Han Xiao Liu was analyzing the things they needed to prepare for their trip to the ancient city of Jingjue, while Ba Yi and Fatty had arrived at the courtyard where Professor Chen's archaeological team was located.
A valuable courtyard.
Yet, Professor Chen, who worked in this place, had been hindered by lack of funds for years. How ironic.
"This is it, but why is there no sign?"
"This is what they call 'greatly hidden in the market'. Fatty, be quiet, don't mention anything about the tomb."
Ba Yi and Fatty arrived at the courtyard and heard a disheveled man with a messy nest of hair inside staring at them with a grim expression.
"I know why you're here. I assume you're aware of our archaeological team's requirements. We are making an exception within an exception. Do you two have desert survival experience or knowledge of archaeology?"
Ba Yi and Fatty were both confused. This man just barraged them with a bunch of questions without even introducing himself. Anyone would be baffled.
"Gentlemen, if you don't possess both of those skills, then we will not accept you."
"Can we sit down and talk?"
The middle-aged man with the messy hair held a large teacup and said disdainfully:
"If you don't have the ability, I don't think there's any need to sit down."
At this moment, an old man with white hair emerged from the house, accompanied by a woman who was strikingly beautiful.
If Han Xiao Liu were here, he would have run away, because this woman was Shirley Yang, the one who had tricked him out of over $20,000, and also the sponsor of this archaeological expedition.
"You two are Hu Ba Yi and Wang Kai Xuan, right? I'm Chen Jiu Ren, the leader of the archaeological team. This is Professor Hao Ai Guo, an archaeology expert."
Hao Ai Guo still had a look of disdain on his face, seeming impatient.
Thankfully, Han Xiao Liu wasn't there, otherwise, he would have cracked his skull open.
"Sorry about that. Ai Guo is just like that, he's not a bad person. Hu Ba Yi, I've seen your resume, it's impressive."
"Not at all, not at all."
"No, no, no. You've been a soldier, even a platoon leader. You've been to the desert and to the glaciers. Leading our archaeological team would be much better than those of us who are bookworms."
Chen Jiu Ren spoke softly and complimented Hu Ba Yi, which made the arrogant Ba Yi feel very flattered.
Even Fatty was flattered and his impression of Professor Chen immediately improved.
"This time we're going deep into the desert, so we have a special requirement for the leader we're hiring. They need to understand celestial astrology and geomancy. Do either of you know it?"
Hearing this, Hu Ba Yi's mouth almost couldn't help but break into a smile.
Fatty, being a qualified straight man beside Commander Hu, naturally followed up.
"Lao Hu, tell him."
Fatty's tone was full of disdain and confidence.
Ba Yi cleared his throat and adjusted his sitting posture.
"This celestial astrology and geomancy is also called the 'Celestial Azure Bag Technique', which is part of the 'Sixteen-Character Yin-Yang Geomancy Secret Technique', specifically the 'Heaven' scroll. And celestial astrology is the most obscure and difficult chapter in the 'Heaven' scroll. I only know a little bit."
Hu Ba Yi's wide grin indicated that he knew more than a little bit.
"Can you elaborate?"
"Of course, this celestial astrology…"
Hu Ba Yi didn't hold back and explained celestial astrology. This shocked the archaeological team.
Especially Professor Chen, who had researched Western regions culture for his entire life, was so excited that he almost cried.
"Oh, Hu Ba Yi, we rely on you for this trip to the Western regions."
Hao Ai Guo, who had just been disdainful, was completely transformed, becoming extremely enthusiastic. He even enthusiastically shook hands, wiping them on his clothes first.
Looking at the worshipful gaze of everyone around him, Hu Ba Yi couldn't help but put on an act.
He had a gentle smile on his face and constantly greeted everyone.
But Hu Ba Yi was also conflicted.
Before they left, Da Jin Ya had repeatedly instructed him to mention Han Xiao Liu to Professor Chen, saying that his presence could greatly increase their chances of success.
"Professor Chen, have you heard of Han Xiao Liu?"
Professor Chen and Hao Ai Guo were bookworms after all, having stayed in this courtyard for countless years. Naturally, they didn't know about the up-and-coming talent.
But they didn't know, someone did know.
The three interns standing at the door knew.
"I know!"
"Yi Xin, tell us, who is this person? I've never heard of him. Does he have any special skills?"
"Professor, this Han Xiao Liu is amazing. He's the youngest graduate in the history of Peking University's history department. He graduated at eighteen."
Professor Chen and Hao Ai Guo looked at each other, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.
"Hu Ba Yi, why are you asking about Han Xiao Liu?"
"It's like this, I heard about this person from Jin Boss. It is said that he has extraordinary talent and if he can join us, it will definitely increase our chances of success."
Hearing Hu Ba Yi's words, Professor Chen became interested.
But one person's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
"Mr. Hu, is the Han Xiao Liu you're talking about the owner of the 'Curious Goods Shop' in Panjia Yuan?"
"That's right. Miss, do you know him?"
"The person you're talking about is a liar! He scammed me out of $20,000 by selling me two fakes. Hmph!"
Everyone looked at each other, speechless.
...
"Achoo~~~"
"Who's talking about me???"
Han Xiao Liu, who was modifying a shotgun, suddenly sneezed, feeling like someone was cursing him.
"Don't let me know who it is, hmph!"