“This thing I won’t be selling for the time being.” At Lee Grant’s words, Brian Carter frowned slightly. He really wasn’t going to sell it, but he didn’t feel the need to explain—there was simply no point.

“Eh? Are you really planning to extort Old Bennett? No matter what, I’ve known your master for a long time—are you really going to scam even an acquaintance? Just name your price. How much do you actually want for this floor tile? Do you really think Old Bennett can’t afford it?”

Lee Grant’s expression changed again, glaring in clear dissatisfaction.

This made Brian Carter secretly shake his head. No wonder William Brooks never accepted a disciple like this—he must have seen right through his character. And yet, at a time like this, this guy still has the nerve to mention how close he is with William Brooks?

The next moment, he couldn’t even be bothered to keep up the pretense. He simply shook his head and said directly to Old Bennett, “Old Bennett, although I’m grateful you helped me identify the origin of this tile, everything I said just now is true.”

“You…” Seeing that the other party was ignoring him, Lee Grant instantly flew into a rage. All of this was happening right in front of Old Bennett! He’d already embarrassed himself enough earlier, and now he couldn’t even help Old Bennett get the tile? What would Old Bennett think of him in the future? Wouldn’t all the connections he’d worked so hard to build be ruined?

But just as he started to rebuke with a single word, Old Bennett suddenly shot him a look tinged with faint annoyance—a single glare that made Lee Grant deflate like a burst balloon, all his momentum instantly gone.

He had no idea that at this moment, Old Bennett had truly formed a strong impression of him—and it was a rather tragic one.

That is, from now on, he must never get too close to someone like this.

He even started to regret it—how did he end up picking such a guy as his guide in Xinchuan? Yes, this time, coming from Zhonghe Province to Xinchuan, Lee Grant was only acting as a guide. In fact, it was one of Old Bennett’s disciples who, knowing his master’s hobby of visiting local antique markets wherever he went, and having some prior acquaintance with Lee Grant, recommended him to Old Bennett.

But now, he was finding this guy more and more unappealing.

He was too impetuous, lacking in judgment, and his character was far from up to par.

When Lee Grant first met Brian Carter, the two had been on friendly terms—it was clear they were friends. But in the blink of an eye, just to curry favor with him, Lee Grant could turn on his own friend. Old Bennett had seen all of this with his own eyes. For someone with such character to pass muster would be a miracle—he truly felt contempt.

“Heh, young man, since you’re not planning to sell it for now, if you ever do decide to, I hope you’ll consider me first. Here’s my business card. If that day comes, you can call this number. Judging by your accent, you’re from Zhonghe too, right? We should let the benefits stay within our own people.”

After that glare, Old Bennett suddenly smiled gently at Brian Carter.

With that smile, Old Bennett also returned the porcelain plate he’d been examining to Brian Carter, showing not a hint of reluctance.

This gesture and these words made Brian Carter feel a surge of goodwill. He carefully accepted the business card and the porcelain plate, and smiled, “Yes, if I ever do decide to sell it, you’ll be the first to know.”

With that, Brian Carter glanced briefly at Lee Grant before continuing, “Well then, Old Bennett, I’ll let you get back to it. I have something to take care of, so I won’t disturb you further.”

With a crisp farewell, Brian Carter carried the porcelain plate and walked out.

He really did have something to do. Now that he’d found his first antique, the most important thing was to get home and let the yellow-covered book absorb the Edgar within the antique.

It wasn’t until Brian Carter had completely disappeared into the crowd of the antique market that Lee Grant, who had been standing timidly by Old Bennett’s side, finally pursed his lips and cautiously said to Old Bennett, “Old Bennett, I’m sure that guy just didn’t want to sell because he was trying to drive up the price. I know his situation well—he’s been in need of cash flow lately. Now that he’s picked up such a bargain, there’s no way he’ll just hold onto it. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to get that tile for you as soon as possible.”

“No need, you don’t have to worry about this anymore.” Hearing Lee Grant still so clueless even after being reprimanded, Old Bennett couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. This guy was truly hopelessly stupid. He even wondered how someone with such poor judgment had managed to survive in the antique world without being swindled out of everything—truly a miracle.

The next moment, Old Bennett waved his hand and said coldly, “I’ll look around on my own. You can go back.”

“Ah!” Seeing Old Bennett leave without hesitation and quickly disappear into the crowd, Lee Grant was left dumbfounded, feeling utterly miserable. What was going on? How had he ended up pleasing neither side?

Chapter 012: The Second Talisman

Half an hour later.

Building 7, Ruixiang Community, 15th floor. As the elevator chimed with a crisp “ding,” Brian Carter, carefully cradling the porcelain plate in his hands, stepped out and hurried toward his apartment.

Finally home—he could finally study the strange connection between the yellow-covered book and the Edgar. He was genuinely a bit excited.

He opened the door, entered, and carefully placed the porcelain plate on the living room table. Then, Brian Carter once again carefully took out the yellow-covered book, opened it, and spread it out over the porcelain plate.