Money slips through one’s fingers all too easily.

To achieve the highest quality of imperial green jadeite, not only must the color be pure and rich, with a vibrant green hue, but it also requires an exceptionally high internal purity, reaching the highest transparency of glass-like quality. The color and texture must blend harmoniously, creating a gentle ripple effect that captivates and seems to glisten with each change in angle—this is the ultimate allure of top-grade jadeite.

This cabochon is a perfect display of clear and transparent top-grade imperial green jadeite. It has a well-rounded and smooth shape, effortlessly showcasing its vibrant and bright green hue without excessive carving, exuding a sense of wholeness and inclusiveness. Its internal quality is nearly flawless, akin to a pool of clear water, pure and clean, with an ethereal quality that is simply breathtaking.

Cheng Mo is particularly discerning when it comes to beauty. Although the price of the first piece, the peace and safety pendant, would certainly be higher, she finds herself preferring the slightly lower-priced cabochon instead.

"Both of these glass-like imperial green jadeite pieces are quite rare, and I like them both. It’s not easy to come across even one, yet today I have two to choose from. I’m really facing a dilemma now. Could you tell me how much these two jadeite pieces are worth in Mr. Xiao’s opinion?" Cheng Mo intends to hear the prices before making her final decision.

"Though the peace and safety pendant can also be considered glass-like imperial green, its color uniformity is slightly lacking. My asking price is 53 million. The cabochon pendant is a bit smaller, but its quality is impeccable, and I’ve priced it at 38 million," Xiao Yao states, the prices being slightly on the higher side yet still within a reasonable range.

"I have limited funds available, so I will choose the lower-priced cabochon pendant. Its performance is perfect, and I really like it," Cheng Mo quickly decides without much deliberation.

"Very well, I'll set this cabochon pendant aside for you," Xiao Yao says to Li Jingyi. "For a gem appraiser like Teacher Li, it would certainly be a pity not to let her personally assess top-grade jewelry. Teacher Li, please feel free to take a look."

With Xiao Yao's thoughtful gesture, Cheng Mo doesn’t need to make the request herself. After all, considering the value of these precious gems worth tens of millions, it’s necessary to have them appraised by a professional before she feels comfortable making a purchase.

Li Jingyi is quick in her assessment and thoroughly evaluates both pieces of jadeite jewelry. Once the quality of the cabochon pendant is confirmed without a doubt, Cheng Mo feels relieved and states, "I must thank Mr. Xiao for parting with these. I will take all three jadeite pieces. Once I return home, I’ll prepare the funds, which should take about 5 to 7 days. I’ll contact you once everything is ready."

"Now that everything is agreed upon, I will definitely hold the three jadeite pieces for you, and a longer wait is no problem," Xiao Yao assures her. Having a significant client like this is rare, and as long as the funds come through, he is not concerned about the timing.

"After I return home, I’ll report this to my family, so I won’t disturb you any longer, Mr. Xiao."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cheng Mo and her companions take their leave.

Once the guests are gone, Butler Lu remarks, "Once Miss Cheng’s funds arrive, the young master won’t be lacking in money. I wonder what plans the young master has for this sum?"

"I haven’t thought about it yet. Do you have any suggestions?"

"In the past, when the master was alive, he had numerous investments. Although most have concluded over the years, some have continued, such as annual orders for high-end wines, purchases of various new gemstones, and reservations for contemporary artworks. These purchasing channels remain open. Are you planning to continue investing in these projects?" Butler Lu explains.

Investments in high-end wines, new gemstones, and contemporary artworks typically do not yield immediate returns. However, for someone like Pan Wu and Xiao Yao, these are excellent investment opportunities.

In several decades or even centuries, some of these investments are bound to yield astonishing returns. Moreover, for a person like Pan Wu, each investment decision is not made haphazardly but is a prescient choice, ensuring high future returns.

Xiao Yao can benefit from the groundwork laid by his predecessor, as he can continue investing in the projects Pan Wu previously decided on.

"I'm not very familiar with these investments; please explain them in detail."

Butler Lu then elaborates on his understanding. Investment in fine wines mainly involves red wine, as well as the most renowned spirits from various countries.

Pan Wu operated for many years in Europe, holding substantial reservation quotas at famous wineries in France. Wines like Romanée-Conti, which have limited annual production, can yield considerable profits once acquired for stable collection.

The range of investment in new gemstones is broad, with a focus on the best specimens of each type.

The scope of contemporary art investment is even wider. Pan Wu identified contemporary artists from around the world, many of whom are not yet well-known, allowing for the acquisition of their new works at minimal expense.

After hearing Butler Lu's explanation, Xiao Yao asks, "If we continue with the previous acquisition plan, how much will it cost each year?"

"The annual expenditure is approximately 600 to 1 billion." Butler Lu, having managed these acquisitions in the past, is very clear about the figures.

"That's quite a sum, but it is worth investing." Although it requires significant spending, the potential future returns are even greater. Xiao Yao decides to proceed with the investments. "Once Miss Cheng’s funds are received, we will have the necessary acquisition funds for this year, so let’s begin the purchasing work now. If you need money in the next few days, feel free to draw from my personal account."

Originally, he was pleased about a large sum of money about to be deposited, but now it seems it will be spent almost immediately. He realizes he must continue to find ways to earn more.

Previously, these matters were personally handled by Butler Lu, and since those connections still exist, Xiao Yao entrusts this task to him. After arranging everything, he no longer inquires further.

That evening, when Xiao Banxia returns home, Xiao Yao briefly recounts the business he discussed that day.

"You actually negotiated nearly 900 million in business today! That Miss Cheng must be incredibly wealthy!" Xiao Banxia is astonished by the astronomical figure.

"According to our CEO Wang, Miss Cheng’s family is a hidden rich family with assets of at least several billion. For true billionaires, such purchasing power is not surprising," Xiao Yao explains.