Zhou Ni pushed the door open. "Jingjing Jie, let's save the whispers for tonight. It's almost time for dinner."

I placed the remaining treasures on the table and said to the two women, "Come, pick something out for your mother. Xu Jing, you should take an extra piece for your uncle."

Xu Jing quickly waved her hands. "No, no, don't worry them further. You don't know that my parents haven't slept soundly for nights over that big golden bowl. I'll have Brother Zhu take the gold bowl back later; my mother is terrified of losing it and letting Brother Zhu and Brother Cai down."

"No way. If it gets lost, it gets lost. It's not some critical item. Although this thing might be worth a bit, we aren't lacking money. It’s just for fun, decoration."

Zhou Ni absolutely refused as well, and the two of them firmly stuffed the items back into my pockets. I had no choice but to let it go, but I took out the two golden birds. I planned to give them to the village chief later to let his daughter play with. All these artifacts had been sterilized by rays back at the base, so there was no need to worry about poisoning.

Dinner was a delightful affair, especially with that lively pair around. However, as soon as we finished eating, the two drove off on their own. They had a demanding schedule tomorrow, so they couldn't stay long to play.

I then quietly followed Xu Jing into her room. As Xu Jing combed her long hair, she remarked, "It's dark and we've eaten. Why aren't you home yet? Be careful not to be too late, or your wife will make you kneel by the headboard."

I embraced Xu Jing from behind. "But I am home. Could you bear to make me kneel by the headboard?"

Xu Jing slapped my hand, which was resting on her **. "It’s too early. Everyone is still cooling off in the courtyard. Don't let them hear us."

It was indeed inconvenient here, unlike the upstairs in my place, where sound-absorbing materials were installed in every room. Even if the sound got a little louder, there was no fear. But Xu Jing and Zhou Ni would be moving over soon, and our whole family would finally be reunited.

The two of us lay on the **. Xu Jing asked, "The domestic expansion and diversification of the company are basically complete. What should our next work focus be?"

"Profit!" I summarized in two words.

The BaiXing Shopping Group, having received an initial investment of two hundred million US dollars and a second injection of three hundred million, on top of its original assets, had, after a long period of expansion, acquired and established a series of subsidiaries in areas such as non-staple food production, poultry farming, aquaculture, beverage production, garment processing, and home appliance manufacturing, in addition to its chain stores. The products from these subsidiaries were not only used to meet the needs of the chain stores but were also sold externally.

This enormous corporate structure not only lowered the supply costs for the chain stores but also generated a considerable portion of external sales profit for the parent company. However, it also posed a challenge to corporate management, especially since some of the merged companies were previously loss-making enterprises, suffering from lax management, overstaffing, and a lack of necessary oversight. If fresh blood wasn't brought in to replace them, these companies would inevitably drag down the future development of the BaiXing Shopping Group.

Xu Jing understood the current state of the company. She took off her outer layer and her bustier, snuggling into my arms. "Stop fooling around. Let's discuss this seriously. You know I majored in accounting, and I'm new to company management; I lack experience in many areas."

"Me too. It's precisely because we lack experience that we can step outside the established frameworks of previous generations, break conventions, and achieve surprising and even better results."

"Be more specific. You know I'm slow to grasp things; I can't grasp the essence without clear guidance."

"Aren't the leadership teams of the subsidiary companies causing a lot of trouble? Why don't we just dismiss them all? That saves us the trouble of retraining them and agreeing to their unreasonable demands. Let's focus on recruiting a large number of new people. We aren't afraid of failure; new recruits, though lacking experience, are daring. And with our salary structure and benefits, retaining them is entirely possible, unlike those former high-level executives who acted like tyrants, thinking the world revolved around them."

Xu Jing nodded. "I understand the logic in what you're saying, but right now, we just can't find enough management personnel to reform the numerous subsidiaries under us. Do you have a good plan?"

"Recruit from universities. Current students are acceptable, but we must sign contracts with them. These young people are restless; we don't want to train them only for them to jump ship later."

"University students with no social experience? Wouldn't recruiting too many of them cause problems?"

"Certainly, they might. But we can't let that stop us from hiring them. I'll help you. Even if something unexpected happens later, we can adapt to whatever comes. Are you afraid they'll rebel?"

Xu Jing lay back, taking a long breath. "With you helping me, I'm not afraid of anything. These past few days have worried me sick."

After a pause, Xu Jing asked, "Honey, how many women have you been intimate with now? Where do I rank?"

I thought for a moment. Zhao Fen was the first, followed by Yi Xiaorou, Xiao Chuchu, Cheng Susu, Zhang Xiaoya, Xu Jing, Xiao Yu Di, Fang Yanmeng, Zhao Fang, and Ouyang Qian. Fang Yanmeng’s situation was special; it could only count as half an experience. As for Ouyang Qian, the relationship hasn't been made public yet, so I'll keep her hidden for now. I'll report nine.

