In jade stones, there are often some ribbon-like or irregular patches on the surface. They can be green, black, gray, or other colors. People whimsically call these winding bands “python patterns.”
Pine flowers, on the other hand, refer to green hard jade particles that haven’t fully weathered on the jade’s surface. They resemble green pine needles scattered across the shell.
Pine flowers come in various shapes and sizes, some visible to the naked eye, while others require a magnifying glass to see clearly.
Both python patterns and pine flowers are crucial indicators to determine if the stone contains jade and to judge the color density and texture of the jade.
However, judging solely from the surface is not always reliable. Sometimes, jade stones with an excellent outer appearance may have no green inside, while ones with poor outer appearances might yield high-grade jade.
This is the gamble in jade stones, where outward appearances don’t guarantee certainty. Luck is just as essential as having professional skills.
But all of this is a piece of cake for Leo. Using his spiritual power, he can already see the inside of the full gamble stone, and a subtle smile plays on his lips.
After about ten minutes, the semi-gamble stone is brought in front of Leo. Using his eyes, Leo sees everything about the stone in a split second.
Leo also notices Coral’s expression of fascination when she sees the semi-gamble stone. She might bid for this one during the auction.
As the semi-gamble stone reached Mr. Tyler and Mr. Kipling, they couldn’t help but be intrigued.
Mr. Kipling took out a magnifying glass and examined the stone. “Good piece, very few cracks, and excellent sandstone performance. It has a good chance to rise in value.”
Mr. Tyler agreed, “If the inner jade flesh is the same as what we see through the window, we could make several bracelets or ornaments with it, and its value would increase many times over.”
No doubt, everyone has high expectations for the semi-gamble stone.
The last piece that appeared in front of Leo was that clear material. Leo didn’t even bother using his special ability to see it; after all, it lacked the gambling nature, and he certainly didn’t have as much money as the tycoons to compete.
In contrast, Coral was very interested in this clear material. After all, she ran Wilde Jewelry Company, and finding a good piece would undoubtedly be a great opportunity for her business.
“You guys, what do you think this green-jade material will go for?” asked a slightly plump female merchant.
“I think it might go for around thirty million. This clear material is quite substantial, and if utilized well, it could produce many bracelets and attract numerous middle to high-end clients,” said another man.
The woman nodded in agreement, “Keith, Bradley, and you, Martin, don’t compete with me. If I don’t find some good materials soon, my store will be in big trouble.”
“Madame K, you must be joking. Everyone knows your shop is thriving even outside the province,” teased a man named Keith.
“In any case, gentlemen shouldn’t argue with ladies. You figure it out yourselves,” she retorted.
“Madame K, you should focus on Starry Gem Jewelry and Wilde Jewelry Company. These two companies are quite formidable and are your true competitors,” suggested another person.
Madame K considered this and then turned her attention to Coral and Antony, who were some distance away.
Apart from the last stone, Madame K also wanted to secure the semi-gamble stone. While it came with some risks, compared to the full gamble stone, she could bear them.
If the semi-gamble stone rose in value, she should be able to make some good bracelets and pendants. But if it failed, it would be a complete loss.
Such was the nature of business-high risks came with high returns.
Meanwhile, Leo had already figured out the method of refining spiritual energy in jade in his mind. However, he needed to touch the jade with his own hands, so he planned to try it out once today’s events concluded.
The thirty minutes passed quickly, and the hostesses pushed the three gambling stones back to the auction stage.
Excitement filled the hearts of the onlookers as the bidding phase was about to begin. Who would emerge victorious? It was still uncertain.
The auctioneer picks up the microphone and announces, “Now we enter the bidding section for the first full gamble stone. The starting bid is six hundred thousand, and each increase must be at least ten thousand. Let the bidding begin!”
The auctioneer pounds the gavel.
“Six hundred and ten thousand!”
“Six hundred and thirty thousand!”
“Seven hundred thousand!”
“Lot 35 bids seven hundred thousand, and Lot 79 bids seven hundred and twenty thousand!”
The bidding war intensified, but Leo couldn’t participate since he had no money and owed Coral ten million.
Although full gamble stones came with significant risks, they could fetch high prices. Recently, the news reported that one full gamble stone had sold for two million.
The stone being auctioned now was of moderate size, with fewer cracks and an excellent outer appearance. It belonged to the middle-level jade stones from the Kosmochlor mine, and the starting price of six hundred thousand was quite reasonable.
High-grade full gamble stones weighed over a hundred kilograms and had a superb outer appearance, which meant they might yield high-grade jade. However, no one could predict the outcome of jade gambling. It was like the time Leo made a fortune in the antique street by spending five thousand and turning it into four to five million. Jade gambling was always a mix of chances, and one could lose or gain.
The bidding for the full gamble stone quickly surpassed one million.
“One million one hundred thousand!”
“One million two hundred thousand!”
As the price reached one million, fewer people continued to bid.
Leo had no money to bid, so he turned to the wealthy woman beside him and whispered, “Miss Wilde, get this full gamble stone.”
“Huh?” Coral hesitated, “This full gamble stone has quite some risks. I think I’ll try bidding on the semi-gamble stone instead.”
“Don’t bid on the semi-gamble stone. Get this full gamble stone instead. You must win it. If the gamble fails, I’ll cover your losses.”
As Coral looked at Leo’s confident expression, she still hesitated, saying, “Well…”
“Aren’t you the one who brought me here to prove myself to you? Now is the time for me to show you,” Leo smiled.
“Alright,” Coral made up her mind and raised her paddle, “One million three hundred thousand!”
“Lot 33, the beautiful lady, bids one million three hundred thousand! Do we have any higher bids?” the auctioneer called out.