Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1920 - 1914: Stone Selection

Chen Yang paid no mind to the proprietor’s demeanor.

Given the sheer volume of patrons at the stone gambling stall, a bustling environment was only to be expected.

It was a perfectly reasonable situation.

While Chen Yang and Wang Jingman were engrossed in selecting stones, approximately ten minutes elapsed. It was then that Jingman finally settled on a stone, roughly the size of a basketball.

Chen Yang also made his selection, though his stone was merely the size of a fist and possessed a rather irregular form.

Visually, it was no match for the stone Jingman had chosen.

"Chen Yang, I’ve decided on this one," Jingman stated, hefting her chosen stone with an air of certainty.

"Mine is considerably smaller. I believe this one looks quite promising," Chen Yang replied, presenting the stone he had picked out.

Upon observing Chen Yang’s diminutive and somewhat oddly shaped stone, Jingman’s optimism visibly waned.

"You’ve picked such a small one, and it doesn’t even look appealing. I doubt it will yield any valuable jade," Jingman commented, offering her assessment.

Chen Yang responded with a smile, "The value of jade is determined by what lies within, not by its external appearance or dimensions. I have a good feeling about mine."

"Haha, shall we make it a competition? Let’s purchase both and see whose stone reveals superior jade." Jingman, lacking expertise in jade appraisal, had chosen based on intuition alone.

"Very well, let’s proceed with selecting two," Chen Yang agreed.

Chen Yang was already aware that Jingman’s selection would not yield high-quality jade. However, viewing it as a friendly contest, he readily accepted the challenge.

With the stones chosen, Chen Yang promptly signaled for the proprietor to inquire about the pricing.

The boss cast a swift glance at the stones and announced the costs.

"Eighty thousand for the larger one, ten thousand for the smaller one," the boss declared.

"Such a drastic price difference? Mine isn't significantly larger; how can there be such a disparity?" Jingman expressed her surprise.

"Miss, you must be new to this, correct? In our raw stone trade, quality is paramount, not mere size. The stone you selected is of superior quality; the higher price is entirely justified," the boss explained.

Before the proprietor could elaborate further, a smooth, mellow male voice interjected from nearby.

Both Chen Yang and Jingman turned their heads in unison to investigate the source of the voice.

A man of refined appearance, sporting gold-rimmed spectacles and clad in a designer suit, stood beside them, exuding an aura of gentility.

Accompanying him were a middle-aged gentleman and two imposing bodyguards.

His bearing alone suggested a background of considerable influence.

However, Jingman remained largely indifferent to his presence.

"Oh, I understand. Thank you," Jingman replied politely, choosing not to engage further.

Similarly, Chen Yang gave the newcomer minimal attention and turned his focus back to negotiating with the proprietor.

"Boss, I find the price for the smaller stone acceptable, but could you perhaps reconsider the eighty thousand for the larger one?" Chen Yang inquired with a smile as he continued to negotiate.

He had already discerned that the stone was not worth the stated price.

Despite its appealing exterior, it held nothing of substance within.

"Oh my, please don't be deceived by our ample display; our profits aren't as substantial as they may seem. Furthermore, your stone possesses such quality; it’s bound to yield something exquisite. I already feel the price is quite low, leaving little room for further reduction," the female proprietor responded amiably.

Although Chen Yang recognized the stone's actual value was less than the asking price, he acknowledged the proprietor's valid points and appreciated her pleasant disposition, deciding not to press the matter further.

"Haha, appearances can be deceiving; nothing of value will likely be found in this stone. However, eighty thousand is acceptable—it's all in good fun," Chen Yang chuckled slightly, preparing to make the payment via his mobile phone.

Unexpectedly, the man with the gold-rimmed glasses, who had been observing silently, stepped forward.

"My good sir, might I inquire if you are new to this?" the distinguished gentleman courteously asked Chen Yang.

Slightly taken aback by the interruption while attempting to complete his payment, Chen Yang felt a flicker of annoyance but concealed it, responding, "Indeed, I am a novice. Do you have any advice to offer?"

Upon learning that Chen Yang considered himself a beginner, the man’s expression shifted to one of faint disdain.

"My friend, since you readily admit to being inexperienced, why then offer such pronouncements here? I indicated that the stone was of good quality, and you countered by suggesting it would yield nothing valuable—what is the meaning behind that? Are you implying something towards me?" the man inquired, his tone laced with suspicion.

???

Chen Yang found himself contemplating the man’s words, utterly perplexed.

His statement was merely a candid personal observation; how could it have inadvertently offended the man?

Casting a sideways glance at Jingman, Chen Yang suddenly grasped the underlying reason.

It was evident that attractive individuals have always been catalysts for conflict; this man was clearly showing interest in Jingman and was intentionally nitpicking to create a scene.

"You are mistaken; my assessment that it won't yield anything is simply my genuine opinion, without any ulterior motives." Chen Yang offered a concise explanation, aiming to de-escalate the situation and avoid further interaction, thus denying him any opportunity to boast.

His intention was to steer clear of any unnecessary trouble, but the man proved unwilling to let the matter rest.

"Haha, that’s precisely what irks me about individuals like you – novices who feign expertise and disparage others. For the sake of this lady present, I couldn't possibly overlook such behavior! If you are unable to afford it, rest assured, I can cover the cost without any issue," the man declared with a chuckle, retrieving his phone to signal his readiness to pay.

Witnessing this display, Jingman quickly intervened.

"I do not require you to pay for it."

"Young Lady, do not hold back. I am the type of person who stands up for what is right. Eighty thousand is merely a small sum." The man declared with bold confidence, subtly displaying his affluence.

"Master Jin! You have arrived. Have you also set your sights on this stone?"

As they conversed, an uncle from the stone gathering area approached, engaging with the gentleman sporting gold-rimmed spectacles.

Judging by their respectful address, this Master Jin appeared to hold a significant position within their stone market.

"Haha, it is not that I desired the stone. Rather, someone dared to underestimate me, compelling me to seek a discussion," the man explained with a faint smirk gracing his lips.

Upon hearing this, they couldn't help but express their astonishment.

"Who would dare to belittle Master Jin in the stone market? Such a person must surely be blind."

"Master Jin's skill with stones far surpasses our own, elders. How could anyone possibly doubt his judgment?"

A contingent of middle-aged uncles chimed in with effusive praise, emphasizing Master Jin's undeniable expertise.

Chen Yang was rendered speechless by the exchange.

What sort of individuals frequented this establishment?

"Boss, nine thousand in total. I have already transferred the funds. These two stones are now mine," Chen Yang stated, entirely disinclined to engage in further bickering. He promptly sent ninety thousand to the lady boss, officially claiming the stones as his purchases.

The man with the gold-rimmed glasses remained insistent. Witnessing Chen Yang's successful payment, he too transferred eighty thousand, informing the boss, "Boss, I have also transferred eight thousand. By right, this stone should belong to me."

With both parties submitting payment simultaneously, the boss found herself in quite a predicament.

"Oh dear, Master Jin, what are you doing? I cannot accept payment for a single stone from both of you!" The lady boss now fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

"Simply refund the eight thousand to him, and it will no longer be a case of two payments for one stone. While some may fail to recognize true value, I cannot stand by and watch a pearl be tarnished," Master Jin declared, casting a knowing glance at Jingman.

His words carried a clear double meaning.

Jingman's brow furrowed, a sense of displeasure washing over her.