Researchers have made a breakthrough in simulating the behavior of cuprates and nickelates using optical lattices, a crucial step towards understanding high-temperature superconductivity1. The bare single-band Fermi-Hubbard model has been found inadequate in capturing the properties of these materials, prompting a revisit of the canonical three-band model. By realizing the Emery model in optical lattices, scientists can now better replicate the complex interactions between electrons in copper-oxide planes, a key component of cuprates. This advancement has significant implications for the field of quantum simulation, as it may ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the microscopic origins of high-temperature superconductivity. The ability to simulate and study these materials at a quantum level can have far-reaching consequences for the development of new technologies, so understanding the behavior of cuprates and nickelates is crucial for advancing quantum research and potentially unlocking new breakthroughs in materials science.