Regarding Huo Sining’s proposal to lease antiques, Adrian did not directly refuse. Instead, he smiled and said that if Huo Sining really needed them at that time, he would consult with the family elders. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Through her brief interaction with Adrian, Huo Sining already understood that the old Earl was not a frivolous person who would make empty promises easily. The things he promised were often things he was confident in, generally able to fulfill. So upon hearing this, she didn’t continue to press the issue.

Huo Sining originally didn’t plan to attend the evening banquet, but firstly, as it was Adrian’s invitation, she had to consider Adrian’s face. Secondly, Li Jun also reminded her that Adrian’s banquet circle consisted of noble individuals from Europe, and if she could get to know a few more people and enter this circle, it would be beneficial for her future antique exchanges with the Albert family.

Huo Sining was somewhat puzzled about Li Jun’s statement, but Li Jun patiently and thoroughly explained it to her.

"Think about it, the Albert family hopes to exchange for European antiques, but where would you get these European antiques? You don’t really intend to stumble upon a bargain on the street, do you?"

Seeing Huo Sining with a ’why not’ expression, Li Jun’s eyes immediately showed a look as if seeing a madman, and he exclaimed exaggeratedly:

"My God, this idea of yours is truly too naive. I’m telling you, if it were the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, this idea might actually be achievable. But now, it is almost impossible."

"The European antiques needed by the Albert family are definitely items of sufficient weight to impress those elders. Do you think such things are likely to be laid out for you to pick at the Antique Street market? Such items are likely only in the collections of some nobles or appear at auctions."

"That’s why I suggested you get into this circle through Adrian. As Adrian is into collecting, the people he knows more or less have contact with antiques. I believe these people should have the items you need in their hands."

At this point, Li Jun looked at Huo Sining with a changed expression, not knowing whether it was admiration or pity: "I don’t know how to evaluate you. From the International Treasure Appraisal Conference in New York to your conversation with Adrian, you’ve made me feel like you’re a patriot with a heart full of strategic planning and ambition."

"However, I don’t think what you’re doing is right. I think you should know, even if the Albert family agrees to exchange antiques with you, the financial and manpower expenses required during this process are not something you can accomplish alone. I don’t know what sustains your strong belief, I sincerely admire you, but I hope you only do what is within your capability."

Upon hearing Li Jun’s words, Huo Sining couldn’t help but laugh: "As you said, a person like me, once deciding to do something, won’t easily let go. But the advice you just gave reminded me that such a transaction indeed requires an immense amount of financial and human resources, so I might have to think of another way."

Li Jun was stunned: "Another way? What other way are you planning to think of?"

Huo Sining smiled: "These Brits took things from our Huaxia Country, and now I need to exchange something equivalent to get them back. Do you think that’s possible? No, no, no, I’m not a fool, I won’t let those Brits take advantage of me in this regard!"

Huo Sining kept some things mysterious, her words were vague, leaving Li Jun a bit puzzled like a monk in over his head.

After attending the evening banquet, Huo Sining stayed overnight at Adrian’s castle. The next day she hurriedly returned to the country. She did not return to Magic Capital but got off the plane in Imperial Capital, and as soon as she got off, she couldn’t wait to call Gu Xu, asking him to return home as she needed his help.

Gu Xu didn’t know what Huo Sining wanted to discuss, but hearing the urgency in her tone over the phone, he still set aside his work and rushed home.

"What happened? Weren’t you attending the banquet at that English Earl’s house? Why did you come back so quickly?"

Gu Xu wondered inwardly and couldn’t help asking.

Huo Si waved her hand: "It’s precisely because I went to that Earl’s house that I’m anxious to discuss countermeasures with you. It’s not suitable to discuss over the phone, and it’s inconvenient for others to hear about it, so I’ve come to discuss it with you."

As she spoke, Huo Sining detailed everything she saw about the Huaxia antiques at Adrian’s house, explained the verbal agreement she had with Adrian about the antique exchange, and finally mentioned the solution she came up with that night.

"You know, with my Water-Repelling Pearl, my actions are somewhat special compared to ordinary people. So I’ve considered using the Water-Repelling Pearl to hunt for treasures. As far as I know, around Europe, with such expansive sea areas as the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea, I think there are countless shipwrecks. Inside them, there must be leverage for us to negotiate with the Albert family."

Gu Xu already knew about the mystical Water-Repelling Pearl Huo Sining possessed, so upon hearing this, he wasn’t surprised. He could understand why Huo Sining was so eager to bring him back and explained why discussing it over the phone was inappropriate. This kind of thing, coming from Huo Sining, didn’t seem strange to him, but if heard by someone uninformed, it might indeed cause big trouble.

"This is actually a feasible solution, but can you handle going out to sea alone? Wouldn’t it be dangerous? Should I arrange for a yacht or contact a merchant fleet in Europe?"

Gu Xu was concerned for Huo Sining’s safety. After all, the deep sea is a blind spot for humans, and no one knows how many dangers lie there.

Huo Sining laughed: "No need, organizing yachts and merchant fleets is too flashy, it would attract attention from those Europeans. I’ll operate guerrilla-style, sneak in quietly and return secretly, ensuring that no one notices, which is much safer."

"Then what can I do, sweetheart?"

Gu Xu, long accustomed to his wife’s formidable work capability, wasn’t anxious. Instead, he leisurely leaned back on the sofa, with one arm resting on the sofa’s edge, waiting calmly for his wife to assign him tasks.

Huo Sining pulled out a piece of paper and placed it in front of Gu Xu: "I’ve already written down your tasks on the plane, if there’s anything else, you can help add to it."

Gu Xu picked up the paper, glanced at it, and immediately felt confused: "What is this?"

Huo Sining took a sip of tea and calmly said: "It’s a map for treasure hunting!"