I truly can't afford it.

Although she had already learned the details of the three jadeite ornaments from Li Jingyi in advance, seeing them with her own eyes still left her profoundly astonished.

Li Jingyi was a renowned authority in jewelry appraisal, and Cheng Mo trusted her expertise. Therefore, she did not use professional tools like a high-intensity flashlight or magnifying glass; she simply put on a pair of white gloves and carefully examined each piece under natural light.

After a long moment, Cheng Mo placed the last piece she had admired—the Jadeite Sea-Treading Guanyin—back into its sandalwood box and remarked with genuine admiration, “These are indeed rare, top-grade jadeite treasures. I wish I could take all three, but one must not be too greedy.”

The thought of having to give up any of them filled her with regret. “This Sea-Treading Guanyin Jadeite is especially priceless. Its color and material are impeccable, and the design is ingenious—an extraordinary work of art. My grandmother would absolutely adore it. If I can only choose one of the three, then I’ll take this Sea-Treading Guanyin Jadeite. Mr. Xiao, would that be acceptable?”

“No problem,” Xiao Yao replied readily. “Since I’ve brought out these three jadeite treasures for you to choose from, you may select whichever you like. The price for this Sea-Treading Guanyin Jadeite is five hundred million yuan, non-negotiable. I believe Ms. Li has already made this clear?”

Even for a true tycoon, coming up with such a large sum in cash was no easy feat, so Xiao Yao made sure to remind her.

“Ms. Li has already told me. The price is fair; I have no objections,” Cheng Mo responded straightforwardly.

Top-grade jadeite is seldom seen on the market, and especially with this Sea-Treading Guanyin, which combines the highest quality material with exceptional artistry, making it even more rare.

Though five hundred million yuan was indeed a lofty price, aside from practical needs, there was ample room for appreciation over time. As an investment, the future profit is uncertain, but it would certainly retain its value.

Xiao Yao said cheerfully, “Since Miss Cheng has no objections to the price, then this Sea-Treading Guanyin Jadeite is yours.”

Cheng Mo did not immediately conclude the transaction. She continued, “Mr. Xiao, may I be so bold as to ask if I might select an additional piece?”

“I do have some more top-quality jadeite in my collection. Since I’ve presented these three for you to choose from, all are available for transfer. If Miss Cheng wishes to take another, please feel free; I have no objections.” It seemed Miss Cheng was indeed quite affluent, which surprised Xiao Yao somewhat.

“Such an opportunity is rare. I’d like to take this high-ice imperial green jade bangle as well,” Cheng Mo explained. “My mother loves jade bangles and owns many fine pieces, but none compare to this one. So I’m quite tempted.”

Li Jingyi interjected, “Miss Cheng’s mother, Professor Qin Moran, is a renowned scholar of classical studies. Her temperament is perfectly suited to wearing a jade bangle. Such a top-grade piece should adorn Professor Qin’s wrist, lest it be wasted.”

“To find a worthy owner for this exceptional jade bangle is far better than letting it languish in my collection,” Xiao Yao said. “However, the price is rather high—three hundred and sixty million yuan. Together with the Sea-Treading Guanyin, Miss Cheng will need to come up with 860 million yuan in one go. Will that be difficult for you?” Frankly, Xiao Yao was a bit concerned whether Cheng Mo could produce such a substantial sum at once.

“My father mentioned that a sizable investment of his has just been returned, so 860 million yuan should be within our means. If Mr. Xiao has no objections, I’ll take the bangle as well,” Cheng Mo replied tactfully, indicating that funds were not a concern.

“Then there’s no problem. Once the funds are in place, these two top-grade jadeite pieces are yours to take at any time,” Xiao Yao agreed without hesitation.

“I heard from Ms. Li that Mr. Xiao also has a top-grade jadeite bracelet for men, said to be extremely rare. May I have the privilege of seeing it?” Cheng Mo asked politely once more.

“Ms. Li has a discerning eye for jewelry. Since Miss Cheng is interested, I’ll bring it out for everyone to admire,” Xiao Yao replied.

He would never refuse a request from such a charming lady, especially one as wealthy as Miss Cheng. If the bracelet could be sold, it would bring in a substantial sum, eliminating any future concerns about investment capital.

Xiao Yao left briefly and soon returned, carrying another sandalwood box in his hands.

He placed the box in front of Miss Cheng and opened it for her, saying, “This Nine Dragons Playing with Pearls bracelet is flawless in material, color, and craftsmanship—truly top-tier. Such exquisite jadeite for men is exceedingly rare in the market. Please, Miss Cheng, feel free to examine it.”

Upon seeing the bracelet, Cheng Mo’s eyes lit up. She had seen countless high-end jewels, but never had she encountered a jadeite bracelet so perfect and rare.

“Thank you, I won’t stand on ceremony,” Cheng Mo said, donning white gloves and beginning her meticulous appraisal.

She examined it carefully for four or five minutes before reluctantly returning the bracelet to its box. “This is absolutely stunning! The ten jadeite beads are all exceptionally transparent, with outstanding luster—glass-grade old mine beads. The material is nearly flawless, and the color is as fine as it gets.”

“This bead of rooster-red needs no explanation—bright as blood, vivid and even. Just this one bead is a rare treasure. The other nine, in golden yolk yellow, are even more precious. Each bead is uniformly pure, with not a trace of color variation, as if they were all carved from a single piece—truly extraordinary.”

It was clear Cheng Mo was deeply enamored with this bracelet. “The craftsmanship on these ten beads is also masterful; they are rare works of art. Such an exceptional jadeite bracelet for men is sure to make anyone envious. If my father saw it, he would certainly try every means to acquire it for his collection. Mr. Xiao, do you have any intention of selling?”

“I could consider selling, but the price is steep. I’ve set it at 1.8 billion yuan. If Miss Cheng wishes to acquire it, she’ll need to prepare the funds carefully,” Xiao Yao explained. This was not a piece he refused to sell—if someone could pay the price, he would gladly part with it and recoup some capital.

“That’s far too expensive!” Cheng Mo exclaimed, though she had expected the bracelet to be costly, the actual price still took her aback. “I really can’t afford it, at least not in the near future.”