Leo sat down and reluctantly opened a book titled “The Western Xia Tribute Records.” He spent half the day reading, but didn’t even come across the word “dagger.” How long would this take? Leo realized the absurdity of his proposal. He wasn’t trained in archaeology; these ancient texts were different from modern language, each character requiring careful interpretation to understand its precise meaning.
To make matters worse, many characters were so obscure that even dictionaries couldn’t help. He often had to consult Old Sam for a rough idea. Some characters even stumped Old Sam, necessitating consultation with other experts.
After a day of reading, Leo left Old Sam’s office, feeling unsteady on his feet. He felt utterly exhausted. He blinked hard, seeing the ancient characters swim before his eyes like taunting tadpoles.
Leo walked to Chloe’s lab, where she was still busy. He sat outside to organize his thoughts. Soon, Chloe emerged and asked, “Did you find anything?”
Leo shook his head helplessly. Chloe noticed his fatigue and consoled him, “It’s okay. It took all our museum’s ancient text experts over six months to sort through those records. You can’t do it alone.”
Leo understood this but knew it was impossible to get those experts to help again. Previously, it was a national project with ample resources. Now that the project was abandoned, no one wanted to get involved except Chloe, who persisted for personal reasons.
“Why don’t we call it a day?” Chloe suggested. Since starting the joint research with Leo, her urgency had diminished, and she hoped the project would last longer. There was an unspoken reason behind this thought, but Chloe didn’t want to dwell on it.
Leo was surprised. Chloe had been the most driven recently, and now she was suggesting a break? Chloe blushed and explained, “It’s my project after all. If you get exhausted, I’d feel guilty.”
Leo laughed, “I’m fine. I won’t get exhausted.” He stood up and stretched. “Alright, I’ll rest for now and come back tomorrow to continue with the records.”
As Leo walked out, Chloe sighed in relief and turned back to the wooden box and dagger on the workbench, lost in thought.
The next morning, after having breakfast at the clinic, a sudden idea struck Leo. He quickly drove to the museum. The dagger must be a treasure; if so, he could try the Blooddrinker Arts. Why hadn’t he thought of this before?
On the way, he called Chloe. “I have an idea that might unlock the dagger’s secret. I’m driving over now. Are you at the museum?”
“I’m still at home. Come pick me up, and we’ll go together,” Chloe replied eagerly.
Leo picked up Chloe and explained his idea during the drive. Chloe pondered for a while without speaking. After parking in the underground garage, Leo waited silently for her response.
Only then did he notice Chloe was wearing silk pajamas, revealing a large expanse of her fair chest. The hem of her nightgown barely covered her thighs, making Leo feel awkward about where to look.
Chloe seemed unfazed; she had hurried out with just a coat over her pajamas. “Your method sounds unreliable and might contaminate the dagger, but it’s worth a try.”
Leo rolled his eyes. Unreliable? Really? Chloe tightened her coat and opened the car door. The quiet garage echoed with their footsteps.
Chloe asked, “Does the Blooddrinker Arts require human blood?”
Leo nodded, “Yes.”
“Men’s blood or women’s blood?” Chloe asked again.
Leo was taken aback by her thoroughness. “Either should work,” he guessed.
“Alright, let’s use your blood,” Chloe said playfully.
It was the first time Leo saw Chloe smile; it was like a snow lotus blooming on an icy mountain, leaving him momentarily stunned.
“Hey, let’s go,” Chloe called out.
Leo shook his head vigorously and followed her. They took the elevator to the sixth floor, where Chloe swiped her card to enter her lab.
Wearing gloves, Chloe placed the dagger, sheath, and box on the workbench. She then took out a small experimental knife and removed her left glove.
“What are you doing?” Leo asked.
“Drawing blood,” Chloe replied, puzzled by his reaction.
Leo took the knife from her hand. “Let me do it.”
Chloe stepped aside reluctantly. Leo pricked his left index finger with the knife, producing a drop of blood which he let fall onto the dagger. Nothing happened; the blood just sat there.
Unwilling to give up, Leo squeezed another drop onto the sheath. Still nothing happened. Was Blooddrinker Arts wrong?
Feeling defeated by the failed experiment, Leo didn’t know what to do next.
“Let me try,” Chloe insisted.
Leo handed her the knife and stepped aside. Just as she was about to prick her left index finger, Leo stopped her. “Wait!”
“What now?” Chloe asked, confused by his sudden outburst.
“Men use their left hand; women should use their right,” Leo explained.
“Right hand? Okay,” Chloe switched the knife to her left hand.
Seeing her hand tremble slightly and her nervous expression, Leo grabbed her right hand. “What are you doing now?” Chloe protested; she was scared of blood and had just mustered enough courage…
“I’ll help you.”
Before she could respond, Leo flicked her right index finger, producing a drop of blood without causing pain.
Leo released her hand, and Chloe quickly let her blood drop onto the dagger.