NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Energy That Even Scientists Can't Explain
The glamorous woman quickly composed herself and smiled politely. "You're quite the jokester, aren't you? A risk agreement for two hundred million on this jade?"
"Two hundred million? That would be a joke," Zeng Shen chuckled.
Relief washed over the woman's face, but it was short-lived.
"It should be a five hundred million risk agreement," Zeng Shen added, his words hitting like a bombshell, causing the woman to choke on her breath.
"Cough, cough, five billion at least? You must be joking, you cheeky little brother," she said, still in disbelief.
"It's not possible unless..."
Shi Mingqiang's voice interrupted from behind them, followed by two people.
The woman's expression turned from anger to surprise as Shi Mingqiang continued.
"Unless the jade contains a volume of Green Dew Imperial Jade the size of half a fist, then a two hundred million agreement might be justified," Shi Mingqiang remarked, standing beside them.
The woman's anger vanished, replaced by shock.
She didn't know the young man, thinking he was just a cheeky kid. But Shi Mingqiang was a man of his word, never joking lightly. His acknowledgment meant the young man's jade was indeed worth a two hundred million risk agreement.
If she could secure such an agreement, she could negotiate a 100 million-dollar loan from the bank, saving her company from liquidation and buying another year.
In a split second, countless thoughts raced through her mind, her expression shifting from surprise to contemplation.
Shi Mingqiang then introduced the two figures beside him. "This is Master Kuo, the city's best and internationally recognized jade carver. And this young man is his apprentice and talented carver, Zhao Xiaoman."
Zeng Shen, Li Yuqing, and the woman all stood and greeted them.
"Hello, Master Kuo and Master Xiaoman," they said in unison.
"Hello," Zhao Xiaoman replied politely.
Master Kuo, however, was captivated by the emerald's green sheen, responding absentmindedly.
Green Dew Imperial Jade!
He had been fortunate enough to carve one in his youth, earning him fame.
Now, decades later, he had another chance to work with such a rare gem and feel the unique energy that even scientists couldn't explain.
The honor of a jade carver's life was to work on top-tier jade.
Understanding Master Kuo's awe, Shi Mingqiang smiled and handed him the jade. "Master Kuo, please handle this."
"Yes, yes, of course," Master Kuo replied, cradling the stone delicately, his eyes fixed on its green sheen as if admiring a beautiful woman.
After a moment, he turned to his apprentice. "Xiaoman, prepare the tools."
"Yes, Master," Zhao Xiaoman responded, quickly setting up the necessary tools from his kit.
Shi Mingqiang also prepared another set, instructing Zhao Xiaoman, "You can work on Ms. Liu's jade next."
Zhao Xiaoman's face lit up with excitement. The honor and aspiration of a jade carver's career was to work on top-tier jade.
"Thank you for trusting me, Mr. Shi," he expressed gratefully.
Soon, the carving tables were ready.
Master Kuo donned white gloves and carefully placed the jade into a specially prepared solution.
He then picked up a small carving knife, gently working on the crevice Zeng Shen had started.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoman began working on Ms. Liu's jade in a similar solution.
Everyone watched the delicate process intently, except for Zeng Shen, who remained calm and composed.
The glamorous woman also watched Zhao Xiaoman, hoping for more Imperial Jade to emerge.
But soon, her attention shifted to the glow from Master Kuo's work.
When Zhao Xiaoman paused with a sigh, she snapped back to reality.
She turned to see only a thin layer of Imperial Jade in Zhao Xiaoman's hands, confirming her fears.
Her instincts had been correct; the jade yielded too little.
At most, she could secure a ten-million risk agreement, not enough for the thirty million needed to save her company.
Defeated, she slumped into the sofa, staring at the ceiling.
She had exhausted all borrowing options. Many in the industry knew her company was on the brink of bankruptcy, and no one would invest or lend her money.
As she despaired, a brilliant green glow caught her eye.
She turned to see Master Kuo's jade, peeled halfway to reveal a half-fist-sized Green Dew Imperial Jade.
Her eyes widened, lashes fluttering.
Just the exposed jade alone was worth at least four billion!
In disbelief, she looked at the young man owning the jade.
Calmly watching Master Kuo's work, he showed no anxiety or excitement, as if merely admiring the craft.
Curiosity piqued, the woman's gaze lingered on Zeng Shen.
This was a Hundred Million-dollar jade.
How could he be so composed?