0031 : Fake Jade

In this situation, red-hair monster, whose words were already unclear, snorted from where he stood. "We have the numerical advantage, can you all...overturn the heavens?"

More people?

Boss Bai wasn't about to be outdone. His footsteps were light as he deftly dodged attacks while fiercely retaliating. Anyone struck by him would invariably crumple to the ground.

However, when Xue Yang shot him a glare, the red-hair monster hastily stumbled and made a hasty exit from the store.

Xue Yang advised, "Luo Lao, this is an old shop that you've tirelessly run for decades. You must think carefully. If you let go of it this time, you might not have the chance to reclaim it in the future."

"I've thought it through. Let's do it."

At this time, Boss Bai burst into laughter, "I say, the concerns you two have can't be considered much. As the saying goes, if you don't go for the new one, you better not go for any more small hotels."

Xue Yang took his leave and strolled through the jade market with Boss Bai.

Suddenly, Xue Yang recalled the Ghost Head Lotus he had carved last time and chuckled as he inquired, "Last time, I heard my carving fetched a high price, but I don't know who bought it. Since it was so expensive, the buyer must have an extraordinary background."

Boss Bai, revealing a bright smile, responded, "It didn't sell for a paltry sum; it was purchased by someone from our Eastsea City."

"Eastsea City bought it? Was it Elder Huang from the Huang Clan?" Xue Yang speculated, considering the Huang Family's substantial resources.

However, Boss Bai shook his head.

"Could it be the CEO of the Deep Sea Group?" Xue Yang expressed disbelief, but Boss Bai nodded in affirmation.

Xue Yang drew in a sharp breath. It was her again, and he seemed to have an unclear connection with her. However, the memory of the beach's artificial respiration remained vivid in his mind.

Observing Xue Yang's reaction, Boss Bai asked curiously, "What's the matter, young sir? Is there an issue with selling that jade piece to CEO Yang?"

Xue Yang hastily shook his head, saying, "Of course not. I've already received adequate payment for my work; I don't concern myself with anything else. I'm just pondering something else."

With that, Xue Yang casually selected a jade piece from a nearby stall and examined it.

"This is a pretty decent jade piece. It's just that the material is a bit too small, so I can only fashion items like rings," remarked Boss Bai, while the stall owner, somewhat embarrassed, added, "Actually, two bosses, I feel a bit awkward saying this. It's one thing to deceive others with this jade, but deceiving you two bosses with it would be a bit much. Truthfully, it's fake jade."

The stall owner wore a flattering smile.

Boss Bai smiled, saying, "Even if it's fake jade, the craftsmanship is incredibly convincing. I couldn't discern it."

The owner bowed once more, stating, "But no matter how lifelike it is, it's still fake jade. This entire tray is filled with fake jade."

Xue Yang didn't bother inspecting the other items in the box, as from his perspective, the fake jade was ludicrously obvious. Nevertheless, he was certain that the jade piece he held was authentic.

Finally, he cradled the jade in his hands, smiling as he said, "Boss, even if this is fake jade, I want it. How much is this jade?"

"What's the value of fake jade? If you like it, take it and enjoy. Just make sure to visit our store in the future." The boss maintained his radiant smile.

Xue Yang still extracted two hundred yuan from his wallet, placing it in the box. After nodding in acknowledgment, he strolled away.

Boss Bai walked to his side, grinning. "Two hundred yuan for a piece of mutton-fat jade. You've made a good deal today. I never expected this small jade market to have so much money."

However, Xue Yang shook his head and said, "Boss Bai, your words aren't accurate. If you want to find good items here, you can only do it by grabbing the loot. Once you're discovered as a good thing, you'll immediately be bought. After all, the Deep Sea Group's claim that they have more than half the good jade of Eastsea City isn't that simple. Boss Bai must have some kind of arrangement with them; this point should be clearer than to me."

Boss Bai nodded, "The Deep Sea Corporation dispatches hundreds of scouts daily. They forcefully seize high-grade jade stones, much like how we used to capture strong individuals. Only Smoke Jade and Elder Huang can retain some high-grade jade stones."

"That's why it's becoming increasingly difficult to find good items here. I rarely come here anymore."

"But young sir, apart from the Deep Sea Group, you've overlooked an immensely influential force." Boss Bai laughed, intentionally leaving them in suspense.

After pondering for a while, Xue Yang finally shook his head and said, "Although I've encountered many influential figures, they don't belong to my circle of acquaintances. Of course, you're the only exception, Boss Bai."

"The Eastsea Auction Assembly."

The auction house was an ancient organization that merely provided a platform, earning income through fees. However, on this platform, unimaginable treasures often surfaced.

Xue Yang sighed and said, "Although the auction is open, it also means that powers like the Deep Sea Group can participate. Boss Bai, you should know that I'm not wealthy; I don't have the resources to contend with such powers."

"Young sir, it appears you still don't regard me as your friend. What if I provide all the funds you need?" Boss Bai said with a faint smile.

Now, it was Xue Yang who was no longer composed. He promptly hailed a taxi and declared, "Let's go; we'll leave now. If we arrive early, maybe we can snag one or two rare treasures!"

"Young sir, but I haven't brought any money yet..."

"Who needs money nowadays? Isn't it all on bank cards? Otherwise, how would the money coming in and out of the auction be transported—by truck?"

"That is... I'm referring to the bank card. Since I didn't bring any assistants this time, I didn't bring anything."

"Oh, come on, Boss Bai. With your dashing appearance, just go there and wash your face. Why bother bringing money?"

Xue Yang then ushered Boss Bai into the cab. Boss Bai smiled helplessly and instructed the driver, "To the Heaven and Earth Auction House."

Having once chauffeured a wealthy young master to the World Auction House, the driver, after learning their destination, skipped any deceitful tactics and promptly drove them as fast as possible. During the journey, he navigated turns with extra care, even providing a heads-up when making a corner.

Observing the driver's diligence, Xue Yang found it somewhat amusing. After all, he had taken numerous taxis and had never encountered such dedication before.

Yet, Xue Yang remained seated in the cab, showing no intention of alighting.

After sitting in the car for an

 extended period and observing the driver in the rearview mirror, the driver eventually spoke up, "Uh, young brother, the auction house is here. It's time for you to get off."

"Then go find change." Xue Yang narrowed his eyes, speaking with a touch of bitterness.

"Find...change? What kind of change are you looking for? That person was the one who tipped me." The driver hesitated, not explicitly saying "no need to find him" when dropping them off, hence feeling somewhat guilty.

When Boss Bai waited a bit too long, he leaned against the window and said, "Master, don't you have any change? If not, we can accompany you back to get it."

The driver was momentarily stunned before disdainfully remarking, "Tsk, if you don't have the money, come to this auction house!"

He handed eighty dollars directly to Xue Yang, prompting him to exit the car quickly.

Xue Yang stuffed the eighty dollars into his pocket, then spat in the direction of the departing taxi, saying, "Driver, you're overthinking it even if it's eighty dollars!"