Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen accompanies Zhao Qirui in his Mercedes-Benz.
• Zhao Qirui reveals they're going to an antiques black market, not a regular auction.
• They meet Baldy Ma, who informs them about the merchandise and offers his services.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows modesty and gratitude towards Zhao Qirui's help. Demonstrates curiosity and excitement about the antiques black market.
• Zhao Qirui: Reveals his connections and influence by organizing a visit to the black market. Shows concern for Chu Chen's safety and appreciation for the detoxified jade.
• Baldy Ma: Reveals his role as a middleman in the antiques black market. Shows deference to Zhao Qirui and tries to ingratiate himself with Chu Chen.

Significant Themes

• Profit and Greed: The allure of the antiques black market is driven by the potential for high profits and rare finds, despite the risks.
• Connections and Influence: Zhao Qirui's ability to organize a visit to the black market highlights the importance of connections and influence in the world of antiques.
• Appearance vs. Reality: Baldy Ma's initial dismissive attitude towards Chu Chen, based on his appearance, is later reversed when he learns of Chu Chen's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui: Their interaction shows mutual respect and appreciation. Zhao Qirui treats Chu Chen as an equal, while Chu Chen shows deference and gratitude.
• Zhao Qirui and Baldy Ma: Their interaction shows Zhao Qirui's authority and influence over Baldy Ma, who is eager to please him.
• Chu Chen and Baldy Ma: Their interaction shows Baldy Ma's eagerness to ingratiate himself with Chu Chen after learning of his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen, Zhao Qirui, and Baldy Ma attend an illegal antique auction at a derelict factory.
• They encounter multiple security checks, including a knocking code and identity verification.
• The auction begins with uninteresting items, and only a few are sold.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen finds the auction less exciting than expected and expresses disappointment.
• Zhao Qirui maintains a calm demeanor and reveals he knows the young man accompanying Qian Changxing, showing disdain for him.

Significant Themes

• The illegality and caution involved in the black market transactions.
• The disparity between expectations and reality in the auction's excitement level.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui discuss their lack of interest in the auctioned items.
• Baldy Ma reassures Chu Chen that the best items are yet to come.
• Young Master Yu greets Zhao Qirui during the intermission, with Zhao Qirui being dismissive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Young Master Yu, son of an official family, visits Zhao Qirui's shop. He invites Zhao to his company's upcoming auction.
• Chu Chen suspects Old Master Dong might have gone to Young Master Yu's company.
• The black market auction begins. The first item, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong blue and white plate, sells for 11,000 yuan.
• The second item, a Ming Dynasty Wanli bronze censer, is revealed to be a fake by Chu Chen. It sells for 220,000 yuan.
• The third item, a newly unearthed white jade dragon-shaped pendant, attracts Zhao Qirui's interest and competition from Young Master Yu.

Character Developments

• Zhao Qirui: Shows his dislike for Young Master Yu and his parents, revealing his straightforward nature.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his exceptional ability to discern genuine and fake antiques, as well as his martial arts prowess, which he uses to intimidate Qian Changxing.
• Qian Changxing: Reveals his cowardly nature when faced with Chu Chen's aura.

Significant Themes

• The deceptive nature of the antique black market, where fakes and problematic items are common.
• The value and appreciation of genuine antiques, as seen through the eyes of experienced collectors like Zhao Qirui and Chu Chen.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Qirui and Chu Chen: Their friendship deepens as they share insights about antiques and Zhao asks Chu Chen to find high-quality jade for him.
• Chu Chen and Qian Changxing: Their animosity intensifies as Qian Changxing threatens Chu Chen, only to be intimidated by him later.
• Zhao Qirui and Young Master Yu: Their tense relationship is evident, with Zhao showing no fondness for Young Master Yu or his family.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auction begins with a jade dragon pendant, which Chu Chen appraises as a superior piece from the early Warring States period.
• Young Master Yu outbids Zhao Qirui, causing him temporary disappointment.
• Zhao Qirui later learns about a night session with more valuable items.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his expertise in jade appraisal, earning respect from Zhao Qirui.
• Zhao Qirui shows his magnanimity by not dwelling on his loss and encouraging Chu Chen.
• Young Master Yu displays his wealth and willingness to outbid others.

