Chapter 111: The Opportunity for a New Rise

"X-ray vision?" Lu Yier looked startled; he had truly never heard of such things.

Pan Ximi saw his reaction, smiled slightly, and began to explain in detail.

"Lu Yier, don't be so anxious. These devices aren't as complicated as you imagine," Pan Ximi said. "A spectrometer is actually a device that can detect trace elements inside a stone. By analyzing the proportions and types of these elements, we can determine the stone's quality and its potential value."

"Abroad, this is common practice! You old-school jade experts really need to get in touch with advanced technology once in a while!"

Lu Yier frowned, seemingly struggling to digest this information. "And what about this X-ray equipment? How does that help us appraise stones?"

"The principle behind X-ray equipment is just like the machine at a hospital," Pan Ximi explained. "It can see through the internal structure of a stone to check for cracks, flaws, or other defects. This allows us to judge the quality of the stone more accurately and avoid losses caused by hidden internal issues."

I nodded. I had to admit, Pan Ximi could be cunning and slippery at times, but when he talked business, he certainly knew his stuff.

I couldn't deny it; the guy was talented.

"Pan Ximi, you make a good point. Introducing these devices will not only improve the market's appraisal standards but also increase customer trust."

"Most importantly, looking at the jade industry in our entire city right now, very few people have this kind of foresight!"

Hearing this, the doubt on Lu Yier's face gradually faded, replaced by a glimmer of hope. However, he immediately followed up: "But are these devices expensive? Can the stall owners in our market afford them?"

Pan Ximi smiled. "These devices aren't cheap, but we can adopt a shareholding model. The market can purchase a few units and dedicate a room specifically for this purpose."

"Those stall owners who are willing to pay can take turns using the equipment. This way, we not only reduce costs but also allow more people to benefit."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yier’s expression darkened slightly. "Doesn't that make this 'X-ray vision' just like being able to see the cards in a game of poker? It's cheating!"

Pan Ximi burst into laughter. "You call this cheating? This is called high technology!"

Lu Yier looked at me in disbelief.

After all, our current Ancient Jade Gang preserved the traditions of manual, ancient jade appraisal methods.

This approach of Pan Ximi's... it didn't quite sit well with the ways of our ancestors.

I looked at Lu Yier and said slowly, "Actually, I agree with Pan Ximi's opinion."

Lu Yier was stunned. "No, Boss, you would actually adopt this kind of suggestion?"

I nodded. "Your Bengjian Market has already fallen to the bottom tier of all the markets in the city. You truly need some leverage if you want to climb back up the rankings!"

"But, Boss, this isn't the way to do it. Didn't I invite you here to serve as our lead appraiser specifically to use your expertise to elevate the quality of our jade?"

I smiled and said, "Did you forget the most important term Pan Ximi mentioned?"

Lu Yier thought for a moment and said, "Are you talking about the 'high-end market'?"

I nodded. "The reason Bengjian Market has been getting worse year after year is because it tries to earn too much! It wants the money of the poor and the money of the rich, and in the end, it earns neither!"

Lu Yier fell into deep thought after hearing this.

A long time later, he looked up at me.

"I understand. We need to reposition the market, focus on high-end clients, and elevate the standard of the entire market."

Pan Ximi smiled and added, "Exactly, Lu Yier. What we need to do is make Bengjian Market the benchmark of the jade industry. High-end clients don't just demand quality; they value trust and professionalism. Introducing this advanced equipment is exactly what's needed to meet those requirements."

"In this day and age, if you don't do something different, Bengjian will be gone in a few years!"

I reached out and patted Lu Yier on the shoulder. "Bengjian Market is the current headquarters of the Ancient Jade Gang; we have to do something big!"

"Lu Yier, you must have confidence. As long as we work together, Bengjian Market will surely rise again."

Lu Yier took a deep breath and nodded heavily. "Alright, Boss, I'll listen to you. We'll start making preparations immediately—buying the equipment and repositioning the market."

Pan Ximi laughed. "Then let's start today and give Bengjian Market a brand-new future."

Lu Yier turned to Pan Ximi and asked, "So, Old Pan, how much do those machines you mentioned cost? And where can we buy them?"

Pan Ximi’s eyes darted around. "They aren't that expensive. Just a few tens of millions!"

Lu Yier’s expression changed upon hearing the figure.

"No, Old Pan, do you have a misunderstanding of our capital? You call a few tens of millions 'not expensive'?"

Pan Ximi looked at him. "Come on, Lu Yier, don't tell me you can't even scrape together a few tens of millions? You're the person in charge of a jade market!"

Lu Yier’s face turned slightly red, clearly stung by Pan Ximi's words.

He was silent for a moment before saying slowly, "Old Pan, to be honest, if it weren't for Chen Laobao’s support over the years, our market would have gone bankrupt long ago... These tens of millions are indeed a huge sum for me."

I looked at Lu Yier and said, "Doesn't the gang still have twenty million?"

Lu Yier’s face changed. "No, Boss, we can't touch that money. The Ancient Jade Gang has only just started to accumulate it; that’s our nest egg for the future!"

"Besides, don't you still owe Gao Youde quite a bit?"

Before Lu Yier could finish, I said slowly, "Gao Youde is dead."

Hearing this, Lu Yier froze.

"No, Boss, what did you say? Gao Youde is dead?"

Lu Yier’s expression turned complex instantly; he was clearly shocked and confused by the news.

"Boss, how could Gao Youde suddenly be dead? Is this news reliable?"

I nodded, my tone firm. "The news is certain."

Lu Yier took a deep breath, seemingly struggling to digest this sudden development. He furrowed his brows, clearly thinking about the next steps.

Pan Ximi saw this and patted him on the shoulder gently, his tone softening. "Lu Yier, this is exactly the chance for Bengjian Market to rise again. Don't be so stingy!"

"Money is earned, not saved by being a miser!"

Lu Yier thought for a moment and said, "I think we should still leave it to the Boss's decision!"

Lu Yier looked toward me.

I looked at Pan Ximi, then back at Lu Yier, and said, "We aren't buying them."