Samuel had never thought that the Dragon and Tiger Gang, of which he was at the helm for a few years, changed its name to the Snake and Cat Gang.
âMr. Lane, what do you think about the Stallingsâ plan?â Casper gazed at Tony and asked. Deep down, Casper wished to know how the top gun of Horington would respond to the provocation by one of the prominent families in Chanaea.
âWell, Iâm more or less an influential figure in Horington. Although the Stalling family was powerful, Iâm not afraid of it at all!â Tony answered determinedly.
âSamuel, is the Stalling familyâs point of contact still in Horington?â
Samuel was startled for a while before he realized that Casperâs question was directed at himself.
âYes, but I donât know where he is exactlyâ¦â
Meanwhile, Tony also tried to help me out. âThe Stalling family has a few pharmacies and clinics in Horington. However, those are commercial buildings with ordinary staff. So, I donât think there are any VIPs inside.â
âWell, do they have pharmaceutical factories?â Casper asked.
âInvestigate it!â Since Tony wasnât sure about it, he instantly instructed his subordinates to acquire more information.
Casper puffed out his cheeks as he was deep in thought. A moment later, he said to Tony, âMr. Lane, after pondering over it, I suggest that you shouldnât join the Antique Fair.â
Tony was bewildered upon hearing it. âWhat do you mean? Are you belittling me? Do you think Iâm a coward?â
âNot really. Itâs just that I find it unsafe to join the Antique Fair this time. After all, the Stalling family from Jazona specializes in⦠poison!â
The Stalling family became one of the prominent families in Chanaea due to its superb medical skills.
Nevertheless, its poisoning skills were as perfect.
Poison was terrifying, for it was difficult for others to guard against it. After all, everyone could be easily affected by poison despite their physical strength.
After hearing Casperâs advice, Tony sneered, âWhy should I be afraid of poison? Iâll attend it since Iâve said so. That is who I am. Since I have always loved antiques for my whole life, no one can stop me from finding the best antiques.â
Casper couldnât dissuade Tony from attending, given that Tony had made up his mind. Nonetheless, he admired Tony for his courage deep down.
Casper called Stallion and Jeremy, for he wanted them to take over the territories of the Dragon and Tiger Gang.
When Stallion and Jeremy arrived at the Lanesâ mansion, they were overwhelmed by the luxurious surroundings. Casper dragged them to the side and instructed, âBring the man with a swollen face back. He was the gang leader of the Dragon and Tiger Gang but is now our subordinate. So, keep an eye on him, and take over all territories and members of the gang.â
Stallion asked shockingly, âDid you say the Dragon and Tiger Gang? Has it become ours now?â
Casper nodded in response. âYes, it is ours now. Donât ask so many questions but do as I said.â
After Stallion and Jeremy brought Samuel to leave the mansion, Casper and Tony began strolling around the garden.
âCasper, I actually have a question.â
âGo ahead, Mr. Lane.â
âWhen we saw the enamel temple jar, I was fooled and believed that it was authentic. How did you know that it was an antique forgery made by Mr. Buck? Where did you learn the skills to identify antiques?â
Deep down, Casper felt that Tonyâs question was indeed sharp.
âIâm afraid you wonât believe what I say. Anyway, let me be frankâIâm Harry Craneâs apprentice.â
Casper shoved his hand off as he revealed it.
Nonetheless, Tony didnât believe what Casper said and even burst into laughter. Is Harry Crane, cancer in the antique industry and the legendary master in antique forgery, his master? How is it possible?
After a while, Tony gradually stopped laughing, for the possibility of it occurring started to dawn on him.
After all, Casperâs knowledge and skills in identifying antiques had proven his expertise.
âIn that case, is Francis Buck your senior?â Tony asked.
Casper shook his head and replied, âWeâve never met. Mr. Crane coached me long after Francis left.â
Tony fell silent and didnât dwell on it. Given that Casper had a lot of secrets, Tony thought he didnât have the necessity or right to ask questions.
His last name is Simpsonâ¦
As a thought suddenly flashed through his mind, Tony couldnât help but shiver. However, Tony soon denied his speculation, for he believed Casper couldnât possibly come from the hidden family.
As the night closed in, Casper thought he had to go home quickly. After all, he didnât want to be late because he would be dating Giselle later for the first time.
âMr. Lane, please excuse me. I still have something on and have to get going now.â
With that, Casper declined Tonyâs invitation to dinner and was determined to leave. Tony had no choice but to ask Winston to drive Casper back.
Casper squatted at the mansion entrance while waiting for Winstonâs car. Suddenly, Casper heard some footsteps approaching him.
âWho is this? Why are you squatting here?â
The two daughters-in-law of Tonyâs had dressed nicely and were about to leave. Although they were going out to have fun, Casper was curious because he didnât see their husbands with them.
âItâs the beggar we saw in the afternoon. Well, I wonder how he managed to gain Tonyâs attentionâ¦â
one of them mocked.
âHumph! All the beggars can do is to identify some antiques. I guess he will sell whatever assets he has to buy an antique to please Tony,â the other one chimed in.
Casper could somehow understand why Tony was upset. Itâs a tragedy to have the sharp-tongued daughters-in-law!
âYouâre right. I could please Mr. Lane because Iâm sharp-eyed. In short, I can see through many things with only a glance.â
Then, Casper stood up and pretended to glance at the two ladies. âNice clothes! Unfortunately, those who wear them are unworthy.â
Instantly, the two ladies were furious. âWho are unworthy?â
Casper appeared confused as he replied, âOh? Do you think I was referring to you?â
âYou!â
The two ladies came from wealthy families and were rarely mocked by others. As such, they were exasperated but had no idea how to argue with Casper.
At that moment, Winston had arrived in his car and asked Casper to hop in. Casper made a face at them before he ran away.
âIâm sorry if my sisters-in-law offended you. I mean, they always behave rudely,â Winston apologized to Casper gentlemanly while driving.
âNo worries. After all, Iâve encountered people who were a lot more ill-mannered.â Casper felt that Winston was humble and a down-to-earth man.
âWinston, may I ask why I only saw the two ladies? Is your wife not at home?â Casper asked curiously.
Casper recalled that he hadnât met Winstonâs wife even though he had dinner with the Lanes for a few days.
After a while, Winston replied calmly, âIâm still single.â
Casper was startled upon hearing it. Then, he stared at Winston, who was driving attentively, and continued, âMay I know why?â
Although Winston looked young, Casper figured that he was almost forty years old. Given that Winstonâs younger brothers were all married, Casper thought it was a little illogical for Winston to stay single. Moreover, even if Winston didnât want to rush it, Casper thought Tony would be worried about him.
âWell, there are no specific reasons. Itâs just that I havenât found my true love,â Winston responded casually.