Chapter 2433: Chapter 2336: Where Have I Seen You Before

Zhang Xiaomei nodded her head: "You’re right. This project has been going on for eighteen years now. Even if it takes my entire life, I am determined to see it through to the end."

Zhou Shitao looked at Zhang Xiaomei with an encouraging gaze, but thinking of the possibility that the research might not be incorporated into archaeological applications anytime soon, he felt a little regretful and anxious, and couldn’t help but sigh:

"Do you think the results of this research project will be ready in time for this batch of Cloud Brocade?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaomei seemed a bit embarrassed, as if she was trying to find the right words.

But Zhou Shitao already heard the answer in her hesitation and couldn’t help but wave his hand, deciding not to press further.

How could he not know? Unlike archaeology, where artifacts are ultimately buried underground and can eventually be found with the right methods,

a research project is not the same. It’s a long process of exploration, research, and validation, which might take several years or even decades and ultimately be proven a wrong direction. Such things are not uncommon.

The fact that Zhang Xiaomei didn’t definitively say it’s over can already be considered lucky for this batch of Cloud Brocade.

Zhou Shitao was lost in thought, his mind going a thousand miles, while Huo Sining, who was listening to the conversation between Zhang Xiaomei and the Mother and Daughter of the Zhang Family, suddenly paused, a look of contemplation crossing her face.

The breeding of the primordial silkworm strains sounds quite intriguing; this topic seems quite similar to the selection and breeding of Primordial Immortal Fish and Primordial Huaxia Koi.

Suddenly, Huo Sining remembered a few years ago when she first arrived in the Magic Capital, having just discovered the secret of the Water-Repelling Pearl in her hand. She figured out how to use Spiritual Energy and managed to create several Primordial Immortal Fish, attracting Qin Shaoyou and Gan Lijun over.

Looking back now, she was indeed the fearless young one unwary of the tiger, not understanding the immense impact of this ability at the time. Had she encountered someone who coveted the skill she held, instead of Qin Shaoyou and Gan Lijun, she would surely have been in trouble.

Reflecting all these thoughts, Huo Sining’s gaze softened as she looked at Zhang Xiaomei.

She couldn’t help but take a few steps forward and asked:

"Professor Zhang, how far have you come with this silkworm strain breeding project?"

Huo Sining’s sudden question broke the brief silence in the ancient tomb, drawing everyone’s attention towards her.

Zhang Xiaomei was also a bit surprised. She turned to give Huo Sining a look, displaying a mix of astonishment and confusion, and instinctively turned to Zhou Shitao:

"Mr. Zhou, who is this..."

Zhou Shitao didn’t know why Huo Sining suddenly asked this question, but he knew her character was always composed and astute, so she wouldn’t ask without reason.

So Zhou Shitao couldn’t help but smile and pointed at Huo Sining, saying:

"This is my rather unworthy young disciple I took on a few years ago. This girl is rather talented and has some spiritual insight, but she’s still too young, so I brought her here for some experience."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaomei was stunned. Considering Zhou Shitao’s age, this girl must be his closed-door disciple, right? And knowing the old master’s temperament, if she hadn’t truly gained his favor, even with a powerful background, Zhou Shitao, being the stubborn mule that he was, would never admit her out of protocol.

Moreover, though Zhou Shitao called her unworthy, the undeniable pride in his eyes and demeanor didn’t escape Zhang Xiaomei’s notice.

It seemed this young girl was indeed a favorite of Master Zhou.

This made Zhang Xiaomei quite curious about this young girl. How could someone who looked barely in their twenties earn such admiration from the hard-to-please Master Zhou?

Zhang Xiaomei couldn’t help but scrutinize Huo Sining from top to bottom, seemingly trying to see if there was something unique about this girl.

However, upon closer inspection, Zhang Xiaomei felt a bit bewildered as she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had seen this girl somewhere before.

Being straightforward by nature, Zhang Xiaomei couldn’t help but voice her confusion:

"Young lady, have we met before?"

Huo Sining paused for a moment, then shook her head: "This is my first time meeting Professor Zhang."

"That’s strange, how come you look so familiar to me." Zhang Xiaomei said in confusion.

On the side, Zhou Shitao chuckled:

"It’s not surprising you find her familiar. This girl loves to make a splash, she’s been in the news quite a bit these past two years—went on the Spring Festival Gala, attended the International Treasure Appraisal Conference, donated tens of billions in earthquake relief, and even brought back two twelve zodiac animal heads from Philadelphia. So it’s not odd at all if you think you’ve seen her somewhere on TV or in print."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaomei was extremely shocked. Zhou Shitao was not one to exaggerate; since he dared to say this in front of so many people, it must be true.

But how could such an early-twenties girl accomplish so much? Attending the Spring Festival Gala or Treasure Appraisal Conference aside, donating tens of billions could still be attributed to family wealth, but how did she manage to retrieve the twelve zodiac animal heads?

Even though Zhang Xiaomei was Zhang Xiuchun’s daughter, her focus had always been on scientific research, and she didn’t typically pay much attention to the antique circle news.

This disqualified Zhou Shitao’s suggestion that she might have read about the girl in newspapers or magazines since she wasn’t interested in such media.

However, having grown up around Zhang Xiuchun, hearing about the antique world, she had some peripheral understanding, knowing full well the esteemed status of the twelve zodiac animal heads in Hua Country.

Precisely because of this esteemed status, many understood how challenging it was to reclaim these heritage treasures scattered overseas.

But this young girl managed to do just that. How could Zhang Xiaomei not be amazed?

Initially, she only found the young girl somewhat familiar but didn’t pay much heed, but after Zhou Shitao’s introduction, she couldn’t help but reevaluate her, even giving her a different look.

"You just asked me how far we’ve come with the silkworm strain breeding, right? For a student in the archaeology field, why are you curious about silkworm strain breeding?"

Although she didn’t think the young girl’s question held significant purpose, Zhang Xiaomei patiently asked.

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