Chapter 11

Since they were all young people and a few of them had rather outgoing personalities, even Liu Mengxun gradually joined the circle of conversation, sharing some of her own stories.

From Liu Mengxun’s mouth, Zhang Tianyuan was surprised to learn that the Liu family’s ancestors were actually famous “Mojin Xiaowei” (tomb raiders). Of course, to put it bluntly, they were grave robbers.

During the Republic of China era, the Liu family’s ancestors dug up many treasures, which they sold to warlords and wealthy landlords at the time. After making a fortune, they followed Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan, where they established their own business. Today, the Liu family controls the antique market in Taiwan. Surprisingly, Liu Mengxun, like Zhang Tianyuan, was studying archaeology and even had her own archaeological team, which was something Zhang Tianyuan had not expected.

Looking at Liu Mengxun’s delicate appearance, she seemed to be a pampered young lady who had everything handed to her, but it turned out she was quite capable.

"Your accent doesn’t sound like it’s from Taiwan!" Zhang Tianyuan asked curiously.

"I went to university on the mainland, at BJ University. I’ve been here for about seven or eight years, so my accent has changed," Liu Mengxun explained.

"I see, that makes sense," Zhang Tianyuan nodded thoughtfully.

When he learned that Zhang Tianyuan was studying archaeology at Nandu University, Liu Mengxun was both surprised and admiring. She widened her eyes and said, "Although Nandu University’s overall ranking is not as high as BJ University’s, its archaeology department is definitely the best on the mainland. It’s really impressive that you got in there."

The two of them seemed to have found a common topic and chatted enthusiastically, completely forgetting about Xu Gang and Mou Ying.

However, the couple didn’t mind. They exchanged a glance and quietly went out for a walk.

When it was time for dinner, Zhang Tianyuan’s father, Zhang Ruhai, and the couple returned. They all had a lively meal of dumplings before parting ways.

Zhang Tianyuan escorted Liu Mengxun to the village entrance and then extended his hand with a smile, "Miss Liu, let’s shake hands."

Liu Mengxun smiled sweetly and did not refuse. She extended her fair and tender hand and lightly shook Zhang Tianyuan’s, saying, "We’ll meet again, right?"

"Hopefully," Zhang Tianyuan smiled. He wasn’t sure if it was due to some inner impulse, but he began to have ambitions.

Indeed, his current family background was vastly different from Liu Mengxun’s, but he had the skills. With the six-character true incantation of the Feng Shui Treasure Mirror, he might one day have a beautiful woman by his side.

Zhang Tianyuan’s mother had once advised him, "Women are a man’s motivation. Only with a loved one can you have the drive to improve yourself!"

Thinking about it now, her words made a lot of sense. If he hadn’t met Liu Mengxun and developed some feelings for her, he might not have felt the urge to become someone better.

As the car drove away, Zhang Tianyuan’s gaze became profound.

...

After sending Mou Ying and Liu Mengxun to the pottery village, Xu Gang rushed to Xifeng City. He had been busy with matters here for the past two days, and his business had been neglected.

Walking along the shaded path in the pottery village, Liu Mengxun asked Mou Ying with a smile, "Xu Gang is really good to you. How did you two end up together? Given your conditions, it seems unlikely that you would choose someone who didn’t even go to university, right? You’re not short of money, are you?"

Mou Ying smiled mysteriously, "It’s like a turtle looking at a pea, we just clicked. I still find it all a bit unbelievable."

Liu Mengxun knew that something must have happened between Mou Ying and Xu Gang, but since the girl wouldn’t say, she didn’t press further.

She stopped talking, but Mou Ying pinched her waist and laughed, "My Miss Liu, are you feeling spring in your heart? You’ve been smiling all day."

"Go away, you’re the one with spring in your heart," Liu Mengxun pushed Mou Ying and laughed.

"Hehe, don’t pretend. Are you interested in our great scholar Zhang? Don’t look at how he’s doing now; he was a top student in school and is very kind. If he does better, you should have no problem with him," Mou Ying said with a smile.

Liu Mengxun lowered her head and didn’t speak. It was clear that she had some feelings for Zhang Tianyuan, but it wasn’t love, perhaps just admiration.

