Chapter 26: Fortune Antiques

At 9:30 in the morning, Allen drove us into this swanky villa community.

I couldn't help but get a bit emotional. Our city was just a small fifth-tier town, and anyone living in these villas had to be the top dogs around here.

Just as I was lost in thought, the car came to a stop.

I hopped out with Allen, who used facial recognition to open the gate of a villa and led me inside.

The yard was lush and green, filled with bird songs and fragrant flowers, and there was even a small fish pond. Clearly, Allen's father-in-law had a taste for the finer things in life.

A few people were chilling in a small pavilion. When they saw us, one of them called out, "Allen, what are you doing here instead of handling your business in your little county?" I followed the voice and saw a flashy young guy sitting there, smoking with his legs crossed, giving us a sideways glance.

This guy had to be Allen's wife's brother.

But Allen didn't seem bothered and greeted him with a smile, "Brooks, why aren't you out having fun today?"

"Didn't Dad have a headache a few days ago? I had an appointment with an astrologer for months, and he was free today, so I brought him over last night. We're just waiting for Dad."

Allen's wife's last name was Peterson, so this guy must be Brooks Peterson.

Hearing this, I noticed another young man sitting to his left, dressed casually, with delicate skin and a calm demeanor.

He was holding a small box with an intricate design of an eagle clutching a star.

I was taken aback because I recognized that design.

Lorenzo had once told me about a few famous astrology houses in the country. One of them, situated in the cultural hub beneath the Amber District of Majestic City, was known as "Fortune Antiques," distinguished by its emblem featuring an eagle grasping a star. It wasn't just any place; it had been around for over a hundred years.

The story went that a foreigner came to Majestic City back then, took on an apprentice, and combined foreign astrology with Novaria star divination, teaching it to his apprentice. This foreigner also loved antiques and opened a small shop to collect them.

After the foreigner's passing in Majestic City, his apprentice rebranded the store as Fortune Antiques, preserving and transmitting their teachings through the generations.

I remembered the owner of Fortune Antiques should have the last name Caldwell.

Lorenzo had said that if I ever ran into one of these prominent astrology families, I should steer clear of any conflict. Allen threw a few compliments Brooks and the young man's way, then Brooks pointed at me, "Allen, who's this guy?"

"Oh, let me introduce you." Allen pulled me over, "Dennis, this is my wife's brother, Brooks. Brooks, this is Dennis, a rising astrologer from our county. He's the one who treated your sister's illness."

Brooks couldn't help but laugh, "An astrologer? Allen, you must be kidding! I always said my sister might just be going through early menopause and that doctors could help her. Yet, you spent hundreds of thousands on some cure. I think you got scammed."

He glanced at me, "Besides, what kind of talent can come from your small county? This guy looks so young, and he knows astrology? Don't make me laugh!"

Allen's expression shifted several times as Brooks criticized him in public. If it were anyone else, they would've been furious by now.

"Let's not get into that."

Allen forced a smile, "Since we're here, let's have Dennis take a look at Dad."

Brooks impatiently waved his hand, "Forget it, you really want to bring a fraud to treat my dad?"

Allen looked at me, clearly embarrassed.

I wasn't angry and asked the young man, "Are you from Fortune Antiques?"

The young man was clearly taken aback, "How did you recognize it?"

I pointed to the emblem of the eagle clutching a star on the wooden box, "I recognize it."

Lorenzo had told me that this emblem hadn't been used by Fortune Antiques for decades, and only insiders would recognize it. As for the users, they were all direct disciples.

The young man was stunned again but quickly recovered, "It seems you're not a fraud after all."

Brooks chimed in, "So what if he's not a fraud? How capable can someone from a small county be? Allen, let me tell you, the astrologer I invited is the eldest grandson of the owner of Fortune Antiques and the first disciple of his generation!"

Although Allen didn't know much about Fortune Antiques, he knew this was a big deal. So he looked at me awkwardly again. I could sense his doubt, likely stemming from his awareness of the young man's background, and his lack of confidence in me.

"Allen, since he's here to treat Dad, we can't let him come for nothing. How about this, give him a hundred thousand dollars as a fee, and you can leave. I'll transfer it to you."

Before Allen could speak, I smiled and said, "Mr. Peterson, I don't want the money, but... I would like to learn from Mr. Caldwell, if possible?"

Brooks laughed, "Sure, let's see how capable Mr. Caldwell I invited is!"