Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen buys a "rough" stone with a pine flower on top and a scraped window revealing white, despite its rough appearance.
• He guesses that the original surface had good characteristics and decides to buy it based on his ability.
• Chu Chen bargains with the owner and buys the stone for 72,000 yuan.
• He also buys another "rough" stone for 50,000 yuan, which he plans to use for a competition.
• The owner marks Chu Chen's "rough" stones for the competition.
• Chu Chen has the owner cut the first "rough" stone, revealing a high-quality old pit glass type vivid green jade.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his confidence and skill in gambling on stones, making bold inferences and buying a seemingly poor-quality stone that turns out to be valuable.
• The owner initially overestimates his "rough" stone and underestimates Chu Chen's, but he maintains integrity and doesn't go back on his word.
• Zhang Yanbin shows admiration for Chu Chen's skill and luck.
• Yi Hongguo recognizes Chu Chen's potential and praises him as "amazing."

Significant Themes

• The theme of luck and skill in gambling on stones is prominent, with Chu Chen's ability and confidence playing a crucial role in his decision to buy the "rough" stone.
• The importance of integrity is shown through the owner's decision not to go back on his word, even when he realizes he might have lost out on a profitable deal.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen interacts with the owner, bargaining for the price of the "rough" stones and asking him to cut the stones.
• Zhang Yanbin expresses admiration for Chu Chen's skill and luck.
• Yi Hongguo praises Chu Chen's ability and calls him "amazing."
• Liu Sizhe, Yi Hongguo, An Yongqing, and others admire the quality of the jade revealed in the first "rough" stone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen buys a rough stone based on its soft black skin and large veins, revealing a high-quality jade piece.
• The group visits a homeowner to select competition rough stones, encountering Luo Qiming and his cousin.
• Zhang Yanbin and Luo Qiming have a heated argument about Luo Qiming's ex-girlfriend, who left him for Zhang Yanbin.
• Chu Chen and the group select rough stones for the competition, with many triggering Treasure Sense.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his expertise in appraising rough stones, impressing the group.
• Zhang Yanbin shows his mischievous side, provoking Luo Qiming.
• Luo Qiming is revealed to be emotionally affected by his past relationship, impacting his focus on selecting rough stones.

Significant Themes

• Gambling on stones: The uncertainty and risk involved in selecting rough stones for jade appraisal.
• Competition and rivalry: The intense competition among young talents in the jade industry.
• Past relationships: The lingering effects of past relationships on present actions and emotions.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen interacts with the group, sharing his knowledge on appraising rough stones and maintaining a calm demeanor amidst the drama between Zhang Yanbin and Luo Qiming.
• Zhang Yanbin and Luo Qiming engage in a heated argument, revealing their past relationship issues and affecting their focus on selecting rough stones.
• The group members observe and react to the argument between Zhang Yanbin and Luo Qiming, with some finding it amusing and others feeling awkward.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen struggles initially, picking mostly poor "rough" stones.
• He finds a promising black wax skin "rough" stone with a pleasing emerald green color.
• Later, he encounters a yellow sand skin stone with a python pattern and pockmarked pine flower, which he decides to gamble on using his ability.
• Chu Chen selects three "rough" stones for the competition and helps Liu Sizhe choose two.
• Zhang Yanbin and Luo Qiming exchange taunts, with Zhang Yanbin participating in the competition.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his ability to assess "rough" stones and his willingness to help others.
• Liu Sizhe shows his desire to improve his own skills in stone gambling.
• Zhang Yanbin displays confidence in his abilities and taunts Luo Qiming.
• Luo Qiming reveals his past failures in the competition.

Significant Themes

• The importance of luck and intuition in stone gambling.
• The tension between helping others and developing one's own skills.
• The competitive nature of the stone gambling world.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen helps Liu Sizhe choose "rough" stones, showing a mentoring relationship.
• Zhang Yanbin and Luo Qiming exchange taunts, highlighting their rivalry.
• The owner of the "rough" stones negotiates prices with Chu Chen, showcasing the business aspect of the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Qiming, a competitor, is challenged by Zhang Yanbin, who reveals that Luo's family is replacing him next year, leading Luo to vow to win the championship or quit.
• Liu Sizhe buys a "rough" stone with a python pattern and pine needle pine flower, which Zhang Yanbin wants to buy but Liu refuses.
• Chu Chen and his group have dinner with Zhang Yanbin, and later, Chu Chen cuts two "rough" stones, yielding a significant profit.
• The group heads to the competition venue, and Zhang Yanbin asks Chu Chen if he can tell if his "rough" stone is skin-attached green. Chu Chen hints that he can but doesn't explain how.
• At the venue, Qiang Zhaojun gives Yi Hongguo and the others their passes and a contestant ID for Chu Chen. He expresses concern about Chu Chen's chosen "rough" stone, which might be skin-attached green.