Significant Themes

• The allure and value of ancient artifacts.
• The tension between wealth, desire, and ethics in the black market.
• The importance of maintaining composure and dignity in the face of setbacks.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui form a bond over their shared interest in jade and antiques.
• Zhao Qirui and Young Master Yu have a tense bidding competition.
• Baldy Ma shows loyalty to Zhao Qirui by agreeing to investigate the jade pendant's origin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group attends an evening auction with different rules: no failed bids, and increments must be in the tens of thousands.
• Chu Chen learns that even if an item is clearly fake, buyers might still be forced to purchase due to the auction's subsidy model.
• Yu Guangjie and Qian Changxing arrive late, and Zhao Qirui expresses determination to outdo them.
• The auction begins with a pair of cinnabar lacquer rectangular plates. Chu Chen appraises them as genuine Ming Dynasty antiques.
• Zhao Qirui bids against Yu Guangjie, ultimately winning the plates for 160,000 yuan. Yu Guangjie surprisingly gives up bidding.
• The auction continues with a mix of genuine and fake items, all sold according to the auction rules.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his appraisal skills and gains Zhao Qirui's trust.
• Zhao Qirui shows determination and competitiveness, aiming to outdo Yu Guangjie.
• Yu Guangjie appears confident but ultimately gives up bidding, hinting at a strategic retreat or uncertainty.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and trust is reinforced as Chu Chen assures Zhao Qirui of his appraisal accuracy.
• The theme of competition and rivalry is evident in the bidding war between Zhao Qirui and Yu Guangjie.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Qirui and Chu Chen strengthen their bond as they work together to bid on and win the cinnabar lacquer plates.
• Zhao Qirui and Yu Guangjie engage in a silent battle of wills through their bidding, with Zhao Qirui emerging victorious this time.
• Baldy Ma explains the auction rules to Chu Chen, highlighting the importance of their mentor-mentee relationship.

Key Plot Points

• The auction presents a Ming Dynasty Wanli era polychrome dragon and phoenix patterned brush, bought by Zhao Qirui for 120,000.
• A Shen Zhou's Rainy Mountain Landscape Painting is revealed, valued at over nine million at a Christie's auction.
• The painting is suspected to be a proxy work, not authentic, despite its age and Shen Zhou's signature and seal.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Uses his special ability to confirm the painting's authenticity, plans to use the situation to cause conflict between Yu Guangjie and Qian Changxing.
• Zhao Qirui: Trusts Chu Chen's judgment, decides not to bid on the painting, and instead bids against Yu Guangjie to limit his spending.

Significant Themes

• Authenticity and value in the art market.
• The power dynamics and rivalries among the bosses at the auction.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui: They discuss the painting, and Zhao Qirui follows Chu Chen's advice not to bid.
• Yu Guangjie and Zhao Qirui: They engage in a bidding war, with Zhao Qirui strategically bidding to limit Yu Guangjie's spending.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui attend an antiques black market auction.
• A bidding war ensues between them and Yu Guangjie over a Shen Zhou painting, with Zhao Qirui winning at 4.4 million yuan.
• A pair of Qing Yongzheng Enamel floral pattern bowls is presented, which Chu Chen appraises as genuine.
• Zhao Qirui buys the Enamel bowls for 1.98 million yuan after patiently outbidding competitors.
• The final item, a bamboo carving brush pot, catches Chu Chen's interest, and he decides to bid on it.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his appraisal skills and calm demeanor under pressure.
• Zhao Qirui shows strategic patience in his bidding, waiting for the right moment to secure the Enamel bowls.
• Yu Guangjie is revealed to have a grudge against Zhao Qirui and is eager to outbid him.

Significant Themes

• The tension and excitement of bidding wars in the antiques market.
• The importance of patience and strategic thinking in auctions.
• The allure and value of genuine antique pieces.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui work together, with Chu Chen appraising items and Zhao Qirui bidding.
• Yu Guangjie's rivalry with Zhao Qirui leads to intense bidding competition.
• The auctioneer and other bidders are present, creating a lively atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A brush pot from the late Qing Dynasty is auctioned but doesn't attract high bids.
• A box of Agarwood from the late Qing Dynasty is auctioned for 4.08 million.
• A raw pit, Warring States white jade tripod, is unexpectedly added to the auction. It's a significant piece, recently unearthed, and bids reach 6.2 million.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen shows interest in antiques but isn't wealthy enough to bid on high-value items.
• Zhao Qirui regrets not knowing about the Agarwood box earlier and laments his missed opportunity.
• Baldy Ma expresses concern about the legality of the white jade tripod and the potential consequences.

