Carrying a Jurassic on me
Chapter 1697 - 804: Preparing to Return Home_3

Chapter 1697: Chapter 804: Preparing to Return Home_3

It’s obvious—this is still because of what happened yesterday. Carter probably feels like he exposed Yan Fei’s photographic memory secret, and staying here any longer could be risky. Yang Xing feels the same; he wants to head back as soon as possible.

So, even though the Torres couple still insisted on returning it next year, Yang Xing was ready to agree immediately. Even if he wasn’t aware of Yan Fei’s discoveries, just the materials Yan Fei had reviewed these days would be enough reason for him to want to return early.

Yan Fei, fully aware of the situation, couldn’t help but speak up: "Professor Torres, I understand that when you purchased this fossil, you paid a certain price. As a private gesture, I’m willing to compensate you. If you agree to let us take the fossil directly, I can make up for all your losses."

As he said this, he pulled out a stack of dollars and placed it before them: "This is all I have on me right now—consider it a deposit. What do you think?"

The Torres couple didn’t look too pleased. It wasn’t just because Yan Fei had brought out money so publicly, but also because the reason they were delaying the fossil’s return was that someone had already paid them to keep it for a while longer.

In truth, there are plenty of people like Hans and Carter who believe that science knows no borders. But there are even more who harbor hostility toward the country on the other side of the globe. They’re quite happy to spend a trivial amount of money to make the other side uncomfortable—of course, it’s also possible they genuinely want to study the fossil, but who knows for sure?

After a long pause, Torres blushed and said, "I’m really sorry about this. The truth is, a research institute offered to rent the fossil for study. They’re willing to pay $10,000..."

"Then I’ll give you $20,000," Yan Fei said decisively. "I’ll bring the money first thing tomorrow morning, and we’ll sign an agreement. How about that?"

After some persuasion from Carter and Hans, Torres hesitated a bit more before finally nodding.

Back in their room, Yang Xing pulled Yan Fei aside to discuss the $20,000. But Yan Fei just grinned and tapped his temple. "Your research institute doesn’t have much money. Trying to get approval to reimburse me that amount won’t be easy, will it? Now if I decided to sell off these materials..."

Yang Xing froze for a moment. "You—"

"Not appropriate, is it?" Yan Fei grinned. "Don’t forget, I’m at least a small-time businessman. I definitely know my way around deals better than you. Once we send the fossil back, it’ll be hard to ask for any more funds. But if I hold onto something they need, then I get to set the price, don’t I?"

It’s just a simple question of whether to deliver first or collect payment first. If you’ve already delivered the goods, it might be tough to chase down payment. But if you’ve got leverage with something people desperately need, then getting cash upfront is a lot easier.

Yang Xing thought about it, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "Alright, I’ll go with your plan. Just don’t set the price too high when the time comes. You know we’re still in the developing stage..."

"Do I strike you as that kind of person?" Yan Fei pretended to be offended and pushed Yang Xing toward the door. "Teacher Yang, this time you’ve really offended me. Until we get home, we’re not talking anymore. Go get some rest—who knows, we might be able to leave tomorrow. I’ve still got to figure out how to recoup my losses!"

Yang Xing, half-laughing and half-crying, let himself be shoved out the door, but before leaving, he still reminded Yan Fei to get a good night’s rest.

But could Yan Fei actually rest? He had just said he’d figure out a way to recover his losses!

And besides, this was probably their last night here. Time waits for no one; fleeting moments slip away like arrows, the days and months zoom by, an inch of time is worth an inch of gold, but no amount of gold can buy back an inch of time. A night like this is indeed priceless...

In short, the little black bird took off again!