Chapter 14: Encountering

As Luke turned to leave, he suddenly heard a gentle voice calling out, "Hello there, Luke."

Luke heard his name being called and saw a girl with pink hair, about 1.6 meters tall. She had a fresh, attractive appearance, and her eyes revealed a hint of shyness, as if she were searching for a safe haven. Her golden hair shimmered, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. The ends of her hair curled outwards slightly, reminiscent of delicate rays of sunshine - warm and soft. She wore a Lolita-style dress, the skirt loose and flowing, dancing gracefully in the breeze. Her countenance exuded an air of freshness, making one want to draw closer and observe her more intently.

Her lips were soft and rosy, curving upwards ever so slightly, as if pouting a warm greeting. Her facial features were well-defined; her nose was straight, her chin slightly tucked in, giving her face an innocent quality. Her skin was fair and smooth, like cream, her fingers slender and elegant, as if designed for playing beautiful melodies.

Luke's first reaction upon seeing her was astonishment, for he had never seen such a beautiful girl in the area, let alone one dressed in Lolita fashion. It felt as if he had stepped into a fairy tale, with the girl before him as the princess, captivating his gaze.

She seemed to feel his eyes on her, her cheeks blushing as she lowered her gaze. Biting her lip gently, she seemed to be searching for the courage to speak.

Luke approached her, smiling, and asked, "Hello, my name is Luke. Who might you be?"

Hearing his question, the girl raised her head. Her eyes met Luke's, and for a moment, surprise and unease flickered in her gaze before quickly being replaced by calm. She replied shyly, "My name is Yuki Jiang, and I come from an antique-collecting family in Hudu City."

Luke's surprise deepened upon hearing this, but he soon regained his composure and smiled, "I see, your family must have many precious antiques, then?"

Yuki nodded, still somewhat nervous, but sensing Luke's friendliness and sincerity, she smiled and said, "Yes, our family has been collecting antiques for hundreds of years."

Yuki hailed from an antique-collecting family in Hudu City, the Su family, a household with a long history and rich heritage. Their collection of antiques and treasures had been passed down through generations, containing a wealth of cultural and historical value. The family's reputation extended not only within the country but also internationally.

Their prized possessions had endured the passage of time and turmoil, yet remained in excellent condition, a testament to their value. The collection included various artefacts, vessels, jade objects, and calligraphy from ancient China, as well as numerous rare foreign relics, artworks, and antiques.

The family's collection was diverse and rich in artistic and historical value, with Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain, calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts, and bronze objects being particularly revered by domestic and international collectors and museums. These priceless artefacts constituted an essential part of cultural heritage and served as important carriers of the family's historical and cultural traditions.

"Yuki Jiang?" Luke whispered, "That's a beautiful name."

The girl smiled, nodding slightly, but still blushing.

"What brings you here?" Luke inquired.

"I... I'm searching for something," the girl's voice was gentle and warm, like a spring breeze caressing one's cheeks.

"Really?" Curiosity sparked in Luke's eyes. After a moment's thought, he said, "If you need help, I'd be happy to lend a hand."

The girl looked surprised, her eyes filled with gratitude and confusion.

"Really?" she asked, "You would help me?"

"Of course," Luke replied with a smile, "I believe it's something I can do for you."

The girl's eyes glistened with appreciation as she gazed at Luke, saying softly, "Thank you."

Their eyes locked, a mysterious force seemed to intertwine, offering each other a sense of comfort and warmth.

They exchanged contact information and agreed on a time and place for their next meeting.

"Where shall we meet?"

"How about when you return from Australia? Just kidding, you still have some time before you go."

With smiles, they bid each other farewell.

After Luke left, the girl watched his retreating figure, her heart full of gratitude and curiosity. She felt a strange sensation in his presence, as if she were in a dream, which left her both amazed and excited.

On his way home, Luke couldn't help but compare Yuki Jiang and Seraphina Shangguan in his mind.

When Luke encountered Yuki, he was struck by her fresh, lovely appearance and her Lolita-style dress. It seemed as if the vibrant energy she exuded could immediately lift one's spirits. In contrast, Seraphina Shangguan was a poised and mature woman with long black hair that flowed like a dark river, exuding an air of mystery. Her features were striking, her cheekbones high, creating an irresistible allure.

Yuki and Seraphina were entirely different types of women, with contrasting temperaments and styles. Yuki was a fresh, adorable girl with a delicate frame, invoking a sense of tenderness and familiarity, while Seraphina was a mature, captivating woman, full of confidence and charm, radiating a powerful magnetism.

Their differences in appearance and temperament reflected the disparities in their backgrounds. Yuki came from an antique-collecting family with centuries of history, possessing numerous valuable antiques and a rich cultural heritage. Seraphina, on the other hand, was an heiress to a wealthy family, boasting abundant wealth and an extensive social network.

Although their backgrounds and styles were vastly different, both women held unique appeal in Luke's eyes.