Chapter 18:

Tang Xi held a detection-type photographic device. In places unreachable by human hands, one must rely on precision instruments. When she worked diligently, it was as if she entered a realm of complete absorption, indifferent to the shifting winds and clouds or the surrounding clamor and noise, all seemingly irrelevant to her.

“I’ve got it.” Tang Xi took out the device, her radiant face glowing even more with the smile that played at the corners of her mouth.

Two experts eagerly wanted to verify their conjectures, but after transferring the photo to her phone, Tang Xi handed it over to Zhou Jingchuan. Though the seal in the photo was aged, it was not hard to recognize—especially the prominent character “Gao.”

Zhou Jingchuan understood immediately and showed the phone screen to the two experts.

“This… this is actually real.”

“Incredible. The unofficial histories weren’t fabricating after all.”

The experts’ expressions shifted from disbelief to self-doubt and finally to admiration. Their gazes toward Tang Xi burned with intensity and fervor.

“Miss Tang, right? I was rude earlier, but may I ask if you have a business card?”

Another expert hurried forward. “Miss Tang, where do you work? Have you considered joining our research institute? Do you have a card? I want one too.”

“Sorry, I don’t have a business card.” Tang Xi didn’t work in an office and hadn’t prepared such social tools.

“No business card? That’s okay, how about a phone number? Miss Tang, can you leave your number?”

“Or WeChat, WeChat works too.”

The two spoke as they took out their phones and waited expectantly.

Tang Xi was at a loss, unsure how to respond.

“She only pursues this as a hobby. She won’t join any institution. Gentlemen, please don’t trouble this young lady.”

Just as Tang Xi felt helpless, Zhou Jingchuan spoke up to shield her.

Seeing Zhou Jingchuan intervene, the two experts no longer pressed the matter but sighed inwardly. Such a remarkable talent relegated to a mere hobby was a pity. Clearly, Zhou Jingchuan was protecting her and didn’t want her to give out her number.

“It’s getting late. Gentlemen, why not stay for a simple meal?” Zhou Jingchuan smiled warmly, though his eyes betrayed no deeper emotion.

Having already lost face terribly on this trip, the two could not bear to stay for a meal. After a few polite refusals, they hurriedly left.

Seeing them depart, Tang Xi also intended to follow.

“Miss Tang, you like unofficial histories?”

Before she could say goodbye, Zhou Jingchuan suddenly spoke softly.

“Yes.” She had read countless history books since childhood, both official and unofficial, all dear to her heart.

“How fortunate. I have a collection of many unofficial history books. I wonder if you’d be interested.”

“May I see them?” Tang Xi’s face involuntarily brightened with anticipation.

Zhou Jingchuan led Tang Xi to the library, which was a scene unto itself.

Pavilions and waterside terraces, artificial hills and lakes, carved railings and jade fences—one might mistake it for the estate of an ancient noble family.

Tang Xi had loved various ancient texts since youth, longing for the small bridges and flowing waters of antiquity.

Back then, she had even spoke candidly with Zhou Jing, saying that when they grew weary of the mundane world, they would find a place to live in seclusion.

Those youthful words were reckless and naive, but seeing this scene before her, if she were truly to retire somewhere, it would probably look just like this.

Zhou Jingchuan’s library was not large, but its antique-style shelves rose high, packed tightly with a dazzling array of books.

Tang Xi glanced hurriedly and found them all to be her favorites, many of them out-of-print volumes she had struggled tirelessly to find.

“‘Mingzong’s Resignation’?” Her eyes lit up. “Mr. Zhou actually has this book.”

Unfortunately, it was placed too high, and even on tiptoe, she couldn’t reach it.

The scent of sandalwood approached from behind, and a man stood close to her back, leaving just enough space in a gentlemanly manner.

He raised his arm and effortlessly reached the very book she sought.

The stark contrast made Tang Xi realize just how tall he was.

Gu Yu was already tall, but he seemed to be a few centimeters taller.

“This one?” His voice sounded above her head, like a gentle waterfall flowing softly.

“Yes, thank you.”

Zhou Jingchuan handed her the book, and his knuckles accidentally brushed the palm of her hand.