Significant Themes

• Greed and Regret: Characters express greed for valuable antiques and regret for missed opportunities.
• Legality and Consequences: The legality of the white jade tripod's origin is questioned, and characters worry about potential consequences.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui discuss the authenticity and value of the white jade tripod.
• Zhao Qirui jokes with Baldy Ma about the potential risks of the auction.
• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui admire the white jade tripod together.
• Bidders collaborate to drive up the price of the white jade tripod.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Qirui and his group encounter Yu Guangjie and his group at an art gallery.
• Yu Guangjie shows off a painting he bought, which Zhao Qirui dismisses as a 'ghostwritten' work.
• Qian Changxing, upon hearing Zhao Qirui's remark, realizes the painting might be fake.
• In the car, Chu Chen explains to Zhao Qirui that the painting is likely a ghostwritten work by Shen Zhou.
• Chu Chen reveals that Shen Zhou had ghostwriters due to his generous nature and high demand for his works.
• Zhao Qirui expresses his disapproval of modern ghostwriting practices.
• Zhao Qirui asks Chu Chen about the bamboo carving brush pot he bought earlier.
• Chu Chen discovers that the brush pot has a hidden compartment, containing an unknown metal box.

Character Developments

• Zhao Qirui: Shows his expertise in art and calligraphy, expresses his disapproval of modern ghostwriting practices.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his knowledge of art history and authentication, shows curiosity and analytical skills in the brush pot mystery.
• Yu Guangjie: Shows off his new painting purchase, later revealed to be a ghostwritten work.

Significant Themes

• Authenticity and value in art and calligraphy.
• The practice of ghostwriting in art, its history, and modern implications.
• The pursuit of knowledge and learning, as mentioned by Zhao Qirui to Yu Guangjie.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Qirui and Chu Chen: Share their knowledge and opinions on art and ghostwriting, work together to investigate the brush pot mystery.
• Zhao Qirui and Yu Guangjie: Briefly interact at the art gallery, with Zhao Qirui dismissing Yu Guangjie's painting purchase.
• Qian Changxing and Yu Guangjie: Qian Changxing reacts to Zhao Qirui's remark about the painting, causing Yu Guangjie to suspect the painting's authenticity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui discover a peculiar box hidden inside a brush pot, made from an unknown material.
• The box resembles an incense box but has no decorations and contains a small, milk-colored candle.
• Upon opening the box, a faint, pleasant fragrance fills the room, and the candle emits a dazzling light through small holes, creating an illusion of an immortal realm.
• When the candle is lit, the smoke forms a scene of a sea of clouds, an immortal mountain, pavilions, towers, and Daoist priests, appearing to discuss and debate.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows curiosity and caution when dealing with the unknown. He has a sensitive sense of smell due to his special ability and is knowledgeable about various aspects.
• Zhao Qirui: Displayed curiosity and impatience, but also showed respect for Chu Chen's knowledge and experience.

Significant Themes

• The power of the unknown and the extraordinary.
• The allure of ancient artifacts and their potential secrets.
• The impact of scent and light on the human mind and perception.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui work together to examine and open the mysterious box, sharing their thoughts and theories about its purpose and origins.
• They express amazement and awe at the box's properties, with Zhao Qirui describing it as a "miracle."
• Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui discuss a mysterious box with a candle inside, which can project images onto the lid.
• Chu Chen explains that the box might be based on two legendary items from the Records of the Grand Unity: Ruyi Jade and a fragrant candle.
• Zhao Qirui requests the candle to help his father, who suffers from headaches due to stress.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge of ancient artifacts and his ability to analyze their origins.
• Zhao Qirui shows his respect for Chu Chen's expertise and understanding, as well as his concern for his father's health.