"Oh, I forgot, you have a long line of suitors. You’re the campus beauty at BJ University, and whether from Taiwan or the mainland, there must be thousands of men pursuing and admiring you. Right, I saw a rumor online a while ago that a big businessman from the mainland was after you, right?"

"It’s true, but I didn’t agree," Liu Mengxun shook her head and sighed, "I’m only twenty-two, but the man pursuing me is almost forty. He could be my father."

"Rich uncles have their charm. If not, there are plenty of rich second-generation boys after you."

"It’s annoying," Liu Mengxun frowned and sighed.

"You, you don’t know how many people envy you. Now, every girl wants to marry into a wealthy family or hook up with a rich second-generation boy. You, on the other hand, avoid them. It’s really frustrating."

"Want me to introduce one to you?"

"Forget it, I have my Gangzi."

"Then why did you say that?"

"Hehehe..."

...

After resting at home for two days, Zhang Tianyuan went back to work in Xifeng City. He was, after all, employed by Xu Gang and couldn’t keep skipping work.

After a day’s work, Xu Gang and Zhang Tianyuan went to a nearby restaurant for dinner. The street here had the advantage of plenty of food and drink.

"Xu Gang, have you ever thought about expanding your business to Shangpu City?" Zhang Tianyuan suddenly asked during the meal.

"Shangpu? That’s the largest city in the country, with the most developed economy. Do people like this kind of thing there?" Xu Gang asked.

"You don’t understand. Shangpu, as the most open city, is not only a gathering place for the wealthy in the country but also has a large number of foreigners. What do these rich people do with their money? They spend it! Now, luxury watches, cars, and designer clothing no longer satisfy their needs. Many people are getting into antiques, collections, and jewelry. If you open a jade shop in Shangpu, you’ll definitely make a profit." Zhang Tianyuan wasn’t exaggerating; he had learned this from a friend and wouldn’t have made such a suggestion otherwise.

"Really? That’s great. There are too many jade shops in Xifeng City, and the profit margin is too thin," Xu Gang said with surprise.

"Do you want to go?"

"I want to, but the funding is a problem."

"Funding isn’t an issue. A friend’s father is in Shangpu, and borrowing some money is no big deal. Besides, you’re just opening a jade shop, not starting a big business, so you don’t need much money," Zhang Tianyuan replied.

"That’s great. I’ve always wanted to go out and explore. Staying in the hometown is boring," Xu Gang rubbed his hands, looking very excited.

"Let me remind you, once you go to Shangpu, you might have to be apart from Mou Ying for a while. To see her, you’ll have to take a high-speed train or a plane, which is quite troublesome. Can you handle it?" Zhang Tianyuan reminded him.

"Hehe, actually, there’s something I haven’t told you. Mou Ying’s hometown is in Shangpu. Her family has always hoped she would return to work there. She has already applied to the company and will likely go to Shangpu soon. I was worried about how we would meet in the future, but you suggested this. It’s fate, right?" Xu Gang laughed.

"Indeed..." Zhang Tianyuan also thought this guy’s luck was a bit too good. He had forgotten that Mou Ying was from Shangpu.

"Brother, don’t you want to ask about Liu Mengxun?"

"Ask her what?"

"Acting! Just act! Don’t think I can’t see that you like her!" Xu Gang looked at Zhang Tianyuan with disdain.

"You’re right, I do like her, but what can I do? With my current status, I can’t even think about her. I know my limits," Zhang Tianyuan was calm and didn’t hide his feelings for Liu Mengxun.

"Brother, no more talk. From now on, we’ll split the profits from the jade shop. What’s mine is yours. Let’s grow the business together and build our own jade and antique empire. Wouldn’t that be enough to match a young lady from Taiwan?" Xu Gang raised his beer bottle.

"Cheers!" Zhang Tianyuan didn’t refuse because there would be many opportunities to make money in the future, and Xu Gang wouldn’t lose out.

"By the way, I should tell you that Liu Mengxun will also go to Shangpu after leaving Xifeng City. Her family seems to have already expanded into the mainland and has a shop in Shangpu. They will be our competitors in the future."