“In that case, let’s call it a day,” Elder Zhou said, turning to ask, “Mr. Anderson, when will the other items arrive?”

“Soon, very soon, we’re coordinating now,” Mr. Anderson replied with a smile, which wasn't entirely dismissive; after all, with items held by different people, persuasion and reasoned argument were necessary to secure them.

Wang Guan and the others didn't concern themselves with the process; as long as the objects arrived, that was sufficient. How Mr. Anderson managed it was his affair. It became clear that in any endeavor, the result was what truly mattered. The idea of enjoying the process without focusing on the outcome was merely an excuse made by the defeated or a façade of false modesty adopted by the victors.

Regardless, the day’s haul was good—three treasures confirmed, and one pending. Everyone felt a measure of satisfaction, then declined Mr. Anderson’s invitation to dinner and returned directly to the hotel.

On the way, spirits were high, though one expert sighed, “It’s a pity they aren’t exchanging with the British Museum, the Louvre, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If they were, there’d be no need for appraisal; we could just take what's on the manifest.”

“True…”

For a moment, everyone deeply agreed. After all, the Chinese artifacts held by those three great museums had been scrutinized by them countless times; they could be confirmed as genuine rare treasures without any detailed authentication.

“Alright, stop dwelling on it. Those things aren’t something you can simply swap for,” Elder Zhou shook his head, stating a plain truth. After all, unless it was a private museum, items belonging to the world’s top three museums were public property. Any change or loss would surely touch the heart of the entire nation’s populace.

Under such intense scrutiny, no one would dare commit an act that defied public opinion, even if the exchange were fair and reasonable. In a way, these museums were like the Pixiu—they consumed but never relinquished.

Understanding this, Wang Guan and the others nodded, ceasing their laments.

After some back and forth, they were back at the hotel, dining and chatting about the day’s findings.

In reality, not everything in the safes was genuine; some counterfeits were mixed in. It had been awkward to discuss while Mr. Anderson was present, but now, free of restraint, they delved into detailed critiques.

There was much to learn about where the genuine items lay and how the fakes could be detected, as each person’s angle of appraisal differed and could benefit the others through mutual learning. Thus, the day passed in lively conversation. It was the next morning, just as Wang Guan finished breakfast, that a visitor arrived.

“Mr. John!” This was expected, and Wang Guan showed no surprise, offering a smile instead, “Good morning, would you care for a cup of morning tea?”

“No, thank you.”

Business was pressing, and Mr. John had no intention of delaying. After being invited to sit down by Wang Guan, he got straight to the point. “Mr. Wang, our boss would like to invite you to America to look at some things.”

“Look at what things?” Wang Guan maintained a calm demeanor, though curiosity flickered. “Some Chinese antiques.”

As he spoke, Mr. John produced another photograph and handed it over face down.

Wang Guan naturally took it, flipping it over to examine it. At first glance, he showed a flicker of shock before pausing in thought, then slowly nodding. “It’s rare that your boss is this attentive; it seems I can’t refuse.”

“In that case, let’s depart immediately,” Mr. John said with delight. Successfully concluding this matter meant a promotion and a raise for him, accounting for his slight urgency.

Wang Guan had no objection. He simply stood up, informed Elder Zhou that he was traveling to the US, and received only nods of resignation, with instructions to return soon.

After saying his farewells, Wang Guan called for two bodyguards and followed Mr. John toward the airport.

At the airport, Wang Guan finally understood what it meant to be truly wealthy. A private jet had been waiting for some time, ready to fly them directly to America.

To be honest, the sight of the private jet caused Wang Guan a moment of surprise, but recalling that private planes were common among the super-rich in Europe and the West, he quickly accepted it. After all, private jets were no longer uncommon even in China today, though those who owned them tended to be low-key and didn't flaunt their possession.

There were, of course, those who did show off, like some entertainment celebrities whose private jets had caused a stir of envy and resentment among the public.

Regardless, under the escort of the private jet, Wang Guan and his entourage soon arrived in the United States. Upon arrival, a chauffeured car was waiting, providing impeccable service. From Australia to America, he had barely needed to use his own feet—almost the treatment afforded to someone with limited mobility.

In comfort, they reached their destination: a beautiful estate nestled halfway up a mountain.

The estate was vast, walled high on both sides, enclosing an entire hilltop like a fortress-like sovereign state. From the foot of the mountain, it looked decidedly difficult to attack and easy to defend.

