She’s a Passerby, But Can See the Protagonist’s Halo

"Let's put it away for now," Zhu Jue said. The two of them carefully rolled up the scroll and placed it back into the brocade box.

Yan was holding her forehead, relieved that she could tell the painting hadn’t been artificially aged. Otherwise, if someone in the know saw it, they might have a hard time explaining themselves.

Deep down, she still held onto a sliver of hope. "Jue, do you think... maybe she’s just a young lady who admires Princess Jianing? That’s possible, right?"

The calligraphy and paintings of Princess Jianing were in a league of their own compared to other ancient works.

Due to their rarity, they were either housed in top-tier museums or fetched astronomical prices at auctions, sometimes reaching nine figures.

The scroll in their hands felt like a hot potato, almost too hot to handle.

"Look on the bright side," Zhu Jue said. "The painting looks too new. Anyone who sees it would think it’s fake."

"That’s true, but there’s a difference between others not knowing and us not knowing," Yan muttered.

The mounting, paper, and ink all looked fresh, so most appraisers would likely dismiss it as a modern piece. Even if the calligraphy seemed as if Princess Jianing herself had written it, they’d insist it was the work of an incredibly skilled forger.

To outsiders, it wouldn’t be seen as an antique, so its value would be negligible.

After all, who would believe that someone who died centuries ago could reincarnate and live again in the modern era?

"Let’s just treat it as a gift from a friend. Don’t think about its value," Zhu Jue said softly. Yan nodded, agreeing that it was the best way to look at it.

Besides, Gu Jiasui had only sent a piece of her own calligraphy and painting, as Yan had suggested. It was a modest gift, but the sentiment behind it was deep.

Thinking about this, Yan’s expression turned strange.

Damn, was this actually her fault? But whether it was the ice jade bracelet or this painting, both were way too troublesome!

That night, the two didn’t stroll around for long. As they walked, they kept a close eye on their surroundings, afraid they might accidentally wander into Mingzhi Hall again.

After a quiet night, Yan rushed back to her dorm after finishing her two Friday classes.

A week of military training followed by the first week of classes meant Yan and her classmates had been in school for twelve straight days before finally getting a weekend.

Finally, a day off!

"This week has been brutal. Don’t wake me up tomorrow morning," Chu Bingbing said, sprawled on her bed.

With five days of classes, even though only one day was packed, the other days still had at least two classes each. The gaps between classes were just enough to grab a meal or scroll through her phone, leaving no real time to rest.

"I won’t be up too early tomorrow either. I’m heading to the antique street," Yan said, checking the route to the antique street on her phone. The old district was only half an hour away by subway, and most shops didn’t open until ten, so she could sleep in a bit.

"Are you two going on a date to the antique street?" Chu Bingbing asked, surprised. It wasn’t exactly a typical date spot.

Gu Jiasui had been picked up by a private car after class, and Yi Zhi was on the balcony tending to her cherry tomatoes. When she heard Yan was going to the antique street, her heart skipped a beat, and she pricked up her ears.

Why was Yan going to the antique street too? Yi Zhi had never mentioned wanting to go there to shop in the dorm. Was this just a coincidence?

"I need to buy some paper, brushes, and pigments for calligraphy and painting. There’s a shop there run by a family friend, so I need to stop by and say hello," Yan explained.

"Oh, I saw online that there’s a weekend market where people can set up stalls. It might be crowded, but since you’re going to a shop, it shouldn’t be too bad," Chu Bingbing replied casually.

"I see," Yi Zhi thought to herself, quietly relaxing. She was planning to buy gold and jade, and she wanted to keep it a secret. Tomorrow, she’d leave at a different time and disguise herself.

After years of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, Yi Zhi was confident in her ability to change her appearance and avoid being recognized by acquaintances.

"During the day, the stalls are mostly run by regular vendors or scammers. I heard there’s a night market where you can rent a stall. A lot of college students sell handmade items, and there are resellers selling CCD camera parts and stuff," Yan said.

Ding Ling, sitting below her bed, was holding a water cup and thinking about Bin City’s antique street—the largest underground market in southern Xia.

Ding Ling remembered her team leader mentioning that the antique street was full of hidden talents. Sometimes even their team had to source supplies from individual workshops there, and occasionally, high-quality talismans of unknown origin would appear. It was a place with many secrets.

When they were searching for talismans that could gather yin energy, someone had been assigned specifically to handle the antique street.

Yan and her boyfriend were going to the antique street to buy calligraphy supplies?

Ding Ling shook her head inwardly. It probably wasn’t just calligraphy supplies. After all, yellow talisman paper and cinnabar could also be considered a type of "ink and pigment," couldn’t they?

Her fingers twitched as she couldn’t help but wonder what Yan was really up to.

Visiting a family friend... That sounded ordinary, but upon closer thought, could it be an elder from the mystical arts?

Was Yan planning to deal with her?

Ding Ling’s face tightened. Mystical practitioners and spirits were natural enemies. Had Yan been pretending to agree with her?

