Chapter 113: Shaking
A middle-aged man gently waved the magazine in his hand, a faint smile on his face as he spoke to Elder Li.
"Heh, of course. Today's exhibition will definitely be worth your while. But before we begin, we need to first confirm the value of our display items."
"How about this? In a moment, someone will bring out all our products for everyone to look over."
Elder Li spoke with a grin, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. His gaze flickered enigmatically, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.
"Heh heh, Elder Li, stop keeping us in suspense. Hurry up and bring it out for us to see."
A pot-bellied, middle-aged man said to Elder Li with a deferential smile. He was the chairman of the Huayang Group. Though his assets were only around ten million, his wealth was a far cry from someone like Elder Li, whom he wouldn't dare to offend.
Seeing this, Elder Li didn't waste any more words. He simply waved a hand toward the hostess on the stage, signaling for her to bring out the jewelry.
The hostess gave a slight bow, then turned and walked toward the counter. A moment later, she returned, walking slowly with a box in her hands.
WHOOSH—
The lid was flung open, and cradled in the young woman's hands, a smooth, translucent piece of jade was revealed to everyone.
The jadeite stone was about six inches wide, a vibrant green throughout, and it emanated a soft, verdant glow. The texture of the jade was so fine and smooth that it made one want to reach out and feel it.
The moment the jade appeared, it captured the attention of everyone present. All eyes were fixed on the jadeite in the hostess's hands.
"Whoa, this jade is gorgeous."
"Yeah, it really is something else. I've never seen jade this fine. Could it be the legendary Imperial Green?"
...
The room immediately erupted into a buzz. Many people began discussing in low voices. The jadeite stone was simply too alluring—not only was its appearance stunning, but it was a solid, vibrant green.
"My friends, this is the grand finale of our jewelry exhibition: an Imperial Green jadeite."
Elder Li stood on the stage, watching the crowd with a smile.
"Elder Li, you're truly incredible for finding an Imperial Green. Such a fine piece of jade must have a hefty price tag. How much are you asking for it?"
A young man wearing gold-rimmed glasses stood up from the crowd and spoke.
"I paid a great fortune for this piece of Imperial Green jadeite, so the starting price..."
Elder Li deliberately drew out his words, then raised his right hand and held up two fingers.
"Two million?"
the man with the gold-rimmed glasses asked doubtfully. After all, that price didn't guarantee a profit, so he felt a little hesitant.
But the people around him all shook their heads. That price might be acceptable for an ordinary merchant, but this was a rare piece of Imperial Green jadeite. How could it possibly sell for a mere two million?
"Heh heh, two million? You underestimate Imperial Green. I poured my heart and soul into finding this piece. It has to sell for at least two hundred million."
Elder Li shook his head, the corners of his mouth curling into a smug smile.
"Two hundred million? That expensive?"
The man with the gold-rimmed glasses was stunned. He hadn't expected Elder Li to be so ruthless, quoting a sky-high price of two hundred million right from the start. It seemed tonight's exhibition was destined to be explosive.
The people around him were also in an uproar. This price was beyond what they could afford. Even some of the jewelers began to hesitate.
After all, no one was a fool. The price was simply too outrageous. As people in the jewelry business themselves, they naturally knew how much a piece of jade like this was truly worth.
There's a saying: "Gold has a price, but jade is priceless." Now was the perfect time to test that.
They weren't just here to buy jade; they were here to buy the friendship of the somewhat mysterious Li Family.
This exhibition was, without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. As a result, the eyes of many jewelers were filled with greed.
"Elder Li, do you think you could lower it a little?"
the man with the gold-rimmed glasses said hesitantly. The price was just too absurd, and buying it would, at best, only leave a good impression on the other party.
As for whether it could earn him their friendship, that seemed unrealistic. After all, they were all businessmen who prioritized maximizing profits.
"Heh heh, I appreciate all of you coming today to show your support, but I'm afraid the price is the price. It won't change."
Elder Li gave a light laugh and mercilessly rejected his suggestion.
"Hmph! The Li Family really knows how to throw its weight around. We're all in the same business. Do you really think we don't know the market rates for your pricing?"
"Exactly! Two hundred million is already the peak price, maybe even a bit inflated. Elder Li, aren't you taking things too far?"
...
Having been rejected so bluntly, many of the jewelers spoke out in anger. They weren't the only ones who had come; many other jewelers with whom they had close ties were also present. In fact, this exhibition was an event these jewelers had worked together to promote.
"If you're not going to buy, then don't run your mouths. Have you forgotten my temper?"
As Elder Li's words fell, the room instantly quieted. A look of temptation appeared on many faces, as if they were determined to acquire the Imperial Green jadeite, yet not a single person made a bid.
But just then, a young man sitting in the VIP room suddenly spoke up.
"Elder Li, I'll bid two hundred million."
The young man's voice was calm and steady, as if he weren't bidding on a priceless Imperial Green jadeite, but a common stone from a roadside stall.
"Who... who is that?!"
"He really bid two hundred million!"
"Must be an amateur, right?"
"He must be new here. While the jade is worth two hundred million, you won't make a single dime on it after buying it. You might even lose money if the market fluctuates."
...
The people in the VIP room immediately burst into discussion, their gazes all turning toward the door, eager to see which big spender was so audacious.
"Huh? Isn't that Lin Feng, the president of that new group that caused such a stir a couple of days ago?!"
someone exclaimed in surprise.
"Haha, so it's President Lin. A pleasure, a pleasure."
"Former President Lin is so bold at such a young age. Truly admirable!"
"President Lin, on behalf of my company, may I ask if you have time to chat for a moment?"
Lin Feng's bid immediately caused a sensation, because they all knew about the Wang Family coming to cause trouble for him a couple of days ago.
But two days had passed, and the people the Wang Family sent had vanished without a trace, while Lin Feng was perfectly fine—even attending a banquet!
What did this imply?
It implied that the people sent by the Wang Family had been... eliminated by Lin Feng?!
Although the matter was somewhat unbelievable, the facts were right in front of them, and they had no choice but to believe it.
Standing in the crowd, a sharp glint flashed in Elder Li's eyes. He then gave Lin Feng a slight bow.