CHAPTER 188: PROBING

Bai Hanyun frowned slightly as her mind spun rapidly. ’Looks like I need to find out what his true intentions are, and whether he is an enemy or a potential ally.’

Noticing that she was deep in thought, Gui Xiaoxu said, "Miss Bai, if you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Ke Ting, surprised by Gui Xiaoxu’s rare patience, glanced at him.

Noticing the interest and curiosity in Gui Xiaoxu’s eyes, Ke Ting turned to look at Bai Hanyun and silently wondered, ’What is so special about this Second Young Lady Bai that Xiaoxu is so interested in her?’

While Ke Ting studied her, Bai Hanyun placed the name card back on the low table and calmly said, "CEO Gui, as we both know, we have never had any personal or business dealings with each other."

Bai Hanyun paused for a second, then curiously asked, "May I ask what you wish to talk to me about?"

Hearing this, Gui Xiaoxu paused for a moment before deciding to test the waters.

"Miss Bai, I heard you once sold a few priceless antiques to Old Master Yu. Do you know from which era those antiques originated?"

When Bai Hanyun heard this, her eyes flickered for a moment.

After a brief silence, she replied, "Based on studies by Master Yu and other appraisal experts, they concluded that my family’s antique collection dates back to around the Shang Dynasty, perhaps even earlier."

Hearing this, Gui Xiaoxu frowned slightly as he thought, ’Was I wrong? Is she not the destined one?’

Smiling at him, Bai Hanyun asked, "CEO Gui, are you interested in antiques?"

Coming out of his thoughts, Gui Xiaoxu nodded.

Just as he was about to respond, his eyes fell on the jade pendant hanging on Bai Hanyun’s waistband. The moment he saw the character carved into it, his eyes flickered with surprise.

Noticing the change in his usually expressionless face, Bai Hanyun followed his gaze. Realizing he was staring at Feng Xiyan’s jade pendant, she quickly covered it with her hand.

Unable to see it anymore, Gui Xiaoxu looked up at Bai Hanyun, only to find her watching him warily.

Narrowing her eyes, Bai Hanyun said, "CEO Gui, this jade pendant is a gift from my friend and not for sale."

Realizing she had misunderstood his intentions, Gui Xiaoxu explained, "Miss Bai, I had no intention of buying it."

Hearing this, Bai Hanyun relaxed slightly, but she still didn’t let go of the pendant.

After a moment of thought, Gui Xiaoxu reached into his shirt and pulled out a red thread necklace with a jade pendant on it.

Holding the jade pendant out for her to see, he said, "This jade pendant is my family heirloom, passed down from our ancestors."

Hearing this, Bai Hanyun became curious and leaned forward to take a closer look. However, the moment she saw the character carved into the jade, she was shocked.

’This word... It’s the language used by Feng Xiyan!’

Seeing her surprised expression, Gui Xiaoxu became certain that her jade pendant had the same origin as his.

Snapping back to her senses, Bai Hanyun took off Feng Xiyan’s jade pendant from her waistband and compared it to Gui Xiaoxu’s jade pendant.

The next moment, both Bai Hanyun and Gui Xiaoxu were stunned.

Looking away from the two jade pendants, Bai Hanyun asked, "CEO Gui, are you certain that your jade pendant was passed down from your ancestor?"

"Yes," Gui Xiaoxu replied with a nod. Then he asked, "What about your jade pendant, Miss Bai? Where did you get it?"

Bai Hanyun hesitated and thought, ’I can’t let him know about the antique mirror or Feng Xiyan’s world.’

She thought for a moment and answered, "It’s part of my family’s antique collection."

After their first coincidental meeting, Gui Xiaoxu had already investigated Bai Hanyun. Knowing she had sold many antiques from the same era to Yu Tianshuo, he didn’t doubt her.

Accepting her answer, Gui Xiaoxu fell into a deep thought.

After a moment of silence, he put away his jade pendant and said, "Miss Bai, thank you for your time. I need to return to Sheng Du City today, so I will take my leave."

He then stood up, reached out to Bai Hanyun, and added, "Miss Bai, I’m looking forward to our next meeting."

Bai Hanyun nodded, stood as well, and replied, "Likewise."

After a handshake, Gui Xiaoxu left with Ke Ting.

As the door closed behind them, Ke Ting asked, "Boss, what do you think? Did you learn what you wanted to know from your conversation with Miss Bai?"

As they walked down the long corridor, Gui Xiaoxu replied, "I’m not sure yet. However, I still need to observe and test her."

After saying that, he paused for a moment, then asked, "Any news from Yong Yan?"

Ke Ting shook his head, lowered his voice, and replied, "Not yet. The last time we heard from him was ten days ago, and he’s been silent since then."

Listening to the report, Gui Xiaoxu frowned and said, "Yong Yan wouldn’t go silent without a reason."

At his words, Ke Ting asked with a hint of worry in his voice, "Could it be that Yong Yan is in trouble?"

Gui Xiaoxu paused for a moment before giving an order. "Return to headquarters. Send one team to track Yong Yan’s location. Also, inform Zhe Xi to send one team to protect Miss Bai in case Bai Yansheng wants to do something to her."

Making a note in his phone, Ke Ting responded, "Yes, Boss."

While discussing the matter in the Gui Group and the Bu Gui Pavilion, the two stepped into the elevator and left the hotel.

Meanwhile, Lei Jingqian and his team were still searching for the Pavilion Master of the Bu Gui Pavilion in the ballroom.

Hiding in a corner, Lei Jingqian pressed the communication device hidden inside his shirt and asked, "Has anyone found the Pavilion Master?"

A few seconds later, responses came in one after another.

"Negative."

"Negative."

"Negative."

Listening to the negative responses, Lei Jingqian’s expression darkened.