Volume One, Chapter 10: The Stone Appraisal Gathering
“Officially starting at ten o’clock. Let’s head over and get ready!” Sun Ya said.
“No problem!” Zhang Wenxuan nodded.
He hadn’t forgotten the real reason for coming today. Since he had promised Sun Ya, he naturally wouldn’t go back on his word.
The matter of making money could wait until after the appraisal conference. After all, this jade appraisal event would last three days, giving him plenty of time to profit later.
Following Sun Ya’s lead, Zhang Wenxuan ventured deeper into the jade conference, where an entirely different scene awaited him.
Rows of neatly arranged booths had already been set up, and at the center of the venue lay a massive pile of raw stones—thousands upon thousands of them.
Amazing!
So many raw stones.
“These raw stones are the true heart of this appraisal conference. Each one has been carefully handpicked. The ones outside are just scraps,” Sun Ya patiently explained.
“Almost all the raw stones in the Shangjiang jade industry come from Southeast Asia. Every year, a batch arrives here.”
“A portion of those stones is selected as material for this appraisal event. Whoever has the best eye will reap the greatest rewards.”
Zhang Wenxuan suddenly understood and naturally activated his Heavenly Eye.
Instantly, he was thrilled. Just as Sun Ya had said, the quality of this pile of raw stones far surpassed those outside—nearly every piece contained jade.
A mere casual glance revealed several pieces of high-grade jade within the stones.
The jade shimmered with a crystal-clear radiance, seductive and irresistible, like a beauty stripped bare.
Suppressing his urge to rush forward and select stones, Zhang Wenxuan followed Sun Ya to her designated spot.
Two elderly men with graying hair were already waiting there.
“Let me introduce you,” Sun Ya said.
“Mr. Zhang, these two gentlemen are Elder Zhou Yunshan and Elder Huang Ming. Both have served in my company for over twenty years.”
“Both are masters of stone appraisal. The reason my company has thrived until now is largely thanks to them!” Sun Ya smiled warmly.
Listening to her words, Zhou Yunshan and Huang Ming turned their curious gazes toward Zhang Wenxuan.
So young!
Zhang Wenxuan looked barely over twenty. Such a young lad had been invited by Sun Ya to this appraisal conference.
“Gentlemen, I am Zhang Wenxuan. I’ve only recently entered the jade industry. I look forward to your guidance,” Zhang Wenxuan said politely, bowing slightly.
Having navigated the rough seas of society for years, he was no stranger to such occasions.
Though he possessed the Heavenly Eye—an almost unfair advantage—he was still a novice in jade appraisal. It was only natural to seek advice from the elders.
“Hahaha!” Huang Ming chuckled.
“Mr. Zhang, you are too polite. Guidance is not necessary; let’s just mutually exchange insights,” he said with a friendly smile.
Zhou Yunshan nodded in agreement, his demeanor equally kind.
After speaking, the two elders exchanged a glance, each sensing something unusual in the other’s eyes.
This young man was no ordinary person.
Being personally brought here by Sun Ya, the boss, spoke volumes.
They were seasoned veterans who would never act foolishly.
Sun Ya observed everything quietly. Seeing the harmonious atmosphere among the three, she nodded approvingly.
Zhang Wenxuan’s attention shifted back to the large pile of raw stones nearby. His fingers itched.
“Miss Sun, what should we do next?”
“Just select the stones directly. Besides us, there are other companies here with the same purpose.”
“It will all depend on each party’s skill. Whoever has the sharper eye will obtain more exceptional jade,” Sun Ya explained.
She then looked at Zhang Wenxuan: “Mr. Zhang, don’t feel pressured. This is your first appraisal conference. Just do your best.”
“All the jade you select, I will purchase at full price.”
Excellent!
Zhang Wenxuan felt deeply satisfied.
This appraisal conference was a paradise for him: thousands of prime raw stones to choose from, and Sun Ya was ready to buy whatever he picked.
All he needed to do was select the jade and sell it to her.
The entire process promised to be effortless and enjoyable.
Could he not strike it rich?
Ha ha!
Zhang Wenxuan’s heart raced with excitement. He took a deep breath to steady his emotions and appear calm.
He looked around. There were still a few minutes until ten o’clock, but nearly all participants had arrived.
There were more than twenty companies present, each with three stone appraisers, as per the rules.
On the other side of the venue, a row of twenty stone cutters stood ready, prepared to start work at any moment.
“I need to keep a low profile. Although I have the Heavenly Eye, I can’t reveal high-quality jade from every stone—that would be too conspicuous.”
“I must control the chances of uncovering top-grade stones. A tall tree catches the wind; I must remain discreet,” Zhang Wenxuan decided, narrowing his eyes.
Just then, footsteps approached. A handsome young man walked over from a nearby spot.
“Xiao Ya, how’s your preparation today?”
“Hey, why do you have a newcomer in your team?” The young man smiled, his gaze falling on Zhang Wenxuan with a flicker of surprise.
A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes as he appraised Zhang Wenxuan from head to toe, pondering the young man’s connection to Sun Ya.
Sun Ya remained calm as she stepped forward to stand between Zhang Wenxuan and the newcomer.
“Mr. Zhang is a stone appraiser I personally invited,” she said.
Ah?
“Hahaha!”
The young man was momentarily stunned, then burst into loud laughter.
Their exchange drew the attention of many nearby. Hearing Sun Ya’s words, several wore strange expressions.
“Xiao Ya, you actually brought a young rookie to such an important appraisal event.”
“This conference will influence competitiveness for the entire year. If you fail to uncover enough fine jade, your company’s business will suffer drastically!”
“For such a crucial matter, you let a newcomer handle it? I think you’re really making a mistake!” The young man laughed heartily, his tone dripping with mockery.