Chapter 29: Imperial Jade

A hush fell over the crowd as Jared spent ten thousand on a rusty lump of iron ore. Some debated its value; others mocked his apparent foolishness. His youth led them to assume he was an easy target, ripe for exploitation on Antique Street.

Jared ignored the jeers and the fat stall owner's laughter. Gently squeezing the ore, he felt the rust crumble. With a sharp crack, the ore split open. The crack widened.

"Wow, that kid's got a strong grip!" "Did he spend ten thousand just to work out?" "He doesn't look rich. Does he have anger issues? Why break it right after buying it?"

The crowd gasped. Even the fat stall owner watched intently. The ore broke in two, revealing a dazzling ray of light and a translucent, thumb-sized piece of green jade.

Jared tossed aside the ore, holding the jade. He recognized the spiritual energy he'd sensed earlier.

"An imperial jade!" "He's going to be rich!" "Did he know it was in there?"

Astonishment silenced the crowd. Jared briefly examined the jade before pocketing it, intending to have it made into a pendant for his mother. He believed it would protect her and improve her health.

As he prepared to leave, the stall owner stopped him.

"Kid, let's talk. Sell me the rock," the stall owner said, smiling.

"No," Jared replied, shaking his head and starting to walk away.

The stall owner's expression hardened. "Kid, you've made a mistake! That jade belongs to me! You can't just take it!"

"Yours?" Jared was stunned. "I just bought it! Everyone saw me!"

"I sold you iron ore, not jade. You can keep the ore, but the jade stays!"

Suddenly, several menacing men appeared behind the stall owner.

"He should have opened it at home! Now he's asking for trouble," one whispered. "He's going to lose a million-dollar treasure, at least!" "More, I bet."

The crowd, though sympathetic, offered no help.

Seeing the men, Jared smirked. "You're daylight robbers!"

"Hand over the jade, or you won't leave in one piece!" the stall owner snarled, revealing his true colors.

"I've heard about the scams here. Let's see what you do if I refuse," Jared sneered, unafraid.

His defiance enraged the crowd. They cursed him and urged the stall owner to teach him a lesson.

"You're courting death, kid!" the stall owner yelled, lunging at Jared.

The speed and power of the blow revealed the stall owner's training. Jared realized their violent nature was necessary to run their fraudulent business.

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