Character Developments

• Luo Qiming's pride and determination are challenged, leading him to make a rash promise.
• Liu Sizhe shows determination in keeping the "rough" stone Chu Chen picked for him.
• Chu Chen demonstrates his skill and confidence in stone gambling, impressing others.
• Qiang Zhaojun shows concern and high expectations for the competition, and some doubt in Chu Chen's chosen "rough" stone.

Significant Themes

• Pride and determination leading to rash decisions (Luo Qiming)
• Trust and confidence in one's abilities (Chu Chen)
• High expectations and concern for the competition (Qiang Zhaojun)

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yanbin challenges Luo Qiming, leading to Luo's vow.
• Chu Chen and Liu Sizhe discuss the "rough" stone and its potential.
• Zhang Yanbin asks Chu Chen about his "rough" stone, showing his eagerness.
• Yi Hongguo vouches for Chu Chen's skills to Qiang Zhaojun.
• Qiang Zhaojun expresses his concern about Chu Chen's chosen "rough" stone to Yi Hongguo.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The annual "A Thousand Gold Cut" competition begins.
• Contestants present their "rough" stones for evaluation and betting.
• Chu Chen's "rough" stone, initially dismissed as "skin-attached green," garners some attention due to its blue shimmer.
• Stone cutting commences, with contestants and spectators eagerly awaiting the reveal of the Jade within.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen remains confident in his "rough" stone, despite initial skepticism.
• Zhang Yanbin expresses disdain for Leng Shaming's arrogance but acknowledges his skill.
• Liu Sizhe and his group bet on Chu Chen's "rough" stone, showing their faith in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The value of perseverance and belief in one's abilities, despite initial doubts (Chu Chen's "rough" stone).
• The tension and excitement of competition, with both anticipation and disappointment among spectators.
• The importance of observation and judgment in the Jade industry (the audience's evaluation of the "rough" stones).

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhang Yanbin discuss the competition rules and share insights.
• Spectators engage in lively discussions about the "rough" stones and place bets.
• Leng Shaming's arrival sparks Zhang Yanbin's displeasure, but he eventually lets it go.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A contestant's "rough" stone, initially thought to be high-grade jade, turns out to have a "dog feces base" producing high green, causing a stir among the audience.
• Chu Chen's friend, Zhang Yanbin, competes and cuts a high-grade jade, but his performance is not impressive enough to secure a spot in the finals.
• In the final round of the preliminary competition, Chu Chen chooses a "rough" stone, drawing criticism from a rival manager who believes it's a low-quality skin-attached green.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows confidence and determination as he prepares to compete. He's supportive of his friends and has a good relationship with them.
• Zhang Yanbin: Reveals his competitive nature and desire to prove himself. He's also shown to be a bit of a womanizer, with a playful and shameless personality.
• Luo Qiming: Although not present in this chapter, he's mentioned as a rival to Zhang Yanbin, with a history of tension between them.
• Qiang Zhaojun: Manager of the event, he's supportive of Chu Chen and has a rivalry with another manager, Luo.

Significant Themes

• Luck vs. Skill: The outcome of the stone gambling depends on both the quality of the "rough" stone and the contestant's skill in cutting it. Some contestants rely on luck, while others rely on their expertise.
• Confidence and Determination: Many characters display varying levels of confidence in their abilities, which influences their performance and interactions with others.
• Rivalry and Competition: The event fosters a competitive environment, with contestants and managers vying for the best results and recognition.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhang Yanbin: They show camaraderie and support for each other, with Zhang Yanbin encouraging Chu Chen before his turn and Chu Chen promising to avenge him.
• Qiang Zhaojun and Luo: They have a tense relationship, with each trying to one-up the other, leading to a bet between them.
• Contestants and Audience: The audience is engaged and excited, reacting to the results of the stone cutting and trying to get a closer look at the valuable jades.

