Reborn As Super Heiress

Chapter 1483: Chapter 1457: Trash Cardboard Box

”Hello, Mr. Windsor,” Huo Sining politely said, ”I am Huo Sining from Huaxia.”

Windsor Reed waved his hand, ”No need to be so formal, Miss Huo. I have seen your performance at the international treasure appraisal conference and am very impressed with your demeanor and appraisal skills. Your Huaxia has a long history and a wide variety of antiques, but I’m curious how much Miss Huo knows about our European antiques?”

Huo Sining was taken aback for a moment and then smiled faintly, ”To be honest, I have rarely delved into European antiques. Every field has its own specialization. I can hardly claim to fully understand even Huaxia’s antiques. How would I dare to show off my European knowledge in front of you, sir?”

Windsor Reed was somewhat surprised by Huo Sining’s response. In his view, even those renowned scholars from Huaxia would not dare to be so candid. Yet, Huo Sining was remarkably straightforward, not boasting or taking undue credit, which made Windsor Reed look at Huo Sining with much softer eyes.

”It’s said that antiques are universal. I suppose with Miss Huo’s deep research into Huaxia antiques, she could perhaps glean a thing or two about foreign items as well.”

Windsor Reed laughed, ”Coincidentally, I recently purchased a batch of items from the Netherlands. For some reason, a few friends found them questionable, so I’d like to ask Miss Huo for help to see if there are any issues with them.”

Windsor Reed got straight to the point without too much small talk.

Recently, Huo Sining had been vigorously absorbing knowledge, learning various European historical and cultural appraisal techniques. She didn’t expect an opportunity to practice so soon. So when she heard Windsor Reed’s words, her heart stirred a little but she nodded calmly.

The elderly man, unaware of Huo Sining’s inner thoughts, ignored his eager son standing nearby and led Huo Sining directly into his personal collection room, introducing her to the objects housed within as they walked.

The collection was located on the top floor of Windsor Castle, equipped with the latest high-tech security systems, including facial recognition, fingerprint passwords, and even DNA unlocking, which left Huo Sining somewhat amazed.

Previously, in Adrian’s castle, Huo Sining had already encountered infrared security systems. Seeing this high-tech setup at the Windsor household again left her in awe.

It seemed these foreigners were really willing to invest heavily in their collections.

”These are all precious artifacts preserved here, so we must be extra careful.”

Noticing Huo Sining’s slightly dazed expression, a hint of pride flashed in Windsor Reed’s eyes.

After a few seconds of surprise, Huo Sining returned to normal. Seeing Windsor Reed boast like a child, she suppressed the twitch of her mouth and followed him into the collection room.

Once inside the gallery, she was immediately captivated by the myriad of antiques displayed on layer upon layer of curio shelves.

Stone carvings, agate, amber, crystals, and clocks—all things typically unremarkable to Huo Sining—did not catch her eye. However, she was instantly drawn to the jade ruyi and porcelain meticulously arranged on several shelves. As she approached and examined the inscriptions on the porcelain, her excitement grew.

Those items were indeed decorative pieces from the imperial court, and based on their style, they could be inferred to be from the Qing Dynasty.

The sheer scale of these objects appearing here suggested, without need for further investigation, that they were likely plundered from Yuanmingyuan during the invasion.

”Miss Huo seems to like these things?”

Windsor Reed naturally noticed Huo Sining’s odd expression. He knew this collection had been passed down from his ancestors and was aware it had been brought back from Huaxia.

However, compared to these items, he preferred European and American antiques. Thus, the collection was placed on the shelves without much attention.

Yet, he was acutely aware that those Huaxia antiques held significant status in the world of collectors and were considered invaluable treasures, which gave him much pride.

Huo Sining concealed her reaction and smiled, ”Please forgive my surprise, sir. It’s quite unexpected to suddenly see so many artifacts from Huaxia Country. By the way, where are the antiques you want me to examine?”

Windsor Reed nodded, ”Please follow me.”

With that, he prepared to lead Huo Sining further into the gallery, and Huo Sining turned to follow him.

At that moment, a servant-like figure emerged from inside the gallery holding a cardboard box. Upon seeing Windsor Reed, he bowed in greeting:

”Sir, are these items to be disposed of?”

Windsor Reed glanced disdainfully at the dusty contents of the box and replied, ”Just throw them out. Are the shelves over there cleaned up?”

”Yes, sir.”

The servant answered and was about to leave with the box.

Huo Sining’s gaze swept over the box and suddenly stumbled upon an item inside. She froze, visibly shaken.

That was...

Inside the cardboard box held by the servant was a pile of yellowing paper, either chewed or torn, messily stacked. The words ”Wenxian Dacheng” were faintly visible on the right of the top volume.

It was these words that left Huo Sining both shocked and heartbroken.

Seeing the servant carrying the box out and recalling the word ”dispose” uttered earlier, Huo Sining’s heart stirred. She quickly asked, ”Mr. Windsor, are you not keeping the things in this box?”

Windsor Reed was stunned and looked suspiciously at the items in the servant’s arms, ”Right, they’re just some damaged goods I asked to be disposed of. Why?”

Huo Sining smiled, ”Then you might as well give this box to me. Although these things are tattered, they may seem like a pile of useless garbage to you. But if I take them back to my country, they still have some research value. It would be such a waste to throw them away, so maybe let me have them.”

Huo Sining didn’t display her eagerness but casually expressed that these items could still be put to good use by her.

Windsor Reed kept his gaze on Huo Sining but couldn’t detect any ulterior motive from her face. He chuckled as he originally planned to discard the items. Since Huo Sining wanted them, he didn’t mind, and gestured for the servant to put the box down.

All Huo Sining could think about was the contents of that box, but she knew that in such moments, it’s crucial not to act hastily. So she maintained her composure and didn’t glance at the box again, instead turning to Windsor Reed with a smile:

”Mr. Windsor, let’s have a look at your treasures first.”

Windsor Reed nodded, redirecting his attention away from the abandoned box and eagerly focusing on showcasing his prized collection to Huo Sining.