European coats of arms often feature animals, such as lions and eagles. Japanese family crests, on the other hand, are mostly derived from plants. Furthermore, the Japanese are known for their meticulousness and rigidity, resulting in symmetrical and orderly family crests. Look, the emblem on your gold-inlaid jade seal features four plum blossoms arranged neatly in a rhombus shape, perfectly symmetrical from top to bottom and left to right!

I don't have much knowledge of Japanese aristocratic history. For specific details about which noble family's crest, you can consult an expert specializing in Japanese history. In short, it's a fine item and definitely worth collecting.

Ning Zhiheng nodded; this perfectly matched his guess. Combined with Dong Chengjie's unusual hasty departure, it was now certain that he was definitely Japanese, and a Japanese man of considerable status at that!

Ning Zhiheng couldn't possibly believe that such a valuable family crest was something that every family member had; it could only be held by important figures in the family!

Having a large amount of cash at home is not illegal, but having accessories that are exclusive to Japanese nobles, especially this seal of a noble family crest, at home would definitely arouse suspicion!

When Dong Chengjie discovered that such an important item was missing, instead of actively searching for it, he quickly withdrew. This is in line with the principles of espionage work, which is to prepare for the worst possible outcome of any emergency and never take chances!

It seemed he had caught another big fish by the tail. Ning Zhiheng's fighting spirit soared once again. This would be another major opportunity for him after cracking the Shadow Spy Group!

The opportunity has arrived! We absolutely cannot miss it!

Ning Zhiheng carefully put away the two jade boxes, his face filled with admiration. He smiled and said to Fang Boyi, "Professor Fang truly lives up to his reputation. His knowledge is vast, far beyond what we juniors can match. We seem to be lost in the clouds, yet you, elder, can enlighten us with a single word. We have truly learned a great deal!"

After saying this, he took out a stack of Chinese currency from his pocket, placed it respectfully on the tea table, and said, "This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope Professor Fang will accept it with a smile."

This is also the rule in the antique world: you have to pay a consultation fee to have an expert examine your antiques. Knowledge has value, and this has always been the case.

Fang Boyi nodded without refusing. He also charged a fee for appraising people's eyes, which was his rightful income.

Having clarified the matter, Ning Zhiheng and the other two decided not to delay any longer and got up to say goodbye to Fang Boyi.

Fang Boyi also got up and saw the three of them out of the courtyard gate. The host and guests exchanged a few more polite words and watched them leave. Only then did Fang Boyi return to the house.

A short while later, the male servant came in and said to Fang Boyi, "They got into a military vehicle at the intersection and have already left!"

Fang Boyi nodded. He had some suspicions about this as well. Of the three, only Ning Zhiheng, who was in the lead, had a more outstanding temperament and his demeanor showed some traces of a soldier.

Fang Boyi had also fought on the battlefield in his early years, experiencing military life. He had a particularly keen sense for soldiers. However, due to work requirements, he later took a professorship at Jinling University.

Fang Boyi nodded and said, "The one leading the group, Ning Zhiheng, must be from a military background. It's normal for him to show up in a military vehicle, and he doesn't seem to be trying to hide his identity. It seems he's just here to ask me to take a look, so there shouldn't be any problem!"

The male servant nodded and said, "This man is young, but he's very experienced. He even gave me twenty yuan as a doorman's gift. He's quite generous!"

Fang Boyi jokingly said, "So this is what you call embezzlement and bribery?"

The male servant smiled and pointed to the stack of legal tender banknotes on the table, saying, "All my hard work of embezzling and accepting bribes is not as good as the windfall you made with just a few words."

The two men looked at each other and laughed. The male servant was also Fang Boyi's long-time subordinate and assistant, who was specifically responsible for Fang Boyi's security.