"I know you just wanted to make a little money."
"But have you ever thought about how what you're doing could ruin Ancient Wood Xuan?"
The old man sighed deeply.
"Little Zhou."
"Grandpa Mu watched you grow up, and you came to play at Ancient Wood Xuan several times when you were little."
"I don't want to hold this against you too much."
"I have just one request."
"Get the wood carving back."
"...Get the wood carving back..."
The young man murmured.
The difficulty of this task immediately dispelled much of the unease and guilt that had risen in him at the old man's solemn tone.
"But... how am I supposed to get back something that's already been sold...?"
He'd already forgotten that he had been denying all along that he'd sold the old man's carving under the name of a Qing-dynasty master.
Of course, even if he hadn't forgotten, the old men wouldn't have taken his words seriously.
The young man's expression and actions had already given everything away.
Even Old Zhou couldn't deceive himself.
He wasn't that muddleheaded.
"How do you get it back?"
Old Zhou glared at the young man. "You tell the buyer the truth, then ask for the carving back."
"You brat. I'll deal with you later."
The old man took a deep breath.
"Call that customer right now."
"See if they're free now, or arrange a time to meet. Resolve this as soon as possible."
"Old Wood."
Old Zhou turned to look at Old Mu, whose expression was grim. "I'm truly sorry."
"I..."
Old Zhou smiled bitterly, his face full of bitterness. "This kid..."
For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
They'd been neighbors and old friends for so many years, and he considered himself to know Old Wood well.