"I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long. Please accept my most sincere apologies." Old Brad immediately placed a fist over his chest, his expression full of regret. Clearly, after 'that incident,' he could no longer treat Chen Fei as a simple young man. After all, even a legendary assassin like Jack the Blade had fallen at his hands. How could he, Old Brad, possibly compare? He was, at best, a Vampire Duke—nothing more! It was the kind of involuntary reverence that everyone unconsciously felt when facing a powerful individual.

"...I was just joking, esteemed Old Brad. Perhaps you don't need to be so formal," Chen Fei said, slightly stunned, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Not at all, esteemed Sir Chen. I have arranged a grand banquet for tonight in your honor. I do hope you will grace us with your presence," Old Brad replied with a smile.

"A banquet? There's no need for such trouble... Actually, I came today because there's something I need your help with," Chen Fei said, taken aback, quickly changing the subject.

"Please, go on. If it's within the Brad Family's power, we will certainly not refuse," Old Brad said, his expression turning serious.

"It's like this. Your Brad Family should have a member named Stuvia Brad, right? I believe that's his name... He once went to Hong Kong and bought a jade artifact at a black market auction. I need that specific artifact now," Chen Fei said without hesitation.

He remembered the jade ring and jade pendant he had obtained in Hong Kong. Both were suspected to be items left behind by a legendary Foundation Establishment Expert, a matter that had been weighing on his mind. Besides those two, only one other piece had been purchased, bought by a man who called himself Stuvia Brad, from Italy. That was one of the main reasons he had insisted on coming to Italy himself! After all, any information related to a Foundation Establishment Expert was incredibly appealing, no matter how one looked at it.

"Stuvia Brad?" Old Brad repeated, looking hesitant, as he did not seem familiar with the name. He then said slowly, "Esteemed Sir Chen, the person you mentioned is likely from a collateral line of our Brad Family. I'll have someone look into it right away. We should have news very soon."

"Thank you for your trouble," Chen Fei nodded.

Old Brad immediately gave the order to investigate Stuvia Brad. Before long, someone returned with the information.

"Esteemed Sir Chen, the Stuvia Brad you mentioned is indeed a member of our family's collateral line. He is currently in America, but I have already instructed him to return at once. I believe that by this evening, you will have the item you desire," Old Brad said, smiling at Chen Fei.

He paused briefly before adding with another smile, "As for tonight's banquet... please allow our Brad Family the opportunity to fulfill our duties as hosts. Rest assured, aside from the direct lineage of our Brad Family, there will be no unrelated outsiders present."

"Well... Alright then." Chen Fei hesitated for a moment but still nodded in agreement.

He had just asked for a favor, so it would be rude to refuse. Besides, he had to wait until evening for the man to arrive anyway. It didn't really matter.

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