Let’s put aside whether or not Tang Tang is a fool for now. The Mei Le Pearl she picked up, according to Taozi’s conservative estimate, is worth at least around two million. Such large and perfectly shaped conch pearls are extremely rare, with only about two hundred circulating globally. As the saying goes, scarcity increases value, hence the high price. "Even without us, Tang Tang and her mom would probably do just fine," Ruan Hongzhuang remarked. Shen Siyuan looked over at Tang Tang, the little girl was blowing into a seashell. Dou Dou was watching eagerly from the side—wanting to snatch it. Then she actually reached out to grab it, and the two little ones started tussling. First, Tang Tang lost, and the seashell was taken, so she ran to complain to Shen Siyuan. After a moment, Dou Dou came over looking hurt, showing Shen Siyuan her arm, saying Tang Tang bit her. Shen Siyuan felt a headache and directly called Xiao Yue out, only then did the two little ones settle down. Taozi went to communicate with Mao Sanmei, asking if she wanted to keep the Mei Le Pearl or sell it. Without a thought, Mao Sanmei chose to sell it. To her, having cash on hand is more practical, as jewelry holds no value for her. Including the Jade Guanyin that Tang Tang picked up on the beach last time, the total money from selling everything would be enough for Mao Sanmei to buy a house in Bin Hai, and it’s even in a premium area. Buying a house was Mao Sanmei’s wish, she wanted a home, and also wanted to give Tang Tang a home. Although Tang Tang didn’t need it, as a mother, she had to consider her child’s future. Besides these two valuable items, Tang Tang had picked up many other trinkets. For example, the "Qianfeng Coin" she found at the Shangqing Palace in Luoyang two days ago likely wasn’t fake, and if sold, would surely fetch a good price. But Shen Siyuan thought it was not just an ordinary copper coin, so he did not intend to sell it, instead decided to keep it safe for her. Sometimes Shen Siyuan wondered if Tang Tang was the reincarnation of a legendary Treasure Hunting Rat, or a Treasure Money that became sentient from the Investiture of the Gods, as she always found good things. However, this was simply a joke in Shen Siyuan’s mind. Ever since Dou Dou gained a fortunate encounter from Tang Tang’s dream, he realized the little girl must have a significant background. While Shen Siyuan’s house was bustling with activity, Zhong Xiaonan also returned home. Yes, it’s Zhong Xiaonan’s home, for convenience working with Shen Siyuan, she had a house of her own in Bin Hai, even though she didn’t pay for it herself. Speaking of which, it’s worth praising the Special Affairs Bureau, their perks are truly good. Of course, this might relate to their small number of personnel, with an annual budget that’s hard to exhaust. Since Zhong Xiaonan had a house, when Song Meixian came to Bin Hai on assignment, naturally she wouldn’t stay at a hotel or a government guesthouse, but directly stayed at Zhong Xiaonan’s place. Seeing her return, Song Meixian curiously asked, "What did you talk about with Mr. Shen?" She didn’t oppose Zhong Xiaonan having private contact with Shen Siyuan. In fact, the entire Special Affairs Bureau encouraged this behavior; if something came from it, that would be wonderful. Seeing Song Meixian inquiring, Zhong Xiaonan chose not to hide it, saying bluntly, "I asked Mr. Shen why he didn’t like you." Seeing Song Meixian remain silent, Zhong Xiaonan continued on her own, "Chief, you’re so beautiful, all men like you. I suspect he’s not a man." "You really dare say that?" Song Meixian felt a bit nervous for her. "What did he answer back?" Song Meixian was quite curious. "He said he has two girlfriends," Zhong Xiaonan replied. "Did he say why he doesn’t like me? Wait, how did you know he doesn’t like me?" "It’s just my feeling," Zhong Xiaonan answered truthfully. "Did he say why he doesn’t like me?" Song Meixian pursued the question. This had always been a puzzling question in her mind. She was confident in her appearance and charm, yet it seemed to lose effect in front of Shen Siyuan. Moreover, Shen Siyuan was not some ascetic saint, which hurt her self-esteem and made her feel aggrieved. She simply couldn’t understand why she lost to Ruan Hongzhuang and Jiang Taoshi, but due to Shen Siyuan’s status, she didn’t dare to show it. "He didn’t say, but he said he likes my personality," Zhong Xiaonan replied with a cheerful smile. "No wonder you’re so happy coming back." To be honest, Song Meixian felt a bit disheartened, not expecting to lose to Zhong Xiaonan again. Of course, it wasn’t that Shen Siyuan had to like her, it was just a simple female competitive spirit, especially when she felt she excelled in every way over them. "It’s not just that, Mr. Shen taught me a cultivation method that suits me very well," Zhong Xiaonan added. "What?" Song Meixian’s eyes widened in surprise, unable to believe her ears. "You said Mr. Shen taught you a cultivation method?" "Did he offer, or did you ask?" "Can you cultivate it?" "What kind of cultivation method? What’s its name?" Song Meixian instinctively inquired further. Zhong Xiaonan was about to reply, but Song Meixian raised her hand to stop her. "Don’t tell me, don’t tell anyone," Song Meixian advised seriously. "Huh?" Zhong Xiaonan was puzzled. "Write a report about your conversation with Mr. Shen today, as detailed as possible. I’ll contact the director," Song Meixian instructed. Zhong Xiaonan frowned, her face pained with reluctance. She was a mediocre student and detested writing reports. Meanwhile, on another front, someone was busy preparing to meet Shen Siyuan the next day. That person was, of course, Taozi’s parents. "I think we should eat out instead; making food at home is too much trouble," Jiang Hongtu suggested upon seeing his wife start preparing dishes a day in advance. It was unclear if he was distressed over her hard work or somewhat displeased about the upcoming meeting with Shen Siyuan. It’s likely the latter, after all, a well-tended flower for so many years was being taken without a sound. Even though the other party’s status was quite special and their family background was probably significant, more than matching with their Taozi, there was still anger to be had. Qi Huilan understood his thoughts well, and with a smile, she said, "There’s no way our son-in-law’s first visit would involve not eating at home." "Son-in-law, I haven’t agreed yet," Jiang Hongtu said, somewhat annoyed. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝗇𝗲𝘵 "Stop being stubborn, just call Taozi and ask what time they’re coming tomorrow," Qi Huilan suggested. "You call, I’m not calling her," Jiang Hongtu said with his words, but he had already left the kitchen. Soon, Qi Huilan heard Jiang Hongtu’s voice on the phone. "Hello, little sister..." (little sister is a term of endearment for a daughter in some regions)