The Crazy Son-In-Law

“Master, aren’t you going to pick some raw stones?” Song Ling’er looked at Xiao Shun with some confusion.

“Me?” Xiao Shun’s lips curved slightly. He wasn’t boasting, but if he bought raw stones, the one losing out would probably be the shop owner. After all, he could see through the stones and know exactly what kind of jade they contained.

Shaking his head, Xiao Shun said, “Forget it. I’m not really interested in this. Just pick the ones you like.”

Seeing her master’s lack of interest, Song Ling’er didn’t insist and went off to choose raw stones on her own. It was her first time picking raw stones, and she had almost no experience, relying solely on her intuition to choose the ones that looked pleasing to her. Before long, she had several stones in her hands.

The shop owner approached Xiao Shun with a meaningful look. “Young man, it seems you’re not very interested in the items in my shop.”

Xiao Shun smiled noncommittally and didn’t answer. The only thing that could interest him now was the “Wood Spirit Stone.” As for jade, he had no expectations.

Seeing Xiao Shun’s silence, the shop owner wasn’t offended. After all, everyone attending tonight’s event was a big shot. They dealt in large transactions, so naturally, the items in his shop wouldn’t catch their eye.

The Sundown Bazaar was actually divided into two sessions. The first session catered to big shots, like tonight. The week-long gathering starting tomorrow was for ordinary people; the two were on different levels and couldn’t be compared.

“Young man, you seem extraordinary. I assume you’re here for that batch of raw stones?” The shop owner gave Xiao Shun a mysterious look.

Xiao Shun didn’t respond but recalled something the taxi driver had mentioned earlier. The chatty driver had said that someone from Meadowfolk had brought a batch of precious stones to exchange for the “Mandrake” plant from Southeast Asia. The batch of raw stones the owner referred to was likely this one.

Seeing Xiao Shun’s silence, the shop owner smiled knowingly. “Heh, just as I thought. Many people are here for that batch of goods tonight. It looks like there will be quite a competition.”

Xiao Shun was slightly surprised and couldn’t help but ask, “Isn’t that batch of goods meant for an exchange with Southeast Asia’s ‘Mandrake’? From your tone, it sounds like this deal might not go through.”

The shop owner gave him an amused look and continued speaking on his own accord. “Tsk tsk tsk, you even know about this matter. It seems you’ve done your homework!”

He paused briefly before continuing, “You only know part of the story.”

“What do you mean?” Xiao Shun asked, puzzled.

With a faint smile, the shop owner glanced at Song Ling’er, who had already picked five or six raw stones. Seeing such a valuable customer supporting his business, he felt obliged to share more information.

“I heard that Meadowfolk and Southeast Asia have only reached a preliminary agreement but haven’t finalized the deal yet. So everyone still has a chance.”

“When you came in earlier, you probably saw the scene outside? Almost all the big names in the domestic jade industry are here. They’re not here for my shop’s trinkets; their target is that batch of raw stones from Meadowfolk!”

Xiao Shun asked in confusion, “What’s so special about that batch of raw stones that it attracts so many people?”

“Turns out you don’t know anything,” said the shop owner, looking quite surprised.

Xiao Shun smiled faintly at his complex expression. “I never said anything; it’s you who have been overthinking.”

“Sigh, since I’ve already mentioned it, I might as well tell you everything.” The shop owner shook his head helplessly and continued, “I’m a local here; my hometown is at the foot of Emberpeak Mountains. So I’ve heard stories about that place…”

According to him, Emberpeak Mountains had numerous mineral veins deep within them. However, due to difficult mining conditions, no official teams had been sent there to extract resources. Naturally, Meadowfolk wouldn’t just sit back and let others take their resources.

Gradually, Meadowfolk gained control over several jade veins in the mountains. Compared to other minerals, jade veins were easier to mine as they didn’t require large machinery or precise scientific instruments-just manpower to dig bit by bit.

Twenty years ago, a special batch of raw stones emerged from Meadowfolk. This batch was special because it contained a priceless treasure! The jade material was only palm-sized but completely green. Those present at the scene said they smelled a rich fragrance when it was opened!

The scent was peculiar-reminiscent of certain precious woods but with a hint of fresh grass-making it hard to identify.

Hearing this description made Xiao Shun’s eyes narrow. Could it be Wood Spirit Stone? He had once possessed such a stone; this description fit perfectly!

With this thought, Xiao Shun’s demeanor changed from nonchalant to keenly interested as he looked at the shop owner.

He quickly asked, “Where is that piece of jade now?”This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“Oh, that was twenty years ago! How would I know? All I know is that an old man with white hair bought it for five hundred million dollars in cash!”

At this point, the shop owner patted his chest with a horrified expression. “Goodness gracious! Five hundred million back then was astronomical!”

Twenty years ago-early 2000s-while millionaires were no longer rare, purchasing power was significantly higher than today. Even then, someone offered five hundred million for that piece of jade.

In today’s terms, its value would have multiplied several times over.

Even so, Xiao Shun still believed it was worth every penny. That item was invaluable to cultivators; even high-ranking sect members wouldn’t have much of it in stock.

As Xiao Shun pondered this quietly to himself, the shop owner chuckled eagerly beside him.

“Heh heh! After twenty years, Meadowfolk has brought another batch like that one again. Let’s see if we can witness another priceless treasure tonight.”