The Demand for Top-Grade Jade

The second main course was a clear bird’s nest soup. Before it was served, the waiter brought each of them a small cup of warm water to rinse their mouths, as the dish’s delicate and pure flavor required a cleansed palate to fully appreciate its subtleties.

Following that was the premium abalone—its broth fresh and delicious beyond words. Unfortunately, the precious liquid in the dish was only enough for a single spoonful each; just as they began to savor the taste, it was gone.

The fourth course was scallion-braised seafood; the sea cucumber was tender and silky, the sauce rich and flavorful, making each bite a pleasure.

The fifth dish was braised greens with dried scallops, the sixth was shrimp with wild rice shoots, the seventh was the steamed perch that Xia Banxia usually enjoyed, the eighth was clear soup with hasma, and the ninth was braised fish lips in a clay pot.

The final course was a sweet almond tea, followed by two desserts: sesame paste buns and crispy pastries, one sweet and one savory.

Both siblings could hold their liquor, and the bottle of Maotai was emptied without a drop left. They ate and drank to their hearts’ content. Including the braised shark fin they had sent out, the meal cost sixty thousand yuan—a hefty sum, yet every bit worth it.

After dinner, it was just half past eight. As they got into the car, Xia Banxia asked, “Where are we going now? Any other plans for the evening?”

“We’re heading home now. I’ll take you to see your new place. From now on, you’ll have a home in the capital too.”

“I still feel like I’m dreaming. I’ve been in the capital for six years and haven’t been able to afford even a tiny one-bedroom. Suddenly, I’m about to live in a courtyard house over two thousand square meters. That’s a huge leap—I wonder if I’ve bitten off more than I can chew?” With half a bottle of wine in her, Xia Banxia was slightly tipsy, her straightforward nature coming through.

“When I’m not around, go easy on the drinking. You have no self-control when you drink, and your tomboyish side comes right out. Who’s going to want to marry you if you keep this up?” Her older sister was as beautiful as a flower, but her personality was too bold—who knew what kind of man she’d end up with?

Xiao Yao hadn’t used to worry about such things. But since merging with Pan Wu’s three thousand years of memories, his mindset had changed without him noticing.

“Why are you acting so old all of a sudden? You’re not cute at all. Even Dad doesn’t fuss about me like you do. Aren’t you tired?” Xia Banxia shot her brother a glare.

He realized she was right. He was the younger brother, not the father. Why worry so much? “Forget it. Old Zhao, let’s go home.”

They didn’t live far away, and with few cars on the road at night, they arrived at their doorstep before their conversation was done.

Getting out of the car, Xiao Yao pointed at the two stone lions at the gate. “Well, Sis, what do you think? Don’t these lions look impressive? Doesn’t it feel like you’ve arrived at a grand estate?”

“They’re alright, I suppose. You can’t judge a house from the outside. What matters is the courtyard inside. Hurry up and show me around!” Xia Banxia was already impatient to explore her new home.

Once inside, she looked left and right, her eyes barely enough to take everything in—everything seemed novel and fascinating.

“The first courtyard is for the household staff; there’s nothing much to see. Just a quick look will do. The second courtyard is truly beautiful—I guarantee you’ll love it.”

Urged on by Xiao Yao, Xia Banxia entered the second courtyard.

As soon as they stepped inside, Butler Lu came out quickly to greet them. “Young master, is this the young lady?”

Xiao Yao introduced them. “Sis, this is Butler Lu. He handles all the major and minor affairs here. If you need anything, just let him know.”

“Hello, Butler Lu. I’m Xia Banxia.” She was quite curious about the legendary butler and greeted him sincerely, without the airs of a homeowner.

“Hello, Miss. The young master is right—if you need anything, just say the word and I’ll see to it personally.” Feeling the young lady’s respect, Butler Lu became even more attentive.

After a brief exchange, Butler Lu arranged for someone to prepare daily necessities for her, while Xiao Yao continued showing his sister around.

Xia Banxia felt like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden—everything she saw was fresh and exciting.

She had expected a traditional courtyard, but to her surprise, the residence, while preserving classic architectural style, was integrated with modern design elements. Not only was it beautiful, it was also exceptionally livable—far exceeding her expectations by a hundredfold.

It took nearly an hour for Xia Banxia to tour the entire compound. Only then, at Butler Lu’s urging, did she begin choosing her future room.

While she was making her selection, Wang Chuanjie returned home.

After a quick wash, Wang Chuanjie slipped into his pajamas and entered the bedroom.

“You’re home so early tonight? Weren’t you entertaining an important client?” It was just ten o’clock—his wife Li Jingyi was surprised.

Usually, when her husband was out with important clients, he’d go to a nightclub or club after dinner, not returning until well past one in the morning.

Wang Chuanjie explained, “Tonight’s client was a bit older and old-fashioned—didn’t care for those sorts of places. After dinner, he went back to the hotel to rest.”

Climbing into bed, he wrapped an arm around his wife and said, “Haven’t you been looking for top-quality jadeite these past few days? I happened to come across one tonight.”

This truly was a pleasant surprise. Li Jingyi broke free from his embrace, sat up, and faced him. “The owner of the jadeite must be the client you entertained, right? Did you ask if they’re willing to sell at a good price?”

“It’s not him. The jadeite belongs to my staff member’s younger brother,” Wang Chuanjie explained. “It was quite a coincidence—they were both dining at Tan’s Cuisine, and we ran into each other at the entrance.”

“Are you sure it’s top-grade jadeite? Miss Cheng’s grandmother is especially fond of jadeite, and Miss Cheng is preparing this as her grandmother’s seventieth birthday gift—it has to be the best. The price can’t be less than a hundred million yuan.”

“My ability to appraise jewelry might not measure up to yours, but when it comes to jadeite, I’m fully confident—I can’t be mistaken.”

No wonder Li Jingyi was so particular. The Cheng family was one of her most important clients, and she needed to maintain that relationship well.

Li Jingyi was a renowned jewelry appraiser in the country, with many titles to her name. Her appraisal fees were high, but her annual income surpassed her husband’s—not from appraisals, but from commissions as a jewelry broker.

She was thirty-six, five years younger than her husband. Years of work had helped her build an extensive network, with many high-end clients in her circle. With her introductions, a single high-end jewelry deal could earn her commission of several hundred thousand or even millions.