Jacob said unhappily, “Of course, I'm not clumsy. It’s not as if you don’t know about my financial situation. Elaine handles all the money at home, and I can barely save a few thousand dollars. So, no matter what antique I'm looking at, I'm always extremely cautious. I'm afraid of dropping, touching, or being accused by others that I was tampering with something…”

At this point, Jacob continued speaking with frustration, “That day, that jade vase also seemed to be cursed as well. As soon as I touched it, it slipped out of my hand like it was greased. It fell to the ground and shattered to pieces. Perhaps Mr. Cole was the one who deliberately set me up.”

Charlie wondered, “Dad, after the jade vase broke, I repaired it with egg whites. I don't remember it being greased, and I recall that its surface wasn't very smooth because it's from the Tang Dynasty. Its glaze was rather rough, and it had a certain sanding feel when held. How could it slip from your hand?”

“Well…” Jacob, who was on