C17 Book Collection

Ms. Kung had never encountered a child who could articulate their thoughts so logically and with such finesse. The impact was undeniable; Xue Xiaogui was completely taken aback.

"Wow, the young girls these days are incredibly impressive!" Xue Xiaogui licked his lips, thinking to himself that the girl was naive for spending five thousand yuan on a pile of junk. Seizing the opportunity, he was eager to sell the items as quickly as possible.

"Alright, let's make the exchange: cash for goods on the spot!" Xue Xiaogui said, glancing at Ms. Kung. "What do you say, Ms. Kung? Could you bear witness for us? I'm not sure about the proper way to draft this agreement, so I'll need your assistance."

Ms. Kung, looking somewhat concerned, nodded and turned to Ann Jue and Ans: "Are you certain about this? It's quite expensive. It seems like a real shame to spend so much on these items..."

"It's fine, Ms. Kung. What looks like trash to others is, in my eyes, an invaluable treasure," Ann Jue replied with a smile. "I believe it's worth the five thousand."

"Very well, you're quite the character, young lady!" Xue Xiaogui, impressed by her confidence, gave her a thumbs-up. "Let's head to your place now!"

With that, he swiftly led them to Mr. Xue's house. Following Ann Jue's instructions, he packed up the calligraphy, paintings, brushes, ink, and paper. He even went as far as to hire a sizable tricycle to transport everything, generously covering the cost himself.

After verifying that nothing was missing, Ann Jue contentedly said to Ms. Kung, "Everything is in order, Ms. Kung. We're ready to sign the contract."

Ms. Kung produced a contract in triplicate, handing over the pen and ink pad. "Sign here and press your thumbprint. From today on, the transaction is complete! Each party will keep a copy of the contract, and I'll hold onto the third. Let's avoid any future disputes," she said, with a pointed look at Xue Xiaogui.

Sensing he had gotten the better end of the deal, Xue Xiaogui quickly signed his name and stamped his thumbprint. After counting the five thousand yuan handed to him by Ann Jue, he tucked it into his clothes and hurried off, eager to deposit the money before the bank closed.

Ann Jue excitedly watched the items on the tricycle and urged her father to pedal faster to keep up.

Fantastic! She had finally managed to preserve the cultural heritage for Mr. Xue!

With the load being too much, Ms. Kung lent a hand. She assisted Ann Jue and her father in transferring the items from the tricycle into the small bungalow. After surveying the area, she frowned and remarked, "This place doesn't seem very secure. What if thieves break in and damage these books?"

"You're absolutely right; we can't have that! Dad, maybe we should install a big iron gate?" Ann Jue suggested urgently.

Her father looked around and nodded in agreement, "A big iron gate is a good idea, and we'll get a sturdy iron lock too. As long as it's securely locked, we won't have to worry about anyone breaking in."

He instructed Ann Jue to first clean up the bungalow and organize the books, then he headed out to the street to find a colleague. This colleague knew a craftsman who could make iron doors and burglar-proof windows.

"Ms. Kung, I really can't thank you enough! I'll take you out for a meal one of these days," Ann Jue said, feeling somewhat sheepish.

Hearing her formalities, Ms. Kung burst into laughter, "Look at you, acting all grown-up! I miss the old you who would laugh when happy and cry when sad. Jue, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Ann Jue felt a jolt in her heart, realizing she had inadvertently brought her past life's mannerisms into the present. But she was only ten years old now, and it was indeed a bit precocious to speak and act in such a way. Luckily, Ms. Kung was straightforward and didn't read too much into it.

"I just really want to express my gratitude. And don't worry, Ms. Kung, I promise to top my class in the midterm exams!" Ann Jue said cheerfully.

Ms. Kung's smile radiated warmth, "Ah, that's my girl! Acing your exams would be the best thank-you gift for me!"