Chapter 103 - The Bronze Ring

Chapter 103 - The Bronze Ring

Cassius narrowed his eyes slightly. "Hello."

"Hello." Violet's tone was so cold it practically froze.

The car door opened, and Cassius sat inside, folding his arms across his chest. From time to time, his eyes flicked to Violet in the front passenger seat. He wasn't looking at her because of her graceful figure or beauty, but because he could sense the killing intent emanating from her.

This killing intent wasn't directed at him, but was a natural aura formed over many years. Subtle though it may be, it couldn't escape Cassius's heightened senses.

Violet wasn't Matthew's mistress or secretary; she was his bodyguard. She must be associated with the Ace of Spades.

Duststorm's previous assassination attempt on Phil had failed because Cassius had been there. They likely wouldn't give up so easily, and their operations against Connan Company were probably still ongoing. Ace of Spades probably sent this woman, codenamed Violet, to protect Connan Company's general manager, Matthew.

The car started and soon pulled into the broad street, heading straight towards the central district where the City Museum was. The drive was uneventful, and after about ten minutes, they arrived.

Cassius got out of the car, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked around. They were in a gray-white rectangular plaza that had circular flower beds with flowers and shrubs blooming in them decorated the edges. Lampposts illuminated nearby. A circular white stone fountain was planted right in the center of the plaza, the tiles glistening in the sunlight. The fountain's centerpiece was a five to six-meter-tall bronze statue of Baichuan City's first mayor. Citizens, seated on the black benches nearby, were either sunbathing and chatting or feeding pigeons with bread crumbs.

Bang. Bang.

The car doors closed and Matthew and Violet also got out.

The pair seemed like a couple with one looking elegantly handsome, and the other exuding a refined beauty. Cassius, on the other hand, looked like a bodyguard.

"Let's go inside and take a look," Matthew said as he pulled a black invitation trimmed in gold from his pocket.

As they started walking, a security guard in a blue uniform approached. Upon spotting the invitation in Matthew's hand, he quickened his steps. Once he confirmed their identities, he assured them he would have his men guard their car to prevent any damage. The security guard then respectfully watched them leave.

This wasn't just an antique exhibition; this was a high society gathering. With even the museum security showing such enthusiasm, the White Rose company had probably promised some substantial benefits.

After walking along the white stone path and taking a few turns, they arrived at a large, imposing museum with large glass panes on the sides. A blue carpet stretched from the entrance all the way inside. There were about twenty security guards in blue uniforms patrolling the area. Some carried rubber batons.

"Matthew!"

"Avril?"

"Long time no see!"

"Likewise!"

A young man in a suit standing near the entrance came closer, also holding a black invitation to the antique exhibition. He seemed to be a friend of Matthew's.

"Didn't you go to East Sea County with your father for business? When did you come back?" Matthew asked. He was also quite happy to see him.

"The rubber business over there isn't doing so well so my dad stayed to manage the branch, and I came back to handle the main company's affairs in Beiliu County. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to catch up with you. I finally found some time to attend today's White Rose Antique Exhibition. Who would've thought I'd run into you?" Avril said with a smile.

"Perfect timing, let's go together." Matthew smiled.

They were clearly more than just ordinary friends. With how close they were, they were probably childhood friends.

Certain that his actions would fly under the radar, he continued his search. There weren't any cameras, and no one seemed to take notice of his movements. Even if they did, all they would see was him touching the edge of the glass cases, and not tampering with the artifacts themselves.

With renewed confidence, his movements became quicker. Highly efficient, he searched five side halls in short order but still found nothing.

Cassius felt a bit frustrated. This expansive White Rose Antique Exhibition had only given him one item with lingering attachment energy, the Cross of Crown Star. Would searching for such artifacts in the future be like finding a needle in a haystack? Would he have to rely entirely on luck?

Despite his frustration, he pressed on. Finally, in the second to last hall, hall number nine, he felt a faint tremor.

He clicked his tongue and looked down to see a crude bronze ring in the display. Hideous though it may be, the bitter taste in his mouth confirmed this was an antique with lingering attachment energy!

Taking a deep breath, Cassius noted the location before moving to the last hall. Five minutes later, he returned to the main hall.

Elegantly dressed socialites wandered about the cavernous room, chatting and sipping hot tea. There were also groups of handsome young men and women dressed in stylish clothing strolling around and examining the exhibits.

The only ones who looked like actual collectors were about the dozen balding middle-aged or elderly gentlemen. Wearing casual light yellow shirts and reading glasses, they moved from display to display, their focus trained entirely on the artifacts.

Cassius mimicked them and started from one corner of the hall before gradually moving to other areas. With his hunched posture, he was practically screaming to onlookers that he was someone taciturn and antisocial.

People, still in the midst of their conversations, naturally stepped aside when he approached and scrutinized the displays. Cassius would quickly tap the edges of the cases, the soft sound allowing him to determine authenticity in seconds.

Because the main hall had more exhibits and people, Cassius was exceedingly cautious. He acted nonchalant, waiting for the moment when no one was watching before quickly bending down to check. It took him half an hour to complete his search.

This entire White Rose Antique Exhibition isn't even as good as the artifacts on Duststorm’s transport trucks, Cassius thought, somewhat sardonically.

Only two items with lingering attachment energy turned up in this round of searching. One was the Crown Star Coin he had already identified, and the other was the bronze ring in hall nine. While it was something, the overall yield was uncertain because it all depended on just how authentic the Crown Star Coins were. Out of more than a hundred coins, who knew how many contained lingering attachment energy?

If it was like last time, a single authentic Crown Star Coin held about 0.2 units of lingering attachment energy which was equivalent to half a regular legendary antique. Hopefully, there would be more this time...

As he was lost in thought, a commotion broke out nearby.

"That damn bitch slapped me?! Get her!" A young man with black hair furiously clutched his left cheek, a red handprint clearly visible.

A tall and cold figure stood opposite him. It was Matthew's bodyguard Violet, the woman with the teardrop-shaped mole at the corner of her eye. It was indeed quite a striking feature because that was all Cassius could remember of her face.

Without hesitation, one of the young man’s bodyguards from several meters away charged at Violet. His powerful fist was aimed right for her chest.

Oh? This guy knows some combat moves, Cassius noted as he walked over, narrowing his eyes.

Violet stepped back, sidestepping the punch quickly. Her long, toned leg swung up, delivering a swift kick to the bodyguard’s waist.

She knows some combat techniques too, but she's not very advanced, probably around Combat Arts level three, Cassius thought as he casually approached. Seeing as how the Ace of Spades wouldn't have such weak bodyguards, she must be more adept with firearms.

Meanwhile, two more bodyguards rushed over, joining the first. All three seemed to be around Combat Arts levels two or three. Violet was trapped.

Damn it, I couldn't bring my gun inside. This isn't good... Violet narrowed her eyes, heart sinking.

Suddenly, a tall figure pushed through the crowd, forcing his way in. "Make way," he commanded.