Most people remained still, looking down on me as if I were trying to trick them.
More than ten people approached, while a few who had stepped forward were pulled back by their companions.
I declared the time limit and instructed Wen Siqiang to register their names. There were eleven in total. I told them that no matter how much was found, it would be divided among them on the spot in cash, with me taking nothing.
Just then, two hesitated and wanted to join. I said, "Rules are rules. I gave you a chance, and you didn't seize it. It's useless to come over now; it's invalid."
After Wen Siqiang finished registering, I called over more than ten security guards via walkie-talkie. They were to open the stones later. If anyone got agitated or caused a commotion, it would be detrimental to us.
With the security guards in position, I slowly opened the newspaper and revealed the cut rough stone. Before everyone’s eyes lay a crystal-clear, high-grade imperial green jadeite. It was flawless, without impurities or cracks, a perfect piece even without any carving!
The crowd erupted into a frenzy, a chorus of gasps!
This piece alone could yield dozens of cabochons. Anyone with a bit of knowledge about jade could calculate its immense value.
Each cabochon was worth at least fifty thousand yuan, making the total value well over a million.
At this point, Wen Siqiang had already brought an appraiser to give an on-site valuation.
The appraiser picked up the stone, examining it from all angles for a while, then declared loudly, "This material is valued at 1.2 million yuan. Deducting the purchase cost of the rough stone and handling fees, the buy-back price is 1.15 million yuan!"
Everyone was stunned. Each person would receive over a hundred thousand yuan. Who would have imagined that by simply choosing the wrong side, they could lose a hundred thousand yuan instantly?
The most regretful were those who had hesitated and been pulled back by their friends. The money that was within their grasp had just flown away.
Then, Wen Siqiang, accompanied by two security guards, carried a large iron chest. He opened it before everyone and began distributing the money according to the list.
It was all hundred-yuan bills. Ten thousand yuan in cash felt heavy in their hands, but every face was alight with excitement. They never expected to get ten thousand yuan in cash for free, without spending a cent. It was something they hadn't even dreamed of.
Those who hadn't received money started blaming each other, regretting not choosing me. Some even attacked those who had caused trouble, cursing them vehemently.
Seeing that the situation was turning unfavorable, those individuals dared not linger and quickly slunk away.
With another fifty thousand yuan in cash, I told them that anyone willing to select rough stones would receive five hundred yuan in cash, distributed until the money ran out. Instantly, everyone swarmed to various areas to pick out stones.
Watching as the situation returned to normal, I called Wen Siqiang to head to other venues. Prince’s men were everywhere; I was certain he hadn't revealed all his tricks yet.
As we walked out, most gamblers were inside the warehouse, with fewer people outside. My little stunt had likely ignited their enthusiasm.
Wen Siqiang remained cautious, constantly scanning his surroundings.
Many of our security guards were patrolling the venue, and Qing Ge’s men had also retreated inside the main compound. Looking around, most of the people present were ours.
Both of Prince’s groups had been driven away. I wondered what his next move would be.
Meanwhile, at the main venue, people were gradually participating in the bidding. The announcer’s voice occasionally broadcast congratulatory messages for successful bidders.
Suddenly, something occurred to me. The black sand skin jade I had gambled on at Prince’s place yesterday – he had said he would bid on it today. I wondered if he would break his promise.
That piece of black sand skin jade, which I had gambled back for sixty-five thousand from Prince, I had given to Master Zhang for safekeeping. If Prince truly intended to gamble on this piece with me, I would accommodate him.
I called Wen Siqiang, and we went to find Master Zhang. If all went as expected, Prince would make his appearance soon.
That black sand skin jade had no issues with its base or clarity; the gamble was on its color and any potential cracks. If the color didn't turn out, or if it was found within cracks or in the water-white inclusions, the material would be worthless.
Black sand skin jade was extremely high-risk. Even the most skilled gamblers would not dare to make guarantees when facing it. As the saying goes, it's three parts skill, seven parts luck, referring to black sand skin jade. Even a promising piece only offered a thirty percent chance of success.
As expected, I saw a black sedan approaching from the direction of the main gate, charging forward like an arrow. Immediately, a sharp screech of brakes echoed as it stopped beside me.
Prince, wearing tea-colored sunglasses and flanked by two burly bodyguards, swaggered up to me.
He tapped my chest with his finger and said in his reedy voice, "You're quite something, aren't you? Opening a high-grade green stone and handing out benefits on the spot. Truly wealthy and influential. Impressive!"
I retorted, "It seems your people are still resorting to these despicable and shameless tactics to cause trouble here. I'm increasingly disappointed in you."
Prince sneered, "Whether you're disappointed or not is of no concern to me. I, Prince, have always done as I please, and I don't need outside advice. You should worry about yourself. Many people have their eyes on your life, and someone might make a move before I do."
I replied, "It seems my life is quite in demand. Anyone can try to take it, as long as they have the ability."
Prince scoffed, "Enough of the pleasantries. Where is that stone? I want to gamble with you and see if you truly have skill."
I said, "Black sand skin jade is all about luck. I can't guarantee whether there's anything inside. I advise you to forget about it. I've priced this piece at five million. Think carefully before you gamble."
Prince declared, "Today, I'm gambling. Even if it turns out to be granite, I'll accept it."
I told Wen Siqiang, "Have Master Zhang bring out the stone and let Prince have a look."
I accompanied Prince inside, his two bodyguards trailing closely behind, as if afraid I might devour him.
Master Zhang retrieved the stone from the safe and placed it on the counter.
Prince examined it from all angles. Seeing no issues, he handed me a check for five million.
I asked, "Shall we?"
Prince retorted, "Cut it! How else will you know my skill?"
I inquired, "Window cutting or a full cross-cut?"
Prince instructed, "Cut a cap on the top."
I asked Master Zhang to personally handle the cutting for him.
This exhibition hall was originally a section for bright jade, but it had already been cleared out by merchants from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Therefore, the hall was now empty, with no one inside.
The semi-gambled stones would only start tomorrow; they were all covered with thick canvas for now.
The stone wasn't very large, and cutting a cap on the top was done quickly.
Master Zhang brought the stone over and placed it on the counter. Prince quickly leaned in to examine it, then exclaimed with joy, "You truly are skilled. Look, it's high-grade green with sufficient clarity. If the color penetrates, it could be worth two or three times more."
I countered, "Cutting a cap doesn't prove anything. Whether it doubles in value depends on the full cut. With black sand skin jade, as long as it shows color, it's high color. But if it has cracks or water-white inclusions, no matter how good the color, it's worthless."
Prince insisted, "With this cap cut, I'm at least breaking even. But I don't care about breaking even. I just want to see if your luck is always this good."
I responded, "I'm not one for flattery. Praise and falling can sound similar. It's better for you to at least break even, lest your money be wasted."