I have little money, so I can only afford the cheaper ones.

1.8 billion was indeed an astronomical price, one that even billionaires might not be able to gather in such a short period. Xiao Yao had anticipated this, so he wasn’t disappointed. He said, “I quite like this Nine Dragons Playing with the Pearl bracelet myself, and won’t be selling it anytime soon. When your funds are more flexible, Miss Cheng, if you’re still interested, you can always contact me.”

After thinking for a moment, Cheng Mo replied, “Thank you. When I see my father, I’ll tell him about this Nine Dragons Playing with the Pearl bracelet and see if he’s interested. If he wants it, we’ll try to raise the money as quickly as possible. If he’s not too keen, I’ll let you know.”

“That’s fine. It’s not a small sum, after all, so it makes sense to consider it carefully. I’ll wait for your news.” Xiao Yao understood Cheng Mo’s decision.

Although he had mountains of high-quality jade in his possession, even he felt that the prices for top-grade jade were simply too high.

The reserves of top-grade jade had already been depleted, and the local people’s awareness of its value was very high. As the domestic economy improved, the prices of top-grade jade rose year after year—it was inevitable.

Top-grade jade was always rare; water-clear, glass-type jade was already uncommon, and full-green glass-type jade was even more so. Even if one encountered it, apple green was already hard to find. Full, evenly distributed imperial green was even rarer, and true vibrant imperial green was nearly impossible to come by.

A water-clear, evenly colored glass-type imperial green jade item—even a tiny ring face—would be worth millions.

For such top-grade jade pieces, the larger the area, the rarer and more precious it became, and naturally, the price would skyrocket.

It was only through thousands of years of collecting, and countless times resorting to special means, that such a mountain of top-grade jade pieces had been amassed.

Because his Sacred Soul Ring contained so many top-grade jade items, Xiao Yao didn’t mind selling a few at random.

If it were truly rare and unique things, even if they weren’t very valuable, Xiao Yao would definitely be reluctant to let them go.

From the moment she first saw Xiao Yao’s Nine Dragons Playing with the Pearl bracelet, Li Jingyi had been captivated by it.

Now, with such a rare opportunity, she interjected, “Mr. Xiao, may I have the honor of examining your bracelet up close?”

“Of course, no problem. If President Wang is interested, you’re welcome to take a look as well.”

With Xiao Yao’s permission, Li Jingyi eagerly took out her professional appraisal tools and began a meticulous examination.

Wang Chuanjie was equally interested in the bracelet. As soon as his wife finished her appraisal, he took it in his hands.

“I’ve been appraising jewelry for half my life, but this is the most valuable piece I’ve ever examined. To have the fortune to appraise such a rare treasure makes my whole career worthwhile.” Although she had finished her appraisal, Li Jingyi remained highly excited.

“This Nine Dragons Playing with the Pearl bracelet is truly extraordinary. It’s a pity I can’t afford it right now—that’s a real regret.” The thought of possibly missing out on this rare treasure made Cheng Mo feel a pang of loss.

Xiao Yao had once told the Wang couple that he was worried the Cheng family wouldn’t be able to afford his most expensive jade pieces. At first, Wang and Li thought Xiao Yao was exaggerating, but now they realized he had spoken the truth.

Wang Chuanjie now wondered if Xiao Yao had even more valuable top-grade jade pieces he hadn’t shown yet. He thought this was quite possible.

Having interacted with him so far, Cheng Mo found Xiao Yao to be quite approachable. As she became more familiar with him, her words became more casual.

“Mr. Xiao, do you have any jade pieces that aren’t so expensive? I don’t have much money and can only afford something cheaper. If there’s something suitable, I’d like to pick one for myself.” Cheng Mo said frankly.

“What price range can you accept?” Xiao Yao asked.

“Ordinary jade pieces can be found anywhere, but top-grade jade is a rare encounter. I’d like a smaller piece, preferably with top-grade qualities, for under fifty million. If it’s too expensive, my allowance won’t cover it, and I’d have to ask my parents for help. I’d rather not do that if possible.” Cheng Mo explained her requirements.

“Wait a moment, I’ll pick out a couple for you to see if you like them.” Xiao Yao thought jade suited Cheng Mo’s temperament perfectly and was happy to sell her something from his collection.

It didn’t take long. Xiao Yao casually selected two pieces and soon returned.

He placed the open box in front of Cheng Mo and said, “I think these two should suit you. See which you prefer. If neither appeals, I’ll bring out two more for you.”

Cheng Mo’s gaze was immediately drawn to the two jade pieces in the box.

Xiao Yao had brought two jade items: one was a Peace Amulet, the other an egg-shaped pendant.

“I like both of these. Let me take a closer look first.” As she spoke, Cheng Mo donned a pair of white gloves and picked up the Peace Amulet for close inspection.

The saying, “A fine jade needs no carving,” means that beautiful jade requires no elaborate shaping to display its natural beauty. It is often used as a metaphor for something inherently good, needing no superficial embellishment.

This Peace Amulet was just such a rare and exquisite piece.

It was about fifty millimeters long, thirty millimeters wide, and eight or nine millimeters thick, with a substantial, generous shape that radiated grace and virtue.

The jade was extremely fine and pure, soft and lustrous, with stunning clarity—undoubtedly glass-type jade. Its front was trapezoidal, polished to a bright sheen, solid and full, reflecting enchanting brilliance from every angle. Its color and base merged into one, filled throughout with vibrant, fresh green, intensely vivid, meeting the standard for true imperial green.

A slight regret was that, although it was full green, its color wasn’t perfectly even.

Setting aside the Peace Amulet, she began to examine the full-green egg-shaped pendant.

The pendant was perfectly rounded, its curved surface smooth and full. Without much need for carving, it naturally displayed a rich, bright green, emanating a sense of completeness and inclusiveness. The oval, three-dimensional size was roughly 35 by 30 by 15 millimeters. The jade was round and transparent, exuding an aura of nobility, and its inner quality was nearly flawless—icy-clear, jewel-like. This glass-type jade was truly as clear as water.

In jade, color is always more important than clarity.

Even among greens, there are differences in depth, brightness, and maturity. Among all these competing hues, none surpasses imperial green—and this pendant’s color was distributed with exceptional evenness.

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PS:

Thanks to the following readers for their rewards: Reader 20171102215215660, Wang Chunshu, Reader 20190130144645020, Reader 20170204001456133, and “Reading Until Possessed.”

Many thanks!