Chapter 44 Part 1

Old Zheng huffed and puffed, but considering Chu Yi beside them, he couldn’t just turn around and leave. Thus, he followed Elder Yu all the way, bickering as they half-heartedly made their way to the Jade Stone Market.

Though called the Jade Stone Market, the entrance consisted of just two ordinary large iron gates. A German Shepherd was tied up there, with a little old man sitting guard nearby. Those unfamiliar with the place might have mistaken it for some private workshop.

“Don’t let the shabby exterior fool you. The goods here all come from the old pits at the Yunnan-Myanmar Border—places ordinary folks can’t even get near, let alone buy from,” Old Yu introduced in the manner of a seasoned patron.

Sure enough, things grew much more professional once they passed through the gates. The young lady at the reception desk verified Old Yu and Old Zheng’s membership cards, confirmed that Chu Yi was with them, asked for his details, issued him a one-time guest pass, and then let them through.

The market interior carried on the entrance’s rugged, casual vibe. It was divided into different exhibition halls, with raw stones sorted by price on various shelves—Gray Sand Python Belt Skin, Yellow-White Water Skin with Pine Flowers, Black Sand Skin, Fine Sand Skin, you name it.

Further in lay the stones that had been cut open with windows, all showing excellent performance. The worst visible to the eye was Ice Type Jade, though the prices were correspondingly higher.

“What do you think? See anything you like? This old man took advantage of my seniority today, so I’ll gift you a piece, Little Yi,” the Yu Patriarch said with a beaming smile, giving Chu Yi no room to refuse.

Chu Yi replied, “Let me take a closer look. Nothing’s caught my eye yet.”

Old Zheng immediately chimed in, “Exactly! You can’t put a price on what strikes your fancy. No forcing it on him, Elder Yu!”

“Hey now, Old Zheng, you’re relentless…”

The two old men, whose ages combined neared one hundred and forty, started arguing again. Chu Yi, sandwiched between them, wore a helpless expression.

Yet Elder Yu even dragged him into it: “Little Yi, you tell us—does Zhensheng have any fate with their family’s granddaughter?”

At those words, Old Zheng perked up too, gazing at Chu Yi eagerly.

Chu Yi hesitated, “Well… I’ve only met Zheng Danrui, and fate’s unpredictable. Unless it’s a match ordained by heaven, variables are always possible.”

Old Zheng breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that. Variables are good—he’d introduce Xiao Rui to some fine young man as soon as he got back!

Seeing his reaction, Elder Yu grew anxious. “Old Zheng, what are you scheming? Don’t sabotage things! My Zhensheng didn’t marry until he was forty—that’s got to be heaven’s design…”

Old Zheng was about to retort when, by sheer coincidence, the Jade Stone Market’s owner arrived. Both sides instantly fell silent, greeting Boss Jin with feigned propriety and harmony.

Boss Jin said, “Old Yu, Old Zheng, it’s been ages. You must pick something good this time—I’ll give you two a discount.”

Elder Yu replied, “Wonderful! My grandson’s about to marry his bride. I’m picking a piece of Glass-Type Imperial Jade to serve as a betrothal gift.”

Boss Jin burst into laughter. “Is that so? Then I wish you victory from the first try and double celebrations!”

Old Zheng shot him a sidelong glance. “You say Glass-Type Imperial Jade, and it will be? Maybe… maybe you’ll end up with the tiniest Coarse Bean Type instead?”

He’d originally meant to say it might yield nothing—a total bust—but considering Boss Jin was present, he couldn’t disrespect the host too much and changed his wording on the fly.

“Hey, Old Zheng, can’t you say something nice for once…”

The two started quarreling again, and in front of Boss Jin no less, they even placed a bet on whose stone would yield the better jade, with Boss Jin as witness.

With big spenders shopping at his place, Boss Jin was naturally thrilled and agreed without hesitation.

Since Old Yu had boasted of Glass-Type Imperial Jade, he couldn’t risk slapping his own face. He and Old Zheng both, without prior agreement, chose from the largest exhibition hall’s windowed stones—pieces worth tens of millions, the market’s absolute top tier.

Chu Yi pulled them both back at the same time. “Gentlemen, there’s nothing worthwhile on this shelf. You’d best pick from outside.”

Boss Jin’s face changed instantly at those words. For Chu Yi to call his finest display shelf worthless was a direct slap to his face!

But contrary to his expectations, Old Yu and Old Zheng treated this youngster—who could only be their junior—with near-absolute deference. Not only did they not scold him, they halted their actions without hesitation.

Boss Jin’s eyes flickered. “And this young man is…?”

Chu Yi had only been testing the waters earlier. Seeing no outburst of rage, he examined Boss Jin’s physiognomy more closely and softened his attitude. “Boss Jin, could you clear the room?”

The two elders’ bet had drawn several eager onlookers. If Boss Jin was the mastermind, exposing it on the spot would be fine. But now, Chu Yi felt it best handled privately…