"I was about to start cutting the stones, and many onlookers gathered around for entertainment."
The stone cutter examined the texture of the stone, then identified a position and made the first cut, revealing a vibrant green color.
This sight sparked immediate excitement among the crowd.
"Green means profit!" exclaimed an expert. "This appears to be ice jadeite, exceptionally translucent and glass-like in appearance. It commands a high price in the market, with a single ice jadeite bracelet fetching hundreds of thousands!"
Hearing this, the protagonist Ye Xingchen felt a surge of apprehension. "Is this stone really that valuable?"
"Its value depends on the jadeite content and clarity of the stone. A piece of this size, if composed entirely of ice jadeite, could be worth over 50 million. However, such occurrences are rare. In my decades of experience, I've only encountered it once," explained the expert.
Relieved by the rarity of such finds, Ye Xingchen breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the odds were low!
Even if he incurred a small loss, it wouldn't matter much. Most others would still end up at a loss.
At that moment, the expert made an offer to Lin Beifan, "Friend, would you consider selling it? I'm willing to offer 1.5 million for your stone."
Declining the offer, Lin Beifan remained steadfast, "Not for sale! Master, please continue cutting."
The stone cutter proceeded cautiously, making another incision along the surface, resulting in another green hue.
Once again, excitement rippled through the crowd.
"It's green again! It's still ice jadeite!"
...
The expert, now even more enthusiastic, made another offer, "It's ice jadeite once more, with a bright color. A fine specimen indeed! My friend, I'll offer you 3 million for this stone."
Despite feeling uneasy, Ye Xingchen reminded himself, "A small loss is still a loss. As long as we don't profit."
However, Lin Beifan remained composed, "I paid 4 million for this stone. Offering 3 million is unacceptable. Let's keep cutting."
Attempting to dissuade him, the expert cautioned, "Friend, think carefully. While the price may continue to rise, there's also a high risk of a sudden drop. Stone gambling is incredibly risky; you should seize the opportunity when it presents itself."
Unperturbed, Lin Beifan insisted, "A few million won't break the bank. Let's continue cutting."
With each subsequent cut, the stone revealed more green, causing the price to skyrocket.
...
With each bid, Ye Xingchen's expression grew darker, his heart sinking with every million added to the price.
"Why is it still going up?"
"Can't it stop?"
"Crash! Make it crash!"
"Please, don't let it rise anymore!"
...
Eventually, the stone was fully revealed, displaying a flawless, rounded piece of ice jadeite.
Witnessing this, the crowd erupted into fervor.
"It's a complete piece!"
"Ice jadeite!"
"It's stunning! What's its value?"
"Hard to say. This young man's luck is unbelievable!"
...
In the frenzy that ensued, bidding wars broke out.
"I'll pay 40 million!"
"40 million? Dream on! I'll offer 45 million and secure this stone!"
"Don't outbid me! I'll pay 50 million!"
"I'll offer 60 million!"
...
As bids climbed, Ye Xingchen's face grew darker, nearly on the brink of collapse.