Summary of “The Bet (Part Two)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A middle-aged man bets ten million yuan with Qiang Zhaojun that Chu Chen’s chosen rough stone is worthless. The wager is formalized.
• The rough stone selected by Leng Shaming, Number Nineteen, produces stunning top-grade violet jade. His reputation as an exceptional stone gambler grows even further.
• Chu Chen’s stone initially appears unimpressive, but workers uncover white mist and then a large section of old-pit glassy imperial-green jade. Its value rises dramatically, potentially exceeding fifty million yuan.
• Spectators compare Chu Chen’s discovery with Leng Shaming’s violet jade and begin suggesting that Chu Chen may possess skill equal to, or even greater than, Leng Shaming’s.
• Qiang Zhaojun taunts Manager Luo over their earlier wager, since Chu Chen’s stone has clearly increased enormously in value. Manager Luo concedes the gain but challenges him to a new bet: whether Chu Chen can win the championship.
• Qiang accepts and raises the wager from ten million to twenty million yuan, confident enough—or proud enough—to risk more money. Manager Luo agrees, assuming Leng Shaming will easily win.
• The qualifying round ends. The finalists are Chu Chen, Leng Shaming, Luo Qiming, Lu An, and two other local young experts. Zhang Yanbin is eliminated after ranking seventh.
• The finalists enter the room for the championship round, where six piles of ten rough stones await inspection. They will rotate through each pile, receiving only five minutes at each position before choosing a stone.
• Because Leng Shaming is the previous champion, he receives priority in selecting a final stone, giving him a major strategic advantage.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: His apparent luck begins to look like genuine extraordinary ability as his rough stone reveals highly valuable imperial-green jade. His growing reputation creates pressure and expectations for the finals.
• Leng Shaming: He demonstrates impressive skill by uncovering top-grade violet jade almost immediately. His status as the reigning three-time champion is reinforced, though Chu Chen’s discovery begins to challenge his dominance.
• Qiang Zhaojun: He remains bold, competitive, and willing to gamble heavily. Rather than retreating after Manager Luo’s challenge, he doubles the wager to twenty million, showing confidence in Chu Chen and pride in his own judgment.
• Manager Luo: Initially dismissive of Chu Chen, he becomes visibly anxious as the stone appreciates in value. He shifts from denying Chu Chen’s success to challenging Qiang with a new bet, relying on Leng Shaming’s established superiority.
• Luo Qiming: He is shocked and resentful that Chu Chen, whom he associates with Zhang Yanbin, could display such ability. He assumes Chu Chen’s success is merely luck.
• Zhang Yanbin: His earlier role as a participant ends when he fails to qualify for the finals.

Significant Themes

• Skill versus luck: Spectators and rivals debate whether Chu Chen’s success is accidental or evidence of exceptional expertise.
• Reputation and competition: Leng Shaming’s established fame contrasts with Chu Chen’s sudden rise, setting up a clash between proven authority and emerging talent.
• Pride and gambling: The financial wagers become expressions of personal confidence, rivalry, and social status, especially for Qiang Zhaojun and Manager Luo.
• Advantage and fairness: The finals’ selection rules favor Leng Shaming as the previous champion, highlighting how small structural advantages may influence the outcome.
• Wealth and spectacle: The discovery of extremely valuable jade turns the contest into a major public event, with competitors, families, and spectators anticipating intense struggles over the stones.

Important Character Interactions

• Qiang Zhaojun and the middle-aged bettor establish the initial ten-million wager over Chu Chen’s stone.
• Spectators react collectively to Leng Shaming’s violet jade, then shift their attention to Chu Chen when imperial-green jade appears.
• Qiang mocks Manager Luo about losing their first bet; Luo responds by challenging him over the championship.
• Qiang accepts and escalates the bet to twenty million, while Luo confidently relies on Leng Shaming’s record.
• Chu Chen and Leng Shaming stand near each other as their stones reveal extraordinary jade, creating an implicit rivalry.
• The finalists receive the rules for the next round, with Chu Chen immediately recognizing that Leng Shaming’s priority selection could significantly affect the championship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The rules for the competition are explained, including a head start for the champion, Leng Shaming.
• Contestants draw numbers to determine the order of selecting "rough" stones. Chu Chen draws the last number, indicating he'll choose last.
• Each contestant examines the "rough" stones, and Chu Chen selects the most valuable one, a black wusha with a white python, despite others' strange reactions.
• Zhang Yanbin warns Chu Chen that black wusha can be faked, and the white python on Chu Chen's stone might be disguising damage.
• Chu Chen reassures Zhang Yanbin that the white python is natural due to a faint blue color cast beneath it.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge and confidence in his stone gambling skills, even when faced with potential doubts about his stone.
• Zhang Yanbin reveals his knowledge of the stones' origins and expresses concern for Chu Chen's choice.

Significant Themes

• Luck and skill in gambling on stones.
• The potential for deception and the importance of careful examination.
• The role of experience and knowledge in making informed decisions.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhang Yanbin discuss the chosen stone, with Zhang Yanbin expressing concern and sharing his knowledge.
• Chu Chen reassures Zhang Yanbin about the authenticity of the white python on his stone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The audience members observe the "rough" stones, and Manager Luo learns that Chu Chen chose the black wusha stone.
• The stone-cutting master for the final round is the same one who cut Chu Chen's stone earlier.
• Chu Chen decides to start polishing from the most prominent area of the white python pattern.
• Chu Chen's stone reveals vibrant emerald green within seconds, surprising the audience.
• Leng Shaming's stone reveals ocean blue, and Luo Qiming's reveals top-quality lavender.
• The top three candidates for the championship are Chu Chen, Leng Shaming, and Luo Qiming.
• Chu Chen's stone reveals Spring Color (a mix of green and purple), with the possibility of being old pit glass texture.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his expertise in stone gambling, impressing the audience and his competitors.
• Manager Luo initially underestimates Chu Chen but later becomes uncertain and defensive.
• Qiang Zhaojun remains confident in Chu Chen's abilities and is unfazed by Leng Shaming's success.
• Zhang Yanbin feels a mix of happiness for Chu Chen and regret for losing the stone to him.
• The other five contestants, particularly Lu An, regret not choosing Chu Chen's stone.

