441: Chapter 441: Another Huge Favor Owed

Ning Ke's brow furrowed.

He stared at Shen Yan for a few seconds, seemingly trying to discern something from his face.

But he failed.

Shen Yan's gaze was as calm as still water, unfathomably deep.

Finally, Ning Ke extended his hand, tinged with a bit of impatience, and lifted the box lid.

It was empty inside.

A musty, aged smell rushed out.

Ning Ke's expression sank completely.

He felt he had been fooled.

Just as he was preparing to ask Shen Yan to leave, Shen Yan extended a finger and tapped lightly on the bottom board of the box.

"There's a hidden compartment here."

His fingertip gently pressed a discreet corner on the bottom of the box.

Click.

A light sound.

The bottom board of the box sprang open, revealing the secret compartment beneath.

Inside the compartment, eight small objects wrapped in bright yellow silk were neatly stacked together.

That bright yellow satin glowed with a noble luster unique to royalty under the dim light.

Ning Ke's breath instantly hitched.

His pupils contracted sharply.

His face, which had been full of anger moments ago, was now filled with shock and disbelief.

He carefully extended his hand, his movement even carrying a trace of trembling, and took out a silk package from the hidden compartment.

The package was not light in his hand, and the texture was warm and smooth.

His fingers stiffly untied the silk thread securing it.

When the bright yellow silk was peeled away layer by layer, revealing the true appearance of the object inside—

Ning Ke sucked in a sharp breath.

Eight small ivory carved figurines, each less than the size of a palm, lay quietly in his palm.

The ivory had a warm texture like jade, with a thick, lustrous patina, presenting a captivating honey-yellow hue.

The most conspicuous was an immortal holding a banana fan, with an ancient face, a charming smile, and flowing robes; every fold was carved with meticulous detail, lifelike.

Han Zhongli!

Ning Ke's mind buzzed.

He had been collecting antiques for many years and had seen many good items, but this was the first time he had personally witnessed Ming Dynasty ivory carvings of such quality.

This carving skill, this spirit—it must have come from the hands of a top master of that era!

His hand uncontrollably reached for the hidden compartment again.

The second one.

Lü Dongbin, holding a treasured sword, exuding heroic spirit.

The third one.

Zhang Guo Lao riding a donkey backward, looking leisurely.

The fourth one...

When all eight silk packages were opened, and the eight immortal ivory carvings were completely laid out on the rosewood tea table, what was in Ning Ke's eyes was no longer just shock.

It was a golden light.

The scorching radiance one would have upon seeing a massive mountain of gold.

A set!

It was actually a complete set of 'Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea' ivory carvings!

Having endured hundreds of years without any damage, their condition was perfect, and not a single piece was missing!

This could no longer be described as a 'treasure.'

These were national-treasure-level artifacts!

He suddenly looked up, and the way he looked at Shen Yan completely changed.

It was a complex gaze mixed with awe, fanaticism, and extreme incomprehension.

"My God... Brother Shen... No, Brother Ning!"

Ning Ke's voice changed pitch; he was excitedly incoherent.

"You... where did you... dig out this set of divine artifacts?"

He had originally thought Shen Yan was just a commercial genius, but he never expected him to possess such heaven-defying means and insight in the realm of antique collecting.

Shen Yan picked up the now slightly cool tea and took a gentle sip.

"I acquired them from a friend. He didn't know the trade, so I managed to snag a bargain."

He spoke lightly, as if discussing a trivial matter.

Ning Ke's eyelids twitched upon hearing this.

This was called snagging a bargain?

This was like digging up someone's ancestral grave!

He took several deep breaths before he could barely calm his agitated heart.

He carefully rewrapped the eight ivory carvings in silk and placed them back into the hidden compartment.

The broken wooden box, previously regarded as junk by him, now appeared to him as a unique treasure casket.

"Brother Shen, did you seek me out because you want me to help you sell this set of treasures?"

Ning Ke regained the shrewdness of a businessman.

"Yes, I need a sum of quick cash," Shen Yan did not hide it. "The auction house cycle is too long; I can't wait."

Ning Ke nodded; he understood that.

He pondered for a moment.

"To be honest, I originally intended to introduce you to Boss Xu from the south, the one in real estate. He loves collecting these things and is generous when buying. With me as the intermediary, the price wouldn't be low for you."

Having said that, he changed his tone.

"But..."

Ning Ke looked at Shen Yan, his eyes holding a trace of earnest pleading.

"My father's lifelong favorite has always been ivory carving; he collected for a lifetime, but unfortunately, he never acquired a true masterpiece that could anchor a collection. If he were to see this 'Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea' set..."

He did not finish his sentence, but the meaning was already clear.

Shen Yan looked at him.

Ning Ke's connections were crucial for his future plans.

Exchanging a set of ivory carvings for the unwavering loyalty of a top contact—this deal was guaranteed profit.

Moreover, forty million in cash was enough to solve his immediate crisis.

"What are you saying, Brother Ning?"

Shen Yan smiled.

"Since Old Mr. Ning likes them, it is the fortune of this treasure set."

He pushed the wooden box back toward him.

"Consider it a small welcoming gift from me, a junior, to Old Mr. Ning."

Ning Ke froze.

A gift?

This was something valued at fifty million!

He was giving it away so casually?

At this moment, Ning Ke's perception of Shen Yan was refreshed once again.

This was no longer just boldness.

This was the means of a true overlord!

He was shocked first, and then a wave of immense gratitude and admiration washed over his face.

"No, no!"

Ning Ke pushed the box back again, his attitude firm.

"Brother Shen, doing this is slapping my face, Ning Ke! We keep accounts straight, even brothers settle clear accounts!"

He looked at Shen Yan, his tone solemn.

"I won't let you suffer a loss either. The market valuation of this set won't be less than fifty million. I'll offer forty million, giving you a twenty percent discount, considering I'm taking a huge favor from you, Brother. What do you say?"

Shen Yan pondered for two seconds.

It wasn't easy to make Ning Ke willingly owe him a favor; it seemed Ning Ke truly loved this set.

This was the effect he wanted.

Giving it away was a gesture, a favor.

Selling it was business, reality.

If he gave the favor first and then gracefully accepted the money, Ning Ke wouldn't feel he was mercenary; instead, he would feel even more indebted to him.

"Since Brother Ning says so, I shall not refuse."

Shen Yan nodded.

"I'll listen to Brother Ning."

"Good!"

Ning Ke slapped his thigh, his entire being filled with excitement.

He immediately took out his phone and made a call.

"Transfer forty million in cash to my account within half an hour, immediately!"

"Also, transfer this money to this account."

He handed the phone to Shen Yan.

"Brother Shen, send over the account number."

The efficiency was astonishing.

In less than an hour, Shen Yan's phone received a Bank SMS.

[Your account ending in xxxx received an inflow of: 40,000,000.00 Yuan at 11:08.]

Finally, janus's health bar was replenished.