A Grand Transaction

Before long, Xiao Yao emerged, holding the Jade Dragon Bracelet in his hand, strolling out at a leisurely pace.

He handed the bracelet directly to Tang Tianhao, saying, “Take a look. The quality and craftsmanship are both of the highest order.”

Tang Tianhao, born into a wealthy family, was certainly a connoisseur. At first glance, he was astonished by the bracelet. He examined it carefully, then borrowed a set of professional appraisal tools from Li Jingyi, meticulously inspecting each bead.

When he finished appraising all ten beads, he sighed and said, “This bracelet is truly priceless. No wonder Director Cheng couldn’t come up with enough cash for it on the spot. Top-tier bracelets suitable for men are rare to begin with, and the carving on this one is exquisite. The theme of dragons playing with pearls is both majestic and imposing. I think any successful man who lays eyes on these jade beads would want to make them his own. Of course, I’m no exception. Brother Xiao, are you willing to sell? I wonder if I’m qualified to make an offer?”

Watching Xiao Yao consider parting with such a top-grade jade piece, Tang Tianhao had originally intended to make a purchase just to show support and goodwill. Yet he hadn’t expected that the bracelet Director Cheng could not afford would be so extraordinary—at first glance, he wanted nothing more than to claim it for himself!

From its theme to its material, this strand of beads was both rare and precious. If it had surfaced before the Republic era, only emperors would have been worthy to wear it. Treasures of this caliber, seldom seen in the mundane world, are the ultimate symbols of wealth and status—rare gems that cannot be bought even with money. Tang Tianhao had already resolved to acquire it, whatever the cost.

At this point, he was less concerned with doing a favor and more worried that Xiao Yao might not be willing to let it go.

Xiao Yao said, “If even you aren’t qualified, then there are few in the country who would be. Personally, I am quite fond of the bracelet, but I have others like it, so I can consider letting this one go. The price is a bit high, but for you, I doubt that’s an issue.”

“This bracelet is just too rare, too precious. I love it. A higher price is only natural. In my view, this piece is truly priceless—whatever the cost, owning it is a gain. Brother Xiao, just name your price.” Tang Tianhao spoke with the air of a man for whom money was no object.

Xiao Yao smiled and said, “I already discussed it with Miss Cheng. The price is 1.8 billion. Miss Cheng is a beauty, and you’re my brother—you both get the same deal.”

Tang Tianhao glanced at Miss Cheng, then at Xiao Yao, a sly smile playing at his lips. “Miss Cheng is the leading beauty in the capital’s social scene—she deserves that treatment. I’m just a rough fellow; I wouldn’t dare accept the same. Otherwise, it wouldn’t show how special Miss Cheng is in your eyes. Let’s add another 200 million, make it a round number—I think that’s already a very fair price.”

Miss Cheng merely smiled at Tang Tianhao’s words, betraying no displeasure.

Tang Tianhao’s proposal was, of course, meant to curry favor with Xiao Yao, but he spoke from the heart—he truly believed it was worth the price.

Even if the beads were sold separately, each would fetch at least 1.3 billion. As a complete set, with consistent material and color, and the dragons-playing-with-pearl motif, if put up for auction, they would certainly spark a bidding war, likely ending in an irrationally high sale.

The 2 billion he named was indeed a bit high, but still reasonable. If he encountered this bracelet at auction, he would pay several hundred million more to secure it if necessary.

Xiao Yao glanced at Miss Cheng, then turned to Tang Tianhao and said, with a hint of meaning, “It may be the trend to value beauty over friendship these days, but since I’ve already named the price, any increase would only hurt our brotherhood. Let’s keep it at 1.8 billion. Next time, I’ll sharpen my knife and give you a real cut.”

“To be treated the same as the beautiful Miss Cheng—isn’t that worth the case of wine I brought today!” Tang Tianhao was delighted.

Whether the price was higher or lower meant little to him. What mattered was Xiao Yao’s attitude. Xiao Yao was willing to let the bracelet go at a favorable price, rather than raising it—clearly a sign of respect and his willingness to continue their friendship. That was what truly pleased Tang Tianhao.

Xiao Yao placed the bracelet into his hand. “If you like it, wear it. The money can wait; send it to my account whenever it’s convenient.”

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Tang Tianhao slipped the bracelet onto his left wrist, his face beaming with joy.

While the three of them talked, Li Jingyi had finished her appraisal. She packed up her tools and said, “If I weren’t afraid of boring Mr. Xiao, I would have liked to examine these pieces even longer. These three jade ornaments are simply too beautiful. Even as an appraiser accustomed to handling top-grade jade, I’ve rarely seen pieces of this caliber.”

With Li Jingyi’s final confirmation, Miss Cheng took out her phone and quietly sent a message to her finance department. “I’ll urge finance again. The funds should be transferred soon.”

Miss Cheng, after all, didn’t know Xiao Yao very well. For such a large sum, caution was warranted.

Xiao Yao completely understood Miss Cheng’s prudence. Since the funds hadn’t arrived, she couldn’t take the three jade pieces yet. He said offhandedly, “Miss Cheng, are you still in school, or have you started working? If you ever have time, feel free to contact me. I’m a man of leisure with plenty of free time. I might not be able to help with anything important, but I can always lend a friendly ear.”

“I graduated last year,” Miss Cheng replied graciously. “Now I’m studying painting under Mr. Lin Yuxuan. My free time is actually quite limited, but if there’s ever an opportunity, I won’t hesitate to trouble you, Mr. Xiao.”

Xiao Yao was slightly surprised. “Mr. Lin Yuxuan is a towering figure in today’s art world. For you to study under him, your talent must be remarkable.”

Lin Yuxuan, now over seventy, was highly esteemed in the art world. To study under him and receive his personal guidance, Miss Cheng’s family background was secondary—her talent must have been exceptional.

Miss Cheng replied modestly, “My talent for painting is only slightly above average. It truly is my good fortune to learn from Mr. Lin. His standards for students are always strict, which means I really don’t have much spare time. Otherwise, just to broaden my horizons with you, Mr. Xiao, I would certainly come by to visit often.”