Chapter 51

Professor Zheng Gang smiled and lightly patted Song Haowen’s head. “Don’t worry, Little Song. You made the right bet this time. This is indeed the Sword of King Wu. However, to ensure everything is legit, let’s go find Professor Wang Qiang. He has a good understanding of bronze artifacts. We’ll ask him to take a look and provide an additional layer of security.”

Song Haowen felt ecstatic. However, he still had some concerns and asked with a hint of worry, “Professor Zheng, acquiring this sword won’t get me into legal trouble, will it?”

“There should be no problem. This sword was openly purchased in your shop with witnesses. From its condition, your sword belongs to the ‘mature pit,’ not the ‘fresh pit.’ It’s an ancient sword unearthed many years ago, not a recently looted cultural relic from a tomb. It’s eligible for trade. Additionally, make sure to keep the information of the original owner in case the police need to verify.” Professor Zheng Gang advised, “But remember, this sword is a national treasure, invaluable. You must take good care of it and absolutely not lose it.”

Song Haowen agreed and, holding the precious sword, followed Professor Zheng out the door. Professor Wang Qiang’s home was in the same building as Professor Zheng’s, but they were on different staircases.

Song Haowen knew Professor Wang Qiang as well; he had previously consulted him about ceramic knowledge. Both Professor Zheng and Professor Wang Qiang had attended when Song Haowen hosted a dinner before. When Professor Wang Qiang saw Song Haowen’s ancient sword, he was equally surprised. After careful observation and study, he came to the same conclusion as Professor Zheng.

It was extremely fortunate for Song Haowen to make such a significant discovery on his first attempt at acquiring cultural relics. He invited both professors for a drink that evening, and they gladly accepted. The appearance of the Sword of King Wu was a cause for celebration for both professors.

Back home in the evening, Song Haowen faced a dilemma regarding how to store the Sword of King Wu.

He didn’t have a safe or even a wardrobe. He had to settle for finding a wooden box and temporary place the sword inside. Throughout the night, he couldn’t sleep soundly and woke up countless times.

Every time he woke up, he checked the box to ensure the sword was still there. In the end, he decided to place the sword beside him on the bed, allowing his hand to touch the wrapped sword for a more secure feeling.

The next morning, when Song Haowen looked in the mirror, he noticed his sunken eye sockets and red eyes.

He couldn’t help but mock himself: “I’m this nervous after acquiring just one treasure. If I get a few more, will I ever sleep again? Have I really become the embodiment of the saying, ‘People die for wealth, birds perish for food’?”

Before going to school, Song Haowen locked the Sword of King Wu in his room and instructed Wang Li not to let anyone, no matter who it was, enter that room.

Once at school, he found it challenging to focus in class, often daydreaming, to the point that both Zhu Hongyu and Naren Hua noticed.

“What’s wrong? Regretting it now? I told you not to buy it, but you insisted.” Naren Hua teased in a hushed tone.

“Eight hundred yuan is not a small amount. Even if you’re rich, you shouldn’t act recklessly like this.” Zhu Hongyu sighed.

Listening to their murmurs, Song Haowen dared not reveal the truth, fearing they might accidentally spill the secret, leading to endless troubles. He could only self-deprecatingly say, “You have to suffer a loss to gain wisdom. Consider it as paying tuition.”

“A true rich kid!” Naren Hua mocked.

“Superstar, what’s going on?” Classmates became interested after hearing their conversation.

Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Song Haowen urgently signaled the two girls not to reveal the truth.

Although they were displeased with his actions the day before, they held back and didn’t expose his secret.

Feeling a bit relieved, Song Haowen quickly fabricated a lie to pass through the situation. It wasn’t until after class that he realized he had sweated profusely during that tense moment in class.

After four morning classes, although there were two more in the afternoon, Song Haowen couldn’t sit still and had to ask for leave.

He wasn’t in the mood to eat at the school cafeteria, so he hurriedly went home. Wang Li was preparing to go home for lunch when she saw him return.

She briefed him on the business department’s affairs and then left. Seeing the room’s door intact, Song Haowen felt a bit relieved and quickly opened the door to check. Confirming that the Sword of King Wu was undamaged, he finally relaxed.

In the afternoon, when Wang Li returned to work, Song Haowen went to a nearby department store to purchase a safe.

Considering that there would be more antiques to safeguard in the future, he decided to buy two large vertical safes and a set of metal kitchen cabinets.

When these bulky items arrived at the business store, they startled Wang Li and Qian You.

With these cabinets, Song Haowen’s mind finally settled. To be even more secure, he hired someone to replace all the doors in his house with anti-theft doors and installed anti-theft screens on all the windows. After these adjustments, his house became an impregnable fortress.

Zhu Hongyu and the others couldn’t understand Song Haowen’s actions. They thought there wasn’t anything particularly valuable in his house, and such precautions seemed unnecessary.

Moreover, being in a bustling urban area, thieves wouldn’t likely target the place. However, Song Haowen explained to them that the business department had started dealing in antique artifacts, and even if there weren’t treasures at home, the thieves wouldn’t know.

