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This DELL laptop, equipped with dual-channel 4G memory, a 500GB hard drive, a fifteen-inch high-definition widescreen, and the "Plague to Death 7" operating system—along with several high-end configurations Wang Zhuo didn't fully grasp—cost him ten thousand silver dollars.

When factoring in the annual nationwide roaming fee for wireless internet, plus the scanner and printer successfully upsold by the slick salesperson, Wang Zhuo ended up spending over fifteen thousand yuan in one go.

This was only because the laptop integrated peripherals like the handwriting pad and webcam; otherwise, Wang Zhuo, a complete novice with technology, might have been completely bamboozled by the salesman into buying a full suite, pushing the total cost close to twenty thousand.

"What a blissfully ignorant novice," Fatty Long muttered, hefting his own laptop and carrying the empty packaging boxes, watching the two delivery boys eagerly assist Wang Zhuo and treat him like a VIP.

Wang Zhuo remained unaware that while the printer might be somewhat useful, a scanner, for a casual user like him, would likely only see action when scanning old photographs right after purchase, perhaps never again in the subsequent year.

He rarely spent much money before, so he was far from discerning enough to see through these tricks employed by dishonest merchants to fleece customers!

All the computer's functions were set up. After connecting the power and booting up at home, everything ran smoothly. Finally, he could surf the web from his own home on his own machine.

He pulled out his phone, found his QQ number and password from a self-composed text message, and logged in, only to find Gan Lin offline.

After a moment's thought, Wang Zhuo called Guan Yingying. "Sister Yingying, do you have a QQ account? Let's add each other."

"Wang Zhuo? You got your computer already? That’s great! Tell me the number quickly so I can add you."

A moment later, they exchanged friend requests. Guan Yingying's screen name was "Laughing Words Delightfully," and her avatar was a small red crab waving its claws.

Wang Zhuo hunched over the keyboard, typing laboriously for a while, before sending Guan Yingying two characters: Hello.

Laughing Words Delightfully replied: "You arrived at the perfect time. Sister Qi and Qiu Lu are here too; the three of us are chatting right now. I’ll add you to the group chat."

Then, a small multi-person conversation window popped up on Wang Zhuo's QQ, and he watched three people rapidly exchanging text messages inside.

"Wang Zhuo is in? Is this 'The Priest' the one?"

"Wang Zhuo, how is the new computer? Are the specs good? How much did it cost?"

"Wang Zhuo, say hello to everyone."

"Wang Zhuo?"

"..."

While the three were wondering, Wang Zhuo finally managed to type three characters: Hello everyone.

And then there was silence again.

The trio chatted animatedly for a while longer before Laughing Words Delightfully was the first to catch on: "He's so slow; does he not know how to type?"

A Cohort of Scoundrels: "Possible, he just bought the computer..."

Who Can Measure the Passing Years of Splendor: "I added him as a friend, but no response yet."

The Priest: "He is."

Laughing Words Delightfully: "No wonder he's so slow; this kid really doesn't know how to type!"

Who Can Measure the Passing Years of Splendor: "Let's switch to voice chat instead."

Laughing Words Delightfully: "Okay, I'll start it."

So, Wang Zhuo was again clumsily dragged into a multi-person voice chat interface. After waiting dumbly for a moment, he finally pressed the call button following a reminder from Guan Yingying, written in bright red, largest font.

Qiu Lu's laughter drifted from the speakers: "Wang Zhuo, you really need to improve your computer skills."

"Hello, hello, Wang Zhuo, can you hear us?" Qi Fei's voice was soft and sweet, also tinged with amusement.

Wang Zhuo let out an "ahem" sound and chuckled sheepishly: "I can hear you, very clearly."

Qi Fei said, "Let's get down to business first. I've had a lot of people contacting me these past few days. Will you be free tomorrow? I've arranged meetings with a few people for you to see?"

"Free, completely free." Wang Zhuo hurried to reply, "Sister Qi, you decide how it's arranged; I'll follow your lead."

"Very well. Tomorrow, we'll meet with several collectors from Taiwan first, followed by two groups from Hong Kong jewelry companies for negotiations. I've already handled preliminary contacts with some local parties; they don't have the purchasing power."

Qiu Lu chimed in immediately: "Wang Zhuo, you know, the notoriety of this Imperial Green jade is incredibly high right now—it might even surpass this year's highest bid at the Myanmar jade auction! This is excellent news; countless people hope to see it sell for an astronomical price, which will greatly boost the hype surrounding jade across the board. I think you’ve truly struck gold this time."

Guan Yingying added: "Yes, Sister Qi has analyzed it for us. This raw jade material of yours has a high probability of fetching an inflated price. But those willing to pay that price won't lose out, because its reputation speaks for itself. Once they acquire this raw piece and design/process it, there will certainly be others willing to pay even more. For a piece of jade, its value lies not just in its rarity, but in its fame."

Wang Zhuo nodded repeatedly as he listened, then asked, "Sister Qi, what price do you estimate this jade can fetch right now?"

Qi Fei was silent for a moment before stating calmly: "If sold directly, conservatively speaking, it could fetch around twenty million. At auction, it might be higher. Although you’ll have to pay taxes and commission to the auction house, which is complicated, the final transaction price is hard to gauge."

Twenty million?! Wang Zhuo's heart hammered wildly. Earning that much through a regular salary would take eight lifetimes! With this money, eating abalone whenever he wanted, feasting on lobster, living in a big house, marrying a beautiful woman, wearing designer clothes, and driving a sports car—none of it would be a dream anymore!

Guan Yingying stated, "I support the auction. Since this kind of opportunity only comes once, we should maximize the profit."

Qiu Lu agreed: "I also favor the auction. What if a few tycoons are interested at the same time? During the bidding, things could get heated, and the price might even double!"

Wang Zhuo considered this and asked, "Sister Qi, if it goes to auction, what's the fastest I could receive the money?"

"We would need to consult the auction house to know for sure, but it will take several months at least. The auction company needs time to schedule, promote, and build up anticipation. Furthermore, the money won't be transferred to your account immediately after the hammer falls; there are procedures to go through."

Wang Zhuo murmured in acknowledgement and fell into thought. He could wait a few months, but if he could secure the funds sooner, could he use that time—aided by his clairvoyant sight—to earn even more money with the principal?

Seeing Wang Zhuo quiet, Qiu Lu advised, "Wang Zhuo, waiting a few months is nothing. Perhaps those few months could bring you several million more in profit. This kind of opportunity is rare."

Guan Yingying added, "That's right, Wang Zhuo. If you need money during this period, I can lend it to you. Just say how much you need."

Qi Fei also advised, "I recommend the auction as well. Even setting aside its fame, judging purely by its quality, this jade already qualifies for auction, and it's a rare masterwork. It would be a shame not to auction it."

Wang Zhuo smiled and asked, "Then why are we still meeting the collectors and jewelry company people tomorrow?"

Qiu Lu chuckled, "It's good just to broaden your horizons."

"Since they have traveled so far, we should certainly let them see the item, right? That's proper etiquette for a host," Guan Yingying replied with a sly smile.

Qi Fei smiled faintly: "We can't rule out one possibility: someone might present you with a price you simply cannot refuse. Of course, that's a low-probability event."

"Then let's try our luck tomorrow. Maybe we really will encounter that low-probability event," Wang Zhuo said, bringing the topic to a close with a smile. ............................ This issue's essay topic is: If I Had Money. Everyone is welcome to express their views in the review section. (∩_∩)