Especially after passing security checks, as the car drove through the iron gates, Wang Guan vaguely noticed what appeared to be numerous hidden security personnel positioned among the sprawling manor buildings.

Of course, whether they were ordinary guards or hired mercenaries, Wang Guan neither cared nor wished to find out. When the car stopped beside the manor, he stepped out, guided by Mr. John.

“Mr. Wang, please come in.”

A moment later, Wang Guan entered the manor’s living room. The opulence and luxury needed no description; it was undoubtedly magnificent amidst elegance.

However, contrary to Wang Guan’s expectations, the host was nowhere to be seen upon his arrival. It was quite discourteous for the host to be absent when a guest had arrived. Thinking this, Wang Guan naturally frowned.

Seeing this, Mr. John quickly apologized, “Mr. Wang, our boss is currently in Europe and couldn’t rush back in time. Please forgive the oversight. Perhaps, shall we go look at the items first?”

Wang Guan gave an noncommittal reply, but Mr. John was perceptive enough to recognize this as assent. He immediately led the way, bypassing the lavish living room and leading deep into the estate. Soon, they arrived at a heavily guarded area.

The security was indeed intense; several large men stood guard, and even Mr. John underwent a thorough search before being allowed entry. Wang Guan, however, was not checked; he simply walked through after Mr. John opened the door.

Stepping inside, Wang Guan couldn't help but utter an exclamation of awe. Ostensibly a house, the interior was actually connected to the mountain itself—the entire core of the hill had been excavated to form a colossal chamber. The interior space had undoubtedly been reinforced with steel-concrete and metal plating, perhaps making it impenetrable even to artillery shells.

Yet, Wang Guan paid little heed to the architecture’s strength; upon entering, his attention was immediately and deeply captivated by the contents of the space.

“Mr. Wang, I didn't lie to you, did I?”

Mr. John said, a touch of pride in his voice, “The photograph was taken on-site; there was absolutely no fabrication.”

“Mm,” Wang Guan nodded slightly. He had harbored some doubt when Mr. John showed him the initial photo, which depicted a vast warehouse filled with numerous Chinese cultural relics.

At a glance, it seemed even more numerous than the Xiyi Museum.

But now, Wang Guan had no more doubts. In fact, he felt the photograph hadn't captured the full scope, showing only a small corner. The quantity of items in the warehouse far exceeded his expectations.

Wang Guan surveyed the scene. Dozens of large shelves were neatly arranged within the immense space. Upon each shelf rested antique pieces: ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, jade wares, and assorted objects. In summary, the collection here was richer than that of some provincial museums back home.

After scrutinizing the display for a moment, Wang Guan felt a slight dizziness.

“Mr. Wang, we know you have an agreement with Mr. Anderson.”

Mr. John seized the opportunity, pressing his advantage: “Our boss intends to make a similar transaction with you. Surely, Mr. Wang, you won’t refuse?”

Wang Guan did not rush to answer. After thinking it over, he swept his hand around the room and asked, “If I agree, do all the items in this warehouse become mine?”

“Uh…”

For an instant, Mr. John felt a mixture of elation and shock. Elated because Wang Guan’s attitude had softened, shocked because he was making an exorbitant demand, his appetite ready to devour the entire contents of the warehouse.

Mr. John, upholding his professional duty, shook his head. “Mr. Wang, I cannot make that decision; it requires our boss’s approval. However, I believe everything is negotiable…”

Once they were seated at the negotiating table, no demand was too high; the final settlement would require compromise.

“Then go and consult your boss,” Wang Guan said casually, beginning to stroll through the warehouse. After a few steps, he stopped beside a shelf laden with porcelain.

A brief inspection yielded a nod of approval. The condition of the porcelain seemed excellent; the paste was as clean as jade, and the glaze was warm and lustrous, lacking the harshness of firing—clear signs of old age.

With Wang Guan’s current experience, he could discern that most of these ceramics were from the Ming and Qing dynasties. While not necessarily rare treasures, the overall quality was impressive.

As Wang Guan’s gaze swept over the ceramics, he bypassed the main shelves, his attention drawn instead to a collection of stone statues situated behind them.

These stone sculptures depicted the forms of Guanyin and Buddhas, massive in size and emanating profound solemnity. Though not numerous, and with a few fragmented Buddha heads among them, the style suggested they were from the Wei, Jin, Sui, or Tang dynasties—veritable national treasures… (To be continued)