Zhang Ermao, known as Cade, has spent many years navigating the antique street, building an impressivework that most people can only dream of. Despite his extensive connections, there remain high-end resources that he has long been familiar with but has never sessfully integrated into.


    For instance, master craftsmen renowned for creating high-quality counterfeit antiques often coborate with antique dealers who cater to significant clientele, boasting considerable social and industry status.


    These elite artisans tend to look down on someone like Zhang Ermao (Cade).


    Even if Zhang Ermao (Cade) managed to locate them, he would find that they had no interest in engaging with him.<fn3a9a> Discover more novels at find{n}ovel</fn3a9a>


    If these individuals were akin to major drug lords, Zhang Ermao (Cade) would be nothing more than a petty figure, akin to a nightclub hustler selling novelty toys.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    However, Zhang Ermao (Cade) is no longer the man he once was.


    As a military advisor to Don Albert, his standing and connections in Aurous Hill have dramatically elevated, far surpassing those of the average person. So when he reached out to one of the senior masters, the response was not only respectful but also enthusiastic, with an invitation to visit his studio for an in-depth discussion.


    Thus, Zhang Ermao (Cade) set off for the meeting apanied by Jacob.


    The studio, as it turned out, was less of a legitimate workspace and more of a hub for counterfeiting and the illicit processing of cultural relics and antiques.


    Given the ndestine nature of this industry, the location of the operation was quite strategic.


    Situated in a vige beneath a highway bridge, just a short walk from Huizhou Province, it was tucked away enough to avoid unwanted attention.


    Zhang Ermao (Cade) felt that Jacob’s Rolls-Royce Cullinan was too conspicuous for the semi-rural area, so he chose to drive his own vehicle instead.


    Although the vige was adjacent to the highway, the nearest highway exits were several kilometers away. They had to navigate a bumpy, narrow county road for some time before finally reaching the vige entrance.


    Upon arriving, they were greeted by a man in his forties, sporting a long beard, who was waiting there respectfully.


    As Zhang Ermao (Cade) approached, the man stepped forward and eximed, “Brother Ermao, you’ve arrived! Please park the car here at the vige entrance; it’s just a short walk from here, only a few hundred meters.”


    Zhang Ermao (Cade) nodded, parked the car, and turned to Jacob, saying, “President Jacob, let’s head out.”


    Jacob quickly lowered his voice, “Don’t call me President Jacob. We need to keep a low profile for this. When you introduce me, just say myst name is Han.”


    Then, he added hastily, “Wait, no, what am I saying? Just say my surname is Murong, and that I’m an antique dealer from Suzhou and Hangzhou.”


    Zhang Ermao (Cade) nodded enthusiastically, “Got it, Mr. Murong, right?”


    “Exactly!” Jacob replied, satisfied. “Apound surname sounds impressive.”


    With their identities agreed upon, they opened the car doors and stepped out. The man was already advancing toward them with a weing smile.


    “Wee, you two! Please follow me,” he said cheerfully.


    As they walked, Zhang Ermao (Cade) nced around and remarked, “Teacher Cheng, you’ve picked quite a remote spot. The path is difficult to navigate, and the vige roads are too narrow, often blocked by parked cars.”


    Teacher Cheng smiled and exined, “Brother Ermao, we chose this location intentionally. The two individuals you saw when you arrived were part of our arrangement. This way, we can observe any approaching vehicles. If someone suspicious, like a police officer, happens by, we can discreetly alert each other. It’s all part of the n to stay safe.”


    Realizing the wisdom behind this choice, Zhang Ermao (Cade) sighed, “You really are cautious!”


    “Indeed,” Teacher Cheng replied, continuing, “In our line of work, it’s all too easy to offend someone. There are always those who, feeling wronged or having lost money, might seek revenge or report us. This level of caution is necessary. The best part of a location like this is that it’s easy to conceal our activities and hard for others to discover us.”