After the meal, she returned to the hotel.
Most of the tasks she needed to complete for this business trip were nearly finished.
It was still early in the evening, and she didn’t feel sleepy during the bright daylight.
She remembered that she hadn’t streamed for several days.
Oh, right—she wondered if that netizen named “Nanfang” had sent her any private messages.
She opened the streaming app on her phone and tapped on the small avatar labeled “Me.”
There were 99+ unread messages, three of which were from “Nanfang,” someone she followed.
[Nanfang]: Streaming these two days?
[Nanfang]: Still busy?
[Nanfang]: I’ll wait for you then.
She checked the timestamps—they were sent at 11 a.m., right after the auction ended.
Sitting at the desk in her hotel room, she started the livestream.
In Nanshi, Xiang Jiamu was driving back to the Xiang residence. Lin Miaomiao sat in the back seat, looking rather unenthusiastic.
Half an hour earlier, Lin Miaomiao’s mother—Xiang Jiamu’s aunt—had called his mother, saying she would be on a business trip to a neighboring country for the next few days and asked if Lin Miaomiao could stay with them.
Lin Miaomiao’s parents had often traveled for work before, but they’d never sent her to stay with relatives, especially since she was already an adult. However, Lin Miaomiao had recently started dating someone her parents deemed unreliable after just one meeting.
Worried she might stir up trouble if left alone at home, they decided to entrust her to their exceptionally responsible nephew, who had been outstanding since childhood.
“Cousin, let’s go to a bar! You’re always shuttling between the company and home—it’s so boring~”
“No.” The traffic light ahead showed 10 seconds remaining. Xiang Jiamu watched the countdown, sounding entirely uninterested.
Suddenly, his phone in the passenger seat chimed with a distinctive notification—the special ringtone he’d set for when a certain streamer went live. His grip on the steering wheel tightened almost imperceptibly.
Just then, the light turned green, and the car began moving.
Did it feel like they were driving faster than before? Was it her imagination? Her cousin was the epitome of cautiousness, always keeping his speed within the safest range. What could possibly make him hurry?
In the livestream, the comments were more enthusiastic than the streamer herself, scrolling rapidly. Jiang Shu leaned closer to look—”Nanfang” hadn’t joined yet.
[Xiaodong Zhang]: “Mom asked why I’m watching educational streams. I said I love studying, hehe~~”
[Professional Faker]: “I’m in the same school and major as the streamer! I don’t pay attention in class—I secretly study through her streams and outshine everyone!!”
[I Need Credits]: “Same here! You’re not alone…”
[Migrant Worker]: “Has the streamer come to Hong Kong?”
Jiang Shu caught [Migrant Worker]’s comment as it flashed by. She paused slightly but neither confirmed nor denied it.
[Blushing]: “Is the streamer not talking today? I don’t want cold text—I want to hear her voice…”
[Local Egg]: “I second that!”
The Cantonese food she’d eaten at lunch had been spicier than expected. At first, she hadn’t noticed, but now the lingering heat made her throat feel sore and uncomfortable.
“…I’m not ignoring you on purpose. I ate something spicy at lunch. Everyone, remember to drink more water.”
The girl’s usually clear and bright voice carried a slight hoarseness, tinged with a hint of grievance.
[Xiaodong Zhang]: “I’ll go drink water right now! You’re so spicy, wifey, hehe~~”
(Nanfang has entered your livestream.)
Jiang Shu saw the notification appear at the top of her screen.”[Southern], are you there? Sorry, I just saw your message. Do you still need my help?” Jiang Shu took a sip of water and pulled her earphones slightly closer as she spoke.
He had just entered the livestream when he heard the girl asking for him. Her voice was lower and huskier than usual, with a slight nasal tone that sounded almost… coquettish.
“Cousin, what are you watching? Let me see~~” Lin Miaomiao grabbed a snack and peered over at her cousin. “Wow, cousin, you’re actually watching a livestream! This doesn’t suit your usual character at all.”
“Educational content,” he replied, sitting perfectly upright and watching with the same solemn expression as if he were viewing the evening news. How boring.
“What kind of educational content?”
“Jewelry.” Not intending to elaborate further, his mind was already working.
What should he say? Did he have anything that needed authentication? There were plenty of jewels at home, but they were all in his mother’s room—it wouldn’t be appropriate to sneak in and take one…
Ah, right. There was another female…
“Miaomiao, are you wearing any jewelry?” he asked, a hint of expectation barely visible on his face. “A bracelet or necklace would do.”
Lin Miaomiao paused mid-bite of her potato chip.
She actually was wearing one.
“What for? Will a jade bracelet work? But I can’t give it to you.”
“……” Xiang Jiamu said, “I don’t want it. I just want to help you verify its authenticity.”
Is this how big data works? Knowing what she was thinking, it made everyone around her come to her aid?
Sigh… Fine. Since Sister Shu Shu wouldn’t be back for a while anyway, she might as well let her cousin take a look.
Even if it turned out to be fake, it wouldn’t matter—her cousin wouldn’t know who gave it to her, so no embarrassment there!
“Alright then, here you go…” She slipped it off her wrist and handed it to the man.
[Southern]: “Can you analyze this bracelet for me? My family just bought it.”
“Of course,” Jiang Shu replied.
She requested to connect via microphone, but the other party declined. Jiang Shu was taken aback—usually, people seeking online authentication would proactively connect to discuss the details of their item more clearly.
This [Southern] probably wasn’t in a position to do so. Instead, they sent a video of the bracelet filmed in natural light.
Once the video finished loading, Jiang Shu clicked to play it, allowing everyone else in the livestream to see it as well.
[A Local Egg]: “Is that a jade bracelet? Is it real jade?”
[Online Counterfeit]: “The color looks quite beautiful, but it’s a bit different from the usual green.”
[A Local Egg]: “How is it different? Care to elaborate, above commenter?”
[Online Counterfeit]: “I can’t quite put my finger on it. Let’s just listen to the host.”
As soon as Jiang Shu saw the jade bracelet, it felt familiar.
Wasn’t this the same one Lin Miaomiao had shown her?
Although the filming angle and environment were different, Jiang Shu recognized it instantly—the size, color, and transparency were unmistakably identical to Lin Miaomiao’s.
Who exactly was this [Southern]? Why did they have such a video?
Lin Miaomiao had mentioned that the jade bracelet was a gift from her boyfriend. Could this [Southern] be Lin Miaomiao’s boyfriend?
“The bracelet has a lovely color, but based on what I see, it likely isn’t genuine. Some areas show uneven coloring, suggesting possible adulteration,” she phrased it tactfully, but the overall message was clear—the bracelet was fake.
Whether or not it was Lin Miaomiao’s boyfriend wouldn’t change the outcome. She only needed to tell the truth.After all, this was a matter between the two lovebirds, and it wasn’t appropriate for her to get involved.
[Nanfang]: “Okay, thank you, streamer.”
(Nanfang gifted the streamer a Moon Palace)
(Nanfang gifted the streamer a Moon Palace)
Xiang Jiamu: Finally, it’s my turn to appear.
Me: Give me more money, and I’ll give you more screen time (smug).
Xiang Jiamu: How many years in prison for extortion?
Me: ………………