Opportunity

After a heartfelt conversation outside the hospital room, Gu Ming successfully reassured Ji Ying, ensuring her that she would stay on the right path and lead a steady life.

When the two million was deposited into her account, Gu Ming had already made up her mind: now that she had this incredible ability, she would never waste it.

Her background in cultural relics identification had always been something she was passionate about. With her skills and this newfound ability, she no longer worried about not finding her own path in life.

Every time she saw experts in cultural relics identification being invited to give lectures at the university, she couldn't help but feel envious, hoping that one day she could be like them—an expert in the field, standing on her own.

Because of Du Hao, she had once considered giving up on her dream and passion for her studies. However, it was like the heavens had shaken her awake, reminding her of what she was meant to do.

Not long after, Grandpa Gu, who had been recovering well, woke up. It was also time for his medicine, so Ji Ying quickly went inside to give him the medicine, while Gu Ming sat by his bed and chatted with him.

Grandpa's recovery was going well; though he couldn't form long sentences yet, he could still manage simple sounds. When he heard Gu Ming's playful words, a happy smile appeared on his face.

Around noon, Auntie came to take over the shift, bringing with her some soup she had made for Grandpa. Watching Auntie care for Grandpa with the same attention, Gu Ming couldn't help but feel a little conflicted, even though she knew Auntie was just doing what was necessary for her son, Gu Nan.

Wanting to avoid showing her discomfort, she gently pulled Ji Ying aside to let them rest at home.

Since Grandpa's recovery was going well and the doctor said he could be discharged soon, there was no need to worry about the massive medical bills anymore. Ji Ying's insurance had also been renewed, and Gu Ming felt a sense of relief. She was no longer weighed down by worry, and her mood lightened significantly. Even Bai Fangfang, who had been concerned about her, was much happier.

After selling the Song Dynasty Ding Kiln porcelain pillow, Gu Ming didn't forget the promise she had made to Zhou Tao. Once everything had settled, she transferred ten thousand yuan to his account.

Ten thousand yuan wasn't a small amount for an average student, but compared to the price of the porcelain pillow, it was insignificant. Gu Ming appreciated Zhou Tao's help and didn't want to take advantage of him. She thought that perhaps in the future, she might need his help again, so she decided on this amount. It wasn't too much but still showed that she kept her word and left a good impression.

This gesture made their previously distant relationship grow more familiar. These days, whenever Zhou Tao saw Gu Ming, his eyes would light up. He was eager to take her out to "pick up" valuable items again.

However, Gu Ming, who had been busy catching up with her coursework, had no time for running around with him. Plus, she didn't want to attract too much attention, so she politely declined. Zhou Tao, understanding her lack of interest, didn't push the matter further. After receiving the money from her, he didn't mention anything about the price she sold the porcelain pillow for.

Since the money from selling the porcelain pillow was enough, Gu Ming didn't take out the pen-holder-shaped item she had found, which made a dripping sound when she touched it. Instead, she kept it at home, planning to ask Professor Wang about it when she had the chance.

"Gu Ming, have you heard? They've discovered an archaeological site, and Professor Wang has been invited to help salvage the cultural relics!" Bai Fangfang burst into the dormitory, shaking Gu Ming excitedly.

Gu Ming, who had been struggling with her thesis, nearly felt dizzy from the shaking. She quickly pleaded, "My dear Bai, stop shaking me, I'm about to throw up."

"Sorry, I just got so excited," Bai Fangfang said with an awkward smile.

"Where did you hear this? Even if Professor Wang is going to help, how does it relate to us? Who's going to teach our classes if Professor Wang leaves?" Gu Ming, always concerned about her coursework, immediately focused on the classes.

"How does it not relate to us? I think you've gone crazy from writing your thesis!" Bai Fangfang shut the door she had carelessly opened and continued, "I heard it from a senior. Professor Wang is not only going to help but also select a few students to assist. This is a huge opportunity! I heard that the archaeology department is already fighting for spots!"

"Did they fight?" Gu Ming asked curiously.

"Of course not. They're civilized people. It won't go that far, but maybe some tricks are being played behind the scenes," Bai Fangfang chuckled.

"I think openly fighting is better than playing tricks," Gu Ming shrugged.

The competition for such rare spots among students was no less fierce than the office politics in companies.

"Anyway, that's not the point. The point is, everyone's eager to get a spot with Professor Wang," Bai Fangfang hooked her arm around Gu Ming's neck and winked. "I'm telling you this for your own good. As soon as I heard, I rushed over to tell you. Professor Wang has always appreciated you. You should seize this opportunity! Next semester, we'll start internships. More experience will make it easier to find a job later."

"Thank you so much," Gu Ming pinched Bai Fangfang's soft cheek.

Gu Ming knew that Bai Fangfang's words weren't exaggerated. Going to the excavation site to help rescue cultural relics was entirely different from visiting established museums or heritage sites. If she could go with Professor Wang, it would not only increase her chances of landing a good job but also expand her knowledge and perspective.

It would be a lie to say that Gu Ming wasn't moved by Bai Fangfang's words. However, with so many students in the school and many of them studying fields related to cultural relics, she couldn't expect too much from Professor Wang. If she wanted to go, she would likely have to take the initiative.

The next morning, when Gu Ming didn't have classes, she greeted Bai Fangfang and went to Jibao Mountain House, since it was one of the days Professor Wang usually visited.

Sure enough, as soon as Gu Ming entered Jibao Mountain House, she saw Professor Wang talking with Zheng Boss.

"Little Gu's here," Jin Ge greeted her with a smile.

Professor Wang stopped talking with Zheng Boss, turned around, and gave Gu Ming a look that seemed to read her intentions perfectly.