo You’s studio and happened to see him painting a picture. It was a portrait of a young woman who looked very much like Mr. Zhu’s daughter. Therefore, I have reason to suspect that even if he isn't Mr. Zhu's accomplice, he must have some connection to him."

"Mmm."

Elder Fang nodded slightly, finding the reasoning plausible, and felt that Wang Guan would not joke about matters like this. This implied that Mo You was genuinely a person of interest.

"For the past two days, Cai Peng has been driving him mad."

At this moment, Wang Guan’s eyes shone with keen intelligence: "When someone can't resolve a persistent nuisance, they usually change locations to find quiet. This is our opportunity."

Elder Fang was astute and immediately understood Wang Guan’s implication: "You suspect Mo You is providing Mr. Zhu with a place to hide? And you intend to use Mo You as a lead to trace him?"

"Exactly."

Wang Guan admitted, "Even if the possibility is slim, it’s a viable avenue for investigation."

"Understood." Elder Fang made his decision without hesitation. "I will have people tailing him twenty-four hours a day. Hopefully, things turn out as you expect, and we can catch the big fish."

"The probability is quite high."

At that instant, a flicker of excitement crossed Wang Guan's eyes: "I have never felt so close to Mr. Zhu before, as if separated only by a thin membrane…"

"Having confidence is a good thing."

As he spoke, Elder Fang chuckled, "However, you are currently an unregistered resident. For the next little while, don't go wandering about freely. Stay by my side to avoid accidentally exposing yourself."

Wang Guan naturally had no objection and settled in beside Elder Fang, taking on the role of an accompanying aide, something akin to a bodyguard or secretary.

Two more days passed, and everything remained quiet. However, reports from the surveillance team indicated that Mo You was on the verge of collapse due to Cai Peng’s harassment. He had also learned through certain channels about Cai Peng’s background and identity, no longer expecting the police to resolve the issue. Consequently, he had begun packing his belongings, preparing to flee the trouble.

Upon hearing this report, Wang Guan was delighted. After greeting Elder Fang, he personally set out. However, when he arrived near Mo You’s apartment complex, he immediately received word: Mo You had already reached the pier and boarded a ferry heading for the Penghu Islands, which was on the verge of departing.

"Penghu Islands!"

Instantly, Wang Guan grew even more elated, though slightly troubled. He was well aware that the Penghu archipelago consisted of over sixty islands, offering countless places to hide. If he lost sight of the man there, finding him again would be extremely difficult. Especially during this ** period, he could not afford to act overtly and risk alerting the target.

Thinking this through, Wang Guan instructed the surveillance team to board the ferry as well, then quickly contacted Elder Fang to arrange for a yacht. Wang Guan planned to arrive at the Penghu Islands ahead of Mo You, allowing him to calmly set up an ambush—to wait for the rabbit.

Elder Fang readily agreed to this request and acted decisively, arranging everything within a very short time. By the time Wang Guan reached the pier, a yacht was waiting, ready to depart immediately.

The subsequent events need no further detailing. Wang Guan boarded the yacht without delay and sped toward the Penghu Islands at maximum velocity. After some maneuvering, the yacht successfully arrived at the beautiful Penghu Bay…RS