14 History Book Has A Secret

It would also look cool to bring these hardcover versions back and place them there.

"Boss, can you open those history books?"

"That won't do. These are all for hardcover collections. I spent a lot of money. I'll lose a lot even if you accidentally break a corner."

"Boss, what you said doesn't make sense. How can we know if there's anything wrong with those books if we don't read them? What if you fool us?" Caicai said unhappily.

"Young lady, you don't know me, Old Huang, but everyone around knows who I am. Business is about integrity. I just received these from an old alley courtyard house this morning. That family is a scholarly family that has been passed down from generation to generation. It's said that their ancestors were high-ranking officials during the Qing Dynasty."

"It has been passed down to this generation. That junior was unwilling to come back after studying abroad. In addition, he was the only son in the family and his parents passed away one after another. A few days ago, he returned to the country to sell that old courtyard house. These were all dug out from inside."

"Who would believe this story? Hero, let's go."

"Whose daughter are you? Your mouth is too mean." The boss almost flew into a rage after being choked.

"Boss, don't lower yourself to her level. I'll take a look." Li Mo smiled and focused his gaze. His alternate pupils pierced through [History of Tang]. Initially, he just wanted to confirm if the contents were fake. Unexpectedly, a gray light shot out and formed 80 to 90 halos that spread out.

He could even encounter something good here!

Then, his gaze shifted to the other books. He saw milky white light shooting out from the [Chinese History] book. 70 to 80 halos enveloped it, which was enough to show that there were valuable treasures hidden inside.

Li Mo retracted his gaze and said leisurely, "Boss, I've read it. Every hardcover book has a collector's seal and is well-preserved. It should be close to what you said. Tell me the price. I'll bring it home if it's suitable. To be honest, I'm a student of Beijing University's History Archeology Department. I'm very interested in these books."

"No wonder I feel that you have the aura of a learned man. You're really a person who's read a lot." The boss beamed and said even more enthusiastically, "I spent 1,800 yuan to buy each set of books. No matter what, I have to earn some money. If you really like it, you can give me 10,000 yuan for the history books of the five dynasties."

"Boss, you're asking for too much. I also have a similar hardcover collector's edition at home. I heard from Grandpa that these are only worth about two to three thousand yuan."

Before Li Mo could bargain, Caicai displayed her talent and ability. She slashed again after cutting the price in half.

"Young lady, if you continue to have such an attitude, I won't do this business. I can't make a loss and not gain anything."

The boss waved his hand angrily.

Li Mo pulled her back and thought to himself, If you continue like this, I won't be able to pick up a bargain.

"Boss, give me a sincere price."

The boss looked at Li Mo's serious expression and took a few more glances at the angry Caicai. He gritted his teeth and said, "I'm not selling them. I'd rather sell them to someone who knows their value."

Li Mo saw that although he said it toughly, his eyes kept drifting over. He knew that he was retreating in order to advance. He couldn't help but sigh and say, "What a pity. These hardcover versions are still relatively rare on the market. I thought you could lower the price by one to two thousand yuan, I'll grit my teeth and buy them. Caicai, let's go to the bookstore to look for them later."

"Boss Huang, this young man is a cultured person. Since he likes you so much, just fulfill his wish."

Seeing that the two of them were about to leave, the old man who set up the stall beside them began to speak up for them enthusiastically.

"Young man, Boss Huang is quite honest in his business. I think 2,000 yuan is a little too much. At least let him earn some money for smoking and drinking."

Li Mo stopped in his tracks and said to the boss, "The old man is right. How about this? I'll take all 8,500 yuan. I won't investigate how much you earn."

The boss looked like his flesh had been cut off and said, "Little brother, consider me your friend today."

After Li Mo transferred the money on his cell phone, he left quickly with the packed books.

"Old Zhang, I'll transfer the 1,000 yuan to you later." Boss Huang smiled when he saw the message.

"Boss Huang, you'll earn at least 80% profit. You're really lucky today. You made a sale not long after you arrived."

"If I don't take the opportunity to 'kill' such a brat, when will I?"

The two of them looked at each other and smiled sinisterly. This was not the first time they had acted in a double act, but it was surprisingly smooth this time.

"Hero, are you stupid? The vendors here are all ruthless. Look at you, you're so happy to be killed. Are you burning too much money?"

