He Zhiran had already anticipated that saying such words would elicit skepticism from the other party.
Anyway, she was now in ancient times. Even if she revealed the truth, modern experts who wanted to catch her for scientific research wouldn't be able to find her.
For now, it all depended on the receptiveness of the Little Collector - whether he could believe that she was a time traveler.
【I'm currently in the Da Shun Dynasty. Regarding the south pearl you lost, I can go to the south border to help you find it.】
These words truly shocked the Little Collector speechless.
If it wasn't for the fact that he had bought so many genuine antiques from He Zhiran's shop, he might even suspect that she had lost her mind to say such things.
Was she just boasting?
Previously, he had also wondered why there would be so many antiques from the Da Shun era being sold in this shop. For this, he had made some inquiries with others in the same industry, but no one knew of the existence of such an influential antique dealer.
Could the boss of this shop really be a time traveler?
【You're not deceiving me?】
He Zhiran laughed at being asked this.
【You've seen the goods in my shop. Let me ask, even industry leaders among antique dealers wouldn't possibly have as much inventory as I do, right?
Moreover, the prices are the lowest. I believe you've made quite some profit reselling the antiques you bought from me, no?】
The Little Collector found these words completely reasonable. Although he still felt it was impossible for time travel to actually exist, somehow, he was starting to believe.
【If you really can help me find that black south pearl, and the sale price is reasonable, my losses can definitely be reduced greatly.】
Although he would still have to spend money here, he had patronized this shop many times already. The prices of the antiques were much lower than market price.
If that was the case, it would be much more cost-effective for him to buy them at a low price here than to compensate his friend for half the losses.
When the south pearl was exhibited again in the future and auctioned off at a high price, at worst he wouldn't make any profit from this deal.
Right now there were no other options - either compensate his friend for the losses, or take a gamble here with the shop owner.
【Since that's the case, I'll have to trouble you to help search for that south pearl.】
He Zhiran did not bother guessing at the Little Collector's thoughts. Anyway, she wasn't lying. As for whether or not she could find that south pearl, that would just depend on luck.
Moreover, she had chosen to reveal her identity as a time traveler not just for the money from the south pearl. She had so many antiques hanging in her shop for sale, even without that south pearl, she could still earn a lot.
He Zhiran's main goal was that in the future, she might need some modern items that could not be bought on Taobao Mall. If the Little Collector could help her, their cooperation would be mutually beneficial.
【I'm very far from the south border right now, and the new year is almost here. Even if I rush there, it would probably take over a month. Will that be in time?】
Little Collector: 【My friend gave me three months to raise money. It would be best to get it within three months.】
He Zhiran: 【Three months is enough time. Whether I can find the south pearl or not, I will notify you here.】
Little Collector: 【Good, I'll await your good news.】
He Zhiran: 【However, I might need your help.】
Little Collector: 【What do you need me to do?】 He really couldn't figure out how he, someone living in modern times, could help her.
He Zhiran: 【The road to the south border is long and arduous. It would be great if there was a helicopter or off-road vehicle.】
She had thought that the distance from the northwest to the south border was about the same as the distance from here to the capital city. Even rushing day and night on fast horses, it would still take over twenty days. Wasting so much time on the road truly was a pity.
She had assumed she could just buy a helicopter or off-road vehicle on Taobao Mall, but fuel had become a major issue.
In her past life browsing various shopping sites, she certainly hadn't seen anyone selling gasoline or diesel fuel.
This request was not a big problem for the Little Collector at all.
Although he was currently facing difficulties with capital turnover, he still had two helicopters and over a dozen luxury cars in his possession.
【I have both helicopters and cars, but how do I get them to you?】
He Zhiran thought for a moment before answering: 【In the past when I bought items on Taobao, the shops directly shipped them. I can buy the helicopter and off-road vehicle myself. The only thing lacking is fuel.
If possible, I hope you can open a shop on Taobao to sell me fuel.】
Getting some fuel would be even simpler for the Little Collector.
【No problem, I'll immediately apply to open a shop. Tell me whenever you need it. I'll turn on notifications from today onward to guarantee I can reply to your messages immediately.】
He Zhiran: 【Good, it's settled then. I'll contact you before I set off for the south border.】
With the Little Collector supplying her fuel, He Zhiran no longer worried that the journey to the south border would be delayed, instantly putting her in a much better mood.
Their chat was put on hold for the moment. He Zhiran left the space.
At this time, Mo Jiuye was in the room.
"Husband, were you waiting for me?"
Under normal circumstances, Mo Jiuye would be busy with things outside at this time if there was no special matter. He wouldn't return to the room.
Mo Jiuye pulled her to sit down together.
"I've been thinking, since Fifth Elder Brother could resist the puppet poison's control by that mysterious figure, it's possible Eldest Brother and Second Brother who are still missing could do the same."
He Zhiran had not yet carefully considered this point. Now that Mo Jiuye had brought it up, she fell deep into thought.
After a long while, she guessed:
"I remember the Compendium of witch insect Techniques mentioned that puppet poison is very difficult to raise. Many people might not successfully raise it even if they try. So the raiser's talent and capabilities are greatly tested.
Fifth Elder Brother was the first of the Mo family members to get into trouble. It's very likely the mysterious figure's puppet poison was not yet fully mature.
Eldest Brother and Second Brother's incidents happened somewhat later. If they really are alive, the possibility they are still under the puppet poison's control is quite big. Otherwise, how could there be so many cases of sudden amnesia happening in this world?"
Listening to his wife's analysis, Mo Jiuye kept nodding. Other than what she said, he truly could not think of any other reasonable explanation.
"No matter what, I hope Eldest Brother and Second Brother really are alive."
He Zhiran could see that Mo Jiuye was very anxious to rescue Eldest Brother and Second Brother. Third Older Brother had already secretly gone out to gather information. They could only hope Third Older Brother brought back some useful news when he returned.
They had analyzed the situation as far as they could. The future was still uncertain and they would just have to take it one step at a time.
He Zhiran sighed. "Let's go. Mother has probably finished preparing to worship the Kitchen God. Let's go over to take a look."
