In the world of antiques, ndestine exchanges often ur after hours, when shops are closed to the public.


    This is particrly the case for antique sellers operating brick-and-mortar stores.


    Typically, the items traded at night are either freshly excavated, stolen, or illegitimately acquired from others. Additionally, there are individuals who specialize in peddling counterfeit goods to unsuspecting buyers.


    Though Zhou Liangyun has been expanding his business internationally, his previous visit to Aurous Hill had already familiarized him with many of the unwritten rules of this industry.


    Noticing the other man’s wary expression and the suspicious bundle clutched in his arms, Zhou Liangyun inferred that the items this person possessed were likely not meant to be seen in daylight.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    In fact, the antique trade employs various underhanded tactics globally, including tomb raiding, fraud, and corruption. Those in Europe and America are equally well-acquainted with these practices, so Zhou Liangyun was no stranger to them.


    However, he chose not to disy any apprehension. Instead, he greeted the man with a smile, saying, “Please,e in! Let’s discuss this inside!”


    He then quickly ushered the man into his shop.


    Meanwhile, in the parking lot outside Antique Street, Jacob and Zhang Ermao (Cade) were watching a live broadcast unfold.


    At that moment, the feed waspletely dark, and the audio was fragmented and chaotic, making it impossible to discern what was happening.<fn0042> Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel</fn0042>


    Zhang Ermao (Cade) turned to Jacob and exined, “President Jacob, it seems my little brother identally pocketed his phone, which is why the quality is poor. But don’t worry; once he pulls it out, we’ll see everything clearly.”


    Jacob nodded eagerly, remarking with a smile, “It’s amazing how advanced technology has be. This sort of thing used to be the realm of spies. I thought it was all just fiction, but here we are!”


    Zhang Ermao (Cade) chuckled, saying, “Oh, what’s this? It seems President Jacob isn’t too familiar with the inte. You’d have found this all quitemon a few years back.”


    Meanwhile, the man had stepped into Zhou Liangyun’s store.


    Upon entering, he noticed the shop was nearly empty and asked with some concern, “Boss, are you actually open for business? Why is there nothing here?”


    With a smile, Zhou Liangyun replied, “This is my shop. Technically, it’s open, but I’ve just started and haven’t stocked it yet. I put up the sign to reserve the space. Soon, I’ll fill it with a variety of items.”


    He continued, “However, this doesn’t affect my willingness to buy. If you have valuable items, I’ll be fair with my offers.”


    Looking at the man, Zhou Liangyun added, “Since we’re alone here, why not show me what you’ve got?”


    The man nodded, took a seat in front of Zhou Liangyun, and retrieved a bronze Buddha statue along with its base from his pocket, presenting them wrapped in a red silk cloth.


    After handing over the bronze Buddha, he also ced his cellphone on the table.


    In the parking lot, Jacob and Zhang Ermao (Cade) immediately saw the live feed from Zhang Ermao (Cade)’s mobile device.


    The phone’s SIM card slot faced Zhou Liangyun, and the lens offered a slight wide-angle view, capturing Zhou Liangyun’s image.


    The moment Jacob saw Zhou Liangyun’s face, he clenched his teeth in anger eximing, “Damn it, it’s that scoundrel! Just seeing him makes me furious!”


    Zhang Ermao (Cade) quickly reassured him, “President Jacob, don’t let him get to you. It’s not worth your anger. Remember, we’re here to settle the score with him. Just watch, we’ll surely ruin his reputation and fortune!”


    Jacob nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. He tightened his fists, gritting his teeth, “The next few minutes will determine our sess or failure!”