Chapter 244: Technology
At that moment, Xu Youyou immediately rebutted the system: “Emperor Qianlong is very good at spotting fakes, there’s no way he would make a mistake.”
The system responded bluntly: [No one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes.]
“Does that mean the system also makes mistakes?” Xu Youyou asked.
The system didn’t bother to respond to this question.
At the same time, Lu Jingyao had the same doubts, but still said, “Actually, with Emperor Qianlong’s endorsement, even if it’s not the real thing, it would become genuine.”
Xu Youyou paused upon hearing this, suddenly thinking of Chen Moli.
Chen Moli had often bought luxury bags in second-hand markets, and according to her, whether the bags were real or fake didn’t matter; as long as they looked real, that was enough.
After all, everyone knew that Europe had a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeit goods. Under such circumstances, most people were willing to believe that the old bags they bought in second-hand markets were authentic.
Xu Youyou shook her head. She wasn’t so short on money that she needed to deceive others with fakes.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s real or not. If I’ve authenticated it and believe it’s fake, then it’s fake,” Xu Youyou said.
Lu Jingyao nodded and his gaze shifted to the other treasures. He couldn’t help but marvel at Xu Youyou’s exceptional eye for treasure, and her luck seemed to surpass ordinary people’s.
He had spent a year studying abroad in Europe and visited many second-hand stores, but he had never found bargains like Xu Youyou did.
“Actually, you could start your own private museum,” Lu Jingyao suddenly suggested.
In the past, Xu Youyou’s understanding of antiques was limited to one thing: money.
She had been poor in her past life, and although she no longer lacked for money in this life, her thirst for wealth had never ceased. However, in the recent period, as things had slowed down, she had begun to appreciate the charm of these antiques.
Lu Jingyao’s suggestion resonated with her.
However, after careful thought, Xu Youyou shook her head. The feud between Xie Ran and Xingzuan wasn’t resolved yet, and there seemed to be an enemy lurking in the shadows.
She just felt like it wasn’t the right time to open a museum.
“Let’s wait a bit. When I have more free time, we can talk about it,” Xu Youyou said.
Lu Jingyao didn’t press the issue. It was just a casual suggestion, and he changed the subject. “There’s a small auction in London. I think you’ll definitely be interested in it.”
Xu Youyou nodded.
Lu Jingyao continued, “There’s also a tech exchange meeting. I don’t know if you’d be interested in attending?”
Xu Youyou looked at Lu Jingyao’s hopeful expression, and finally nodded. “I can accompany you.”
Lu Jingyao’s lips involuntarily curled up in a smile.
Paris and London weren’t far apart, and after their flight landed, they checked into a property in London that belonged to Lu Jingyao.
Xu Youyou had expected to be greeted by fog, but instead, she was met with rare clear skies, allowing her to enjoy a full view of London.
The tech exchange meeting was scheduled before the auction, and it took place on the second day after they arrived in London.
The event was held at Imperial College London, and Xu Youyou took the opportunity to admire the world-renowned top university.
“After a while, it’s really just the same,” Lu Jingyao said casually.
But Xu Youyou found the British charm particularly captivating. She enviously watched the students coming and going, saying, “I wonder how excellent they must be to study here.”
Although she had gotten into a prestigious university, Xu Youyou had been too busy working while studying, and never had the chance to truly enjoy her college life. She sometimes envied her roommates, whose lives seemed so much more relaxed compared to her own, which was always tense.
Lu Jingyao said, “Your English is excellent. If you want to study here, I believe you could definitely pass the IELTS and get an offer.”
Xu Youyou was quite tempted upon hearing this, but thinking about how she was now bound to the system, always ready to participate in treasure hunting, she shook her head. “The foreign environment doesn’t suit me. I’m starting to feel homesick.”
Lu Jingyao smiled gently, maintaining his amiable expression until Shen Juan’an appeared in front of them.
“Mr. Shen, what brings you here? With your status, shouldn’t you have submitted your passport for inspection?” Lu Jingyao asked.
Shen Juan’an had a special identity, and for him, traveling abroad wasn’t an easy task. Seeing Lu Jingyao’s cautious expression, he found it a little amusing. “Mr. Lu, I have to report every time I travel abroad and get approval. Thanks for your concern, but I’m here legally.”
Lu Jingyao didn’t want to appear petty in front of Xu Youyou, so he tried to force a smile. “It’s always a pleasure to meet old friends in a foreign land.”
Shen Juan’an then asked, “How about we have a meal together later?”
Lu Jingyao had a psychological aversion to such invitations, having once mistakenly accepted an invitation from Song Zhibai, leading to an awkward meal. This time, he wasn’t going to fall for it. After glancing at Xu Youyou and seeing she didn’t object, he said, “We have something else to do later. It’s not very convenient.”
Shen Juan’an raised an eyebrow. “Such a pity. My aunt really likes Miss Xu. She wanted to talk to her about something.”
Xu Youyou, who was fond of Shen Wenxing, immediately said, “Aunt Shen wants to see me? Although I don’t know what she wants, please tell her I’ll be free around noon.”
Shen Juan’an casually asked, “Aren’t you two already making other plans?”
Lu Jingyao, not feeling embarrassed at all, said, “My plans aren’t that important. Let’s prioritize Mrs. Shen’s request.”
At that moment, Shen Wenxing, having finished her conversation with someone else, waved to them and walked over.
“Youyou, I was just talking to Juan’an about you. I saw someone’s back that looked like you, and I didn’t expect it to really be you,” Shen Wenxing said with a smile.
Xu Youyou asked, “Aunt Shen, is there something you need to talk to me about?”
Shen Wenxing said, “It’s a personal skill of mine. I went to Paris to meet a buyer and negotiate, but the deal fell through. I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in this technology.”
Xu Youyou couldn’t help but point to herself. “Me? Aunt Shen, selling me your high-end skills would be a waste!”
She felt that if the technology were to be sold, it would make more sense for Shen Wenxing to sell it to Lu Jingyao rather than her.
Shen Wenxing replied, “Youyou, I’ve heard that you have someone talented working with you. If the technology ends up in your hands, it certainly won’t go to waste.”
[System Alert: The treasure-hunting task has begun. Please quickly agree to the conditions set by the target character. Task time limit: 1 minute.]
The system’s sudden prompt, coupled with the one-minute deadline, caused Xu Youyou to panic. Looking at the golden pointer pointing to Shen Wenxing, even though she still didn’t know what this technology was, she hurriedly said, “Aunt Shen, I’ve decided to buy your technology. I trust you completely, and whatever terms you want, I’ll accept!”
