Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Quan Xiao looked a little embarrassed. He gave a dry laugh and said, “Master Qu, I don’t quite understand what you mean by that.”

Qu Yixian set the ashtray down, leaning back against the TV cabinet: “You came alone?”

Quan Xiao blinked in confusion, looking to Fu Xun for help: “Mr. Fu…”

Fu Xun, who was giving Diao Chan some water, looked up at Quan Xiao and asked, “You know Fu Tai, right?” Though phrased as a question, his tone left little room for denial.

Quan Xiao nodded, a faint smile on his face: “I was brought into the antiques business by Brother Tai.”

“Mm.” Fu Xun nodded, casually stroking the fur collar on Diao Chan’s chest: “Then answer properly.”

Quan Xiao’s expression changed slightly. Even if he were slow, he should have caught the favoritism and subtle threat in Fu Xun’s words.

He wiped the cold sweat from his nose, collecting himself, and replied honestly to Qu Yixian: “There’s still someone in the parking lot downstairs. If Master Qu isn’t comfortable, I can have him come up so you can see.”

“No need.” Qu Yixian understood Quan Xiao’s cautiousness about coming alone. It was just that Quan Xiao didn’t look entirely honest. If she didn’t figure out the situation, her heart would be like a needle suspended in the air, easily toppled by a breeze.

Although the conversation between Fu Xun and Quan Xiao was brief, Qu Yixian understood the meaning—half of Quan Xiao’s livelihood depended on Fu Xun. Unless he wanted to quit the antique business in Dunhuang, he had no choice but to be honest.

Since everyone had some ties and obligations, putting on a stern face would only look awkward. Qu Yixian, mindful of Yuan Ye’s feelings, softened her tone slightly and added a touch of politeness: “Let’s sit and talk.”

Quan Xiao obeyed and waited for Qu Yixian to speak first.

“The reason I invited you here tonight, I suppose you already know. You’re worried about Shen Zhizhi’s safety, and I want to learn about Xiang Xiaolong from you. In a way, it’s one and the same.” Qu Yixian turned and poured him a glass of water, handing it over: “Why don’t you start by telling me what you know?”

Quan Xiao was a bit flustered. He half-stood to take the cup from her hand.

When Qu Yixian first came to the Northwest, Quan Xiao had already made a name for himself in the antique circle. In terms of seniority, she was technically his junior.

But Master Qu’s reputation in the Northwest was so prominent that she had once been the most talked-about figure along the Northwest circuit.

She was the only female team leader in Peng Shen’s convoy and the first main force in the Xinghui Rescue Team. Many owed her favors, and Quan Xiao had also indirectly benefited from her years ago.

In front of such obligations, seniority didn’t matter; the courtesy was for him to serve her tea first.

“Yuan Ye asked me a few things, and my answers were scattered—I can’t even remember what I said. Why don’t you just ask whatever you want, Master Qu?” Quan Xiao set down his cup, sitting stiffly: “As I said, I’m worried about Shen Zhizhi. You’re looking into Xiang Xiaolong. It’s all part of the same thing.”

Qu Yixian found it somewhat amusing.

Quan Xiao, as described by Yuan Ye, had a temper and would insert jabs even when replying. But in front of her, he was obedient like a little puppy.

She poured herself a glass of water, collected her thoughts, and asked: “I heard from Yuan Ye that you wanted to profit from the Gouyun Jade Pendant, so you kept in touch with Xiang Xiaolong. What about now? Can you still contact him?”

“No contact.” Quan Xiao pulled out his phone, opened the contacts to Xiang Xiaolong’s number, and dialed it in front of them.

After a brief connection, the automated female voice announced the number was unavailable.

Qu Yixian raised an eyebrow and exchanged a calm glance with Fu Xun.

She took a sip of her lukewarm water and asked: “Didn’t the owner of Dongjiahang say Xiang Xiaolong didn’t understand the trade? You contacted him via Shen Zhizhi, just met briefly, and didn’t discuss anything?”

Quan Xiao glanced at Qu Yixian: “The owner of Dongjiahang said that, though I don’t remember his exact words. The gist was, Xiang Xiaolong only knew the jade was valuable; he didn’t care about the market. But he wasn’t aware of the pendant’s exact worth. And for such aged treasures, everyone in our guild keeps them well-protected. That day, Xiang Xiaolong only wrapped it in cloth and put it straight into his pocket.”

He thought for a moment and added: “…I remember the owner asked one more question about the pendant’s origin. Unexpectedly, Xiang Xiaolong got upset and was unhappy about it.”

Qu Yixian considered this silently for a moment, then glanced sideways at him: “So what interactions did you have with Xiang Xiaolong?”

Quan Xiao’s face reddened slightly, a bit embarrassed: “You two should have heard about my relationship with Shen Zhizhi. When she first started, she worked with me for a while. Over the years, the connection never fully ended. She considers me a friend, a confidant. I also see her as a close companion. That’s how Xiang Xiaolong came up—through her.”

“Xiang Xiaolong was also her regular client. You know that, Master Qu, right?”

Qu Yixian nodded. She instinctively reached for her pack of cigarettes but stopped halfway, recalling the incident earlier tonight when she borrowed a smoke. Her expression darkened immediately.

Seeing her frown, Quan Xiao couldn’t help overthinking.

