Chapter Thirty: The Stone Gambling Exchange Officially Begins

Boss Ma waved his hand impatiently, leading everyone away from the area. As soon as Qin Feng stepped into the main hall, he noticed that its design closely resembled that of an ancient beast-fighting arena from China. Rows of round stone tables were arranged in perfect order, with a massive stone slab dominating the center. The stone stools were specially reinforced to prevent any damage during the excitement of gambling.

Casting his eyes over the stone chairs around him, Qin Feng’s lips curved with a subtle, inscrutable smile. “These people are quite well-off,” he mused, noticing that the chairs were crafted from rosewood—fine sandalwood, no less—worth a significant fortune. He also observed that the surfaces of the stone stools were carved with various intricate patterns, giving the place an air of authenticity.

“Please, everyone, take your seats at your leisure. Today’s trading event will begin shortly.” After a burst of lively noise, the stone-gambling exchange officially commenced.

Qin Feng glanced around and found that most of the stone materials were ordinary, with only a few promising rough stones among them. He shook his head, withdrawing his gaze in disappointment.

“Brother Qin, you don’t look too satisfied,” Ah Hu, standing beside him, leaned over and whispered.

Qin Feng simply shook his head and remained silent.

Realizing Qin Feng wasn’t inclined to speak, Ah Hu didn’t press further and quietly accompanied him.

Moments later, a booming voice resounded through the crowd. “Today, I announce the official start of the Stone-Gambling Exchange!”

Immediately afterward, a short, elderly man took the stage, standing to the right of the host.

“This is the master stone-cutter personally invited by our Jade King. I’m sure everyone here is familiar with him—he’s a renowned expert in our country!”

“Master Li is revered as a giant in the realm of stone-cutting. He has personally revealed countless precious stones and earned the respect of the entire industry,” the host introduced him with great admiration.

“Oh? Is he really that skilled?” The crowd’s interest was piqued. Most people had heard of legendary gamblers but rarely of famous stone-cutters.

“Please wait a moment while I take the rough stones to the cutting room,” Master Li said, clasping his hands to the audience.

“Alright!” came the enthusiastic response.

Master Li nodded with a smile, then led his apprentices to the adjoining stone-cutting room to prepare for the reveal.

The crowd gathered eagerly at the doorway, anticipation etched on every face.

“Qin Feng, do you think Master Li will find jade this time?” Ah Hu sidled up and asked in a low voice.

“I don’t know,” Qin Feng replied indifferently.

“Why are you so unenthusiastic?” Ah Hu’s eyes widened in surprise at Qin Feng’s lack of excitement.

“Anticipation is a matter of luck, not just words. Why should I be excited?” Qin Feng shot him a glance, bluntly dampening his enthusiasm.

Ah Hu was left speechless. He realized Qin Feng was right—no one could guarantee that Master Li would always reveal top-grade icy jade; what if he failed this time?

Still, these thoughts remained unspoken. Ah Hu wouldn’t dare voice them in front of Qin Feng.

“Wow!” Suddenly, an exclamation of astonishment pierced the air.

Qin Feng turned to see a young man, smartly dressed in a suit and glasses, rushing toward a stone, holding a translucent jade ring in his hand, his excitement barely contained.

“It’s jade!” someone cried.

“Heavens, it’s icy violet jade of the highest grade!”

“That ring must be worth at least five million! Our luck is unbelievable!”

The crowd erupted, surging forward to get a better look at the stone.

The bespectacled young man’s face shone with delight as he cradled the jade, as if he wished he could hang it around his neck immediately. He had bought the stone on a whim, never expecting to strike it rich—it was a windfall beyond his wildest dreams.

Even Qin Feng was a bit surprised; he hadn’t expected such high-quality jade from that stone, though its surface did show a deep violet hue. However, the patch was only the size of a baby’s palm—not quite the rarest, most valuable kind.

But rarity commands a high price, especially for violet jade, which is highly prized among the wealthy and often fetches astronomical sums.

Sure enough, before the young man could fully enjoy his good fortune, others began vying to buy it from him.

“Sir, we’re willing to offer three million for your icy violet jade. Would you consider selling?”

“Heh, you think this is cabbage at the market? I’ll pay four million—the ring is mine.”

“Get lost! I’m offering eight million!”

The crowd competed fiercely, shouting out bids for fear of missing the opportunity.

In the end, after much hesitation, the bespectacled young man agreed to sell.

Qin Feng calmly watched from the sidelines, in no rush to choose a rough stone himself.

Beside him, Ah Hu was getting excited. After all, who wouldn’t want to try their luck after witnessing someone win a fortune in an instant?

Meanwhile, Lin Wanting had already gone off to discuss business with Boss Ma and his associates.

Qin Feng remained silent, observing carefully. Most of the stones here had already been screened, making the odds of finding jade extremely low. Anyone who succeeded must have the luck of the ancestors on their side. The professional appraisers in these stone yards relied on sheer volume to make their findings.

“Follow me.”

After searching for some time, Qin Feng finally spotted a hint of green in a pile of unremarkable rough stones. He only glanced at it, but though he couldn’t tell exactly what kind of jade lay within, he was certain it would yield a profit.

“This is the one!”

He drew out his bank card and paid for it without hesitation.

“Brother Qin, you’re buying it already? I think you should take a closer look. Hardly anyone’s even glanced at this pile…” Ah Hu tried to persuade him.

Qin Feng waved him off. “Save your breath. Have you forgotten what I do?”

Ah Hu scratched his head, puzzled by Qin Feng’s confidence.

Qin Feng offered no further explanation and strode straight toward the stone.

“I really think you should be more careful…” Ah Hu persisted, unwilling to give up.

“Quiet,” Qin Feng snapped. He knew Ah Hu meant well, but he was even more nagging than Wang Bo.

Placing his bundle down in front of the stone, Qin Feng extended his left hand, softly brushing the violet patch and channeling a bit of his inner energy.

Instantly, a gentle warmth flooded his body—a sensation of pure comfort.

“It truly is fine jade!”

Without hesitation, he called over a staff member.

“How much for this one?” Qin Feng asked, pointing to the rough stone.