Liang En had initially anticipated that perhaps one or two individuals would come by in a car to take away the gold necklaces and have him sign a series of related documents. However, the reality turned out to be that the other party attached even greater importance to this matter than Liang En had imagined.
As Liang En stood around a hundred meters away from his car, purchasing some pastries and a cup of hot tea from a mobile eatery, intending to enjoy an afternoon tea in his car, he spotted a mid-sized bus and a small truck resembling those used by moving companies approaching from the nearby road. They eventually parked beside his car.
Once the vehicles had come to a stop, more than a dozen people emerged from them.
Subsequently, an elderly man wearing work attire and glasses walked up to Liang En's car. He raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun and peered into the car's cabin through the window glass.
"Sir, may I inquire if there's something I can help you with?" Liang En asked the elder man as he held a small paper bag.
"Ah, young man, I am Dr. David Caldwell, representing the Scottish Underground Treasure Department," the elderly man responded amiably after Liang En's query. "Could you tell me the current whereabouts of the owner of this vehicle?"
"Well, I am the owner of this car, Liang En. Of course, you can call me Lawrence."
Suddenly, Liang En recalled that he had included his license plate number when notifying the museum earlier. Hence, he asked, "Are you from the Scottish Underground Treasure Department, the ones who came to retrieve the treasure after receiving a phone call?"
After a few exchanges confirming their identities, Liang En unlocked the car's cabin and retrieved five separately wrapped sections of gold necklaces from the glove compartment.
As Liang En unwrapped each cloth bundle, the gold necklaces gradually came into view for the museum staff present.
The first two local-themed gold necklaces did not catch the museum staff's attention, as their collection already held many similar artifacts.
However, when the two-sectioned French-made gold necklace appeared, Liang En noticed that the archaeologists present displayed keen interest.
"Liang, your luck is truly exceptional," Dr. Caldwell couldn't help but remark upon seeing the fragments of this necklace.
"If I recall correctly, this gold necklace should be the third one from France discovered in the Scottish region. It holds significant historical value. Though, of course, it can't compare to the last necklace."
"Yes, because the last one combines styles from Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and the British Iron Age," Liang En remarked, simultaneously unveiling the woven gold necklace.
"Just as I wrote in the email I sent you, this is the first time such an artifact has been found in the entirety of Scotland and even the entire United Kingdom—"
"Indeed, it represents a cultural and trade exchange route we had never known of before," Dr. Caldwell said earnestly, gazing at the woven gold bracelet.
"This is a momentous archaeological discovery, as prevailing history mostly suggests that significant interactions between the island and the civilizations of Southern Europe began only after the Roman invasion of Britain—"
Perhaps because the conversation aligned with his expertise, Dr. Caldwell began elaborating on his analysis. Given that Liang En had acquired knowledge about this necklace from another world and had previously studied materials about it, he was able to seamlessly join in on these discussions.
As their dialogue progressed, the two of them grew more engrossed, moving from discussing the bracelet to ancient trade routes, and eventually covering various connections between the European continent and the British Isles.
"Seriously, Lawrence, your depth of knowledge and enthusiasm in this field surpasses my expectations. Most treasure hunters I've encountered wouldn't be capable of such conversations."
Watching as the archaeologists and security personnel began setting up caution tape and initiating their search in the vicinity, Dr. Caldwell sighed.
"They often only care about how much money they can make by digging up these things, disregarding the history concealed behind these artifacts."
"I suppose it's because I studied archaeology at University College Cork," Liang En chuckled and explained, "so during treasure hunting, I tend to focus more on certain aspects related to this field."
"That's certainly a good fit for your current profession." Dr. Caldwell's face brightened as he responded to Liang En's explanation. "At least it allows you to work in this domain."
In most countries, positions like those belonging to archaeological teams under national museums, characterized by long-term and stable job contracts, are highly coveted.
In Dr. Caldwell's view, due to Ireland's relatively small population, such positions were already scarce. Moreover, for a foreigner like Liang En, it would be challenging to secure a similar role in the United Kingdom. Hence, his decision to embark on the path of a treasure hunter.
"Furthermore, compared to working with an archaeological team, my job offers more freedom. Plus, there's a chance to find wealth that most people wouldn't come across." Liang En smiled as he shared his thoughts.
"For instance, upon discovering these treasures, I could acquire funds to improve my life."
"Hahaha, indeed." Upon hearing Liang En's words, Dr. Caldwell laughed and patted his shoulder. "However, I hope you'll continue to maintain your enthusiasm for this field and not merely focus on economic aspects."
Towards the end of their conversation, the doctor expressed to Liang En that if he were to find any more valuable artifacts in the future, he should prioritize contacting him. He then proceeded to make calls to higher authorities to discuss matters and inquire about bonuses.
Money-related matters were often the trickiest to handle. Consequently, it wasn't until 11:30 PM that the decision from the National Museum of Scotland regarding these matters was reached.
Just as Dr. Caldwell, the person in charge, brought this news to Liang En, he was engaged in conversation with some resting archaeologists.
Learning that Liang En would be publishing a paper on ancient Egyptian scripts in the upcoming issue of the "Journal of the British Archaeological Association," these archaeology experts welcomed him into their conversation circle.
After all, the British hold a strong regard for social hierarchy. If Liang En were just an ordinary treasure hunter, these archaeologists would have likely dismissed him.
As Liang En finished discussing the development of ancient trade routes between Europe and Britain, synthesizing both accurate and speculative content from his mental map, Dr. Caldwell pulled him aside from the group.
"Has the museum made a decision?" Once away from the crowd, Lawrence asked in a hushed voice.
"Yes, the National Museum of Scotland has decided to make the acquisition." The doctor nodded. "They are willing to offer one million for these items and permanently display an informational plaque in the exhibition area, acknowledging your contribution to this discovery."
"Of course, this is just a preliminary agreement. If you have any additional requests, now would be the time to voice them. I can help negotiate."
"No need, this condition is already quite favorable." Lawrence nodded. "Although, if possible, I hope you could delay the payment a bit, as I'm about to establish my own company soon."