Significant Themes

• The drama and uncertainty of stone gambling.
• The importance of expertise and experience in the industry.
• The value of top-quality jade, with a focus on imperial green, ocean blue, and Spring Color.

Character Interactions

• Manager Luo and Qiang Zhaojun argue over Chu Chen's abilities and the outcome of the bet.
• The audience members discuss and react to the polishing results, expressing their surprise and excitement.
• The contestants, especially Zhang Yanbin and Lu An, reflect on their decisions and the potential outcomes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mr. Luo's "rough" stone turns out to be a low-value "old pit glass type," causing him to lose 30 million yuan.
• Chu Chen's "rough" stone reveals a high-quality "old pit glass type" jadeite, causing a sensation.
• Luo Qiming's and Leng Shaming's "rough" stones also reveal high-value jadeites, but Chu Chen's is the most valuable.
• Chu Chen's jadeite is a rare "fortune, prosperity, and longevity Sancai" with exceptional color, texture, and size, valued at around 65 million yuan.

Character Developments

• Mr. Luo: Initially confident, he becomes dejected and regrets challenging Chu Chen.
• Luo Qiming: Initially smug, he becomes disheartened as Chu Chen's jadeite surpasses his.
• Leng Shaming: Remains composed and focused throughout the competition, admiringly acknowledged by Chu Chen.
• Chu Chen: Confident in his abilities, he remains calm and composed, winning the competition with his exceptional jadeite.

Significant Themes

• Luck vs. Skill: Mr. Luo's loss highlights the role of luck in gambling on stones, while Chu Chen, Luo Qiming, and Leng Shaming's success showcases their skill.
• Pride and Humility: Luo Qiming's pride leads to his downfall, while Leng Shaming's humility and focus contribute to his success.
• Beauty and Value: The jadeites' aesthetic appeal and market value are emphasized, with Chu Chen's jadeite being both beautiful and valuable.

Character Interactions

• Mr. Luo and Chu Chen: Their interaction highlights the contrast between Mr. Luo's initial confidence and Chu Chen's calm composure.
• Luo Qiming and Chu Chen: Their interaction showcases Luo Qiming's initial smugness and later disheartening, while Chu Chen remains composed.
• Leng Shaming and Chu Chen: Their interaction highlights their mutual admiration for each other's skills and composure during the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen wins the competition, earning over 300 million from the jades.
• President Luo suffers a significant loss of 30 million and faces potential repercussions within his family.
• Luo Qiming places fourth, his worst result yet, and leaves dejectedly.
• Leng Shaming, despite losing, offers to exchange ideas with Chu Chen in the future.
• Qiang Zhaojun praises Chu Chen's skills and understanding of gambling stones.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates humility and wisdom beyond his years, understanding the importance of continuous learning and vigilance in gambling stones.
• President Luo experiences a significant setback, potentially affecting his influence within his family.
• Luo Qiming struggles to accept his fourth-place finish, showing his competitive nature and desire for improvement.
• Leng Shaming shows sportsmanship and a desire to learn and grow, despite losing to Chu Chen.
• Qiang Zhaojun recognizes Chu Chen's exceptional skills and understanding of gambling stones.

Significant Themes

• The importance of humility and continuous learning in mastering a skill.
• The consequences of overconfidence and underestimating opponents, as seen in President Luo's loss.
• The value of sportsmanship and a willingness to learn from others, demonstrated by Leng Shaming.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen interacts with Leng Shaming, showing respect and a willingness to learn from him.
• President Luo interacts with Qiang Zhaojun, showing his frustration and unwillingness to accept his loss.
• Luo Qiming interacts with Chu Chen and Luo Qiming, showing his frustration and difficulty accepting his loss.
• Qiang Zhaojun interacts with Chu Chen, praising his skills and understanding of gambling stones.

