The previous stone cutter had followed her advice, and when they heard she wanted to do it herself this time, they assumed she knew what she was doing and readily made way.
Zhuo Ni stepped forward and casually shone a light on the stone for a moment. Then, she cut it directly from the center. Her movements were so swift that before the onlookers could even express surprise, she had already split the stone in two.
Next came the second cut, and then the third.
A stone smaller than the previous one was quickly sliced into four pieces. The two middle pieces were deliberately set aside, while the outer layers were very thin. As she placed the cut stones to the side, the crowd erupted.
Pink jadeite.
"It's a 'pink colored' variety!"
Pink jadeite is extremely rare. Legend has it that Empress Dowager Cixi's burial goods included a pink jadeite peach, its preciousness undeniable.
The onlookers were in a frenzy, with some already shouting bids. Even Qin Yutang, who had initially been just observing, pushed through the crowd and approached.
"Miss Lu, are you selling this stone? Wanbao Zhai can offer you a thousand times its purchase price. This deal should be very profitable for you, Miss Lu."
Someone had retrieved the label of the original stone.
58,000.
A thousand times that was 58 million. This was the epitome of "one cut to poverty, one cut to riches." If she sold this stone, she could instantly leap from being a commoner to a millionaire.
However, Zhuo Ni cutting the stone herself meant she wasn't after money.
This stone possessed spiritual energy, was beautiful, and more uniquely, contained a ring of human-face-shaped patterns. The moment she saw those patterns, she knew what she wanted to do with this stone.
"I'm not selling the stone. Mr. Qin, if you have a good carver, can you introduce me to one?"
She said this, flauntingly holding the stone up for him to see.
Qin Yutang: "..."
"Immortal's Face!"
This naturally formed face within the cut stone became the biggest sensation of the auction, drawing countless people eager to buy it. Yet, Zhuo Ni remained unmoved.
The price, already inflated by Qin Yutang to 60 million, soared past one hundred million amidst the cheering crowd. Everyone was going mad.
The stone was passed around for appreciation, eventually returning to Zhuo Ni's hands. By this time, the manager and the young master of Jinzhu Jadeite had also arrived.
Jinzhu Jadeite also desired these two pieces of pink jadeite. Zhuo Ni stated directly that she had other uses for them and wouldn't sell. However, as the manager had given her the invitation, allowing her this opportunity, she proactively helped them pick out a stone.
It was a large piece, with a particularly high price tag. Many were tempted but feared losing everything if the cut was unsuccessful. With Zhuo Ni's assurance, the young master of Jinzhu Jadeite made the decisive purchase.
This stone yielded a green jadeite of the 'ice species' variety.
With excellent color and texture, and being a large stone, it also became a highlight of the auction. With this stone, Jinzhu Jadeite should be able to navigate the coming period with relative ease.
Confirming that she was indeed a master of stone gambling, the young master of Jinzhu Jadeite pursued her persistently, hoping she would help him pick out another stone.
Zhuo Ni, greatly annoyed, stated directly, "Mr. Yang, as the saying goes, a covetous heart can swallow an elephant. This stone should be your unexpected surprise, and I have repaid what I owed you. One cannot be too greedy, or one may end up with nothing."
The other party then realized the extent of his impropriety. His expression changed, and he quickly apologized before leaving.
As for Qin Yutang, he continued to observe them from afar.
He was more certain than the young master of Jinzhu Jadeite about her capabilities. However, given their casual relationship and lack of mutual obligation, he found no reason to approach her.
Until he received a call from his grandfather.
Cutting pink jadeite, making such bold incisions, and remaining unfazed by a hundred million – a person like this was enough to make all the "gambling experts" present want to meet her. Su Dan Novel Network.
Grandpa Qin was no exception.
"I heard you are surnamed Lu. Ms. Lu, a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine."
The two did not shake hands. Zhuo Ni held hands with Lu Chongyan, while her other hand toyed with the two jadeite pieces, leaving her no free hand. Since she didn't offer, Grandpa Qin wouldn't lower himself to shake hands with a young woman in her twenties.
"And this gentleman is?"
"My name is Lu Chongyan," Lu Chongyan introduced himself.
Grandpa Qin smiled, "Are you siblings?"
"Lovers, we just happen to share the same surname," Zhuo Ni said, casually surveying the private room. It was being prepared for the final auction, complete with fine tea and beautiful attendants.
"Ah, my apologies, my eyesight is failing me. You two are a handsome couple, perfectly matched."
"Thank you."