What? All the female protagonists have systems, but I don't?

However, even though such enormous benefits are very tempting, they are insignificant compared to the Heart-Protecting Jade, a magical treasure that can protect one's life.

Lin Yuan kept thinking in his mind if there was a way to have the best of both worlds, so that he could get the Heart-Protecting Jade without having to make enemies with Gao Ming.

After all, having one more friend is never as good as having one more enemy, even if the friendship is only based on mutual benefit.

This is reality.

"What's your decision, Brother Lin?"

Seeing that Lin Yuan remained silent, Gao Ming urged him on, since he didn't have time to waste with Lin Yuan any longer.

“Brother Gao’s suggestion is excellent. As the saying goes, it’s better to resolve conflicts than to create them. I certainly don’t want to offend Brother Gao over a piece of ancient jade, but…”

Lin Yuan paused here, noticing Gao Ming's expression change from joy to seriousness, smiled, and continued.

"However, I also really like this antique jade, and I can't part with it to Brother Gao. But Brother Gao, there's no need to rush. I can promise you that I'll take you to choose an even better antique jade that will surely satisfy you. What do you say?"

"really?"

Gao Ming frowned. The ancient jade in Lin Yuan's hand was of very good quality, and it was carved with the mythical beast Xuanwu, which had a very good meaning. It would be just right to give it to his grandfather.

But now Lin Yuan says he can take me to find an even better piece of ancient jade. If that's really the case, it's not impossible for him to give up this one.

What he feared most was that Lin Yuan was simply deceiving him.

"Of course, once we leave this old shop, I'll take you there. That piece of ancient jade was also on my purchase list, but since you're giving a gift to your grandfather, I'm willing to do you a favor."

“Alright, then I will trust Brother Lin. If Brother Lin can really find me a superior piece of ancient jade, what I said earlier will still be valid.”

The agreement was reached. Lin Yuan looked at the shop owner, paid 180,000 yuan, and accepted the Heart-Protecting Jade.

After leaving the time-honored shop, Lin Yuan led Gao Ming to another shop on the antique street.

The shop is called Jade City. In Lin Yuan's memory, in the original novel, Long Haochen came to the antique street and bought two items. One of them was this Heart-Protecting Jade, and the other was a top-quality antique jade.

That ancient jade is not a magic weapon and does not have the heaven-defying power of a heart-protecting jade, but it is still a rare treasure. Placing it in the house can ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, and it also symbolizes longevity, making it a suitable gift for the elderly.

In the original novel, Long Haochen bought the ancient jade as a gift for Gu Qingyi's grandfather.

This ancient jade was not on Lin Yuan's shopping list, but now that he could do Gao Ming a favor, why not?

The two entered Jade City and wandered around inside. Gao Ming did not find any ancient jade that satisfied him, so he looked at Lin Yuan.

"Brother Lin, is there really an ancient jade here that can satisfy me?"

"Of course, but the price is also quite expensive. I hope Brother Gao can accept it."

"Brother Lin, you know that price is meaningless to us."

"it is good."

Lin Yuan said with a smile.

That exquisite ancient jade was the prized possession of this jade city, but it wasn't displayed in the counter. In the original story, Long Haochen was able to discover that exquisite ancient jade because he sensed the aura emanating from it.

He closed his eyes and sensed it; he could indeed feel a warm aura gathering on the second floor of this ancient city.

"So that's how it is. No wonder that grandson of Long Haochen always manages to find good things. Ancient martial arts practitioners are truly incredible."

Lin Yuan thought to himself.

He went straight to the counter, where the shopkeeper was a beautiful young woman in her early twenties, in the prime of her life, wearing a cheongsam that perfectly accentuated her figure.

Her hair was pulled back and secured with a jade hairpin, giving her an elegant and beautiful appearance. If she were to hold an embroidered fan in her hand, she would be even more charming.

"What would you like, gentlemen? What kind of jade would you like? I have it all here."

Although the shopkeeper was young, his speech and demeanor revealed maturity and composure.

She also has a significant role in the original novel. Although she isn't the female lead, her relationship with Long Haochen, the chosen one, is ambiguous.

Her name is Yao Ying.

"Manager Yao, these jade items are not up to our standards. Bring out your prized possessions for us to see."

Lin Yuan said directly.

"You flatter me, sir. I have no such thing here."

"Manager Yao, let me introduce you. This is Gao Ming, the young master of the Gao family in Jiangcheng. You don't need to worry about him not being able to afford the price."

Yao Ying's eyes lit up slightly.

When Lin Yuan and Gao Ming entered the store, she could clearly sense that these two people were different from ordinary people and must be VIPs, but she did not expect that one of them would have such a prominent identity.

Although this is Beicheng, everyone has heard of the Gao family of Jiangcheng to some extent. In fact, they are well-known as major families in various cities, as such families control the economic lifeline of their localities.

"I am not good at recognizing you as the young master of the Gao family in Jiangcheng. Please wait a moment while I go and fetch it."

Yao Ying smiled slightly, a beauty that could topple empires. She slowly walked upstairs, her steps and waist swaying, which made her second brother, who was not of strong will, raise his head proudly.

"Brother Lin, I never expected that such a beauty would be hidden in this small antique street."

"What? Brother Gao, you've taken a liking to Manager Yucheng?"

Men have zero resistance to beautiful women, even if they are in a high position of power. Otherwise, why would there be the saying that even heroes cannot resist the charms of a beautiful woman?

Good looks alone are not enough to attract men of Gao Ming's caliber, like Lin Yuan. To attract a womanizer like Lin Yuan, one must not only have good looks but also a unique temperament and distinctive characteristics.

"Brother Lin, are you perhaps not interested?"

"A little."

"Ha ha ha ha……"

The two then burst into laughter. Of course, Yao Ying couldn't hear these lewd remarks, otherwise it would be too impolite, and if she didn't sell to them, it would be a loss.

The two of them had already shut their mouths when Yao Ying came down.

Yao Ying was carrying an exquisite wooden box. The box was shiny and gleaming, with intricate patterns carved on it, giving it a very antique look.

The wooden box was opened, revealing the exquisite ancient jade inside.

The moment Gao Ming saw the ancient jade, he was immediately captivated, staring at it intently for a long time.

Below this ancient jade is a square platform, on which is carved a pair of lifelike dragons, coiling and intertwining, together holding a bright pearl.

"This is truly an exquisite piece of ancient jade; its shape and color are both superb."

Influenced by his grandfather, Gao Ming also had some knowledge of ancient jade. He knew that his grandfather would be happy to receive this ancient jade.

"This ancient jade is called 'Double Dragons Offering Yang.' Not only is its shape exquisite, but it also has the ability to ward off evil spirits and protect the home. Most importantly, it symbolizes longevity."

"Okay, okay, okay!"

After listening to Yao Ying's introduction, Gao Ming repeatedly said "good" to her. He was extremely glad that he hadn't competed with Lin Yuan for that ancient jade, otherwise he would have suffered a great loss.