"How do you know I have a lot of money?"

Li Mo hummed a tune. He bought a large backpack from a bag shop not far away. It was much easier to put the books inside and carry them on his back.

Li Mo was looking forward to the moment when the secret hidden in the history books of the five dynasties was revealed. He gradually liked the process of treasure hunting.

"Hero, since you're stupid and rich, don't blame me for ripping you off for lunch."

"Don't worry, there'll be enough rice for you."

Caicai's eyes darted around. She took two steps towards him and asked softly, "Are you really a student from Beijing University's Archeology Department?"

"Soon. You don't believe me?"

Li Mo turned to look at her. The little girl's face was filled with suspicion. He couldn't help but smile. "Forget it if you don't believe me."

Caicai rolled her eyes. He really didn't know how to chat.

The two of them walked along the alley and turned into another main road in about 10 minutes. The architectural style here had become retro. On both sides of the road were Chinese-style two-story buildings. The first floor was filled with shops. Today was Saturday and the weather was good. There was a sea of people shopping, as if they had returned to Shanghai's City God Temple.

"Caicai, let's go eat first." Li Mo touched his stomach, tempted by the fragrance of food.

***

The old roast duck restaurant Caicai mentioned was quite classy. Being able to open near the Panjiayuan Antique Market was a symbol of strength.

"Just give us a two-seater in the hall. Give us some lemonade first, then bring over the menu for the town restaurant's feast."

The waiter guided them to a seat by the window and placed the menu in front of them.

"Give me a roast duck. Cook the duck rack for soup, and add a little more salt. Also, a serving of salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, Australian lobster fried rice, braised pork ball in brown sauce, tea chicken, egg yolk with crab, pickled vegetables, fish filet with sichuan pickles in golden soup, and a sweet and sour jellyfish. This will be enough for now."

"There's a little too much food for the two of you," the waiter reminded kindly. He wanted to say something but hesitated. He looked at Li Mo.

"She's a foodie. It might not be enough."

"The two of you might not know, but a few dishes were flown over from overseas, so they're a little expensive." The waiter kindly reminded them again. They looked young, so they shouldn't eat without paying.

Only then did Li Mo understand. He took out a black gold card from his wallet and handed it to her. "I won't make things difficult for you."

"Thank you, sir. I'll place the order now."

After working in the service industry for a long time, she could tell at a glance that this was a black gold bank card. A few million yuan was not even enough to fill the gaps between their teeth. These two were definitely rich second-generation heirs.

Delicacies were served one after another. Caicai started eating. As she ate, she sighed. "There are two things in life that can't be let down. One is life, and the other is delicious food. Hero, I won't stand on ceremony."

Li Mo wasn't slow either. The diners beside him kept glancing sideways, afraid that they would fight.

Less than 10 minutes later, Caicai's cell phone rang. She looked at the screen and picked up the call. "Old Comrade Zhu, I'm eating. Don't worry. How can an invincible beautiful girl like me be hungry? Don't worry, I ordered mixed sauce noodles and a poached egg. Yes, yes, you have to eat and drink well. What's there to be afraid of losing your job? At most, you can start all over again. Alright, bye."

Li Mo saw that she was eating a pork ball with her fork and her cheeks were puffed up. He asked curiously, "This meal of 'mixed noodles' is not cheap. Who are you fooling?"

"Old Zhu at home is unemployed in his middle age and has been a little depressed recently. I've saved the pocket money he gave me. If I hadn't met you, it would definitely be mixed noodles again at noon today."

"What does your father do?"

"He's a lawyer. He hasn't made a name for himself for more than 10 years. Some people say that he's too straightforward. One is one, and two is two. With his personality, it's most suitable for him to provide legal assistance. He's not biased or personal, but it's too hard for him in a lawsuit."

"To put it nicely, he's upright. To put it bluntly, he has a bad temper. He took a case some time ago and offended his employer. It was quite bad, so he had no choice but to resign and look for a new job."

"Everything will be fine." Li Mo poured her a glass of lemonade. "Give me your father's phone number. I might have a legal business consultation with him in the future."

"Give me your phone."

Caicai took Li Mo's phone and operated it.

"Old Zhu's number. Call him anytime if you need anything. Don't reveal that I gave it to you, or he'll catch me and ask me non-stop."