Chapter Fifty-Seven: Pastel Jade and the Peculiar Blue Camphor Tree

Sister Hong's fingers gently caressed the raw stone, an elusive gleam flickering in her eyes. Her movements were graceful yet resolute, as if she harbored unwavering faith in this piece of stone. All eyes were fixed upon her, the air thick with tension.

“Staff, cut the stone,” Sister Hong said calmly, her voice cool yet commanding. Without delay, she scribbled her valuation and tossed it into the sealed box at her side. The staff immediately began operating the cutting machine, its thunderous roar filling the room and intensifying the suspense. Everyone held their breath, awaiting the revelation.

I watched Sister Hong, bewildered. Her gaze radiated a newfound determination and confidence, as though she had already seen through everything. This feeling unsettled me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she was concealing some secret.

The sound of the cutting machine gradually faded. The staff carefully displayed the sliced stone. Everyone’s gaze remained riveted to it…

The staff, cautious as ever, revealed the cut stone. All eyes were glued to it, as if the air itself had frozen. Suddenly, a strange shimmering blue light flashed from the stone’s cut surface…

The crowd’s eyes widened, and exclamations echoed throughout the room.

“That’s… the rare Blue Stump!” someone cried out, their voice trembling with disbelief and excitement.

It was Old Leopard Chen!

Gao Youde, bewildered, remarked, “Isn’t that amber?”

Old Leopard Chen sneered at Gao Youde, “You dare claim you’re back? Years ago, you left this industry after your stone bet failed because your skills were lacking!”

“This is clearly Blue Stump jadeite—a rare variety!”

“This is one of the few treasures among pastel jadeites!”

The rare Blue Stump, a gemstone whose luster resembles blue coral of the deep sea, with peculiar internal patterns that evoke the image of an ancient tree stump.

Sister Hong’s lips curled ever so slightly; her eyes shone with satisfaction. She approached the stone, gently stroking its iridescent surface, as if confirming her victory.

“It seems my judgment was correct,” she remarked quietly, her tone carrying an undeniable confidence.

The next moment, her gaze locked onto me!

My doubts only deepened.

How did Sister Hong know such a precious gem lay hidden within this stone? I distinctly recalled that Blood-Eye Jade Recognition had marked this one as a blind spot!

At that moment, Old Leopard Chen continued, “Tsk tsk, what a find. Though the quality isn't pure, it’s already mid-grade. With these jade patterns, it’ll fetch a handsome price once crafted into an art piece!”

Su Li, realizing she’d lost out on the prime material, glared at me, a mocking smile curling her lips. “Looks like your abilities go only so far!”

My heart tightened, though I kept a calm facade, replying evenly, “Everyone has their strengths. Perhaps this is where mine fall short.”

Su Li snorted, turning to Sister Hong, her tone ingratiating, “Sister Hong, your eye is unparalleled. Such a gem is truly rare.”

Sister Hong smiled faintly, her gaze still locked onto me, as if she were scrutinizing something.

She murmured, “Every stone has its secret. The key is whether you can see through it.”

“Some people think they’ve inherited the true art, yet they don’t realize there’s always someone greater beyond.”

Her words sent a tremor through me; there was a deeper meaning.

Having said her piece, Sister Hong addressed the staff, “Gentlemen, please begin the appraisal.”

But now it was the staff’s turn to be troubled. They glanced at each other, evidently uncertain how to value the rare Blue Stump. Pastel jadeite was scarce, but its unusual color and patterns meant market demand was low and pricing difficult.

“Sister Hong, though this Blue Stump is rare, there are few market records of sales. We really can’t estimate its value,” one staff member said cautiously, his voice tinged with helplessness.

Sister Hong’s brows knitted, clearly dissatisfied with this reply. She pondered for a moment, then smiled softly, turning to Lu Yier.

“Mr. Lu, how should we proceed in such a situation?”

“It’s not that this material is worthless—it’s that you don’t know its worth!” Sister Hong’s words had scarcely left her lips before the room erupted in commotion. The crowd debated heatedly, their voices rising, pushing the tension to its peak.

“This Blue Stump is indeed rare, but without sales records, appraisal is difficult,” the lead appraiser said, frowning.

“But you can’t say it’s worthless just because there are no sale records! This is a top-grade pastel jadeite! The color may be unclear, but even if it falls slightly short of perfection, it’s still exceptional!” another voice retorted.

“Its unique patterns and colors are absolutely collector’s grade!” Old Leopard Chen exclaimed, his eyes ablaze with fervor. In his lifetime, such a sight was exceedingly rare.

As the crowd argued noisily, Lu Yier stood and walked up to the stone. He examined the Blue Stump closely, his brow furrowed in thought.

“Everyone, hear me out,” Lu Yier spoke quietly but with authority, instantly quelling the din.

“The Blue Stump is rare, but rarity alone shouldn’t inflate its price. Market demand and actual value are key.” He paused, then continued, “I suggest we decide its worth through auction. That way, its true value will be revealed, and everyone convinced.”

“As for the auction, let’s hold it just outside our market.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. An auction was the fairest and most transparent solution.

Sister Hong smiled and nodded. “Mr. Lu’s proposal is excellent. Let’s proceed accordingly.”

But… while the auction is set, what happens to our stone-betting contest?

Lu Yier looked around and slowly declared, “According to our rules, given this anomaly, we can only postpone proceedings for now.”

“We’ve used seventeen stones today, with one hundred eighty remaining in the vault. They’ll be sealed on site.”

“Everyone, please rest in the adjacent guest rooms… We’ll provide all meals and lodging.”

The crowd exchanged glances, and finally agreed with resignation.

“Well, it gives me a chance to catch my breath.”