“Yo, Boss Bai is here. Looks like there must be some jade in this auction that caught your eye,” someone teased.
“Hmph, Old Zhou, I know you too well. Aren’t you here for this batch of jade too?” Boss Bai replied.
“Haha, Boss Bai, we’re both in the jade business. If there are good stones, why wouldn’t I come?”
“Then let’s see who can win the best rough stones!” Boss Bai snorted and stormed off with his appraiser.
“Boss, Boss Bai is really arrogant. Aren’t you angry?” one of the appraisers beside Zhou asked.
“Ah! That’s just how he is. Besides, he’s not wrong. The marketplace is like a battlefield—there’s no room for sentiment,” Boss Zhou said, shaking his head.
Everyone agreed, praising Boss Zhou for his tolerance and composure.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Boss Zhou’s mouth. This was exactly the effect he wanted.
“Hey, isn’t that the rising appraiser?” someone suddenly exclaimed.
Everyone turned to look.
“I heard every rough stone he opens turns green—even top-grade Imperial Green. If he’s here, maybe he’s also after this batch.”
Boss Zhou had heard of the rising star in the jade world. The man had rejected offers from many big names but accepted only the Nalan family. Zhou had once thought he had backbone—now it seemed he simply aimed higher.
The Nalan family’s steward looked delighted when he saw Shen Xingbai. He really came!
“Young Master Shen,” the steward greeted politely.
“Mm.” Shen Xingbai responded coldly.
The steward showed no displeasure and continued smiling. “Young Master Shen, my master prepared a seat for you. Please follow me.”
He led Shen Xingbai to the very front row.
Those seated in front were all top figures in the jade industry. Seeing an unfamiliar young man sit there, they began whispering.
Shen Xingbai ignored their doubt and disdain, merely nodding to Old Master Nalan beside him.
Old Master Nalan was surprised. He had expected Shen Xingbai to hesitate—after all, those seats were not for ordinary people.
“Kid Shen, I thought you wouldn’t come.”
“Since you invited me, how could I refuse?”
“Good! If you fancy any piece in this batch, I’ll pay for it!”
“Then I’ll gladly accept your kindness.”
“Haha! I like someone as straightforward as you!”
Old Master Nalan laughed. Most juniors would pretend to refuse out of modesty, but secretly hope he would pay. Shen Xingbai’s honesty made him even more satisfied.
“Sorry to keep everyone waiting. The thrilling moment has arrived. The auction officially begins.”
“The first item: Black Wusha material, valued at 200,000. Starting bid not less than 10,000.”
“210,000!”
“230,000…”
…
“Next item: also Black Wusha material, valued at 100,000. Starting bid not less than 10,000.”
The room fell silent. The stone on display looked dull gray, with chaotic green streaks and no surface patterns—clearly a worthless rock.
When Shen Xingbai saw it, he immediately sat up straight. “110,000.”
The auction hostess brightened. “110,000 once… 110,000 twice… 110,000 three times! Sold! Congratulations to this gentleman for winning the third rough stone.”
Everyone turned to see which fool bought the useless rock.
To their surprise—it was the rising star, Shen Xingbai.
Old Master Nalan was also shocked. “Kid Shen, why buy that worthless stone?”
“Old Master Nalan, I just thought if no one buys it, we’ll have to wait longer for the next items. I might as well pay for it.”
“Sigh, you’re too impatient!”
Impatient?
Indeed. After all, this stone contained top-grade Imperial Green. If he didn’t buy it quickly, someone else might snatch the bargain.
Shen Xingbai only smiled faintly and said nothing.
Everyone else concluded that Shen Xingbai had acted too hastily.