Chapter Summary: “Transport”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The three most valuable pieces of jade are secured in a portable safe provided by Zhang Yanbin.
• Armed military vehicles arrive to escort the jade. Chu Chen and Hu Yong hand over the safe, while Liu Sizhe reveals that the shipment will likely be transported to the capital aboard a military plane already on a mission.
• Zhang Yanbin realizes that Chu Chen’s family background is far more powerful than he had assumed. Liu Sizhe explains Chu Chen’s influential family connections, shocking both Zhang and An Yongqing.
• Chu Chen returns and learns that his friends are reacting to the revelation of his identity. He downplays the situation, joking that he is not an emperor.
• The group discusses how differences in social status can damage friendships, causing distance, envy, or even betrayal. Chu Chen reflects that he has been fortunate: his closest friends have remained loyal despite learning about his background.
• Zhang Yanbin quickly returns to his carefree attitude, jokingly asking whether he can use Chu Chen’s status to show off. Their exchange confirms that their friendship remains relaxed and unaffected.
• The next morning, Chu Chen wakes early before the ten-o’clock auction. He stays inside rather than going shopping because his victory has made him locally famous, and he fears attracting attention and losing the ability to bargain.
• Chu Chen recognizes both the disadvantages and advantages of fame. While merchants may inflate prices, they are also more likely to show him high-quality rough stones first.
• Online, Chu Chen discovers that news of his victory has leaked. Most netizens doubt it because he defeated Leng Shaming, the Jade King’s celebrated disciple and a three-time consecutive champion.
• The competition’s announcement was deleted by a moderator because it involved gambling, and publicizing it too widely could create trouble with the authorities.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: His extraordinary family influence becomes more apparent, though he remains modest and uncomfortable with being treated differently. His victory has also begun establishing him as a rising figure in the jade industry, bringing both recognition and inconvenience.
• Zhang Yanbin: He moves from casual familiarity to genuine astonishment after learning Chu Chen’s background, but quickly resumes his joking, friendly behavior. His good family circumstances and carefree personality help preserve their friendship.
• Liu Sizhe: He demonstrates knowledge of how powerful families operate, indirectly revealing that Chu Chen’s jade can be transported through military channels while avoiding overly explicit statements.
• An Yongqing: His shocked reaction reinforces the magnitude of Chu Chen’s hidden status.
• Leng Shaming: Though absent from the chapter, his reputation as the Jade King’s star disciple and three-time champion emphasizes the importance of Chu Chen’s victory.

Significant Themes

• Social status and friendship: The chapter examines how sudden revelations about wealth or influence can create psychological distance, jealousy, or resentment between friends.
• The burden of fame: Public recognition brings opportunities, such as access to better rough stones, but also unwanted attention and higher prices.
• Power and connections: Chu Chen’s family influence is shown through the effortless arrangement of military transport, highlighting the importance of social networks in society.
• Modesty versus prestige: Although Chu Chen possesses considerable influence and talent, he does not see himself as exceptionally important, contrasting with how others perceive him.
• Public skepticism and reputation: His victory is difficult for outsiders to believe because it contradicts established expectations about Leng Shaming’s superiority.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Hu Yong cooperate in delivering the jade safe to the military escort.
• Zhang Yanbin and Liu Sizhe discuss the military transport, with Liu subtly explaining Chu Chen’s powerful connections.
• Liu Sizhe reveals Chu Chen’s background to Zhang and An Yongqing, prompting their shock.
• Chu Chen reassures the group through humor, and Zhang responds with jokes about borrowing his influence, showing that their friendship remains comfortable.
• Chu Chen’s reflections on Zhou Wenping, Li Guodong, Old Wu, and other acquaintances reveal how he evaluates the strength and reliability of his relationships.

Emerald Auction (Part 1) — Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen arrives at a private jade auction with other merchants. More than a hundred mostly local jade dealers attend, creating intense competition for the limited supply of high-quality jadeite.
• Just before the doors close, Su Lun, the young owner of Hong Kong’s Brilliant Jewelry Store, arrives with a female companion after a difficult journey. Their late arrival immediately creates tension because of Brilliant Jewelry’s longstanding feud with Qiang Zhaojun.
• The conflict between Qiang and Brilliant Jewelry began when both companies competed for the same valuable jade at a previous auction. Although Brilliant Jewelry won, the rivalry deepened over the years until the two businesses became bitter enemies.
• Manager Luo secretly informed Su Lun about the auction, hoping to use Brilliant Jewelry to hurt Qiang financially. However, most local merchants view this as betrayal because the auction contains only a small number of high-grade rough stones.
• The auction begins with moderately valuable jadeite:
  • Scallion-heart green ice jadeite sells for 6.2 million, above its 5-million appraisal.
  • Ice-glutinous jadeite sells for 2.88 million, exceeding its 2.3-million appraisal.
• Qiang aggressively bids 17 million for an old-mine glass jadeite with spring colors. Su Lun raises the bid to 18 million, only to realize that Qiang deliberately used the high opening bid to lure him into overpaying. Qiang successfully obtains the piece.
• When the next glass jadeite appears, Qiang deliberately refrains from bidding. Su Lun also hesitates while trying to interpret Qiang’s strategy, and another local merchant purchases the jade for only 6 million. Su Lun realizes he has missed a valuable opportunity.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen remains quietly confident and observant. He takes satisfaction in secretly knowing that the forum’s respected appraisal master is actually himself, while also studying the auction’s business dynamics.
• Qiang Zhaojun demonstrates strategic skill and composure. He uses aggressive bidding as psychological manipulation, successfully tricking Su Lun into paying more than necessary.
• Su Lun is portrayed as financially powerful but inexperienced in Qiang’s tactics. His exhaustion and eagerness for revenge make him vulnerable to Qiang’s manipulation.
• Manager Luo initially feels triumphant for bringing Su Lun into the auction, hoping to make Qiang suffer. He quickly realizes that his revenge may cost him the support of the local merchants and leave him isolated.
• The local jade merchants become increasingly hostile toward Manager Luo because they believe he has endangered their collective interests by inviting a wealthy outsider.
• Yi Guohong and Zhang Yanbin provide Chu Chen with background and commentary, helping explain the rivalries and auction strategies.

