What can you do with 100,000 yuan? A diamond barely the size of a fly? That's just a day's income?
Not only did Zhao Liping find herself doubting her ears, but everyone else in the jewelry store was equally stunned. Could it be that this young man, dressed like a rural laborer, was secretly someone extraordinary?
But that seemed highly unlikely. Even if he were trying to keep a low profile, there was no need to go to such extremes, practically abusing himself in the process!
"Hah, 100,000 yuan a day? Good thing bragging isn't taxed!"
Zhao Liping sneered, utterly dismissing Chen Yi's claims.
To her, this was nothing more than a pathetic attempt to salvage his pride.
"Brother Chen, may I ask where you work? Earning 100,000 yuan a day—I'd love to know what industry offers such lucrative opportunities!"
Fang Yixuan, Zhao Liping's boyfriend, finally felt compelled to step in. After all, no man could stand idly by while his woman was humiliated—even if she had brought it upon herself.
His anger simmered beneath the surface. He was annoyed at Zhao Liping for creating unnecessary trouble, but even more furious with Chen Yi for his insolence. A job offer was a gift, and this kid should have been groveling in gratitude!
Suppressing his irritation, Fang Yixuan maintained a flawless smile. "If such an industry exists, I'd sell my company in a heartbeat and follow you. What do you think?"
"Follow me?" Chen Yi exclaimed in mock astonishment, as if the idea were utterly incomprehensible.
His exaggerated reaction startled everyone nearby, though it was clear to all that he was doing it on purpose.
"Brother, your attitude changes faster than the weather. Just now, you were offering to take me under your wing, and now you want to work for me? I'm struggling to keep up—don't take it personally!"
Chen Yi glanced around, feigning embarrassment as he noticed the curious stares directed their way.
"Who said I'd work for you?"
Even with all his years of business acumen and self-restraint, Fang Yixuan couldn't help but snap.
This seemingly simple and honest man was anything but—he was cunning, sly, and had completely fooled him earlier!
"You said it yourself. What? Changed your mind already? Not interested in earning 100,000 yuan a day?" Chen Yi smirked, his tone dripping with mockery.
At some point, his entire demeanor had shifted. Gone was the bumbling, naive country boy; in his place stood a man exuding confidence and wit.
"Hmph, I'd like to know what kind of job pays 100,000 yuan a day!" Zhao Liping interjected, realizing too late that she and Fang Yixuan had been playing right into Chen Yi's hands.
"Why should I tell you?"
Chen Yi's expression was one of utter disdain, his tone dismissive.
"Ha! You're just bluffing. Let's see how you talk your way out of this!" Zhao Liping retorted sarcastically.
Chen Yi remained unfazed. "Don't bother trying to provoke me—it won't work. I simply don't feel like telling you."
Watching Chen Yi's unyielding attitude, Luo Yan couldn't help but chuckle. This guy was truly a piece of work, refusing to let anyone take advantage of him.
"Let's go, Chen Yi. There's no point wasting time arguing with them."
Seeing that Chen Yi had already gained the upper hand, Luo Yan decided to cut their losses and leave, giving the other two no chance to recover.
"True. If they can't even earn 100,000 yuan a day, why should I waste my time on them? Do they think they're Li Ka-shing?" Chen Yi quipped as he hefted his burlap sack and prepared to leave with Luo Yan.
He had never been one to let things slide. If someone slapped him in the face, he'd return the favor on the spot—and make sure his slap echoed louder.
Growing up as an orphan in a dilapidated shelter, Chen Yi had clawed his way to prominence on Feng Shui Street. If he hadn't been ruthless, he'd have long since perished in some gutter.
"Wait a moment—I have something to do," Chen Yi said suddenly, turning back just as he reached the door.
He walked up to the jewelry counter and addressed the impeccably made-up saleswoman behind it. "Do you buy gold bars here?"
"Gold bars? Yes, of course. How many do you have?"
The saleswoman, who had been enjoying the spectacle like everyone else, was taken aback. She, like the others, had assumed Chen Yi was merely spinning tall tales.
