C17 Country Bumpkin

"Take a look at these, sir. They're the only three pieces of oracle bones we have left in the store."

The shopkeeper pushed the three pieces of oracle bones toward Ye Yu with a smile. Ye Yu barely glanced at them before realizing they were all fakes.

"Wow, dressed like that and you're into antiques? You're not here to panhandle, are you?"

A middle-aged man decked out in designer labels walked into the shop, flanked by two younger women with heavy makeup.

As the man sneered at Ye Yu, the women joined in, laughing and pointing at him without a hint of the subtlety traditionally associated with Eastern women.

Hmm, that nurse from earlier was much nicer!

The thought suddenly crossed Ye Yu's mind.

"Boss, do you really think this country bumpkin can afford any antiques? I'd suggest you stop wasting your time on him and bring out something valuable instead. I might actually be interested in a piece or two."

The middle-aged man spoke dismissively, exuding an air of wealth and arrogance.

Ye Yu sized up the man. Despite his expensive clothes, he had no sense of style, pairing jeans with dress shoes and a bow tie with a sports shirt.

Such attire suggested he was either a newly wealthy demolition contractor or a clueless small-town businessman.

"Ah, great minds think alike! These three pieces of bone are the priciest antiques in the shop—one piece for three hundred thousand. Have a closer look!"

Ye Yu's statement took the shopkeeper by surprise. Three hundred thousand? He had been considering selling each piece to Ye Yu for just three thousand.

"What's this rubbish? Three hundred thousand for one piece!"

The trio gawked at the oracle bones, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Oh? I thought you were an expert. Can't you recognize what these are?

These are pieces of the Millennial Spirit Tortoise Shell. When ground into powder, they offer miraculous health benefits—extending life, enhancing beauty.

For men, it strengthens the kidneys and boosts virility; for women, it moisturizes the lungs and improves the complexion. The effects are so remarkable... but then again, explaining this to you is probably pointless!"

With a dismissive wave, Ye Yu pulled the three pieces of oracle bone closer to himself.

"It's great for beauty and complexion. Let's buy it; there are three pieces, so we can each have one!"

"Absolutely. Plus, it's good for boosting vitality and kidney health. You always pretend to sleep through the night; now's the perfect time to rejuvenate."

The two women teamed up on either side, pressuring the middle-aged man into a purchase to save face.

"Listen, you three, these goods find their destined owner. You don't understand its value, so don't waste your money and stop arguing with me."

Ye Yu feigned a look of reluctance, reaching out to carefully pack up the artifact.

"Who says I don't understand? My dad deals with these... these tortoise shells. I know their worth; they're incredibly useful. I'll take all three. Let's make it a card payment!"

In an instant, 900,000 was deposited into the shop owner's account, leaving him grinning from ear to ear.

"It's consumed as a powder, right?" the middle-aged man inquired before leaving.

"Yes, but if your teeth are strong, you can chew it raw!"

"Damn, meeting you today was a stroke of luck. I'll have to take you out for a meal sometime!"

The middle-aged man walked away with a look of contentment, already envisioning his invigorated self come evening.

"Sold and still counting the money for others, what an idiot!"

Ye Yu muttered under his breath and turned to the shopkeeper.

"Brother, let's split it fifty-fifty. Give me your card number, and I'll transfer your share immediately!"

Though he didn't find the Millennial Spirit Tortoise Shell, Ye Yu was quite pleased with the quick 450,000 he had made.

Tucking away the bank card Yang Yi had given him, Ye Yu left the antique shop, realizing the Millennial Spirit Tortoise Shell wouldn't be found there. It was time to visit the Ancient Treasure House.