Significant Themes

• Competition and limited resources: The auction’s small supply of high-grade jadeite creates fierce rivalry, summarized by the idea of “too many monks and too little porridge.”
• Local solidarity versus outside wealth: The local merchants resent Hong Kong’s Brilliant Jewelry Store entering the auction, reflecting distrust of outsiders and protection of regional business interests.
• Strategy and psychological warfare: Qiang’s bidding tactics show that auctions involve manipulation and reading opponents, not merely offering the highest price.
• Revenge and unintended consequences: Manager Luo’s desire to punish Qiang blinds him to the damage his actions may cause to his reputation and relationships.
• Hidden identity and private pride: Chu Chen enjoys keeping his true identity as the successful appraisal master secret, emphasizing the value he places on concealed achievement rather than public recognition.

Important Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Yi Guohong: Yi quietly explains Qiang’s feud with Brilliant Jewelry, allowing Chu Chen to understand the tension surrounding Su Lun’s arrival.
• Zhang Yanbin and Manager Luo: Zhang condemns Luo’s decision to invite an outsider, while Luo privately regrets acting out of revenge.
• Qiang Zhaojun and Su Lun: Their bidding duel is the chapter’s central confrontation. Qiang manipulates Su Lun into raising the price, then later confuses him by refusing to bid on another attractive jadeite.
• Su Lun and Manager Luo: Although Luo expects Su Lun to help him pressure Qiang, Su Lun’s presence instead intensifies the resentment of the local merchants toward Luo.
• Su Lun and the auction: His exhaustion, anger, and desire to challenge Qiang cause him to lose focus, leading him to overpay for one piece and miss a better bargain on the next.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Lun realizes the local advantage Qiang Zhaojun has and the potential risk of being ganged up on at the auction.
• A high-quality, old pit glass type spring brings color jadeite is auctioned, sparking a bidding war between Su Lun and Qiang Zhaojun's proxy, Yi Hongguo.
• Su Lun wins the bid for 27.6 million but decides not to outbid Qiang Zhaojun further due to potential losses and family scrutiny.
• The remaining high-quality jadeite pieces are fiercely contested, with prices significantly higher than initial estimates.
• A glass-type yellow-green jadeite rough material is auctioned, starting a bidding war among attendees.

Character Developments

• Su Lun demonstrates strategic thinking and self-restraint in bidding, considering his family's business and potential backlash from relatives.
• Qiang Zhaojun shows determination and patience, aiming to acquire at least one of the four most valuable rough jadeite materials.
• Yi Hongguo, Qiang Zhaojun's friend, agrees to help him bid, willing to suppress a competitor.

Significant Themes

• Competition and cooperation within the jade industry.
• The value and scarcity of high-quality jadeite materials.
• Strategic decision-making in business, considering both personal desires and practical constraints.

Character Interactions

• Su Lun and Qiang Zhaojun engage in a tense bidding war, with Su Lun ultimately deciding not to outbid Qiang Zhaojun to avoid significant losses.
• Yi Hongguo acts as a proxy for Qiang Zhaojun, helping him acquire the desired jadeite piece.
• Jade merchants form temporary alliances to bid on high-quality jadeite pieces, contributing to increased prices and a more fervent auction atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Lun, determined and angry from previous bidding, impulsively bids on a glass-type yellow-green jade, driving its price up to thirty-two million.
• The final piece, a lavender jadeite, is auctioned, with bids reaching thirty-seven million eight hundred thousand, won by Wan俟 Jun.
• The auction's total sales amount to two hundred and eight million eight hundred and forty thousand, revealing the scarcity of high-end jade and driving up its prices.

Character Developments

• Su Lun: Initially impulsive and reckless due to lack of sleep and provocation, he later regains composure and determination, bidding aggressively for the lavender jadeite.
• Qiang Zhaojun: Withdraws from bidding on the lavender jadeite to give face to his friend, Wan俟 Jun.
• Wan俟 Jun: Introduced as a shrewd, influential jade merchant, he wins the final piece of jade, revealing his competitive nature.

Significant Themes

• Competition and scarcity in the jade market.
• The impact of personal relationships and influence in business (Wan俟 Jun's connection to a high-ranking military official).
• Impulsivity versus calculated decisions in business (Su Lun's initial recklessness versus his later determination).