"Ten bars. Take a look," Chen Yi replied, tossing the burlap sack onto the counter with a thud.
The sack emitted a crisp metallic clink as it landed. Thankfully, the counter's glass was reinforced; otherwise, it might have shattered under the impact.
"Ten bars?"
The saleswoman stared at Chen Yi in disbelief.
"What are you looking at? The gold's in the bag," Chen Yi said nonchalantly.
With a gasp, the saleswoman hurriedly opened the sack.
A dazzling golden glow burst forth, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Carefully, she removed the bars one by one, arranging them in two neat rows on the counter. Each bar was about the length of a palm, engraved with numbers and letters, the most striking of which was "500g."
The entire store fell silent as everyone collectively s*ck*d in a breath. Even Luo Yan, who had seen her fair share of surprises, was momentarily stunned.
No one could believe their eyes. This seemingly destitute young man had just casually produced ten gold bars—transported in a shabby burlap sack, no less!
The sheer audacity of it all was both absurd and awe-inspiring.
Some found it amusing, others were deeply shocked, but most were consumed by envy, their eyes gleaming with undisguised greed.
Had Luo Yan not been standing guard, someone might have been tempted to make a move.
"How much are these worth?" Chen Yi asked calmly.
"This… this is a significant amount. I'll have to consult my manager. Please wait a moment," the saleswoman stammered, signaling a colleague to fetch the manager. She quickly repacked the gold bars and handed the sack back to Chen Yi.
"Sir, please follow me to the private consultation room," she added, aware of the dangers of flaunting wealth, even in a jewelry store.
Once Chen Yi and Luo Yan were seated in the consultation room, Zhao Liping felt as though reality had slipped away from her. The stares from those around her burned like slaps across her face, leaving her cheeks hot and flushed.
"Let's go!"
Fang Yixuan glared at her, his humiliation boiling over. In his mind, all the blame for this debacle rested squarely on her shoulders.
"But we haven't bought the necklace yet…" Zhao Liping protested, only to regret it the moment the words left her mouth.
"Buy, buy, buy! That's all you ever think about! Haven't you embarrassed us enough? If you won't leave, I will!"
Fang Yixuan stormed out, leaving Zhao Liping to awkwardly trail behind in her high heels.
"Ha! Serves them right—trying to humiliate others and ending up humiliated themselves!"
"That woman was clearly jealous. She couldn't compete with the police beauty in looks, so she tried to win in other ways."
"And that guy with the gold bars? Absolute legend! Carrying gold in a burlap sack—he must really despise gold!"
As soon as Zhao Liping and Fang Yixuan left, the store erupted in chatter, buzzing like flies over a trash heap.
In the consultation room, Chen Yi had barely sat down when a portly man in a checkered shirt entered, his face beaming with an almost exaggerated smile that turned his small eyes into slits.
"Officer Luo! What a coincidence—I thought you'd left with your colleagues. This time, you absolutely must stay! I haven't even thanked you properly for recovering my stolen goods!"
The man's voice was warm and sincere, reflecting his genuine gratitude.
"You're too kind, Mr. Wu. I can't take all the credit. The real hero is sitting right here. If anyone deserves your thanks, it's him," Luo Yan said, gesturing toward Chen Yi.
"You're the master I've heard so much about?"
Mr. Wu's eyes widened as he looked at Chen Yi. He had heard stories of a brilliant Feng Shui practitioner who had helped solve the case, but he hadn't expected someone so young.
"Master is too grand a title. Just call me Chen Yi," Chen Yi said modestly, unfazed by the man's skepticism.
Though youth was often seen as a disadvantage in his line of work, Chen Yi had grown accustomed to such reactions.
After all, many so-called "masters" were nothing more than charlatans with silver tongues, while true talent often went unrecognized.
"Chen Yi? Are you the same Chen Yi from Feng Shui Street?" Mr. Wu exclaimed, suddenly connecting the dots.
"Perhaps," Chen Yi replied with a faint smile.
By the time their conversation ended, Mr. Wu had not only purchased the gold bars for 500,000 yuan—well above market value—but also left with a newfound respect for Chen Yi, promising to seek his advice again in the future.