Significant Themes

• The ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.
• The loss of ancient technologies and the regret of not preserving them.
• The value and significance of ancient artifacts.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Zhao Qirui engage in a friendly and respectful discussion about the box and its potential origins.
• Chu Chen considers Zhao Qirui's request for the candle, showing empathy and understanding for his friend's concern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen, Old Liu, and Liu Qinshu examine an incense box that Chu Chen recently acquired.
• Upon lighting a candle within the box, a mesmerizing scene of sea of clouds, immortal mountains, and Taoist priests appears.
• Old Liu identifies the candle as a 'Spirit Calming Candle' from ancient records and the box as a national treasure.
• Chu Chen shares his theory about the box's creation and material.
• Old Liu shares a historical account of a meteorite fall during the Northern Song Dynasty, which could be related to the box's material.
• Old Liu takes the box for study and research, with Chu Chen's agreement, to preserve and understand its significance.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows curiosity, intelligence, and trust in Old Liu, understanding the box's value and importance.
• Old Liu: Demonstrates extensive knowledge, wisdom, and integrity, eager to study and preserve the national treasure.
• Liu Qinshu: Shows curiosity and enthusiasm, supporting Chu Chen and Old Liu's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The value and preservation of ancient artifacts and knowledge.
• Trust and integrity in handling valuable items.
• The intersection of history, legend, and science in understanding ancient technologies.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Old Liu: Share knowledge and theories, trust each other, and collaborate to study the box.
• Chu Chen and Liu Qinshu: Share curiosity and excitement, support each other's decisions.
• Old Liu and Liu Qinshu: Work together to prepare documents and facilitate the study of the box.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen discovers a hidden formula for a Spirit Calming Candle inside an antique brush pot.
• The formula, inscribed with microscopic characters, is worth over 500,000 yuan in raw materials alone.
• The candle can burn for 60 days if lit for one hour daily, making it a luxury item.
• Liu Qinshu offers 100 million yuan to buy the formula, but Chu Chen declines due to his promise to Zhao Qirui.
• Old Liu invites Zhao Qirui to discuss the formula and the ding Chu Chen mentioned.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates integrity by keeping his promise to Zhao Qirui, even when tempted by a large sum of money.
• Old Liu shows his passion for preserving cultural artifacts, expressing anger at the audacity of grave robbers.
• Liu Qinshu displays her wealth and influence, offering 100 million yuan for the formula.

Significant Themes

• Integrity and keeping promises (Chu Chen)
• Preservation of cultural heritage (Old Liu)
• Wealth and influence (Liu Qinshu)

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen interacts with Old Liu, Liu Qinshu, and Zhao Qirui, discussing the formula and the ding.
• Old Liu interacts with Zhao Qirui, seeking information about the ding's buyer.
• Liu Qinshu interacts with Chu Chen, attempting to buy the formula and expressing her interest in the ding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Qinshu's father, Old Liu, offers to help Chu Chen sell his candle formula, suggesting a 25% share for Chu Chen in exchange for the formula.
• Zhao Qirui and Liu Qinshu argue over who should get the formula, eventually deciding to partner up.
• Chu Chen and his friends fly to KM to meet Liu Zhiqing and Hou Yuanming, who will accompany them to Tengchong.
• The group travels to Tengchong, with Chu Chen excited about the prospect of seeing the jade street and buying raw stones.

Character Developments

• Old Liu shows his concern for Chu Chen's future by offering him a significant share in the candle business to ensure he can focus on learning antiques.
• Zhao Qirui and Liu Qinshu demonstrate their business acumen and competitiveness in their argument over the candle formula.
• Chu Chen shows his naivety and humility when he expresses contentment with just being able to learn from Old Liu, despite the potential of becoming a disciple.
• Chu Chen's excitement about the jade street in Tengchong reveals his enthusiasm for jade and his eagerness to buy raw stones.

Significant Themes

• The theme of mentorship and guidance is evident in Old Liu's actions towards Chu Chen, highlighting the importance of learning from experienced individuals.
• The theme of business competition and negotiation is shown through the argument between Zhao Qirui and Liu Qinshu over the candle formula.
• The theme of anticipation and excitement is demonstrated through Chu Chen's eagerness to see the jade street and buy raw stones in Tengchong.

Character Interactions

• Old Liu interacts with Chu Chen, Zhao Qirui, and Liu Qinshu, showing his wisdom and concern for Chu Chen's future.
• Zhao Qirui and Liu Qinshu interact, displaying their competitive nature and business acumen in their argument over the candle formula.
• Chu Chen interacts with Hou Yuanming and Liu Zhiqing, feeling at ease with their familiarity and shared interest in jade.
• The group interacts on their journey to Tengchong, with Chu Chen expressing his excitement about the jade street.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at an inn in Tengchong, with Chu Chen struggling to sleep due to excitement about the upcoming stone gambling.
• The next day, they visit Jade Street, a bustling market for rough jade stones, where Chu Chen feels overwhelmed by the sheer number of stones.
• Wen Yuting is eager to start gambling but is pulled away by Li Guodong after Chu Chen's warning about the boss's potential deception.
• Chu Chen suggests that Liu Zhiqing and Hou Yuanming handle their own business while he guides the other three.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows maturity and responsibility by reminding the group to be vigilant and later suggesting that Liu Zhiqing and Hou Yuanming handle their own business.
• Wen Yuting: Realizes her previous selfishness and reflects on her behavior. She decides to learn more about gambling on stones and competes with Li Guodong.
• Li Guodong: Misses an opportunity to gamble in Xijing to help Wen Yuting, showing his dedication to her. He agrees to compete with Wen Yuting.

