He Yuqing’s face was startlingly pale, which deeply worried her close friend, Li Qi. Li Qi sat on the edge of the bed, wrapping an arm around Yuqing’s waist. “Yuqing, what on earth happened? Tell me. Don’t you trust my discretion? Even if I can’t help, there’s always Zhao Qian.”
He Yuqing shook her head, her expression laced with pain. “Qiqi, this matter… it’s related to Zhao Qian.”
Li Qi raised an eyebrow, questioning. “Related to Zhao Qian? Did he hurt you?”
He Yuqing whispered, “No, it’s that I’ve wronged him.”
Li Qi grew impatient. “Hurry up and tell me, Yuqing! You’re driving me crazy with worry.”
He Yuqing slowly recounted, “A few days ago, I borrowed a scepter from the Prehistoric Era from him. Unexpectedly, my grandfather let slip information about this scepter to a few antique dealers. Driven by greed, they kidnapped my grandfather and demanded I trade the scepter for his safety. I had to agree to their terms to protect him. But who would have thought these bastards would push their luck? When I went to hand over the scepter, they were suddenly overcome by lust. After taking the artifact, they still refused to release my grandfather. Instead, they forced me to drink and dine with the person they designated, then go sing karaoke, and finally… they even expected me to go to bed with him, Grandpa…”
“You didn’t agree, did you! You should have told me then, and I would have sent people to rescue your grandfather.”
He Yuqing shook her head again. “They are a group of desperate maniacs. If any external force interfered, they would kill my grandfather. That fear kept me from calling the police or alerting anyone. What I can’t understand is that just as that scoundrel was about to assault me, a swarm of monsters suddenly burst in. I was so terrified I blacked out. When I woke up, both my grandfather and I were lying at home, but the scepter was gone.”
Li Qi asked with concern, “Then they didn’t do anything to you?”
“No. I checked my body thoroughly; there isn’t a scratch on me.”
“So the monsters saved you? They weren't human?”
“It happened too quickly; I didn't get a clear look. I can’t describe what they were like.”
“That truly is bizarre. But thank goodness neither you nor your grandfather came to any harm.”
“However, the situation has escalated now. The scepter has been stolen by those villains. My grandfather assessed the scepter’s value. Aside from its significance to Prehistoric Civilization research, its sheer artifact value alone is astronomical. Based on current USD market rates, it’s estimated to be worth between one hundred and two hundred billion.”
Li Qi was startled. “You’re joking, right? It’s just a piece of gold. I’ve never heard of anything that valuable.”
“You don’t understand, Qiqi. It’s not ordinary gold. First, its purity surpasses current smelting capabilities. Moreover, it probably wasn't cast; it appears to be a massive single gold bar, entirely hand-carved and polished. Under a magnifying glass, the intricate decorative patterns are vividly lifelike—micro-engraving skill that is hard to replicate even today. Not to mention the colossal diamond crowning it, featuring nearly a thousand facets. The diamond-cutting technique used is beyond the reach of contemporary artisans. My grandfather said he was only estimating its value based on what an ignorant person might offer. If evaluated by its true significance, this scepter is priceless—a true treasure beyond measure.”
Li Qi laughed heartily. “Really? I never knew Zhao Qian was so lucky in finding such things. If I married a husband like that, I wouldn’t have to worry about food and warmth later on.”
He Yuqing was on the verge of tears. “But I’m the one who lost such a priceless treasure. I’ve been searching for those antique dealers for over a week, and there’s no trace of them yet. How can I possibly face Zhao Qian now? I gave him my solemn promise that it would not suffer the slightest damage. Now that it’s completely gone, what can I possibly tell him?”
Li Qi stretched out on the bed, chuckling. “I thought it was some huge crisis making you so anxious. It’s just a useless walking stick, isn’t it? I’ll talk to Zhao Qian for you later. Look at how worried you are; as long as the people are safe, everything else can be worked out.”
He Yuqing shook her head vehemently. “It’s entirely different. Even if Zhao Qian doesn't hold me accountable, I will carry the guilt for the rest of my life. You know my character; I never owe anyone. But now, even death won't let me repay the value of that scepter. I just hope there's a way to find it; then, perhaps, both parties can rest easy.”