Although called Master Qu, she was still a woman and likely disliked men chasing after women casually. He discreetly glanced at Fu Xun, his mind filled with doubts.

What exactly is the relationship between these two?

“My contact with Xiang Xiaolong was through Shen Zhizhi. After the Gouyun Jade Pendant changed hands, many in Dunhuang were eager to get it. Dongjiahang, the appraisal shop that first spread the news, closed a few days ago. Outside, rumors went wild, saying the owner was taken away. But now we have laws. Who would dare just take someone in broad daylight? I personally think the owner went to lay low.” Quan Xiao’s throat was dry as he spoke, and he finished his cup in one gulp.

Qu Yixian considered for a few seconds, touched her chin: “That’s all I want to ask about Xiang Xiaolong for now. But there may be updates later, so you might have to come back again.”

Quan Xiao wiped his forehead and nodded repeatedly: “No problem. I’m always in Dunhuang anyway. If Mr. Fu or Master Qu need anything, just let me know.”

Qu Yixian was quite satisfied with this answer.

She glanced at Fu Xun, who had already returned to the table to review materials, showing no interest in their conversation, and realized there was no need to keep Quan Xiao.

She smiled and asked the final question: “Yuan Ye really wanted to see you, but unfortunately his tire was punctured and he couldn’t come. I heard that whatever punctured his tire is related to valuable goods. Do you know what happened?”

Quan Xiao nodded, thinking for a few seconds as he organized his words: “I suspect another robbery at the Dulan tombs. The ancient tomb cluster in Dulan County isn’t a secret, especially the most famous one, the Nine-Story Demon Tower. Only the top two layers have been excavated and preserved; the rest remain buried deep underground. Even though the government has sent people to protect them, tomb robbers do this professionally. They can break in anywhere; all those protections are practically useless.”

He paused, feeling an itch to elaborate, and pulled up the photo of the triangular tire-piercing spike that Yuan Ye had sent him, handing it to Fu Xun: “Mr. Fu, since you’re here, I won’t pretend I know more than I do. Please take a look at this.”

Fu Xun couldn’t guess how much Yuan Ye had told Quan Xiao, so he didn’t act like it was his first time seeing the image. He glanced at it coldly, arrogantly: “What do you see?”

Quan Xiao really admired Fu Xun. The look in his eyes was like a fan staring at their idol: tender and infatuated. “Through the phone screen, the color might be off. I had Brother Yuan take detailed photos from all angles. From close up, the craftsmanship’s coarseness should be hard to fake. Although triangular tire spikes are simple in shape, unlike delicate vases or jade pendants, their simplicity and lack of beauty are exactly what make them reliable.”

“In ancient times, triangular tire spikes were meant for practical use. Function mattered more than appearance. Whoever made this spike clearly valued utility over aesthetics. A 1,500-year-old spike would have somewhat blunt tips, and the bronze color in the photo is indeed the patina of recent excavation.”

“The Dulan tomb is said to belong to a prince. 1,500 years ago, Dulan County belonged to the Tuyuhun Kingdom, which was martial. Weapons excavated from this prince’s tomb match this history perfectly.”

Quan Xiao finished speaking and saw Fu Xun finally give him a serious glance. This was the first time Fu Xun had properly looked at him tonight.

“Your deduction is correct. When Yuan Ye arrives in Dunhuang tomorrow, you can have him bring the spike for you to inspect,” Fu Xun said, choosing not to elaborate further.

Even this one sentence satisfied Quan Xiao.

He put away his phone, idly playing with a glass, and said awkwardly: “Master Qu, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with.”

Qu Yixian had been waiting for this and smiled gently, giving an approachable air: “Go ahead.”

“I know you and Mr. Fu are investigating the Gouyun Jade Pendant’s whereabouts. I’m willing to help as much as I can, whether it’s money or people. As long as you ask, Master Qu, I’ll do it without hesitation. Shen Zhizhi has been with me for so many years; I can’t marry her…” His words trailed off, clearly embarrassed as he met Qu Yixian’s gaze.

Qu Yixian smiled slightly: “Don’t worry. I’ll inform you immediately if there’s progress on Shen Zhizhi. If I need help, I’ll ask you.”

Quan Xiao quickly stood, gratefully reaching out to shake her hand.

Before she extended hers, Fu Xun lightly cleared his throat.

Quan Xiao immediately understood, sheepishly retracting his hand and rubbing the back of his buzz-cut head: “Alright, I won’t disturb you two. Rest early, and call me if you need anything.”

Qu Yixian stood and walked him to the door.

Quan Xiao insisted she didn’t need to see him out. As he was leaving, he turned back to remind her: “Many people have been coming to Dunhuang asking about the Gouyun Jade Pendant. I know Master Qu has eyes everywhere, but just a friendly reminder—many rumors in this circle are false. Be careful of traps.”

Qu Yixian met his gaze, then slowly nodded: “Thanks for the warning. I’ll keep it in mind.”

After sending Quan Xiao off, she closed the door, and the smile on her face vanished instantly.

She turned, leaning her back against the door handle, eyes fixed on Fu Xun without blinking: “The Gouyun Jade Pendant—what is its true origin?”

Her expression darkened as she spoke each word deliberately: “What else about the pendant are you hiding from me?”