"Nine. You are the sixth..."

Xu Jing counted on her fingers for a while, then looked up at me. "Hey, you haven't touched Zhou Ni, Qingqing, or Li Qi?"

"No. What's wrong, my dear Jingjing? Are you worried for me too? Maybe I should sneak into Zhou Ni’s room later to test the waters."

Xu Jing gave me a mock glare. "No way. I wish you would stop right now. The nine of us sisters taking care of you is more than enough."

I sighed. "A man in the martial world cannot control himself. Sometimes I have no choice. They all trust me so much; every single one would rather die than marry anyone else. Since my sexual prowess is so exceptional, I can’t just watch them live as widows for my sake."

Xu Jing made a gagging motion. "Gross. Who brags about themselves like that? Actually, I should be thankful. If you didn't have that mindset, I wouldn't have the happiness I have today. I love you, my husband."

I looked at her affectionately. "I love you too, my wife."

Xu Jing gently pushed me. "You can't just love me. Hurry up and get dressed and go home."

I held Xu Jing back. As we were gently wrestling, a phone suddenly rang. Xu Jing picked it up. "It's Li Qi. Don't you dare say I'm here, or I’ll get angry."

It was only just past nine. It would be unreasonable for me not to answer Li Qi's call, but answering it meant she might give me trouble. So, I consulted with Xu Jing. "You answer it for me. Tell her I'm in the ** and don't have time."

Xu Jing pushed the phone to my ear. "Hehe, you say it yourself. How can I, a girl, say that?"

I pressed the answer button. "Are your ears itching? I'm in the ** and too busy to deal with you."

Li Qi's voice was neither saccharine nor aggressive. "Shh, I have someone here. Don't say anything reckless. Quickly cover your wife's mouth—make sure no ** sounds come through."

Damn it, who is with her that she’s calling me now? "What is it? Hurry up and tell me."

Li Qi said, "A friend of mine wants to meet you. Can you come over to my place?"

As a prank, I reached down and touched Xu Jing’s **. Xu Jing clamped her hand tightly over her mouth, daring not to make a sound. I asked Li Qi, "Why do I have to come to your place? Tomorrow, perhaps."

Li Qi pleaded, "Zhao Qian, please agree, considering how well-behaved I’ve been lately. It’s about that pile of treasures you gave me. Come meet her, okay? Maybe you'll uncover some unexpected information."

As long as it wasn't asking me to torment Li Qi, I agreed without hesitation. "Wait for me a moment; I'll be right there."

Xu Jing helped me put on my clothes. "Qi Qi has changed a lot recently. Spend some time with her when you can; she needs encouragement the most right now."

"You two keep in touch?"

"Yes, she calls us often and even visited me at the company."

When I arrived at Li Qi’s house, it was nearly ten. A girl was sitting in the living room. I didn't look closely but recognized her—she looked very much like the beautiful cashier I had seen at the BaiXing chain store opposite Long Teng University at noon.

I said to Li Qi, "Don't tell me this is her. I know her."

"I know you too, Chairman Xu's boyfriend." The beautiful cashier stood up and offered me her hand.

Li Qi introduced, "He Yuqing, my good friend. She's also studying Archaeology at Long Teng University, a junior this year."

Although He Yuqing was smiling, her words seemed unfriendly. "Qi Qi, do you know that he is Chairman Xu’s boyfriend?"

Li Qi replied, "You mean Sister Xu Jing? I know her. I even visited her a few days ago; she is so gentle and beautiful. Hmph, Zhao Qian, tell the truth, did you just come from her **?"

It seemed He Yuqing had mistaken me for a scoundrel trying to trick girls out of their virtue. It was such a small thing, I naturally wouldn't hold it against her. I told Li Qi, "You really can guess. I just got down from her **."

He Yuqing snorted, "Hmph," then turned to leave.

Li Qi grabbed her. "Yuqing, do you want to know about those artifacts? Even though I like Zhao Qian, other girls like him too. Don't meddle in our romantic affairs."

I recalled how polite and gentle He Yuqing had been during the day. I hadn't expected her demeanor to change so drastically at night. However, after hearing Li Qi’s words, she calmed down. "Qi Qi, although we haven't interacted much, I consider you my best friend. How could you pin your lifelong happiness on someone like this? I feel it's not worth it for you."

Li Qi said calmly, "Happiness isn't what you imagine. I feel that being with Zhao Qian is the greatest happiness. You might not like him, but we absolutely adore him. Alright, let's stop talking about this and ask quickly, otherwise, he’ll get angry and leave, and I won't be able to call him back—and I'll get a terrible scolding from him."

I sat down on the sofa. "Qi Qi, am I really that terrifying? I feel like I'm the one who should be scared seeing you."

Li Qi laughed and sat beside me. "Do you want me to take off my clothes for Yuqing to inspect? If there are any bruises, it can serve as proof."

He Yuqing quickly intervened. "Stop being so mushy. I can ignore your relationship matters, let’s talk about serious things."