Character Interactions

• Su Lun and Qiang Zhaojun: Engage in fierce bidding, driving up the price of the glass-type yellow-green jade.
• Wan俟 Jun and Qiang Zhaojun: Qiang Zhaojun withdraws from bidding to give face to Wan俟 Jun.
• Chu Chen and his companions: Discuss Wan'en Jun's background and relationship with Chu Chen's cousin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Lun, after the auction, approaches Chu Chen and hands him his business card, hinting at a potential future interaction.
• Wan Jun, Chu Chen's cousin's husband, invites Chu Chen and his friends for dinner at his villa.
• At the villa, Chu Chen reunites with his cousin Zhao Wan, who is married to Wan Jun and has a child.
• Zhao Wan offers to help Chu Chen with jade supply for his business, but Chu Chen declines.
• It's revealed that Chu Chen won the gambling on stones competition the previous day.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows composure and maturity in handling Su Lun's approach and declines Zhao Wan's offer to help with jade supply, demonstrating his independence and capability.
• Su Lun: Shows a polite and friendly demeanor towards Chu Chen, but his true intentions remain unclear.
• Zhao Wan: Reveals a strong and assertive personality, contrasting with her quiet initial appearance. She's eager to help Chu Chen but respects his decision to handle things himself.
• Wan Jun: Shows hospitality and warmth towards Chu Chen and his friends, but he's also cautious and aware of his wife's strong personality.

Significant Themes

• Family Reunions: The chapter focuses on Chu Chen's reunion with his cousin Zhao Wan and her family, highlighting the complexities and dynamics of family relationships.
• Business Acumen: Chu Chen's decision to handle jade supply himself showcases his business acumen and independence, while Zhao Wan's offer to help highlights the potential benefits of family connections in business.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Su Lun: Their brief interaction hints at a potential future business relationship or rivalry.
• Chu Chen and Zhao Wan: Their reunion is filled with warmth and banter, showcasing their close cousin relationship. Zhao Wan's assertiveness contrasts with Chu Chen's more reserved demeanor.
• Zhao Wan and Wan Jun: Their dynamic shows Wan Jun's caution and awareness of his wife's strong personality, while Zhao Wan is eager to help her cousin but also respects his decisions.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen discusses his long-distance relationship with his girlfriend, Wu Ke, who is studying at Oxford University and will not return from Britain until the following year.
• Zhao Wan worries that the separation may threaten their relationship and advises Chu Chen to bring Wu Ke home early. Chu Chen refuses because Wu Ke is close to completing her studies.
• Liu Sizhe suggests that Chu Chen visit her instead. Chu Chen decides to travel to Britain after returning to the capital to handle his shop and oversee its renovations.
• Zhang Yanbin jokingly offers romantic advice, but Zhao Wan warns him not to mislead Chu Chen.
• While looking through an old photo album, Chu Chen notices a girl who may be the daughter of his missing aunt. Zhao Wan explains that the girl is her former junior from Hong Kong and is currently studying in Australia. She agrees to investigate, though finding her may take time.
• Chu Chen stays one night with Wanqi Jun and his wife despite their invitation to remain longer. He attempts to give them a jadeite wedding gift, but they politely refuse, so he decides to find another suitable gift later.
• Chu Chen and the group travel six hours to Pingzhou for an upcoming jadeite public auction. Wanqi Jun arranges a membership card so Chu Chen can enter and bid independently.
• After arriving, the group visits Pingzhou Jade Street. Zhang Yanbin spends the night with an old flame and returns the next morning looking satisfied, amusing and embarrassing the others.
• The group explores Pingzhou’s jade shops and discusses jadeite quality, craftsmanship, and the difference between plain and carved jadeite.
• The chapter concludes by explaining that plain jadeite—pieces without carved patterns—requires especially flawless, high-quality material because there are no designs to conceal cracks or imperfections.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen shows concern about maintaining his relationship with Wu Ke but remains considerate of her education, refusing to ask her to abandon Oxford before graduating. He also demonstrates growing independence by choosing to obtain his own auction membership card rather than relying on others.
• Zhao Wan acts as a protective, outspoken cousin. She worries about Chu Chen’s relationship, teases him affectionately, and takes responsibility for helping him locate his possible cousin.
• Zhang Yanbin continues to behave playfully and flirtatiously, contrasting with Chu Chen’s more serious attitude. His romantic escapades reinforce his carefree personality.
• Chu Chen’s search for his aunt’s daughter becomes an additional personal goal, suggesting that family reunification remains important to him despite his wealth and business concerns.
• The group’s discussions reveal that Chu Chen is increasingly knowledgeable about the jade industry and capable of engaging with experienced dealers and collectors.