Significant Themes

• Excitement and Impatience: Chu Chen struggles with his excitement about the upcoming gambling, leading to a sleepless night.
• Learning and Growth: Wen Yuting's eagerness to learn and apply her knowledge about gambling on stones.
• Responsibility and Consideration: Chu Chen considers the needs of the group and suggests that Liu Zhiqing and Hou Yuanming handle their own business.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wen Yuting: Chu Chen guides and advises Wen Yuting, helping her make the final decision on her stone picks.
• Wen Yuting and Li Guodong: They decide to have a competition to see who is more skilled at gambling on stones.
• Chu Chen and Liu Zhiqing/Hou Yuanming: Chu Chen suggests that they handle their own business, showing consideration for their needs.

Summary of Chapter 2: Crazy Stone

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group visits a stone market, where they find many "rough" stones but few transactions.
• Wen Yuting picks a green shell stone, which Li Guodong identifies as worthless.
• Wen Yuting then picks a Denika skin "rough" stone, which Chu Chen confirms is valuable.
• A man named Boss Xu shows interest in the Denika stone and examines it.
• The owner of the "rough" stone asks for 10,000 yuan, which seems expensive to the group.

Character Developments

• Wen Yuting shows enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about gambling on stones.
• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge and experience in gambling on stones.
• Boss Xu shows genuine interest in the Denika stone and respect for Chu Chen's expertise.
• The owner of the "rough" stone appears confident and unyielding in his pricing.

Significant Themes

• The thrill and risk of gambling on stones.
• The importance of knowledge and experience in making informed decisions.
• The value of rare materials, even without visible signs of promise.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wen Yuting's mentor-mentee relationship is evident as he guides her.
• Li Guodong shows concern for Wen Yuting's safety and well-being.
• Chu Yulan demonstrates her intelligence and quick understanding of gambling on stones.
• Boss Xu shows respect and admiration for Chu Chen's expertise.
• The owner of the "rough" stone shows confidence in his pricing, regardless of customer reactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and friends visit Boss Wang's stall, where they find a Denaka rough stone that interests Wen Yuting.
• Chu Chen uses his special ability to examine the rough stone and finds it promising.
• Chu Chen persuades Li Guodong to help Wen Yuting buy the rough stone, which they split fifty-fifty.
• Boss Xu, who has already bought rough stones, gives his business card to Chu Chen and offers to buy jade from him in the future.
• Chu Chen uses his Treasure Sense to select rough stones, discovering that it has a filtering function that can be activated for a cost.
• Chu Chen successfully buys a high-quality rough stone for 330,000 yuan after negotiating with Boss Wang.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his ability to help Wen Yuting, shows strategic thinking in negotiating with Boss Wang, and uses his Treasure Sense to select and filter rough stones.
• Wen Yuting: Struggles with the decision to buy the Denaka rough stone due to its high price but eventually agrees to split the cost with Li Guodong.
• Li Guodong: Agrees to help Wen Yuting buy the rough stone, understanding her pride and offering to split the cost evenly.
• Boss Wang: Shows resolve in not selling the Denaka rough stone cheaply and eventually agrees to sell it to Chu Chen for 330,000 yuan.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Cooperation: Chu Chen helps Wen Yuting and Li Guodong buys half of the rough stone, demonstrating their friendship and willingness to cooperate.
• Business Acumen: Chu Chen demonstrates his negotiation skills and understanding of the jade market when buying the high-quality rough stone.
• Risk and Reward: The characters face the risk of buying rough stones that might not yield good results, but they also stand to gain significant rewards if they make the right choices.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wen Yuting: Chu Chen helps Wen Yuting make a decision about the Denaka rough stone, showing his concern for her.
• Chu Chen and Li Guodong: Li Guodong agrees to help Wen Yuting buy the rough stone, showing his willingness to support his friends.
• Chu Chen and Boss Wang: Chu Chen negotiates with Boss Wang, showing his understanding of the rough stone's value and his ability to make a deal.
• Chu Chen and Chu Yulan: Chu Chen apologizes to Chu Yulan for not finding a suitable Tianhuang stone seal material earlier and promises to help her in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group decides to cut their "raw" stones, but Boss Wang's shop is busy, so they go to a friend's shop.
• They witness a middle-aged man polishing and then cutting a valuable "raw" stone worth hundreds of thousands.
• The man initially doesn't polish out any green, causing concern, but he decides to cut the stone in half.
• After cutting, he reveals a strip of green jade, gaining but not significantly.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows interest in the middle-aged man's "raw" stone and considers investing in "raw" stones in the future.
• Middle-aged Man: Initially nervous and hesitant, he decides to take a risk and cut the stone, ultimately gaining but not as much as he might have hoped.

