Chapter Thirty-Six: Time to Act

A sharp glint flickered in Qin Feng’s eyes at those words. Just as he expected—Wen Bin was about to make his move.

He pondered for a moment, then turned to Boss Ma with a word of thanks.

“Thank you, Brother Ma. If there’s a chance in the future, perhaps we can exchange some thoughts about jade.”

“Absolutely, absolutely! It’s a promise then. But you mustn’t look down on my humble skills,” Boss Ma replied, his excitement barely contained. In truth, he’d worried Qin Feng might ignore him. After all, for a jade magnate like him, ordinary stones would hardly hold any interest.

Seeing Boss Ma’s joy, Qin Feng offered a faint, cordial smile. He exchanged a few more pleasantries, then the banquet officially began. People filed into the hall, each seeking their assigned seats.

Tonight’s host was a stunning woman in her thirties, sensuously dressed and striking in appearance. She started with a perfunctory introduction, then announced the official opening ceremony.

A burst of applause rang out. Conversation ceased, and all eyes turned forward, awaiting the next event.

The hostess picked up the microphone, her voice clear and inviting: “Thank you, esteemed guests, for your support. Our bidding session has concluded successfully. Now, it’s time for dinner.”

With that, a procession of beautiful servers entered, each bearing exquisite dishes. Every table was graced with a bottle of red wine.

“This is a specially prepared Lafite for everyone,” the hostess said with a smile. “May you have a delightful evening!”

She took her leave, and scarcely a minute had passed before a group of fashionable young men and women flooded into the venue. The men were dressed smartly, the women dazzling and radiant—an eye-catching spectacle that drew curious glances from all around.

Qin Feng was among those who took notice.

But his attention was soon fixed on a familiar figure, his brows arching in surprise.

“It’s her!”

His gaze lingered on a young woman seated diagonally ahead. She wore a pale yellow gown, her long, dark hair cascading softly over her shoulders. Her fair, flawless complexion was lightly adorned with makeup, accentuating her striking beauty. Her skin was luminous and supple, her clear, spirited eyes giving her an alluring charm that made it impossible not to look twice.

He’d seen her described before—a local warlord’s daughter, known as A Limei. Though her attire tonight was more conservative, it did little to mask her captivating curves and breathtaking presence.

Qin Feng mused inwardly, never expecting to encounter A Limei in such a setting. He recalled having heard her name at social gatherings, but had never met her in person until now.

Just then, as if sensing his gaze, A Limei turned, her eyes meeting his. A flicker of curiosity passed through her expression, followed by a playful, knowing smile—she seemed to recognize him.

Qin Feng returned her look with a polite nod and a faint smile.

A Limei responded with a slight lift of her chin, then resumed chatting and laughing with her companions, paying him no further heed.

The banquet grew increasingly lively, with laughter and conversation weaving through the air. Yet Qin Feng remained slightly distracted, half his attention on the room while his thoughts drifted inevitably toward A Limei.

At that moment, a waiter approached him quietly. “Mr. Qin, there’s a guest who would like to speak with you about jade.”

Something stirred in Qin Feng’s mind, though his expression remained calm. He nodded, following the waiter to a corner of the hall.

There stood a portly, shrewd-eyed middle-aged man—none other than the well-known local jade merchant, Mr. Li.

“Mr. Qin, it’s an honor,” Li greeted warmly, extending his hand.

Qin Feng shook it politely, replying, “You’re too kind, Mr. Li. How may I be of service?”

Li chuckled, lowering his voice. “I’ve heard you’re quite the expert in jade appraisal. I’ve recently acquired a stone and would like your opinion, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Qin Feng understood this was likely more than a simple favor, but since the request was made, it would be uncourteous to refuse. He nodded. “Since you trust me, I’ll be happy to help.”

They moved to a private room, where Li clapped his hands and a man entered, pushing a cart.

Qin Feng examined the stone carefully. At first glance, it looked unremarkable, but in his hands he could sense a gentle, warm energy emanating from it. He had a few guesses already.

“Mr. Li, this stone is likely from an old Burmese mine. Judging by the skin, the quality should be quite good, but to be certain, it would need to be cut open.”

Qin Feng spoke with the calm confidence of a professional.

Li’s eyes lit up with delight. “As expected of you, Mr. Qin. You identified the source at a glance. To be honest, I bought this at a high price from an old Burmese dealer. I’d planned to cut it myself, but was worried I might ruin it, so I wanted your expert eye.”

Li’s expression shifted, clearly aware of some underlying risks. He gave Qin Feng a grateful look. “Thank you for the warning. I’ll take extra care. As for the stone, if you’re interested, perhaps we could collaborate and split the profits fifty-fifty?”

Qin Feng considered for a moment, then nodded. “Agreed. But as for later tonight, I suggest you make some preparations.”

After a few more words, they parted ways.

Returning to his seat, Qin Feng noticed A Limei watching him with an amused, questioning look, as if waiting for an explanation. He merely smiled, raised his glass in greeting, and then turned to Lin Wanting beside him.

“Tonight won’t be peaceful,” he murmured. “Stay vigilant.”

Lin Wanting was taken aback, then nodded gravely. Being so close to Qin Feng, she could sense something was amiss.

Qin Feng said nothing more. When the banquet ended, he asked Lin Wanting to return first. He himself got into another car and headed for the hotel.

Meanwhile, as soon as Qin Feng departed, Wen Bin had already notified the assassin.

“You may begin.”