Significant Themes

• Maintaining relationships across distance: Zhao Wan’s warnings highlight the emotional risks of separation, while Chu Chen’s decision to visit Wu Ke shows his willingness to make practical efforts to preserve their bond.
• Family and reunion: The photograph renews Chu Chen’s hope of finding his aunt’s daughter, emphasizing his continuing search for lost relatives.
• Independence and self-respect: Chu Chen prefers to secure his own auction membership card rather than rely on someone else’s credentials.
• Natural beauty versus ornamentation: The explanation of plain jadeite presents the idea that genuine quality needs little embellishment. Carved pieces can conceal flaws, while plain jadeite must stand on the strength of its natural material.
• Hospitality and social bonds: Wanqi Jun and his wife’s generosity, as well as the group’s friendly banter, show the importance of personal relationships within Chu Chen’s business and social world.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Wan and Chu Chen exchange affectionate but serious advice about Wu Ke and their long-distance relationship.
• Zhang Yanbin jokes with Chu Chen about romance, prompting Zhao Wan to defend and protect her cousin.
• Chu Chen asks Zhao Wan to investigate the girl in the photograph, strengthening their familial cooperation.
• Wanqi Jun and his wife warmly host Chu Chen, while Chu Chen tries unsuccessfully to repay their kindness with jadeite.
• The group—including Yi Hongguo, Liu Sizhe, Hu Yong, Zhang Yanbin, and others—shares expertise and opinions while touring Pingzhou’s jade shops.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen considers hiring a "plain cut" carving master for his jade raw materials.
• He seeks help from his brother-in-law, Wan Si Jun, who offers to introduce someone within three to five days.
• Chu Chen and his group encounter Chu Yulan and her friends at a jade public auction. Chu Chen reprimands Chu Yulan for skipping class.
• They discover a crowd gathered around a stall selling "rough" jade stones at a low price with a threefold buyback offer if jade is found.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen shows responsibility and concern for his sister's education.
• Wan Si Jun demonstrates his willingness to help and his understanding of Chu Chen's situation.
• Chu Yulan displays her coquettish and manipulative side to avoid consequences for skipping class.
• Liu Siche shows his knowledge and disdain for low-quality jade materials.
• Zhang Yanbin reveals his infatuation with Chu Yulan and his understanding of the gambling nature of the jade business.

Significant Themes

• Family and Responsibility: Chu Chen's concern for his sister's education and Wan Si Jun's willingness to help Chu Chen.
• Risk and Reward: The jade buyers' willingness to take risks for potential high rewards, reflected in the threefold buyback offer.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wan Si Jun: Chu Chen seeks help from Wan Si Jun, who offers assistance without making him feel indebted.
• Chu Chen and Chu Yulan: Chu Chen reprimands Chu Yulan for skipping class, showing his protective and responsible side.
• Chu Yulan and Wan Si Jun: Chu Yulan asks Wan Si Jun not to tell her uncle about her skipping class, showing her manipulative side.
• Liu Siche and Zhang Yanbin: Liu Siche dismisses the low-quality jade materials, while Zhang Yanbin understands the gambling aspect of the jade business.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group decides to gamble on rough stones, with Zhang Yanbin, Yi Hongguo, and Wan Si Jun teaming up against Chu Chen.
• The stakes are that if Chu Chen wins, Zhang Yanbin will introduce high-end clients to him; if he loses, he'll sell a pair of bracelets to each of them at market price when the Ocean Blue jade is made into finished products.
• Chu Chen finds a promising rough stone worth over a million, but it has many cracks, reducing its value to around twenty to thirty thousand.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his expertise in gambling stones, finding a valuable rough stone despite the poor quality of the available options.
• Zhang Yanbin shows his willingness to gamble and his confidence in his team's ability, despite knowing Chu Chen's prowess.

Significant Themes

• The allure of gambling and the desire to win, even against high odds.
• The importance of experience and knowledge in gambling stones, as seen in Chu Chen's ability to identify promising rough stones and their flaws.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yanbin challenges Chu Chen to a gamble, showing respect for his abilities but also confidence in his own team.
• Chu Yulan initially objects to the unfair terms of the gamble but is silenced when she learns about Chu Chen's 'One Cut Thousand Gold' championship.
• Chu Chen and the others work together to examine the rough stones, with some helping each other out based on their expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and his group join the stone selection process.
• Two young men show interest in Chu Yulan, but they're deterred by her bodyguard.
• Chu Chen selects two rough stones: one large with a unique interior structure, and one smaller with a faked part but valuable jade inside.
• Chu Yulan seeks Chu Chen's help to evaluate a rough stone she's unsure about.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: He demonstrates his ability to "see" the interior of rough stones, showing confidence and wisdom in his selections.
• Chu Yulan: She shows keen observation skills but needs her brother's expertise to identify a potentially faked rough stone.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. reality: Many rough stones are judged by their exterior, but Chu Chen's unique ability allows him to see beyond the surface.
• Luck vs. skill: While luck plays a part in finding valuable jade, Chu Chen's skill and experience help him make informed decisions.
• Family bond: Chu Chen helps his sister, showing care and support.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Chu Yulan: They interact as siblings, with Chu Chen providing guidance and support to his sister.
• Chu Yulan and the two young men: They show interest in Chu Yulan, but their advances are discouraged by her bodyguard.