No, no. As a ghost king, she was highly sensitive to human emotions. If Yan had harbored any hostility or malice, she would have noticed.

Perhaps Yan was going to the antique street to confirm her identity through her family’s connections?

That was very possible!

Maybe she should go to the antique street tomorrow too? It would be a good chance to confirm Yan’s identity.

Yan lay in bed, searching for nearby restaurants at the antique street. She planned to grab a bite after finishing her errands tomorrow, completely unaware of what the others in the dorm were thinking.

This week, she had spent her days sitting next to Gu Jiasui in class, and when she returned to the dorm, she had to deal with her other extraordinary roommates. Only on weekends, when she went out with Zhu Jue, could she truly relax and let loose.

Fortunately, the five girls in Room 320 weren’t the clingy type. They all kept to themselves, so no one minded her going out with her boyfriend instead of joining dorm activities.

September 21st, Saturday.

At 9:20, Yan had already finished her morning routine. Considering she’d be testing brushes and pigments at Panxi Hall today, she avoided wearing white and chose a simple purple dress with flat ballet shoes. Her shoulder-length black hair was curled naturally with a curling iron.

Ding Ling watched Yan’s movements. Purple was a tricky color—if it didn’t suit someone, it could make them look older or dull. But on Yan, it looked perfect, giving her an ethereal, mysterious aura.

Such an extraordinary, otherworldly presence—how could she just be an ordinary student?

Gu ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‍Jiasui hadn’t returned last night, Chu Bingbing was still asleep, and Yi Zhi had left early without saying where she was going. Yan bid Ding Ling goodbye, picked up her bag, and quietly left the dorm.

The main gate of Bin University led directly to the subway entrance. While waiting for the train, Yan glanced around and caught a flash of golden light, making her pause.

"What’s wrong?" Zhu Jue asked.

He was looking down, so Yan leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"I think I saw a halo, but it disappeared too quickly. I couldn’t make it out," Yan said, frowning slightly. Could there be other extraordinary individuals at Bin University?

When she looked again, it was gone. Neither of the subway trains had arrived yet. "Maybe I’m just seeing things," she muttered.

After seeing her roommates’ halos every day, was she starting to hallucinate?

By the time they arrived at Bin City’s antique street station, Yan hadn’t seen the fleeting halo again, so she decided not to dwell on it.

"It’s ten o’clock. Uncle Pan’s shop should be open," Yan said, checking the time. The two followed the navigation toward Panxi Hall.

The antique street was massive, with separate sections for jade, stoneware, antiques, and calligraphy supplies. As they walked, they avoided the stalls and people carrying vases, afraid they might get scammed into paying tens of thousands for a "centuries-old antique" that was actually made last week.

Panxi Hall was run by Uncle Pan, who specialized in brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, offering a curated selection of handmade items from various artisans.

"Two greens, three greens, head green, three blues, four blues—we’ll take those. And those two gamboge blocks too. They’ll last us a while."

"How much is the cinnabar per gram? What about this cinnabar stick?"

"Peacock feather brushes, small hooks, small white clouds, and green blades—same quantities as before."

"Is the pine soot ink from the batch stored two years ago?"

"Half a ream of Ming family's Chu paper and Yunlong paper, please. There's really no space left in the dorm.

Previously, we always ordered supplies online, but this time, coming to the store, Yan and Zhu Jue were completely dazzled by the variety. They tested brushes and inks, and there were so many good things that Yan, with a pained expression, took out her phone to calculate the money left in her savings, feeling both agony and joy.

Uncle Pan, with his long eyebrows, chuckled as he watched them. 'Little Yan, you really have the boldness of Teacher Yan. Little Zhu, so you're already being managed?'

Zhu Jue, holding a basket filled with the brushes and mineral pigments Yan had chosen, replied seriously, 'What's mine is hers. There's no difference.'

Uncle Pan clicked his tongue twice. 'Alright, I'll have someone wrap these up for you. The paper will be delivered this afternoon. Can you two handle carrying the goods with your outfits today?'

Just as the two finished picking out their items and gave Uncle Pan the address for delivery, they stepped out of the shop and noticed a crowd gathered around a nearby stall.

What caught Yan's attention the most was the dazzlingly familiar golden halo she saw amidst the crowd.

'Another time-traveler!'

So far, Yan had never encountered two haloed individuals with the same aura. Was this another time-traveler, or was her good roommate also here?

She gave Zhu Jue a look, and her childhood friend immediately understood. The two of them joined the crowd surrounding the stall to see what was going on.

It was a stall selling various items—brush holders, paperweights, half a piece of inkstick, carved inkstones, and all kinds of teacups...

At the center of it all was Gu Jiasui, standing next to an elderly man in a Tang suit who was negotiating with her.

'Miss, may I take a closer look at that teacup?'

The silver-haired old man was clearly no ordinary person, accompanied by two men in traditional buttoned-up attire, likely his bodyguards.

'Who is that old man?' Yan only saw the back of his head, but the halo above Gu Jiasui's head was unmistakable to her.

