Mr. Li studied Ethan Sullivan with a penetrating gaze. "What's your relationship with Professor Nathan Moore?"

Ethan frowned slightly. His acquaintance with the professor was limited, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.

Sophia Laurent stepped in smoothly. "Professor Moore is a towering figure in archaeology. We've collaborated on several excavations."

Mr. Li nodded thoughtfully. "Does he know you're here?"

A faint smile touched Sophia's lips. "This visit is highly confidential—even Professor Moore is unaware. If he guessed our intentions, that's his own deduction. Rest assured, secrecy is our top priority."

The tension in Mr. Li's expression eased slightly.

In the gray market of artifact trading, both buyers and sellers danced on the edge of legality.

Though Hong Kong's laws differed from the mainland, Mr. Li had always been cautious, never handling transactions personally.

After decades in the business, this was the first time someone had come directly to his doorstep to negotiate a buyback.

After a contemplative pause, Mr. Li spoke slowly. "I crossed paths with Nathan Moore during my business days in Kyoto. Consider this: I'll return the items at their original price, as a favor to him."

Ethan and Sophia exchanged a glance, relief flickering between them.

They'd expected resistance from the Hong Kong magnate, but the negotiation had gone surprisingly smoothly.

"Thank you, Mr. Li," Ethan said sincerely.

Mr. Li waved a hand and instructed his assistant, "Handle the arrangements."

The assistant bowed respectfully.

Ethan retrieved a document from his briefcase. "We're only interested in the artifacts handled by Shane Prescott. Here's the detailed list."

The assistant accepted it. "I have our own records. We'll cross-reference the pricing shortly."

"No need," Ethan said with a calm smile. "I trust your team's integrity."

"Your confidence honors us."

Once the assistant withdrew, Mr. Li personally prepared tea for his guests.

Ethan presented an elegant box. "I heard you appreciate Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao. This is a rare vintage from my grandfather's collection—a small token of gratitude."

Mr. Li unwrapped the package, his eyes lighting up. "This blend has been extinct for years. Your grandfather must have parted with it reluctantly."

"I'm glad it pleases you."

Setting the box aside, Mr. Li turned to Sophia. "They say you have an uncanny eye for authenticating artifacts?"

Sophia smiled modestly. "The rumors exaggerate. But ancient painting restoration is my specialty—I've trained in it since childhood."

Mr. Li sipped his tea. "Perfect timing. I have a few scrolls that could use your expertise."

"The honor is mine."

After two rounds of tea, the trio moved to the painting gallery—a specially designed vault accessible only via Mr. Li's retinal scan.

The climate-controlled room housed each antique scroll in a sealed glass case.

Sophia examined each piece meticulously until pausing before a bamboo-and-rock painting attributed to Zheng Banqiao.

It was nearly identical to a genuine piece she'd once restored, yet the brushwork lacked its masterful vigor and spiritual essence.

"Mr. Li," she gestured to the artwork, "this one may require closer inspection."

Understanding immediately, Mr. Li called his assistant. "Add the Ashoka Pagoda and Bronze Bird Zun to Mr. Sullivan's shipment."

Sophia's eyes widened.

These were priceless artifacts—such generosity was unexpected.

"Mr. Li, we can't accept these without compensation. Should you ever need restoration work, I'd be honored to assist."

Mr. Li laughed heartily. "That's what I admire about you—straightforward and sincere!"

Sophia thought wryly that she was hardly a "young girl" anymore.

Ethan shot her an approving glance.

Bringing Sophia had been the right decision.

Alone, he'd have conducted sterile business negotiations.

With her, transactions transformed into meaningful connections.

She possessed a natural gift for earning elders' affection.

As matters concluded, Ethan checked his watch. "We've taken enough of your time. We should be going."

"Before you leave Hong Kong, I'll host a farewell dinner."

"Your kindness is much appreciated, Mr. Li."

Back in their car, Ethan took Sophia's hand. "Having you there made all the difference."

Her smile bloomed. "Since when are you so sweet-tongued?"

"Since you kissed me last night."

Memories of their intimacy warmed Sophia's ears, and she turned away.

This man grew more charming by the day.

At their hotel, Michael Gao greeted them. "How did it go? Need my intervention?"

Ethan's lips curved. "Better than expected. Mr. Li even gifted us two of the most valuable pieces."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "That smoothly?"

Ethan drew Sophia closer. "All thanks to our little good luck charm."

Michael chuckled. "Our junior sister never disappoints."

Sophia pinched Ethan's side discreetly.

He never missed a chance to show her off.

With the major artifacts recovered, remaining tasks became simpler.

Ethan dispatched teams to handle logistics while Michael provided additional support—after all, these treasures would ultimately return to museums.

Within four days, most items had been retrieved.

Only a few remained scattered among private collectors, their trails gone cold.

Ethan left operatives to continue the search.

Before departing, they shared a final dinner with Mr. Li.

On their return flight, Ethan and Sophia traveled privately with the recovered artifacts.

Despite minor customs hurdles, Michael's connections ensured smooth clearance.

Back in Kyoto, the treasures were temporarily housed at Phoenix Cove.

Once arrangements were finalized, Ethan called Kyle Grant. "Did you ask Professor Moore to vouch for us with Mr. Li?"

"Yes. I discovered their past connection," Kyle replied evenly. "It streamlined your process."

"How did you persuade him?"

"Lifetime auction passes. Though mainly, he respects Shane and wanted to help."

"I owe you again."

Kyle's voice remained detached. "Not for you. For Shane. Since I can't have what I want, I hope he gets his chance."