Then, the familiar scene unfolded once more.
"I'll pay 3 million!"
"You want to buy this stone for 3 million? I said 4 million!"
"I'll give 5 million!"
...
The protagonist Ye Xingchen watched as the price skyrocketed, his face turning green with envy and frustration.
Why did they have to cut it again? Everyone clearly doubted this stone, so why let them cut it?
What kind of logic is this?
Ye Xingchen tried to console himself: "It's okay, it's just a fluke! The next cut... the next cut will surely be a disappointment! The highest bid is only 5 million now, so he's still losing 4 million! I refuse to believe he's that lucky!"
Under Lin Beifan's instruction, the stone cutter proceeded to make another cut along the skin.
Once again, a vibrant green color emerged, gleaming brightly.
"It's still jadeite! It's absolutely stunning!"
"I bid 6 million!"
"I'll offer 7 million!"
"Don't try to outbid me, I'll offer 8 million!"
The protagonist Ye Xingchen: "Pfft!"
Inwardly, he screamed: Why is it rising again? This is clearly a worthless rock! What's the point of competing over it?
Ye Xingchen clutched his chest: "It doesn't matter, it's still a loss of 1 million! Fluctuations are normal, maybe this cut will completely fail! I don't believe it can still yield green!"
Following Lin Beifan's direction, the stone cutter made another incision.
And once again, a vibrant green emerged, unmistakably glass jade!
"Excellent jade! I'll offer 10 million!"
"I have 12 million!"
"I'll offer 15 million!"
...
The bidding continued to escalate, quickly reaching 20 million!
This meant that Lin Beifan not only avoided losses but also made a significant profit—100% returns!
The protagonist, Ye Xingchen, sighed inwardly.
Liu Rumei, filled with excitement, grasped Lin Beifan's hand: "The price has risen again! It's now at 20 million, with a 100% rate of return! Let's sell it now and earn 10 million!"
Lin Beifan remained composed: "Don't worry, I think it can go up more. Keep cutting!"
So, the stone cutter continued with the process.
As expected, another vibrant green emerged.
"25 million!"
"30 million!"
...
The protagonist Ye Xingchen was struck with fear, his face drained of color as if he had seen a ghost. He clasped his hands together in prayer: "Oh God, Tathagata Buddha, Jade Emperor, please, don't let them cut it anymore! He's a bad person, how can he still be rewarded? Please let him fall quickly! If you grant my wish, I'll offer sacrifices and worship you devoutly!"
But reality operates independently of personal desires. With each cut, the price of the rough stone soared higher and higher, eventually surpassing 90 million! It even exceeded the price of the previous stone!
The protagonist Ye Xingchen was stunned!
Why is this happening?
What have I done wrong?
God, I just wanted to trick him out of some money. Can't you grant me such a simple wish?
What have I done to deserve this punishment?
Finally, the rough stone was completely cut.
A massive, flawless emerald lay before everyone.
This jadeite was so transparent and exquisite that one could see through it from end to end, like a layer of green glass. When illuminated, it emitted a mesmerizing green fluorescence.
It was breathtakingly beautiful!
A connoisseur exclaimed excitedly: "This is the finest glass-type imperial jade! A piece of this size, this perfection, is truly unprecedented in the world!"
The crowd murmured in agreement, sharing the excitement.
Reluctantly, the protagonist Ye Xingchen asked, "What... what is the value of this stone?"
The connoisseur responded with enthusiasm: "It's a priceless treasure!"
"A priceless treasure? Even treasures must have a value, right?"
"Let me put it this way: this piece of jadeite is worth at least..." The expert raised two fingers, "Two hundred million!"
The protagonist Ye Xingchen: "Pfft!"
Another expert disagreed, declaring, "Only two hundred million? What are you talking about? This is a complete piece of top-quality glass-type imperial jade, a treasure among treasures! In my opinion, it's worth at least an additional 50 million!"
The protagonist Ye Xingchen: "Pfft!"
Then, a third expert chimed in: "Can't you see? This is the epitome of top-quality glass-type imperial jade, weighing in at 200 kilograms. It's utterly unique and highly collectible! I'd say three hundred million is more appropriate!"
The protagonist Ye Xingchen could only roll his eyes in disbelief as the bidding continued.
Another voice joined the chorus: "Three hundred million is still too low! With the right master to carve it, this stone will undoubtedly become a true masterpiece! Therefore, I propose 360 million as a more fitting price!"
The protagonist Ye Xingchen: "Pfft!"
...
And so it went on, with each participant vying to raise the price higher and higher. Eventually, the bidding reached an astonishing 400 million, a truly astronomical sum!