Li Qi naturally understood He Yuqing’s nature and could feel the deep remorse and unease weighing on her. She remained silent for a moment. He Yuqing sighed. “I truly regret getting involved in this Prehistoric Civilization research. I should have just stayed a cashier; why did I have to create such trouble for myself?”
“Yuqing, you can’t say that. Everyone has their own ideals and pursuits. Take me, for example. Even though my grandfather forbade my father from entering politics or the military, and naturally forbids me from doing the same, I adore politics. I love that feeling of commanding the nation and directing the tides of power.”
He Yuqing countered, “People usually pay a steep price for their ideals; I’m a prime example. However, your grandfather has his reasons for forbidding politics or the military. Joining the army means being ready to face the horrors of war—the risk is extremely high. And politicians are often dreamers without real power; no matter how ambitious they are, without the support of the state machinery, they achieve nothing. History has proven this time and again. Besides, with your temperament, you could never go into politics.”
Li Qi objected. “What you’re saying might be true, but I have an absolute advantage in pursuing politics. I’m not talking about support from my grandfather’s side; I have Zhao Qian. He can clear all the obstacles for me. Besides, temperaments can change. I’ve already changed quite a bit. You should know that girls, for the sake of love, sometimes do things that are hard to imagine.”
He Yuqing believed Li Qi could change herself, but she didn't pay much attention to the rest; after all, she was currently consumed by a much more pressing worry, leaving no room for other thoughts.
Seeing He Yuqing’s brow furrowed with worry, Li Qi offered, “I’ll help you investigate. But so much time has passed; it’s a big question whether I can find any leads at all. I can’t promise anything.”
He Yuqing replied forlornly, “I understand. Those men seem to have vanished from the face of the earth. Perhaps they’ve already fled Dà Lóng Country. No matter how much power we wield, I fear we’d be helpless.”
Li Qi looked up and thought for a moment. “I have an idea.”
He Yuqing quickly asked, “What idea?”
Li Qi stood up. “It’s simple. Just have Zhao Qian give me that scepter. What’s the difference between us? I’ll just re-gift it to you. That way, you won’t have to be so heartbroken.”
He Yuqing hesitated. “But I still can’t reconcile with that in my heart. I fundamentally owe Zhao Qian.”
“Silly girl! We’re closer than sisters. Zhao Qian dotes on me so much; even if I asked him to give me all his treasures, he wouldn't bat an eye. If you don’t believe me, I’ll call him right now.”
Before Li Qi could dial, her own phone rang. She glanced at it. “Speak of the devil. It’s Fang Yanmeng calling. They must be together. I’ll ask.”
After listening to Fang Yanmeng for a moment, Li Qi exclaimed in surprise, “Dinner at Zhao Qian’s house? Everyone will be there? Is it going to be that grand?”
Fang Yanmeng replied, “Well, are you coming or not? I’m only telling you because I usually consider you one of us. If you don’t show up, don’t blame me later if you regret it.”
Li Qi urgently responded, “Of course I’m coming! Why wouldn’t I? I’m leaving right now. Wait for me.”
He Yuqing stood up. “Since you have something to do, I’ll leave first. I still have to go to work at the supermarket later, or I’ll be penalized.”
Li Qi grabbed He Yuqing’s hand. “Today I’ll ask for time off for you, and we’ll go to Zhao Qian’s place together. I’ll settle this matter right in front of you so you don’t have to walk around looking glum all the time. It makes me feel strange watching you.”
He Yuqing disagreed. “I’m not going. It’s their boyfriend’s house; what would I be doing there? If I don’t work and earn money, I’ll starve to death.”
Li Qi pulled He Yuqing out of the dorm room. “You don’t get a say today, and you won’t have to work as a cashier anymore either. I’m also quite friendly with Xu Jing; I’ll have her find you a better job later.”
When Li Qi rushed to the apartment complex and knocked on the door, she was stunned by the gathering of beautiful women inside. She hadn't expected Ouyang Qian to be there, laughing cheerfully with the others, nor had she expected Hua Qingqing to be present. Weren’t her ties with Hua Qingqing supposed to be purely platonic? Why was she here today?
However, when Li Qi glanced back at He Yuqing standing behind her, she calmed down. Perhaps Hua Qingqing was just attending as an ordinary friend. Maybe she was being a little too sensitive...