Chapter 250: Murder and Treasure Hunt
Hearing this, Gu Xueying’s expression immediately changed: “The thing you originally wanted to bid on was this castle? Not the blue-and-white vase? Not the jewelry?”
Xu Youyou gently nodded, a smile playing on her lips as she asked, “Does it really matter to you what I want to buy?”
Gu Xueying’s face turned ugly, as if she had swallowed a fly.
Meanwhile, Chai Wei voiced the same doubt as the handsome man earlier: “Miss Xu, have you been fooled by fairy tales? Is it just to fulfill your princess dream that you’re buying a castle?”
Xu Youyou didn’t get angry at the sarcastic tone but instead said, “Is that not okay? After all, I’m not lacking money. I don’t hesitate to buy something I truly like, unlike others who are afraid to make a move.”
Chai Wei’s expression immediately soured. Any positive feelings he had toward Xu Youyou evaporated in an instant, replaced by resentment as he replied, “Miss Xu, in this circle, I’ve seen too many meteoric rises. They shine as brightly as stars, dazzling like diamonds, but ultimately they don’t belong in this world. They fade away quietly.”
Xu Youyou could tell from his words that he was subtly mocking her for being nouveau riche.
“Whether it’s a shooting star or a diamond, earning money on my own is far more satisfying than begging my parents for money. At least my money is clean, unlike some people’s, which carries the original sin,” Xu Youyou said, grabbing Lu Jingyao’s hand and turning to leave.
Chai Wei was so angry that he stamped his foot in place, wanting to catch up and argue with Xu Youyou. However, before he could move, several bodyguards stopped him.
“Ah Wei, Xu Youyou’s words are always designed to provoke people. My parents don’t know how many times she’s made them angry. Don’t fall into her trap,” Gu Xueying gently advised.
Chai Wei struggled to calm down and replied, “Your parents are right not to like her. With that kind of temperament, she’ll only bring trouble to your family.”
Gu Xueying forced a smile but inwardly knew that compared to her current life, Xu Youyou was much more carefree.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that the castle Xu Youyou bought was of immense importance. She felt a strong urge to follow and see it for herself.
After Xu Youyou got into the car, she immediately said, “Let’s go complete the purchase paperwork.”
After completing the paperwork, the handsome man didn’t leave but instead followed Lu Jingyao into the same car.
“Now are you going to see the castle? I really don’t understand what you’re thinking. Why buy a house in a remote rural area? There are so many other places you could have chosen,” the handsome man complained non-stop.
Xu Youyou vaguely recognized his name. He had a white man’s face, spoke fluent Mandarin, and was married to a woman with a Chinese name, Hua Lao.
At first, Xu Youyou found the name strange, but after hearing him talk non-stop for two hours during the paperwork, she felt the name fit perfectly. Despite having a handsome face, he was quite the chatterbox.
“If you like it, just buy it. Do you need another reason?” Xu Youyou casually replied.
Hua Lao immediately grew frantic and almost jumped up, exclaiming, “How can you, as a Chinese, do such a foolish thing? Aren’t Chinese people supposed to be frugal?”
Xu Youyou was taken aback to be lectured on thriftiness by a foreigner.
Lu Jingyao explained in a low voice, “This guy used to be a rich second-generation, but his family went bankrupt. He didn’t even finish college. Someone advised him to study abroad in China, but he didn’t gain any real knowledge. Instead, he learned a bunch of Chinese virtues like thrift.”
Xu Youyou raised an eyebrow and said, “It’s like he jumped straight to the top, learning all the ultimate knowledge.”
Lu Jingyao nodded. “He’s American, and everyone around him was a victim of excessive consumerism. After learning all about frugality, he went back to start a business. He began with frugality training classes, and his business grew. Now he’s not short on money anymore.”
Xu Youyou thought to herself, “Foreigners are so easy to deceive. It seems like any random concept can get them to pay.”
She had wondered how someone dressed in an old suit managed to blend into a small auction event, but now she understood—he was part of that circle, just didn’t care much for appearances.
Hua Lao continued talking: “Gold doesn’t grow on trees, it comes from frugal families. You young people shouldn’t be reckless just because you have money.”
Xu Youyou couldn’t help but laugh, looking at this foreign face, continually spouting Chinese proverbs.
Hua Lao continued his rant, filling the car with chatter, making Xu Youyou feel like hundreds of sparrows were chirping in her ears.
When they finally arrived, they got out of the car and saw a grand, ancient castle. Hua Lao didn’t stop talking, instead saying, “British castles are easy to sell in the market. Although you got this at the starting price, I estimate you’ll lose at least 10% if you try to resell it.”
Xu Youyou, already tired of his business talk, couldn’t help but ask, “Have you never bought something just for your own enjoyment?”
Hua Lao replied, “My biggest hobby is making and saving money. I don’t want to live like a bankrupt person again, like a homeless beggar depending on charity.”
Xu Youyou responded, “In China, we also have a saying: ‘Going to extremes is just as bad as not doing enough.’”
She had prepared herself to explain this to him, but unexpectedly, Hua Lao replied, “I understand what that proverb means, but I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong.”
Seeing his firm attitude, Xu Youyou stopped trying to persuade him.
However, Hua Lao clearly wasn’t one to understand boundaries. He kept trying to prove his point, following them into the castle and constantly belittling it.
“It’s all dirty, looks like no one has lived here for years. The renovations will cost a lot. You’re really getting ripped off.”
“It’s full of mold. Living here will shorten your life.”
Xu Youyou wasn’t deterred by his words. She had bought countless properties before, and had opened many hidden rooms within them.
She figured this one would be similar.
Sure enough, the system’s golden pointer directed her downwards, leading her straight to the basement.
Xu Youyou glanced at Lu Jingyao and whispered, “Your friend really loves money. Do you think he might kill someone for treasure?”
