Knowing Ye Fan was in a difficult position, the Great Elder had no other options.
After a long period of thought, no one spoke, quietly awaiting Ye Fan's response.
Finally, he sighed, "Great Elder, I accept this matter."
He looked up at the Great Elder, and amidst his earnest anticipation, Ye Fan gave a positive reply.
Receiving Ye Fan's affirmative answer, the Great Elder also breathed a sigh of relief, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
"Good, it's a deal then."
...
Stepping out of the hotel, Ye Fan's expression turned serious. While the Great Elder might have had good intentions, aiming to reduce the Wang family's losses and help him build prestige, Ye Fan was acutely aware of his attempt to win him over, though he had feigned ignorance and not responded directly.
However, what the Great Elder thought might not be what others in the Wang family believed.
Especially the brothers Wang Tengyun and Wang Tengyu, who considered him a thorn in their side.
Ye Fan clearly caught the murderous intent flashing in their eyes as they left.
"Since you wish to put me to death, then Jiang City will be your burial ground."
A chilling glint flickered in Ye Fan's eyes, his expression turning fearsome in that instant.
Lu Sheng, who had arrived to meet him, witnessed that terrifying sight and couldn't help but tremble inwardly.
He approached cautiously and asked respectfully, "Brother Ye, what do we do next?"
Nowadays, Lu Sheng's respect for Ye Fan grew with each passing day. From their initial contact to the present, Ye Fan's plans had unfolded step by step, leaving him increasingly shocked.
Despite Ye Fan's young age, his mind was far more formidable than his own.
Moreover, and most importantly, associating with Ye Fan brought numerous benefits. His status in Taiping Town was rising, and even the Town Mayor now greeted him proactively.
All of this was thanks to Ye Fan, so how could he not follow Ye Fan's lead?
Ye Fan closed his eyes in thought for a moment, then opened them, a faint smile gracing his lips.
Although the smile was subtle, it caused Lu Sheng to tremble inwardly.
It seemed someone else was about to face misfortune.
"Brother Lu, I want to turn Taiping Town into our base."
Turning to Lu Sheng, Ye Fan said in a deep voice.
These words stunned Lu Sheng, who couldn't react immediately.
Ye Fan had already begun planning for such a scenario long ago.
Having lived two lives and witnessed countless schemes and betrayals, he harbored a deep-seated sense of crisis. Therefore, he understood the principle of having multiple safe havens better than anyone.
While he appeared to be enjoying immense success on the surface, there were many secretly plotting his demise.
Taiping Town, being remote and nestled deep in the mountains, would serve as a safe haven for him if he faced danger in the future, should it be developed into his base.
"Brother Ye, what are your plans?"
Lu Sheng reacted, his heart filled with excitement. If Taiping Town were truly brought under his control, he would undoubtedly become the uncrowned king here.
Ye Fan understood Lu Sheng's thoughts and smiled slightly as he looked at him.
"Brother Lu, how many antique shops are there in Taiping Town? Which is the largest? Let's go have a look."
Taiping Town had originated from antiques, attracting a large population, making antique shops Ye Fan's first target.
After a moment of thought, Lu Sheng's eyes lit up. "The largest antique shop in Taiping Town is Chen Boss's Crescent Moon Studio. Eighty to ninety percent of the antiques flowing through here pass through Crescent Moon Studio. Their business is very large, but Boss Chen is a very mysterious and low-key person. Even I haven't seen him a few times over the years."
Lu Sheng said in a low voice.
"Good, let's go to Crescent Moon Studio immediately."
Ye Fan took the lead, with Lu Sheng following closely.
Located in the center of Taiping Town, Crescent Moon Studio bustled with people year-round.
Whether it was those temporarily arriving to sell artifacts or those stationed there year-round dealing in antiques, they were mostly regular customers.
Looking at the luxuriously decorated and crowded Crescent Moon Studio, Ye Fan couldn't help but smile.
"Very good, it's grand and has ample foot traffic, suitable to be our ultimate trump card."
Ye Fan nodded with satisfaction.
In his opinion, an ultimate trump card had two essential qualities: firstly, sufficient security.
Taiping Town's remote location meant it rarely attracted outside attention, except from those who constantly roamed among ancient tombs, artifacts, and antiques. Others simply wouldn't notice this place.
Secondly, it needed a stable source of income, and this place was clearly suitable.
With Ye Fan's methods, ensuring Crescent Moon Studio's continued prosperity would not be difficult.
"Let's go in and take a look."
Ye Fan smiled slightly, his hands clasped behind his back, and slowly walked into Crescent Moon Studio.
Unlike other antique shops, Crescent Moon Studio displayed no objects, not even display shelves. The hall was furnished with rows of sofas and coffee tables, clearly arranged for receiving guests.
Seeing this scene, even Ye Fan couldn't help but be taken aback.
But soon, Ye Fan chuckled, "Quite interesting."
He then walked to a sofa and sat down.
A shop assistant soon approached, wearing a professional smile.
"Sirs, is there anything we can help you with?"
Ye Fan looked up with a smile, "Is your boss here?"
The shop assistant hesitated but still replied with a smile, "Sir, our boss is very busy and rarely comes here. However, if you have any items you wish to sell, we have many highly skilled appraisers who will surely satisfy you."
Hearing the shop assistant's words, even Ye Fan, who had intended to cause trouble, had to secretly nod. He had to admit that the shop assistants at Crescent Moon Studio had good character.
Under different circumstances, they might have already displayed an arrogant demeanor.
However, Ye Fan shook his head, leaning back on the sofa and crossing his legs. "The item in my hand is likely beyond the comprehension of your appraisers, and only your boss can understand it. If it's convenient, please contact Boss Chen."
Seeing Ye Fan's firm attitude, the shop assistant appeared somewhat troubled.
But at that moment, a middle-aged man walked over slowly. "Who is so arrogant? Our appraisers at Crescent Moon Studio are renowned throughout the country; are there really items that we cannot understand?"
The middle-aged man wore gold-rimmed glasses and had a ruddy complexion. He stood with his hands behind his back, projecting an air of profound mystery.
Hearing the middle-aged man's words, the shop assistant quickly lowered his head. "Mr. Zhao, these two gentlemen seem to have a treasure."
He was merely an assistant, responsible only for reception. Compared to the status of the appraisers, he was worlds apart.