This was probably the first time Elder Qin had been so completely disregarded after reaching his current position. To say entirely disregarded wouldn't be accurate, as Zhuo Ni listened to him and responded.
However, all her actions betrayed a casual indifference.
Finally, he couldn't hold back and got straight to the point.
"Miss Lu, you've made four bids on-site today, and each one has been successful. I'd like to ask, Miss Lu, is this all down to your luck?"
"Tch." Zhuo Ni let out a laugh, amused. "If I said every single one of my wins was pure luck, would you believe me?"
Elder Qin: "..."
The most awkward situation in the world is when you're being earnest and polite, and the other person takes you seriously.
"I don't believe you," he replied, his tone also becoming serious. "I've been in this business for decades. Even the sharpest eyes can miss something. Today, Miss Lu managing to pick four successful stones might involve some luck, but I believe the vast majority is due to Miss Lu's own skill. I greatly admire capable people, so, Miss Lu, are you willing to cooperate with us?"
"Hm?" Zhuo Ni looked confused.
Qin Yutang explained, "What my grandfather means by cooperation is that Miss Lu would be responsible for appraising the stones for us. The Qin family will provide the capital and bear the risks. Miss Lu only needs to use her eyes and her voice to earn a 10% commission."
"Ha," Zhuo Ni chuckled again. "If Mr. Qin puts it that way, why don't I just buy them myself, cut them myself, and specialize in finding hidden gems? That would be a sure profit. Why would I cooperate with you?"
Elder Qin's anger began to show. "Miss Lu, are you that confident that you'll strike gold every single time?"
"Yes." She nodded very seriously. "I am confident about that."
But she didn't need to do that.
Things that offer surprises are called gambles; things that don't are called sure things. She only needed to take a small portion, and money, to her, didn't hold much meaning.
After all, who knew if it would just turn into a pile of useless paper in the next world?
【Host, you can't do that. This is cheating. If the world consciousness detects it, we'll be in a difficult position.】
"I wasn't planning to do that anyway."
The system let out a sigh of relief.
Elder Qin was clearly angered. He took a few breaths and finally sighed, "Since Miss Lu is unwilling, then so be it. Yutang, see Miss Lu out."
"Wait a moment."
Qin Yutang asked, "Miss Lu, have you changed your mind?"
Zhuo Ni shook her head and looked at Elder Qin. "Although we couldn't reach a cooperation agreement on this matter, we can discuss something else. Mr. Qin, would you like to hear it?"
Qin Yutang and the others temporarily left the private room, including Lu Chongyan. He waited with the others outside the room. After about ten minutes, the door opened.
They walked in. Elder Qin sat in his seat, his face flushed with a rosy glow. Compared to his frail appearance moments ago, he seemed to have aged backward by several years in those short ten minutes.
As for Zhuo Ni, she still wore a smile on her face, neither sincere nor visibly fake, making her difficult to read.
"The transaction is complete, so we'll be leaving now. Mr. Qin, don't forget to act on what you must do to achieve your wish."
Elder Qin's face was filled with a gentle smile, perhaps a bit too gentle. He looked almost reverent as he said, "Very well, Miss Lu. I will certainly do as you've asked. I look forward to seeing you again. Yutang, please escort Miss Lu out."
"No need to escort me. Goodbye."
She took his hand and left the private room.
As the door to the private room closed, inside, Elder Qin's smile vanished the moment she left, replaced by a look of madness, even obsession. He turned to Qin Yutang and asked, "Yutang, have I gotten younger! Have I? Haven't I?"
Qin Yutang looked at his ruddy face and replied with some uncertainty, "You do look a bit younger. Grandpa, are you in a good mood? You and Miss Lu..."
Elder Qin was too caught up in his joy to listen. He even rushed to the mirror in the private room, constantly examining himself. He took off his hat, checked his white hair, and stroked his wrinkled face, his expression one of enchantment, even madness. "I'm younger, I'm younger..."
Immortality.
The greatest temptation for humankind.
The system hesitated in the space.
After Elder Qin's sixth sigh, Zhuo Ni couldn't help but ask, "Did I break the rules?"
【No.】
It was precisely because she hadn't that he was troubled.
There was no reason to stop her, only to watch her so brazenly alter other people's lives. That was why the system was so worried.
He never expected his host to instigate someone to trade the merit of their next life for the lifespan of their current one.
It was a transaction made willingly, without any harmful actions towards others, nor did it affect anyone's fate. Even the world consciousness couldn't intervene.
They could only watch helplessly as she, with a few words, manipulated Elder Qin into trading his future merit for his current lifespan, while she, as the intermediary, took a hefty "broker's fee."
It was truly wicked.
But the phrase "willingly" was enough to silence everyone.
"Since I haven't broken any rules, stop sighing in my head. It's annoying."
The system: "..."
His host was about to ascend to heaven. Someone please stop her!