Hearing this, Wang Guan’s heart stirred, and he suddenly looked up at Yu Feibai, only to see him nod slightly, silently mouthing, “Agree to it...”

“Then... fine!” Wang Guan considered it seriously and finally agreed.

The main reason was Tang Qinghua’s attitude; if his words had carried even the slightest hint of superiority or demandingness, the matter likely wouldn't have progressed.

After all, Wang Guan believed that in this world, aside from family, no one truly owed anyone else anything. There was no necessity to agree to do something just because the other party had a powerful background.

But now, the other party was "requesting" his help, and there was the added factor of Yu Feibai’s goodwill. It was difficult to refuse such earnest insistence, and while Wen Tong’s ink bamboo painting was fine, it wasn’t an unparalleled masterpiece.

Weighing the pros and cons comprehensively, Wang Guan found it difficult to refuse with a cold face.

“That’s wonderful.”

Even though they were far apart, the delight in Tang Qinghua’s laughter could be felt through the phone: “Then it’s settled. Zhao Qian will come to you in a couple of days to sign the agreement. When you have time to come to Sijiucheng, I’ll treat you to drinks.”

Before Wang Guan could reply, the other party had already hung up.

“Beep, beep, beep...”

Hearing the dead tone, Wang Guan was somewhat speechless and handed the phone back to Yu Feibai.

“Don’t mind him, that kid is always like that, even more anxious than me.” Yu Feibai chuckled. “Just wait, Zhao Qian should be calling soon.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the phone rang. Yu Feibai raised an eyebrow smugly, wearing an expression of ‘See, I told you so,’ but when he looked down at the caller ID, his expression instantly shifted, becoming very serious.

“Dad, it’s me...”

In an instant, Yu Feibai nervously hit the answer button.

“Tomorrow morning, someone will pick you up. Come see me.”

Simultaneously, a commanding voice emanated from the phone. With just that single sentence, the call disconnected.

The dead tone sounded, and Yu Feibai reluctantly pocketed the phone, sighing, “Sigh, the old man must have calculated it perfectly, calling me at exactly this moment. It looks like I won't be able to tour the antique market for the next few days.”

At this point, Wang Guan understood that the caller was Yu Feibai’s father.

Seeing Yu Feibai’s crestfallen look, Wang Guan smiled and said, “It’s rare to reunite with family; staying a few extra days is a good thing. Besides, regarding the auction issue, we might be lingering in Shudu for a while longer anyway.”

“True. You came out here to lie low. If you go back now and others find out you snagged another genuine Wen Tong ink bamboo painting in Shudu, it might get even livelier.”

Yu Feibai broke into a broad smile: “Moreover, we’ve only been sightseeing in Shudu these few days. You know, there’s an old saying that the world’s magnificent scenery lies in Shu. We haven't even seen sights like Mount Emei’s supreme elegance, Jiuzhaigou’s unparalleled wonder, Jianmen’s perilous grandeur, or Qingcheng’s deep tranquility, nor places like the Leshan Giant Buddha, Dazu Rock Carvings, Sanxingdui, or the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Forest.”

“Shu is vast; there must be countless historical sites. Do you really plan on seeing them all?” Wang Guan shook his head. “Even rushing through them superficially, it would likely take a month or two to see everything.”

“That works too,” Yu Feibai laughed. “By then, everyone will be heading home for the Lunar New Year.”

“Easier said than done,” Wang Guan rolled his eyes. “I still have my job. Taking a few days off is fine, but if I’m gone too long, Uncle De will fire me.”

“What’s there to fear? With your skill, you don’t need a job; you could support yourself just by spotting undervalued treasures,” Yu Feibai teased, which was true to some extent.

“That’s true, but if I really quit, I’d miss out on a lot of learning opportunities,” Wang Guan replied with a smile.

“Also true.”

Yu Feibai nodded in agreement, then suddenly asked, “Tomorrow, want to come with me for an experience?”

Go where?

The military zone, of course.

Planes, tanks, armored vehicles, machine gun fire...

Thinking about it, Wang Guan felt a flutter of excitement, but he still refused, shaking his head. “That would be too presumptuous. Maybe next time we have a chance.”

“Suit yourself...”

Yu Feibai was unconcerned. “Anyway, it’s just the usual scene, nothing special.”

He was used to it, so it seemed ordinary to him. But Wang Guan was different; in his twenty-plus years, the only time he’d been near a military setting was during college military training, where he’d briefly experienced camp life.

However, many years had passed, and that memory was already faded and blurred. Furthermore, how could a training camp compare to a genuine military zone? Wang Guan certainly wanted to go in to observe and learn.

Yet, considering he would be meeting Yu Feibai’s father, the atmosphere would inevitably be very constrained and uncomfortable.

Wang Guan felt the situation would be deeply awkward, so he abandoned the thought.

Not long after, the two returned to the hotel, had dinner, and then retired to their separate rooms to rest.

The night passed quietly. Around nine o’clock the next morning, Wang Guan awoke to find Yu Feibai was already gone. Looking at the note left on the living room table, he realized Yu Feibai had left before seven.

“He’s actually thoughtful enough to leave a note.”

Wang Guan yawned, washed his face and brushed his teeth, finally feeling a bit more alert.

He went downstairs, ate breakfast, and by about nine-thirty, Wang Guan followed yesterday’s plan, taking transport to the Songxianqiao Antique Market, and with a growing familiarity, he headed straight for the Yongfeng Antique Shop.

As soon as Wang Guan stepped inside, the shop owner, Lei Yunzhang—a friend of Gao Dequan—came forward to meet him.

Of course, Lei Yunzhang wasn't specifically waiting for Wang Guan; he looked as if he was about to head out.

The two crossed paths. Lei Yunzhang still had a slight impression of Wang Guan from having met him the day before, and he immediately broke into a cheerful smile. “Young man, here to buy antiques again?”

Wang Guan smiled and countered, “Boss, is your surname Lei?”

“It is.” Lei Yunzhang paused, puzzled. “How did you know...”

Wang Guan quickly explained, “My name is Wang Guan, I came from Cidu. I wonder if Uncle De mentioned me to you?”

“Cidu, De...”

Lei Yunzhang pondered for a moment, then suddenly understood with a flash of realization, joking, “So it’s you two! Why didn’t you say so yesterday? Were you planning to give me a proper test?”

“Uncle Lei, you jest,” Wang Guan chuckled lightly. “Yesterday, we were just out strolling and didn’t pay attention to the shop sign before coming in. After buying something and leaving, only then did I realize this was your shop, Uncle Lei. But at that time, I was afraid of being awkward and didn't dare turn back. For delaying this formal visit until now, I sincerely apologize for my rudeness.”

“Nothing to be embarrassed about,” Lei Yunzhang waved his hand dismissively. “This is a business; haggling is perfectly normal. Even if Ah De himself came over, the rules still have to be followed...”

..................... Thanks to book friend “74011pp” for the reward. Please vote with collection, recommendation tickets, and Year’s Best Novel tickets. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you. C