The rough stone ng Po chose was about the sa size as An Yiqing’s, but its quality was much better. Even an outsider could see that it must contain a top-grade gem.
"Cut along these lines."
ng Po instructed his n to start cutting the stone according to the lines he had drawn, then retreated to a sofa nearby to sit down. He didn’t notice the flash of brilliance that passed through An Yiqing’s eyes when she saw the rough stone in his hand.
On the other side, under the guidance of Zhang Yuksheng, Xia Hao quickly grasped the basics. An Yiqing told him that because the rough stone had been swapped, it was a waste stone, so he could handle it as he pleased. Without any psychological burden, Xia Hao was eager to give it a try.
The Stone-Cutting Area was very quiet, and everyone was sneaking glances towards ng Po’s side. Everyone wanted to see what kind of top-grade jade the Jade King could unveil.
With one cut, a rich green light poured out, dazzling the eyes and earning applause from everyone.
"Old Pit Glass Type Imperial Green! A masterpiece!"
A loud shout ca from the crowd, and others snapped back to their senses. The rich green was so tender and pure, it was a genuine top-grade Imperial Green!
"As expected of the Jade King, one cut and he reveals an Imperial Green!"
"Indeed! Who knows how big this jade is. But even if it’s the size of a fist, it’s a fortune!"
Praises flowed endlessly for ng Po, while An Yiqing’s side felt like an abandoned orphan, completely ignored by everyone.
ng Po naturally heard everyone’s acclaim, a hint of pride flashing in the depths of his eyes. Even Qiu Qingran and Qiu Yanran had hints of joy on their faces, especially Qiu Yanran, whose gaze at An Yiqing resembled that of a proud peacock looking at a downcast pheasant.
An Yiqing glanced at Qiu Yanran, then lowered her head again, completely ignoring her. Xia Hao, engrossed in cutting the stone, shut out all external sounds as he gripped the Stone-Cutting Machine and made his first cut in life!
Swish!
With one cut, a grayish haze appeared, without a trace of green!
Duan Jingning sighed, as did the old mbers of the Jade Association like Ma Tianci, and the onlookers shook their heads in pity.
Although the cut wasn’t deep, not a hint of green appeared; it was essentially just a waste stone!
"Oh, Miss An actually chose a waste stone?!" Qiu Yanran wouldn’t miss this chance to mock An Yiqing, speaking sarcastically.
An Yiqing said nothing, signaling Xia Hao to continue.
"And with that little skill, you dare to gamble on jade against my godfather? And frog jump? Don’t end up losing even your pants!" Qiu Yanran continued to add fuel to the fire, taunting and mocking, eager to anger An Yiqing to death.
An Yiqing remained silent, as did Zhang Yuksheng and Xia Hao. But fiery-tempered Ruan Xue couldn’t take it anymore.
"Who’s that old hen cackling and making a racket? It’s just a competition, not a cockfight! What’s all the shouting about?" Ruan Xue rolled her eyes and said loudly to Qiu Yanran.
Everyone was amused by Ruan Xue’s words, bursting into laughter.
"What did you say? Who are you calling an old hen?" Qiu Yanran’s face alternated between red and white with anger, and she got up from the sofa and walked a few steps forward, glaring at Ruan Xue, "Who are you to call an old hen? Do you believe I could crush you with a single finger?!"
"Oh, I’m so scared! Bah!" Ruan Xue spat at Qiu Yanran, shaking her arm and started cursing, "Since when did I call you an old hen?! Did I na nas? Wow, I’ve seen people picking up money and items, but it’s my first ti hearing about picking up insults! What, do you think you look like an old hen? Tsk tsk, looking at it this way, you kind of do!"
Qiu Yanran was furious but couldn’t say a word. She had always been kept by ng Po, a flower in a greenhouse. Although Ruan Xue was also a young lady, she had been mingling with the people of the Muyun Society since she was young, and her sharp tongue was well-practiced.
Unable to out-talk Ruan Xue, Qiu Yanran, in her anger, raised her hand directly, ready to slap Ruan Xue across the face.
At that mont, an icy voice rang out from the crowd.
"Who dares to hit the Muyun Society’s Great Protector’s sister?!"
The crowd, surprised, looked over. A small path automatically parted amidst the people, and two n, one in a white long shirt and the other in a black suit, slowly walked forward.
It was Duan Tang and Ruan Hao!
"Brother?!" Ruan Xue exclaid with joy, shrinking her neck when she saw Ruan Hao’s icy gaze.
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