A smile appeared on Bai Zhenyun's face. He was just about to speak when he saw Lu Dashan pick up the water jug from the table, pour himself another cup, tip his head back, and drain it in one go.
The thirst he had just gotten rid of had returned because of his overwhelming excitement.
After finishing the water, he couldn't help wiping his mouth, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
Bai Zhenyun rummaged through the coffee table drawer and pulled out a transparent sealable bag. He carefully folded the silk painting and placed it inside.
When sealing it, he deliberately pressed along the bag's seal to make sure no water could get in before stuffing it into the inner pocket of his clothes.
Next, he picked up the landscape painting and carefully put it back into its wooden frame, even wrapping the waterproof cloth around it again. Every movement was meticulous.
Only after watching him finish did Lu Dashan ask, "When are you planning to report to the organization that we've completed the mission?"
Bai Zhenyun raised his wrist to check his watch, then glanced out the window... The rain was still pouring, though the thunder had receded somewhat. After a moment's thought, he said, "I'll report it by phone now.
"The sooner we hand over the landscape painting, the sooner we can leave this place and investigate the locations on the map."
As he spoke, he reached for the phone on the coffee table. His fingertip slid across the screen until he found the organization's contact number, then he pressed the call button.
In the bustling restaurant, warm yellow chandeliers bathed every table in a soft glow. The laughter and conversation from neighboring tables mingled with the crisp clatter of utensils, while the fragrance of food drifted through