Chapter 2: The Astronomically Priced Inkstone
Fang Xiaocao recounted everything that had happened the night before to Wang Qiang, but instinctively, she concealed the existence of the eerie WeChat friend who had foretold the murder.
“Ms. Fang, based on your description, we cannot rule out the possibility that the murderer may target you as well. We strongly suggest that you temporarily relocate.”
“Also, please refrain from leaving the city. If anything unusual happens, notify me immediately,” Wang Qiang instructed patiently.
Fang Xiaocao nodded repeatedly, indicating her understanding.
After leaving the police station, she didn’t even dare return to her rental apartment. Instead, she went straight to the nearest hotel and checked in.
The events of the previous night had completely shattered her sense of security.
She never wanted to set foot in that blood-soaked building again.
Lying on the hotel bed, she replayed the night’s events in her mind, her body still trembling uncontrollably.
The deep voice of that man, the terrified screams of her neighbor—echoes of those horrifying moments still lingered in her ears, refusing to fade.
Ding-dong!
You have received a message from a friend.
The notification sound startled her—it was a WeChat message.
Fang Xiaocao grabbed her phone in a hurry, a strong premonition surging through her—this message must be from that strange person.
[Hot Noodles]: To celebrate our survival, go to the flea market before 3 PM today. Find Stall No. 7 and buy the seventh inkstone from the third row on the left. The vendor’s expected price is 80 yuan, but the inkstone is worth 8 million.
“Who exactly are you?”
She sent a voice message, her hands trembling with nervousness.
The message was sent successfully!
Clutching her phone tightly, her eyes were glued to the screen, waiting.
[Hot Noodles]: I am you. You are me. I come from the future.
Fang Xiaocao was dumbfounded.
Then, anger flared up in her.
“Are you messing with me?”
“Even a child wouldn’t fall for such a ridiculous excuse!”
She furiously typed her reply.
[Hot Noodles]: You don’t believe me? Do you remember the love letter you wrote to your Chinese teacher in sophomore year?
[Hot Noodles]: Should I read it out loud for you?
Fang Xiaocao froze, her eyes widening in shock, her anger replaced by disbelief.
“How does this person know about that?”
“Could they really be… my future self?”
She sat motionless on the bed, muttering to herself.
Back in high school, she had secretly harbored a crush on her Chinese teacher. She had never told anyone about it.
The love letter she had written was burned the day after she realized the teacher already had a girlfriend.
Aside from herself, there was no way anyone else could have known about this.
Staring at the chat window, she found herself lost in thought.
After half a day of internal struggle, she finally gathered the courage to leave the hotel.
Her toiletries and undergarments were still at her rental apartment, but she would rather spend money on new ones than return to that dreadful place.
She wandered the streets aimlessly and somehow found herself at the flea market.
Looking at the bustling crowd, she gritted her teeth.
She had to verify if the message was real.
Walking through the flea market, she kept looking around, searching for Stall No. 7.
Her emotions were conflicted—torn between doubt and anticipation.
When she finally arrived at Stall No. 7, her heart pounded as she scanned the displayed goods, searching for the inkstone described in the message.
1, 2, 3…
As she counted down to the seventh item on the third row on the left, she froze.
An inkstone!
Left side, third row, seventh item…
It really was an inkstone!
She stepped forward and crouched in front of the stall.
The vendor, an old man with a shrewd, rodent-like face, eyed her greedily.
His beady eyes sparkled with a cunning light.
Experienced in the business, he loved dealing with university students—the easiest targets for scams. A little sweet talk, and their money would be his in no time.
“How much for this?” Fang Xiaocao asked casually, picking up the inkstone.
“100,000!”
The vendor held up five fingers but quoted a price ten times that amount.
She put the inkstone down and turned to leave.
“Do I look like Peppa Pig to you? Trying to slaughter me like a fat pig?” she grumbled inwardly.
“The message said 80 yuan.”
“Hey, hey, hey! Young lady, don’t leave!”
The vendor quickly called after her.
She paused and turned back.
“What now?”
The vendor rubbed his hands together like a scheming fly and grinned. “It’s all part of the bargaining game. If you think it’s too expensive, you can negotiate.”
Hearing this, Fang Xiaocao raised an eyebrow and smiled.
“Alright, let me try bargaining then.”
“That’s the spirit!”
The vendor beamed.
“One yuan!”
She held up five fingers and grinned.
The vendor’s smile instantly collapsed.
“Just kidding. How about 100?” she said, still smiling.
“Deal!”
The vendor agreed without hesitation.
“Still paid too much…” she muttered, scanning the QR code to pay.
With the inkstone in hand, she left.
Near the flea market exit, there was an antique shop.
She was desperate to verify the inkstone’s value!
After checking a few stores, she finally found one with a sign that read, “Antique Appraisal & Purchase.”
Without hesitation, she walked in.
“Welcome!”
A cheerful middle-aged man greeted her warmly.
“Are you here to buy or sell?” he asked with a smile.
“Could you take a look at this inkstone?”
She placed the inkstone on the counter.
The shop owner put on white gloves, turned on the LED lamp, and examined it carefully.
The longer he looked, the more his expression changed.
Finally, after a long pause, he set the inkstone down and looked at her with a smile.
“Miss, are you looking for an appraisal or a sale?”
“Our appraisal fee is 3,000 yuan, and an official certificate costs 10,000. But if you’re selling, the appraisal is free.”
He waited expectantly for her response.
“I’ll sell it—if the price is right,” she said.
She only wanted to verify the WeChat message and had no interest in collecting antiques.
“Our offer is 8 million yuan. If you choose to auction it, you could get 8.3 million after fees.”
“Our shop has connections with the city’s largest auction house. We can handle everything for you at no extra cost.”
Hearing the offer, Fang Xiaocao’s heart pounded so hard she thought it might stop.
She fought to keep her expression calm and said, “I’ll sell it directly!”
“8 million… It’s really 8 million!”
She screamed internally.
(End of Chapter 2)
