Chapter 370 - 286: Murder for Treasure? (Part 3)
Ji Qianlan nodded gratefully, carefully putting away the Elixir and the Superpower Fruit, and watched Lin Lang walk away.
The people around witnessed this scene and couldn’t help but look at Ji Qianlan with envious eyes.
Someone whispered:
"Darn! Ji Qianlan is really lucky, Lin Lang treats her so well."
"Hmph, I think Lin Lang is just lustful! Everyone knows that on his first day here, he hooked up with Instructor Xina! Now he’s treating Ji Qianlan so well, clearly with ulterior motives..."
These whispers reached Ji Qianlan’s ears, but she remained unperturbed and didn’t mind.
In her heart, Lin Lang’s help was genuine, making her stronger!
As for others’ idle gossip, she didn’t want to pay any attention.
...
Afterward.
Lin Lang went to respond to Elder Zou’s invitation.
As soon as he entered, a rich, ancient atmosphere engulfed him.
Everywhere he looked, he was instantly captivated by the dazzling array of antiques.
Elder Zou’s home was elegantly furnished, every detail revealing the owner’s passion for ancient charm.
The surrounding curio shelves were filled with various porcelains, glowing warmly under the soft lighting.
The walls were adorned with paintings and calligraphy, the strokes either bold and powerful or flowing like water, with each piece seemingly narrating a slice of history.
The jade artifacts on the floor were beautifully shaped, with fine textures, warm to the touch...
Each of these antiques bore the marks of time, exuding a unique charm.
Elder Zou, with a beaming face, led Lin Lang on a leisurely tour around the room, enthusiastically saying:
"Lin Xiaoyou, I have had no other hobby my whole life but a deep love for these old objects. Over the years, I’ve accumulated quite a few. If any catch your eye, don’t hesitate to speak up. No matter which item, I can gift it to you!"
As Elder Zou said this, his eyes subtly revealed a hint of expectation.
But Lin Lang’s heart was as clear as a mirror—
He knew that Elder Zou’s real intention wasn’t regarding these antiques, but rather he had his heart set on the Realm-Breaking Pill.
Lin Lang remained composed and unhurried.
He secretly activated the Eye of Destiny.
In an instant, a strange light flickered in his eyes.
He started meticulously examining each antique, his gaze sharp, missing no detail.
His eyes swept over each piece of porcelain, painting, jade, as if trying to penetrate their surface to discover their hidden secrets.
However!
After careful inspection, Lin Lang couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
Despite these antiques being invaluable and considered treasures by most people,
under the scrutiny of his Eye of Destiny, they held nothing special, merely ordinary antiques weathered by time.
There wasn’t a treasure that stirred his heart.
Just as Lin Lang was about to withdraw his gaze, he inadvertently found it resting on a photograph in the corner of the living room—
The photograph depicted a young girl, with a beautiful face, a radiant smile, exuding youthful vitality.
Old Liu happened to notice Lin Lang’s gaze as well and jokingly said:
"Could it be that Mr. Lin has taken a liking to this treasure? This is Elder Zou’s granddaughter!"
"The young lady is indeed very pretty! It’s just a pity she’s been studying abroad all this time. Otherwise, she could meet Mr. Lin, and maybe sparks would fly."
...
Upon hearing Old Liu’s words, Elder Zou’s shrewd eyes suddenly lit up!
As if seeing a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
His mind flashed a picture:
If Lin Lang could really get together with his granddaughter, becoming family would increase his chances of obtaining the Realm-Breaking Pill, wouldn’t it?
No!
By then, not just the Realm-Breaking Pill, but the entire Lin Lang would be his treasure trove!
This was simply a win-win situation!
Thinking of this, Elder Zou’s eyes were filled with anticipation, and he looked at Lin Lang with increased eagerness.
However!
Lin Lang didn’t show much interest in this—
Indeed, Elder Zou’s granddaughter was outstanding in appearance. Based on Lin Lang’s judgment of appearance, she could score about 8 or 9!
But Lin Lang, having roamed the apocalyptic world for years, had seen all sorts of beauties.
While her appearance was nice, it wasn’t enough to make him lose composure, or stop in his tracks.
Moreover, Lin Lang knew that his current interactions with Elder Zou were mainly due to the Realm-Breaking Pill.
He didn’t wish to have overly complicated entanglements with Elder Zou due to matters of the heart.
In his view, a pure transactional relationship might be simpler, more straightforward, and better suited to his current needs.
...
At Elder Zou’s home, Lin Lang moved unhurriedly among the numerous collections, his eyes acting as a fine sieve, meticulously discerning each item.
Time passed slowly.
Finally, he stopped by a wall, his gaze fixed on a piece of calligraphy and painting.
This calligraphy and painting looked simple and elegant, with a faint layer of golden light on its surface.
While it wasn’t considered an extraordinary treasure in Lin Lang’s eyes, it barely met his standards.
Lin Lang had made up his mind, turning to Elder Zou and saying:
"Elder Zou, I find this calligraphy and painting quite agreeable. I wonder if I could exchange my Realm-Breaking Pill with you for it?"
Upon hearing this, Elder Zou’s eyes instantly widened, his face radiating joy, and he nodded eagerly:
"Of course, of course! Lin Xiaoyou taking a liking to it is this piece’s blessing!"
In Elder Zou’s heart, the value of the Realm-Breaking Pill far exceeded that of this piece of calligraphy and painting, making it a dream transaction for him.