"I saw you walk into the Hollows with my own eyes—you were heading to your death! How are you still alive?" The security officer stared at Sam Li in shock.
Hearing this, the people around them also turned to look at Sam Li.
Zhu Yuan frowned. "Die? Mr. Sam Li, is that true?"
Sam Li first nodded, then shook his head. "I did enter the Hollows to retrieve a birdcage, but it wasn't to die…"
The moment he said this, skepticism flashed across everyone's faces.
Entering the Hollows alone—just for a birdcage?
That excuse was far too flimsy.
Considering Sam Li's identity as a professional agent from Hare's House, Zhu Yuan immediately pieced it together—the so-called search for a birdcage was just a cover. His real purpose must have been treasure hunting or fulfilling some kind of business commission.
And whether it was treasure hunting or handling an illicit job, both were things the Security Bureau actively cracked down on.
If Zhu Yuan had figured it out, then Qingyi certainly had as well.
However, the current priority was the mission. They couldn't afford to create tension with Sam Li over this.
To smooth things over, Qingyi spoke calmly. "Mr. Sam Li, there's no need to worry. We have no intention of investigating your past actions today. Please just focus on playing your role as the treasure appraisal master."
With that, she turned to Zhu Yuan and the security officers nearby.
"Understood. Don't worry, senior—as soon as we get your signal, we'll act immediately."
According to the plan, Qingyi and Sam Li would take a car to an abandoned building to meet with the antique thieves.
Sam Li would pose as the treasure appraisal master, while Qingyi would act as his assistant—not only ensuring his safety but also stepping in if he made a mistake that might expose him.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yuan led a team of a dozen security officers, trailing at a distance.
Their goal was simple—wait until Sam Li and Qingyi lured out the entire gang, then move in for the takedown.
Ten minutes later, Qingyi and Sam Li arrived at the abandoned building as planned.
Before getting out of the car, Qingyi reached into her coat and handed something to Sam Li.
"Even with a solid plan, this could still get dangerous. Take this for self-defense."
It was a tiny pistol, engraved with the emblem of the Public Security Bureau.
"I won't need it," he replied, declining the weapon as he stepped out of the car, birdcage in hand.
For most people in this world, a small firearm was a deadly trump card—something that could turn the tide in a fight at a critical moment.
But for Sam Li? It was completely unnecessary.
If he had time to draw a gun, he'd rather summon the Vortex Vanquisher and end things with a single strike.
Seeing him refuse, Qingyi didn't press the issue. She tucked the pistol back into her coat, shut the car door, and walked toward the abandoned building alongside Sam Li.
"Relax. Don't be nervous. I'll keep you safe."
They had barely stepped inside when—
A rock suddenly fell from above, crashing down just inches in front of them. It nearly hit them both.
Immediately after, a figure emerged from the shadows.
A burly man with a long scar across his face strode forward, an iron chain wrapped around his hand. His presence alone was enough to make ordinary people freeze in fear.
With a sinister grin, he blocked their path. "Heh… you buyers sure took your time."
That voice, that laugh—
Even without looking at his face, Sam Li could tell.
A classic villain had arrived.
Qingyi remained perfectly composed. "My lord is not as idle as you lot. He has a full schedule, appraising more antiques in a single day than you could steal in a lifetime. If you weren't so desperate to sell, he wouldn't have even bothered with the junk you're offering."
The moment the words left her lips, the chain-wielding man's face darkened with rage.
"You dare call our goods junk?"
Just as he was about to explode in fury, another man rushed out from inside the abandoned building.
This one had neatly parted hair and seemed more knowledgeable. The second his gaze landed on the birdcage in Sam Li's hands, his expression shifted dramatically.
He quickly whispered something into the ear of the chain-wielding man, who instantly seemed to calm down.
For a brief moment—tension hung in the air.
The man in chains glanced at the birdcage in Sam Li's hand. The anger in his eyes faded, replaced by greed.
"You two, come on in. The antiques are inside."
With that, he and the man with the neatly parted hair led the way.
Sam Li and Qingyi exchanged a quick look before following closely behind.
Qingyi whispered, "Stay calm. They may look fierce, but they're nothing more than paper tigers. Just watch for my signal."
Sam Li nodded. "Understood."
They soon arrived in a spacious hall, where an elderly man with kind eyes sat at the center table.
Laid out before him were four antiques and an ancient book.
As soon as Sam Li and Qingyi appeared, the old man's brows furrowed slightly, deepening the wrinkles on his already aged face.
"You two look unfamiliar. This must be your first time doing business here?"
Qingyi replied calmly, "Naturally."
However, the old man barely spared her a glance. Instead, his sharp gaze locked onto Sam Li, scrutinizing his appearance.
The retro-style attire, the refined demeanor, the unshaken composure...
To be certain, the old man continued observing Sam Li. But the moment his eyes landed on the birdcage in Sam Li's hand, his expression shifted dramatically.
The intricate carvings...
The exquisite craftsmanship...
The aura of history...
A masterpiece among masterpieces!
The transaction was momentarily forgotten. The old man hurried over to Sam Li, crouching down to examine the birdcage up close, nearly pressing his face against it.
He traced the carved dragon patterns with trembling fingers, unable to suppress his admiration.
Such craftsmanship, such fine materials—used to create a birdcage!
This was no ordinary item. Only the nobility of the old era could have commissioned such an extravagant piece.
And the one who owned it now...
Could not be an ordinary man.
The old man let out a sigh of wonder. "What a treasure! I have loved birds all my life. If I were just a few years younger,
I would have bought this from you no matter the price."
How ironic. He was supposed to be the seller in this deal, yet here he was, tempted to buy from the other party instead.
What a breach of business etiquette!
Shameful! Truly shameful!
With a chuckle, the old man said, "May I ask for your name, young friend?"
Sam Li replied at a measured pace, "Zhongli."
Qingyi gave him a subtle look before smoothly adding, "Mr. Zhongli is a well-known treasure appraisal master in New Eridu. I am his assistant, Yiyi."
On the surface, Qingyi remained as composed as ever.
But in truth, she was already calculating the best way to draw out the criminal organization behind this old man—and take them all down in one sweep.
She shot another glance at Sam Li.
Sam Li caught on immediately. "No need for delays. Let's get to the transaction."
Qingyi followed up without missing a beat. "Three or four shabby trinkets on the table—surely, you didn't think this would be enough to impress my lord?"