Chapter 127: The Wager with Zhao Xiujie

"Mr. Zhang, that's these two pieces," Zhao Xiujie said, brimming with confidence.

"Clap!"

Applause erupted, and those around him gave him thumbs-up.

"The two stones Young Master Zhao picked have truly excellent texture! I had my eye on them too!"

"As expected of the young master of Qingshan Jewelry, what a keen eye!"

"If you ask me, these two are the best of this new batch! The probability of finding jade exceeds ninety percent!"

"Ninety percent? More than that! It's ninety-nine percent certain there's jade inside!"

The crowd showered him with praise. Even Zhang Mingyu looked on with admiration, saying, "Young Master Zhao, you truly inherit your father's flair! Your judgment is razor-sharp."

"These raw stones have great color, excellent luster, and are free of cracks and flaws! There is definitely fine jade inside!"

Zhao Xiujie beamed, the corners of his mouth curling up. "Naturally."

"I wouldn't be so sure," a calm voice suddenly interjected.

The remark stood out like a jarring note amidst the chorus of compliments. Everyone turned their gazes toward the source, focusing on Ye Tianci.

Eyeing him up, Zhang Mingyu’s expression darkened. "Young man, what do you mean by that?"

"They say there's jade in the stones he picked. I say there isn't. That is what I mean," Ye Tianci replied flatly.

Zhang Mingyu laughed dismissively. "Young man, do you think you’re being a nonconformist? You’re wrong! This is just ignorance! You’re just jealous of Young Master Zhao!" He scolded Ye Tianci without mercy.

Zhao Xiujie sneered, "Ye Tianci, I was going to help you pick, but you treat kindness like a dog treats a bone. Now that you see me pick two good pieces, you come out to envy me and curse them, claiming there’s no jade. I didn't realize it before, but you’re really a piece of trash!"

Hearing this, the people around cast disdainful looks at Ye Tianci, whispering and pointing.

"Zhao Xiujie, everyone is flattering you. Do you honestly believe your judgment is that good?" Ye Tianci’s eyes turned cold.

"It's better than yours, at least!"

"Better than mine? Who gave you that confidence?" Ye Tianci pointed at the two raw stones at Zhao Xiujie's feet. "I dare to assert that there is no jade in these stones you’ve chosen!"

He hadn't wanted to get serious with Zhao Xiujie, but since the man kept pushing and ridiculing him, he decided to give as good as he got.

Zhao Xiujie was incensed. "Ye Tianci, dare to make a bet with me?"

"What shall we bet?" Ye Tianci asked, a playful smile playing on his lips.

Zhao Xiujie pointed at the stones they had each selected. "Let's bet on whose stones actually contain jade! Whoever finds none loses!"

"Very well. How do we determine the winner?" Ye Tianci asked, his expression indifferent.

Zhao Xiujie hesitated for a fleeting moment, an impulse to back down surfacing. Ye Tianci’s composure was too natural; there wasn't a trace of panic. This normalcy made Zhao Xiujie wary—could Ye Tianci be plotting something? But he quickly dismissed the thought, convinced Ye Tianci was just playing mind games to bluff him.

"The one who finds jade wins. If we both find jade, the one with more or better quality jade wins!" Zhao Xiujie declared confidently, certain of his victory.

Ye Tianci blinked. "And the stakes?"

"Stakes?" Zhao Xiujie rolled his eyes, looking arrogant. "You just need to think of your own stake. I don't need one, because I won't lose!"

"Let's be clear. What if I get lucky and win?" Ye Tianci’s eyes held a hint of amusement.

Zhao Xiujie replied dismissively, "If I lose, I'll eat the stones I picked!"

Ye Tianci smiled slightly. "Agreed. My stake will be the same."

Zhang Mingyu stepped forward, waving his hand. "Everyone here has heard your words. No backing out! I’ll act as the notary. To make it fair, why don't you both select five stones each?" He threw a meaningful glance at Zhao Xiujie.

Zhao Xiujie paused, then realized what he meant. He gave a sinister chuckle. "Let's follow Mr. Zhang’s suggestion. Five stones each."

"Ye Tianci, I’m adding another condition!"

Ye Tianci blinked. "Go on."

"If I lose, I’ll pay the bill for all the stones you bought! And if you lose, you pay for all of mine!" Zhao Xiujie smiled wickedly, fully expecting Ye Tianci to back down.

But he was disappointed. Ye Tianci didn't hesitate at all, answering readily, "Fine! That’s a brilliant addition!"

With that, he walked over and, without any careful selection, grabbed two more stones to make five. Unlike him, Zhao Xiujie went back to picking one by one, even more meticulous than before.

Word of the public wager spread, and people from the street rushed in to watch. Soon, Mingyu Studio was packed, three layers deep.

Among the crowd was an elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in a cloth shirt and a felt hat, wearing dark glasses. A young woman stood beside him, supporting him, also wearing dark glasses. Though her features were hidden, her figure was graceful.

"Grandfather, someone is making a bet," the young woman whispered, her voice clear and melodious.

"I see it. Rou'er, who do you think will win?" the old man asked, his voice raspy.

"Grandfather, is that even a question? The young master of Qingshan Jewelry will surely win."

The old man nodded. "Rou'er, your judgment is good. Qingshan Jewelry is our competitor. Zhao Qingshan has raised a fine son." His implication was clear: he also believed Zhao Xiujie would emerge victorious.

"Grandfather, I'm not bad myself," the girl huffed.

The old man smiled slightly. "Yes, yes, my granddaughter is also excellent. *Cough, cough...*"

He began to cough, and the young woman quickly pulled out a water bottle and fed him a pill. Only then did the old man settle down.

In the center, Zhao Xiujie finally finished selecting his five stones.

"Bring out the stone-cutting machine! Invite Master Li!" Zhang Mingyu commanded.

Several assistants brought the machine over and brought forward a man in his forties.

"This is Master Li, the specialist at Mingyu Studio. He is highly experienced. Do you two have any objections to him cutting the stones?" Zhang Mingyu asked. Both nodded.

"Then... whose shall we cut first?"

"Mine!" Zhao Xiujie stepped forward, patting his chest. He couldn't wait to prove his eye for quality. Even if he only hit the mark on three out of five, he would crush Ye Tianci!

"Start with Young Master Zhao’s! Master Li, go ahead!"

Assistants placed Zhao Xiujie's five stones by the machine. Master Li adjusted the settings and began the cut.

"Whirrr!"

The screech of the blade grated on everyone's nerves. All eyes were fixed on Master Li’s hands and the stone beneath the blade.

"Looks like a win... Oh my! It's green!"

"Yang green! What a pure color!"

"Don't rush, wait for Master Li to make another cut. Oh! More green!"

"Green on both sides! There's definitely jade inside!"

"A sure win!"

"Impressive! As expected of the young master of Qingshan Jewelry. Such sharp judgment! I’m truly convinced!"

Seeing the first stone yield jade—and a very pure Yang green—the crowd erupted in gasps and renewed praise for Zhao Xiujie.