I asked, "Miss He, I can't quite understand why you would work at BaiXing Group."

He Yuqing said plainly, "I’m a person too; I need to eat. Should I just starve if I don't work?"

I hadn't expected such a simple reason and was at a loss for words for a moment. He Yuqing continued, "Mr. Zhao, could you please tell me about the origins of those ancient artworks? Of course, I want to hear the very, very detailed account."

I hesitated. The trip to Africa involved considerable complications, including the mystery of Xiaoxue's background and financial disputes between two nations. After all, those items were found on their territory; we were probably complicit in some way.

Li Qi urged me, "Tell her, Zhao Qian. Yuqing is absolutely trustworthy. I vouch for her. If anything goes wrong, you hold me accountable."

Since she put it that way, I recounted the entire African expedition, though I kept Xiaoxue's secret undisclosed.

He Yuqing remained silent for a long time after listening. On the table were a piece of jade and a pair of golden birds that looked like they were spreading their wings—gifts I gave Li Qi—and a small, strangely shaped golden figurine with a very bizarre headdress.

He Yuqing looked at them for a long time and then asked me, "Mr. Zhao, do you have any other items I could see?"

I emptied my pockets onto the table. "Pick two items you like. I have a whole pile at home anyway."

He Yuqing gave a wry smile. "You are truly generous. Do you realize that any single piece here could be worth millions of US dollars, and the artistic value of these jade artifacts is inestimable? If I chose two, wouldn't you feel the pinch, brother He?"

I truly hadn't expected each piece to be worth over a million US dollars; I thought a few hundred thousand RMB would be the maximum, perhaps a few million for better quality. The sudden shift to US dollars, considering the current exchange rate, meant the value had surged five or six times over, not to mention the huge potential for the dollar to appreciate back to its pre-financial war value if I didn't cause any more trouble.

As for wealth, I had long since grown detached, so He Yuqing's words didn't surprise me much. "Besides the few items for Li Qi, these are all for you. If you like researching them, take them home to study. I have more at my place if you need them."

Li Qi was immediately displeased. "Hmph, Zhao Qian, are you just giving things away wildly when you see a beautiful woman? Believe it or not, I'll go tattle!"

He Yuqing, however, laughed. "Qi Qi, I thought you weren't the jealous type. Turns out you aren't jealous of other girls but of me. He and I are not related by blood; even if he truly gave me something, I couldn't accept it."

I asked He Yuqing, "Can you share your thoughts on these antiquities? You seemed very eager to know their origin—it’s not just simple curiosity, is it?"

He Yuqing confessed, "To be honest with you both, I am actually researching a lost ancient civilization."

"Atlantis?"

"No. This civilization is mentioned frequently in Chinese ancient myths and numerous foreign myths. My grandfather named this prehistoric civilization the Prehistoric Lunar Civilization and referred to these prehistoric humans as Prehistoric Lunar People, to distinguish them from ordinary prehistoric humans."

Li Qi and I were slightly stunned. This was the first time we had heard such a theory. I said to He Yuqing, "I don't see any connection between these items and the moon. Since the moon is mentioned repeatedly, shouldn't these artifacts at least bear a lunar emblem?"

He Yuqing smiled. "What would you think if I told you that the moon is what the mythological heavens actually were?"

Li Qi and I exchanged confused looks. "Impossible to imagine. What possible connection is there between the heavens and the moon?"

He Yuqing was wearing a floral V-neck dress layered over a silver bandeau, making her look both sexy and elegantly refined. As she smiled, her chest trembled slightly. "Frankly, I can't imagine it myself, but in the eyes of the ancients, what we see as the moon today was very likely the heavens."

"We're eager to hear more."

He Yuqing slyly added, "After hearing the story, Mr. Zhao must take me to see your other treasures. Don't worry, I won't take any; maybe I’ll just borrow one or two for research, and I will definitely return them afterward. If necessary, I can leave behind photographs of everything."

"No problem. It's just that there are so many things in that pile, I’m afraid you can't finish researching them in a day or two."

He Yuqing exclaimed, "Ah, really? How many are there? I genuinely don't have the time. I have classes during the day, and I have to work during lunch and evening to support myself. What should I do?"

I suggested, "How about I ask for a few days off for you? I have quite a few at my home; you can look at those first. Afterward, I’ll take you to another place. I’ll cover all food and accommodation expenses."

He Yuqing thought it over. "For my grandfather's dream, I'll risk it. Let's do as you say."

Li Qi and I both chimed in, "Quickly tell us first what 'Heaven is the Moon' and what the 'Prehistoric Lunar People' are."

He Yuqing replied, "Until we reach a conclusion, treat it as a story. I can only give you a general overview; time is too tight. Before I start the story, I need to ask you both: What is a god? And what did the prehistoric people envision their 'gods' to be like? Don't rush to answer; let me first tell you a true incident that occurred during World War II."