Significant Themes

• Gambling and Risk: The middle-aged man's decision to cut the stone represents a gamble, with potential high rewards but also the risk of failure.
• Value and Price Fluctuations: The chapter discusses the rising prices of "raw" stones due to increased global interest and the potential for future price increases.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Boss Xu: They reunite, and Boss Xu explains the characteristics and price of the middle-aged man's "raw" stone to Chu Chen and his group.
• Middle-aged Man and His Brother: The brother supports and encourages the middle-aged man's decision to cut the stone, showing their camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Jiangcheng offers 500,000 for the half-raw stone, but the seller declines.
• A middle-aged man with a beer belly offers 520,000, then 550,000, but the seller remains unmoved.
• Bidding continues, reaching 750,000, after which the main bidder decides to make another cut along the python pattern.
• The second cut reveals colorless jadeite, shocking the onlookers.

Character Developments

• Xu Jiangcheng: Regrets not buying the stone initially but remains focused on maximizing profits.
• The middle-aged seller: Proud and confident in his gamble, willing to risk for potential high profit.
• Chu Chen: Excited about the other half of the stone filled with white cotton, decides to buy it later.
• Li Guodong: Notices the Ka San python pattern is somewhat like an ointment, warns about the high risk.
• Wen Yuting: Curious and excited, learns about jadeite types and values.

Significant Themes

• Gambling and risk-taking in the jade industry.
• The value of jadeite based on color, clarity, and texture.
• The excitement and tension of waiting for the outcome of a cut.

Character Interactions

• Xu Jiangcheng and the middle-aged seller engage in bidding war.
• Li Guodong explains jadeite types and risks to Wen Yuting.
• Chu Chen decides to buy the stone secretly, not revealing his intentions to others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The middle-aged man's rough stone, initially valued at 750,000 yuan, is found to have a thin layer of colorless jade and white cotton, reducing its value to around 400,000 yuan.
• Despite the disappointing result, the middle-aged man decides to continue cutting the stone, extracting a green band worth around 260,000 yuan.
• Chu Chen buys the remaining half of the rough stone, full of white cotton, for 2,000 yuan, suspecting it might contain spring color pine flower.
• Hou Yuanming, Liu Zhiqing, and Zhang Yanbin arrive, and they discuss the potential of the rough stone Chu Chen bought.

Character Developments

• The middle-aged man is revealed to be an experienced gambler in the jade industry, willing to take risks despite setbacks.
• Chu Chen demonstrates his keen eye and willingness to take calculated risks, buying a seemingly worthless rough stone based on a subtle hint of spring color pine flower.
• Liu Zhiqing shows concern for Chu Chen's well-being, warning him about his friend Zhang Yanbin's womanizing tendencies.

Significant Themes

• Gambling and Risk-taking: The chapter explores the theme of gambling and risk-taking in the jade industry, with characters making decisions based on their assessment of risk and potential reward.
• Intuition and Observation: Chu Chen's ability to spot the faint hint of spring color pine flower highlights the importance of keen observation and intuition in the jade business.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and the Middle-aged Man: The interaction between Chu Chen and the middle-aged man revolves around the sale of the rough stone, with Chu Chen negotiating the price down to 2,000 yuan.
• Chu Chen and Hou Yuanming, Liu Zhiqing, Zhang Yanbin: The group discusses the potential of the rough stone Chu Chen bought, with Liu Zhiqing warning Chu Chen about Zhang Yanbin's womanizing tendencies.