Chapter 534 The Gem Hunters (1/2)

Chapter 534: The Gem Hunters

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Since Sophie had asked so directly, he replied truthfully, ”The fact is, darling, I'm not too good at this horse-riding business. I'm afraid of turning our romantic tour into an adventure tour instead.”

Li Du's worry was unfounded; the tamed horses were especially well-behaved. All one needed to do was to ensure their balance on the horse and it would trot along according to orders.

This national park was one of the world's largest and most beautiful petrified forest sites. The petrified wood here was from the end of the Triassic period, with 225 million years of history—even more ancient than dinosaur fossils.

Before entering the park, the security officer wanted to check their bags.

An irritated Li Du asked, ”Is this not an invasion of privacy?”

”Sorry sir,” the security officer said, ”it's a regulation. We've gotta stop people from bringing rocks in, and also from bringing rocks out.”

Li Du was well aware of this regulation. Crustal movement coupled with the crystallization of magma-silica had resulted in this park becoming a favorite location amongst gemstone collectors and rock gatherers. In addition to ordinary weathered granite, other rocks that could be found include various fossils, agate, and chalcedony.

Besides, there was also a very precious gem here: the fire opal!

Because of this national park, another popular profession had emerged in Arizona: gem hunters, who specialized in hunting gems to sell.

As their bags were checked, they saw that other people's bags contained magnifying glasses, small hammers, and gloves.

Li Du asked, ”They're bringing these tools in. Isn't it obvious they're going in to collect rocks?”

The security officer was about to speak but the people heard his remark. A young man wearing sunglasses answered, ”We're gem hunters, you idiot. We've got permits.”

The manner in which the young man addressed him was very condescending. Li Du was angered but as Sophie was around, he didn't want to appear too brash. He knew that Sophie did not like such behavior in men.

While he did not react, Sophie instead exploded in anger. She said to them, ”Was there no one to teach you any manners growing up? If I were your teacher or parents, I would feel so ashamed!”

This was the second time Li Du had seen Sophie so furious. The first time was when he and Mr. Martin were deliberating whether or not Ah Ow was a wolf.

At that moment, Sophie acted just like how she had then: as a lioness defending her cub.

The gem hunter had called Li Du ”idiot” simply because of Sophie. She was not simply pretty and elegant; she was blessed with a goddess-like appearance. Seeing Sophie by his side, these gem hunters were naturally jealous of Li Du.

Seeing that Sophie was standing up for Li Du, they became even more jealous and despised him even more now.

Many Americans defined those with Chinese appearances—like that of Li Du's—as

softies and inferior. This was, in fact, a prevalent racial discrimination, a very prejudiced impression many had.

Hence, the gem hunter who had spoken previously flashed his middle finger at Li Du. ”Sorry bud, I was wrong. I shouldn't have called you an idiot. I should have called you a softie—haha!”

The people around him also burst out laughing. One of the guys told Sophie, ”Babe, come over here. Watcha doin' with this softie? Is he rich? I'm loaded too, y'know.”

Li Du had heard about the gem hunting profession, but he did not know much about it.

Sophie was about to retaliate when he stopped her. ”Don't. Watch me.”

He asked the security officer, ”How does one become a gem hunter?”

The security officer said, ”Have you got the mining work permit? If you do, just get it registered. Otherwise, pay 500 dollars to get one.”

Li Du nodded. ”Okay, I got it.”

As he left with Sophie, the few gem hunters thought he was avoiding a confrontation with them, and so became even more arrogant. They hollered after him: