The Real Heiress Has an Appraisal System

Lu Shijing fell silent. "..."

’I really made the wrong decision. I should have told her from the start instead of dragging it out.’

’But at first, I didn’t trust her. It didn’t seem necessary. She was just a wife by contract—not even a real wife.’

’Then, as time went on, I fell for her... and I grew scared. Scared she would divorce me... scared she would look at me with this kind of decisiveness.’

Every one of her expressions was like a needle pricking his eyes.

But he couldn’t change what had already happened. All he could do was try his best to make up for it in the future.

’Even though this is all a mess, at least I know I have a place in her heart. That’s enough.’

Knowing she had "a bit of a good impression" of him, Lu Shijing felt his efforts hadn’t been in vain. In fact, once it sank in, he even felt a little hopeful.

Gu Shengsheng, on the other hand, had no idea he had interpreted her farewell words in such a way.

However, the two didn’t get much time to talk.

Soon, Lu Shijing said, "We’re here."

The two of them got out of the car. The survey team was already busy taking measurements and preparing to start work.

Gu Shengsheng spotted a man in a hard hat and a black jacket giving directions. Wasn’t that Professor Zhang Zhengyi? She hadn’t seen him in a long time, not since returning from Anxi!

Surprised, Gu Shengsheng walked over and asked, "Mr. Zhang, what are you doing here?"

"This is a matter of great importance. Zhao Dehai and Ma Yaowen had already contacted me. When I heard you needed a geological survey team, I knew what was going on."

"I’m just glad I can help. The video conference with Japan isn’t far off, so we need to hurry."

"Right."

With that, Gu Shengsheng and Zhang Zhengyi spent a good while taking measurements, specifically discussing the depth, height, and the risk of collapse in the underground area.

Then came the topic of their experience excavating the first air-raid shelter, and this time, Lu Shijing finally had a chance to speak.

After all, following his unhappy parting with Gu Shengsheng that night, he had been the one to dig deep, deep into the first air-raid shelter with a hoe.

As Lu Shijing gave his detailed description, Zhang Zhengyi remarked, "No wonder Shengsheng’s side only had to dig so shallowly when work started later."

𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"By the way, young man." Zhang Zhengyi studied the handsome young man. He certainly didn’t look like there was anything wrong with him. "I’m just personally curious, why were you digging such a deep hole in the middle of the night?"

’And he doesn’t seem to know anything about geology,’ he mused. ’They look like good friends. Could it be that Shengsheng taught him?’

At that, both Gu Shengsheng and Lu Shijing felt a little awkward.

Gu Shengsheng hadn’t known he’d been sulking and digging for so long by himself. ’So he took all his anger out on the dirt?’ she wondered.

Lu Shijing glanced at Zhang Zhengyi and offered a casual explanation: "I was bored."

He then moved in front of Gu Shengsheng with a rather aggressive posture and said, "Is there anything else you wanted to say?"

"No..." Zhang Zhengyi shook his head instinctively, then asked, "Are you in love with our Shengsheng?"

Lu Shijing: "Yes."

Gu Shengsheng: "No."

After speaking, Gu Shengsheng said, "I’m going to go check on the excavation progress up ahead."

"Mm," Zhang Zhengyi said meaningfully.

’It doesn’t matter what they say; the answer is clear.’ Zhang Zhengyi looked at Lu Shijing. "Shengsheng is a rising star in the world of antiques. She has a limitless future, she still has more to learn, and she’s going to pursue higher education. One day, her name will be known in the field of geology, too."

"Don’t you go causing trouble, kid. When the time comes for her to marry, I’ll definitely be able to pick someone better for her."

"Anyway, you may not seem to have many problems now, but I can tell you’re no good man at a single glance."

After Gu Shengsheng had walked away, Lu Shijing smiled at Zhang Zhengyi and extended his right hand for a handshake. "Professor Zhang, I’m Ryan. The chairman of LG Group. I imagine you’ve heard that name in connection with the investments in your research projects over the past few years."

Zhang Zhengyi: "...!"

"My assistant has been your point of contact until now, so I assume you know of me."

After he finished speaking, Zhang Zhengyi dazedly reached out and shook his hand.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, he said drily, "You’ve got some skills, kid."

"Am I worthy of Shengsheng?" Lu Shijing asked.

"Not even close," Zhang Zhengyi immediately started to boast. "You’re impressive now, but our Shengsheng will be even more impressive in the future. Just you wait. What if there’s someone even better waiting for her?"

"And it looks like Shengsheng doesn’t like you. You can’t force matters of the heart. Wouldn’t it be better if I let Shengsheng meet more boys? Look at you, with that long face all the time. Who would like that?"

"If Shengsheng does research with me in the future, just looking at that face of yours would put me in a bad mood."

Lu Shijing: "..."

Zhang Zhengyi then said, "You separate your public and private affairs, right? A man like Mr. Ryan is surely professional. You wouldn’t pull the funding for my research project just because I’m speaking the plain truth, would you?"

"I won’t," Lu Shijing nodded. "Because eventually, Shengsheng will come to love me."

"When that time comes, I’ll be sure to save a portion of the wedding candy for the professor."

"I won’t eat it," Zhang Zhengyi snapped, his temper as foul and stubborn as ever. Even though the kid was excellent in every way, he still felt like his prized cabbage was about to be devoured by a pig.

Just then, Gu Shengsheng called the two of them over. "I’ve found the air-raid shelter. This one is huge."

"The first air-raid shelter was connected to a gold mine, and we could barely estimate its quality. But this one... I think it’s a passageway. There should be treasures stored inside."

Seeing how happy she was, Lu Shijing also said, "At least our chances of success have gone up."

"Yes!" Gu Shengsheng said with a smile. "Let’s go."

When they reached the dark, looming entrance to the cavern, the three of them—Gu Shengsheng, Lu Shijing, and Zhang Zhengyi—put on protective suits, strapped on oxygen tanks, and headed inside with masks on.

The inside was simple; they just had to stoop a little to pass through smoothly.

Suddenly, Zhang Zhengyi, who was walking in front, tripped on something and started to fall. Seeing that Gu Shengsheng was about to be pulled down with him by the momentum, Lu Shijing quickly scooped her into his arms.

His hand gently supported her waist, slightly wrinkling the fabric there, but otherwise, everything was fine.

The fallen Zhang Zhengyi: "..."

At first, Zhang Zhengyi was silent, but then he immediately started wailing, "Ouch, my old back!"

"What’s with you two youngsters? Doesn’t anyone care if I live or die?"

Lu Shijing replied with a calm expression, "Nope."

Gu Shengsheng: "...You can get up by yourself. It shouldn’t be serious."

Zhang Zhengyi grumbled and groaned as he got back on his feet.

Gu Shengsheng switched on her small flashlight and saw that the thing he had tripped over was the handle of a chest.

She took a prying tool from her small bag and skillfully levered open the lid of the chest.

Gu Shengsheng touched the contents one by one:

[System]: Congratulations, Host!

Honglu Well Inscribed Stone*1

Square Brick-shaped Colored Ink Book*1

Nebula Mirror*2

[System]: Upon appraisal, these artifacts have been verified as authentic. It is recommended that the Host collect them.

...

A single glance revealed a sea of similar chest handles, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Gu Shengsheng stood up excitedly. "Start digging! These are all real artifacts!"