In case a thief with bad intentions targeted his house, it would be troublesome. While these appliances might not be valuable, the damage caused could still result in significant losses. By taking these precautions, they aimed to deter thieves from attempting anything.

After hearing Song Haowen’s explanation, everyone found it reasonable. They understood that such precautions were necessary, given that the business department, having some assets, was already relatively well-off.

This kind of place would inevitably make some people feel uneasy, potentially leading to criminal activities. Strengthening security awareness in the store was a wise move, as caution is always needed.

After addressing the safety issues at the store, Song Haowen refocused his energy on his work. Soon, a week had passed, and the weekend had arrived.

In the afternoon, Song Haowen attended a meeting of the school Youth League committee, where the leaders’ meeting’s spirit was conveyed.

The meeting was not long and ended in just over half an hour. Originally, there was a team-building activity and a dinner in the evening, but he had in mind the pile of electronic appliances awaiting repair at the store. So, he asked for leave and returned home early.

In the evening, Zhu Hongyu came alone to the store. Wang Li curiously asked her why she came alone, as she and Ren Hua usually came together.

Zhu Hongyu snorted and said, “She went on a date today.” After saying that, she walked into the west room and sat at her workstation without saying anything else.

Seeing Zhu Hongyu’s mood was off, Song Haowen, concerned that she might have a conflict with Ren Hua, cautiously asked after she had been busy for a while, “Is she busy today?”

Zhu Hongyu glanced at Song Haowen and complained, “She went on a date.”

Song Haowen was surprised and laughed, “Sis, that’s good news. Our straightforward sister has finally fallen in love. When did it start?”

Zhu Hongyu bit her lip and said, “It happened this month.”

“Who’s the guy? Do I know him?”

“He’s from the other department; you probably don’t know him. He’s a handsome guy.”

“Sis is also quite the beauty. It seems they make a good couple. Why do you look a bit unhappy?”

Zhu Hongyu sighed, and her eyes seemed to turn slightly red. She fell silent.

Song Haowen’s gossip heart was suddenly ignited. Tentatively, he said, “Could it be that sis also secretly likes that guy…”

“Pah, what nonsense are you talking about?” Zhu Hongyu’s eyes widened, her anger barely contained. “You don’t know anything! Stop making baseless assumptions!”

Song Haowen was taken aback by the sight of her angry for the first time. “I really don’t know anything. I’m just asking.”

After a moment of silence, Zhu Hongyu explained the situation.

As it turned out, Naren Hua’s date was with a junior from the Department of Literature named Yang Wei, known as the city’s son but was essentially a playboy.

Relying on his family background and handsome appearance, he changed girlfriends like changing clothes. Within the school, from seniors to juniors, he had at least dated more than ten girlfriends.

These girls were all talented and beautiful, willingly offering themselves or, unfortunately, deceived under the coercion of his power. Sadly, considering their reputations and the influence of the other party, none dared to report after the fact.

Ren Hua was well aware that Yang Wei was a scumbag and had no interest in him. She had been refusing his advances. After two afternoon classes today, Yang Wei invited her to dinner again. Initially reluctant, she succumbed to the persuasion of two classmates and agreed to join the feast.

Zhu Hongyu, who had no good impression of Yang Wei, went to dissuade Ren Hua from going. Unexpectedly, Naren Hua, as if possessed, refused to listen to her advice. She even said, “It’s just a meal between classmates. It’s not just me, a girl, going, and what can he do? Anyway, I’ve made it clear to him; we can’t be friends. If he can’t get over it, it’s not my fault. It’s just a meal; it’s giving him face.”

After understanding the situation, Song Haowen couldn’t help but chuckle. He said, “Sis, you don’t need to worry. That sis is shrewd and has a strong capacity for alcohol. Most people can’t compete with her. As long as she’s cautious, even if that scumbag tries every trick, there’s nothing he can do.”

Zhu Hongyu glared at Song Haowen and said, “You’re quite at ease! Ren Hua may seem shrewd, but she’s incredibly naive. How could she be a match for that scumbag?”

“What can we do now? She’s already gone. Fortunately, it’s not just her; other girls from the class also joined. Even if that Yang Wei has the courage, he wouldn’t dare openly force her to be his girlfriend.”

“I’m just worried…”

“Worrying now is unnecessary. Ren Hua is an adult with her own thoughts. Who knows, although she says she doesn’t like him, deep down she might have a secret crush on him.”

“Pah! I don’t believe it!”

“You can ask her when she returns to the dormitory to see what she says.”

Zhu Hongyu fell silent. At this moment, Wang Li came over, saying that there was something at home today, so she needed to go home early. She asked if there was anything urgent at the store.

Song Haowen hurriedly shook his head and said, “Nothing urgent. You have something to do, so go ahead. We have me and Sister Hongyu here.”

Wang Li said “Okay,” smiled at Song Haowen and Zhu Hongyu, then packed up her things and left.

Song Haowen and Zhu Hongyu worked on repairing appliances until it got dark. They suddenly realized they hadn’t eaten dinner yet, so they went to a nearby diner for a quick meal and returned to continue sorting out their work.