Chapter 2

2

"I never officially studied it. I just heard the old-timers in town bragging about it. They said our area used to be full of ancient sites," I replied.

In my last life, I was forced to be a history teacher specializing in ancient eras because of my personal interests.

"Sir, why are you still following me? Are you trying to snatch my next find?" I asked.

"I pay fair prices. You wouldn't hate having more money, would you?" He handed me a business card. "My name is Sterling. You can call me Professor Sterling."

"Professor Sterling, if that dog's water bowl over there is a treasure, how much would you give me for it?" I pointed to a filthy bowl on the side of the road.

It was also a Ming piece, though it lacked a year mark.

"That thing is disgusting. How could it be anything good?" The young man behind the Professor sneered.

"It is Ming blue-and-white. You can just see the edge of a flat chrysanthemum under the dirt," I said, staying back.

In my previous life, someone with a sharp eye recognized it from that single flower. It sold for millions, though it was worth less without the year mark.

Professor Sterling rushed over immediately. He picked up the dog bowl and started wiping it with his handkerchief. "Rory, I will give you a million for this."

"Deal. Take me to a different bank. I need a second account. I do not like keeping all my eggs in one basket."

I just pointed my finger and made a million. I would be a fool to say no. Now that I had money, I could use my memories and knowledge to find my own luck.

Professor Sterling went to find the owner of the dog bowl to settle the deal.

The young man stood by me and said, "I am Miles. I am one of the Professor's grad students."

"Rory Lowell. Recent high school grad and future archaeology major at Columbia University, if I get in," I said. Columbia was my first choice.

Miles did not laugh this time. Professor Sterling returned holding the dirty bowl, his face wrinkled in a huge grin.

"Let's go. We will get your card set up. We should exchange contact info. I am staying in town for a while."

"I do not have a phone," I admitted.

Professor Sterling looked shocked. "You have all this money now. Why not buy one?"

I shook my head. "I do not plan on telling anyone I have money. If people know, they will try to take it. If I have a phone, it will be stolen."

"Then call me from a payphone or come to my hotel. If you do not show up, I will stay put. To the public, we will just say you are a local guide working for tuition money."

The Professor caught on quickly and stopped asking for my number. He was a very understanding old man.

To repay his kindness, I pointed at a heavy brick on the ground. "You can have this one for free, as long as you can carry it. It is a fragment of a Han Dynasty stone tablet."

Miles's eyes almost popped out. "No way."

"Professor Sterling, I am going home now. Thank you!" With this much money, I could do anything―except support my toxic family.

Professor Sterling handed the dog bowl to Miles and pulled out his magnifying glass again, crouching over the brick.