A nearby man glanced at her and Zhu Jue. 'Tourists? That's Master Zhu, a renowned collector. Have you seen the CCTV show *National Treasure Appreciation*?'

As soon as the man mentioned it, Yan remembered. 'That's Mr. Zhu Chongchong, the one who opened a museum?' He was a famous antique expert whose collection not only filled his own museum but had also donated many pieces to the nation.

'Exactly, Master Zhu. That girl bought the teacup from this stall for over two thousand and even got the seller to throw in an inkstick.'

'I think she's been completely scammed!'

The man, now fully engaged, explained to the two of them like an insider.

Yan nodded. It seemed Gu Jiasui had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

'This is a replica. Nowadays, these imitation Liushui cups are nearly perfect, but they lack the natural charm of the originals,' Master Zhu said, stroking his beard and shaking his head with a grave expression.

'Miss, you should be more careful when examining items in the future!'

'Oh, Master Zhu, this was a fair deal. Money and goods exchanged, no refunds,' the stall owner quickly interjected, sounding anxious.

'I know it's fake,' Gu Jiasui spoke up.

The Liushui cup was a teacup from the Great Zhou Dynasty. As a princess, she had used the first batch herself. How could she not recognize a fake?

Her words left Master Zhu momentarily stunned.

'Two thousand could buy quite a few of these teacups.'

His gaze shifted to the wrapped inkstick in Gu Jiasui's hand. She didn't mind showing it to him; the old man meant well.

'Hard as jade, patterned like rhinoceros horn, cuts paper like a knife, and bears the character "jade" carved into it,' Master Zhu murmured, holding the inkstick with both hands, his expression one of awe.

'Is this... real?'

'It's real. Lan ink,' Gu Jiasui replied calmly.

'Lan ink?' Yan nearly jumped on the spot.@@novelbin@@

Among the Four Treasures of the Study, Hui ink, Hu brush, Xuan paper, and Duan inkstone are all famous. The golden age of Hui ink was brought about by Lan Yu and his son during the Great Zhou Dynasty, who created 'Lan ink.' This ink was exclusively used by the imperial court and became legendary after its production method was lost. It was said, 'Gold is easy to obtain, but Lan ink is hard to come by.' Countless scholars spent their lives seeking even half a piece of Lan ink. Today, only one piece remains in the National Palace Museum in Taicheng, hailed as the greatest ink of all time.

'Young lady, how did you...?'

Master Zhu's breathing became rapid. 'You... you recognized this as Lan ink from the start!'

'If I hadn't bought that teacup, he wouldn't have thrown in the inkstick,' Gu Jiasui said.

She glanced at the now dumbfounded stall owner. 'You said it yourself—fair deal, money and goods exchanged, no refunds.'

In her past life, she had always used Lan ink. Just by weighing the inkstick in her hand and examining it, she had known what it was.

Her words caused an uproar among the onlookers.

'Is it real? The legendary Lan ink? She got it for two thousand, and it was a freebie?'

'Holy cow, who is this girl? Her eye for this stuff is incredible!'

'Didn't half a piece of suspected Lan ink sell for eighty million Hong Kong dollars at an auction in Hong Kong eight years ago?'

Master Zhu carefully handed the inkstick back to Gu Jiasui, his eyes filled with admiration.

'Your discernment is truly remarkable. Today, you've taught this old man a lesson.'

Master Zhu glanced at the growing crowd and the people snapping photos, frowning slightly. He looked at Gu Jiasui with appreciation for her talent.

'Miss, if you don't mind, please ride in my car. I'll take you wherever you need to go.'

With a piece of Lan ink in her possession and so many people watching, he felt responsible for the trouble he might have caused. This young lady, beautiful and carrying such a treasure, could easily become a target.

'Thank you. I won't stand on ceremony,' Gu Jiasui said, holding the box containing the teacup as she followed Master Zhu, escorted by his bodyguards. She didn't notice Yan in the crowd.

With the main attraction gone, the onlookers were left buzzing with excitement.

'She's hit the jackpot, that girl.'

'Why does she look familiar? It's rare to see such a beautiful and discerning young person.'

'Wait, isn't she that celebrity?'

'What?'

Yan rubbed her chin. This was the usual modus operandi of haloed individuals.

With a single move, they could create a sensation, instantly captivating the crowd, and even when questioned, they would smoothly win over everyone.

Well, today she had successfully blended into the crowd of onlookers without causing any unnecessary trouble. Yan was quite satisfied with herself.

She and Zhu Jue quietly left the crowd of antique enthusiasts discussing the big find. Yan whispered, 'I remember Lan ink was at its peak during Princess Jianing's time, right?'

Zhu Jue nodded silently. Yan murmured, 'So, it's pretty much confirmed.'

To recognize imperial ink so effortlessly and to have mastered Princess Jianing's calligraphy style...

Gu Jiasui was indeed the Great Zhou Dynasty's Princess Jianing!

After the excitement, the two headed to the shop where they had ordered the Five Emperor coins. Yan's eyes caught another flash.

Huh? Did she just see another familiar golden halo disappear in a flash?