Chapter 185 - 184: The Antiques Grandmaster, Old Master Sutton

Chapter 185: Chapter 184: The Antiques Grandmaster, Old Master Sutton

"See something you like, Rian?"

Hearing Noel Sutton’s voice beside her ear, Rian Sinclair snapped back to reality. She looked at the small stall in front of her, noting that the items on display were completely ordinary.

She shook her head slightly, then looked up at Noel. "No. You guys lead the way."

Her head was aching slightly. She didn’t know what was wrong with her; she just kept zoning out from time to time.

Noel nodded and walked ahead with Wyatt Winslow. Rian had originally wanted to let go of Ruby Forrest’s hand, worried the little girl might get too hot.

Instead, a soft hand gripped her pinky finger. Ruby was only about 1.6 meters tall, so Rian had to lower her gaze when she felt the tug. She saw Ruby blinking her big, watery eyes, looking like an abandoned little beast.

Then, Ruby’s voice sounded. "Are you feeling too hot, Rian? I’ll just hold one of your fingers, then."

Rian smiled and let Ruby hold her pinky without pulling her hand back. Ruby’s lips curled upwards, her steps gaining a sprightly bounce.

Keeping up with Noel and Wyatt’s pace, Ruby looked around curiously. Watching Noel’s professional demeanor, Rian couldn’t help but fall deep in thought.

Ruby had been paying close attention to Rian’s expressions. Seeing her slight confusion towards Noel, she leaned in closer and said in a soft voice, "Rian, Noel’s family built their fortune on antiques."

Hearing Ruby’s words, Rian realized her previous guess had been right—Noel’s family definitely had ties to the antique trade.

Noel had put away his playful demeanor and was now much more serious. Rian noted that the people she had met so far all shared this trait: they maintained an earnest attitude towards the industries and hobbies they loved.

It was a rare and valuable quality. Ruby’s voice chimed in again, "I think Grandpa Sutton is super amazing! He can tell if an antique is real or fake with just one glance!"

Rian turned her head to look at Ruby. The girl’s little mouth was chattering away without pause. Rian listened, nodding and agreeing from time to time.

As the two chatted, Noel stopped in front of a storefront. He stepped forward to speak with someone and was then led inside. Rian and the others were invited in as well.

The guide led the four of them through a maze of turns. Ruby clung even closer to Rian. After all, the pitch-black corridor, illuminated only by a single old-fashioned chandelier hanging overhead, felt genuinely eerie.

Eventually, the guide pushed open the door to a small room and made a gesture of invitation. The group stepped inside.

Rian surveyed the room’s decor. It was very simple: just a few tea tables and chairs. An elderly man sat in one of the chairs, dressed in a traditional Tang suit. His long beard gave him an ethereal, sage-like aura.

On the table, a teacup was placed upside down on a tray, with a few copper coins tossed casually beside it. The old man leaned back idly in his chair. When he noticed them enter, he merely lifted his eyelids for a moment before closing them again.

Noel respectfully bowed first. "Grandpa."

The old man nodded and casually pointed to some seats in the back for them. Rian had initially thought he was just an antique expert, not expecting him to be Noel’s grandfather, whom Ruby had just mentioned.

As Noel arranged the seating, Rian took a seat with Ruby, who finally let go of her hand. Rian sat calmly, feeling quite curious about Grandpa Sutton’s upcoming guests.

After all, being led through a winding, hidden corridor just to reach this room proved that this place was highly secretive. That meant the people being received here either had mysterious identities or possessed goods that couldn’t be shown in broad daylight.

The old man’s expression remained indifferent. Since no clients had arrived yet, he chatted casually with Noel, though his tone betrayed a hint of impatience. "Didn’t I tell you to bring fewer friends over?"

Noel rubbed his nose awkwardly. This happened all the time, so his grandfather’s words usually went in one ear and out the other. Besides, his grandfather had never scolded him in private about it, so Noel continued to bring friends over regularly.

Still, getting lectured every time they came was a given. Noel smiled. "Grandpa, they’re acquaintances. It’s no big deal. We’ve known each other for a long time."

Grandpa Sutton’s expression was unreadable. He glanced at Wyatt and Ruby before his gaze landed on Rian.

Rian wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. The corners of her lips curved up slightly as she met his gaze, giving a small nod to show her respect.

Grandpa Sutton snorted softly and looked away. Though his tone wasn’t as dissatisfied as before, it still carried a sharp edge. "The people you brought this time are a bit smarter than the last bunch."

Hearing his grandfather’s words, Noel didn’t dare say a thing. He knew the old man’s temper all too well.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Wyatt stood up and bowed slightly toward the old man. "Grandpa Sutton."

Grandpa Sutton gave a gentle nod.

Seeing that he was no longer as stern, Ruby gathered the courage to greet him. Following Wyatt’s example, she mimicked his bow. Beaming, she said in her soft, sweet voice, which nonetheless carried a hint of earnestness, "Hello, Grandpa Sutton."

Hearing Ruby’s voice, Grandpa Sutton nodded again, his brow now filled with warmth. "Little Ruby, you should come over to play more often. Your Grandma Sutton loves you the most."

Ruby smiled sweetly in return. "I love Grandma Sutton too! The peach blossom pastries she makes are absolutely delicious!"

Grandpa Sutton chuckled and shook his head, letting out a soft sigh. "If your Grandma Sutton hears that she ranks lower than her peach blossom pastries, she’ll start nagging my ear off again!"

Flustered, Ruby frantically shook her head and hurriedly explained, "That’s not it! I really miss Grandma Sutton. She’s way more important than peach blossom pastries!" Seeing Grandpa Sutton put on a stern face, she added anxiously, "I mean it!"

Watching Ruby’s nervous reaction, Rian couldn’t help but smile.

Grandpa Sutton laughed. "Look how anxious our little Ruby is getting. I know you love your Grandma Sutton the most."

As soon as his voice fell, Grandpa Sutton shifted the topic and looked toward Rian. "Noel, your friend is here. Why aren’t you introducing her?"

The room fell into a stunned silence for a moment. Wyatt and Noel knew the old man’s temper—he usually couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to the friends Noel brought over, and he would always claim that none of them compared to Ronan Ford.

This was the first time they had ever seen him actively ask for an introduction. Meanwhile, Ruby was grinning from ear to ear like a total fool. She knew Rian was the best!

Back when they were playing board games, Ruby had already felt that Rian had a wonderful personality. She gave off such a cool and confident vibe, chatting effortlessly with everyone. Plus, the others treated her with so much respect!

While Noel was still frozen in shock, Grandpa Sutton glared daggers at him. "You brat. What, are you ignoring your grandfather now? You think you’re all grown up?"

Noel finally snapped out of it. He smiled and waved his hands frantically at his grandfather. "No, Grandpa, how could I not listen to you? This is our friend. Her name is Rian Sinclair."

Old Master Sutton turned back to look at Rian, his eyes full of scrutiny.

After all, this girl’s face didn’t match anyone from the prominent families he knew.