As the banquet commenced, renowned figures in the field took the stage to deliver speeches, interspersed with displays of exquisite collectibles for appraisal.

For many attendees, this gathering served more as an exhibition and trade fair. Those looking to sell their treasures naturally utilized the opportunity to showcase them and seek buyers, while serious collectors could survey numerous worthwhile items. Should a piece capture their interest, a quiet discussion over a table could seal a deal if both parties were satisfied.

After several highly respected collectors had concluded their addresses, the announcer declared, "Today's first notable jade masterpiece makes its grand debut."

Two hostesses, clad in shimmering, gold-threaded red qipaos and sporting professional smiles, wheeled out a gleaming stainless steel cart. Upon it rested a substantial object, shrouded entirely by a layer of plush, golden velvet, concealing the true nature of the Lushan treasure beneath.

"This is the latest work, just completed, by Master Xu Yi of Qifeng Xuan—a truly magnificent jade piece that took nearly a year to craft!"

The male emcee, a professional television host with a clear, resonant voice and precise diction, solemnly announced the provenance of the collection item.

"Qifeng Xuan?" Wang Zhuo's mind instantly retrieved the information he possessed about the jewelry firm.

Qifeng Xuan was a premier independent jewelry boutique on Huaihai Road, dealing in jadeite, nephrite, agate, coral, and other precious stones. Established during the Republic of China era, it was a true old name on Huaihai Road. After the founding of the PRC, it was restructured into a large collective, later contracted out to private management, and finally became fully privately owned several years ago. The notes indicated that Qifeng Xuan’s management lacked true ambition, which is why they had never ventured into the high-end jadeite market over the years—their business model was essentially: spending ten thousand yuan on raw material, applying ten thousand yuan in craftsmanship, and then pocketing double the profit. In contrast, for many larger jewelry corporations, the processing fee often amounted to less than a tenth of the material cost.

Simply put, Qifeng Xuan made its living through skill, earning money via sheer effort, while most other jewelry companies relied on operations and commerce to earn their profits. One thrived through craftsmanship, the other through a business model. Though both methods had their merits, Qifeng Xuan's efficiency in generating revenue lagged significantly behind.

Once the cart was pushed onto the stage before the Presidium, it immediately drew the attention of countless eyes. This was the very first jade treasure to be publicly exhibited this evening, and it was certainly expected to be impressive. Everyone was curious about what kind of jade lay hidden beneath the velvet cloth.

"Everyone, look closely! Tonight's first masterpiece, the Hundred Treasures Ink-Gold Toad, takes the stage!"

The host shouted with an evocative intensity, sweeping his hand outward to yank away the yellow silk covering the jade. An ink-green golden toad instantly materialized before the audience!

The toad was carved from dark green Mocui (ink jadeite). It was roughly forty centimeters long, depicted with a plump and squat posture. Its body was adorned with countless ingots, copper coins, golden darts, and paper currency—estimated, as the host had suggested, to total a hundred different treasures.

Its appearance was strikingly lifelike, resembling a true giant toad resting amidst a hoard of wealth. A few gold ingots cleverly obscured the absence of its right leg. Legend held that this was the result of Lu Dongbin’s disciple, Liu Hai, severing one of the toad spirit’s legs during its capture. Later, the toad atoned by spitting out gold coins to disperse wealth, thus earning the moniker 'Wealth-Summoning Toad.' The toad symbolizes 'spitting out treasure for wealth and boundless financial inflow,' which is why it is commonly displayed in homes as an auspicious item to pray for flourishing wealth and great prosperity. Consequently, it is one of the most frequently encountered motifs in jadeite carvings.

Wang Zhuo recalled that he, too, owned a golden toad. He had it made after his first stone gambling attempt, where he cut a piece of Zhimahei (sesame black jadeite) that was initially worthless. He paid a craftsman to shape it into a toad simply to keep as a memento. It currently sat on his writing desk, occasionally serving as a paperweight.

"What an adorable toad," Siyuan immediately exclaimed, captivated by the toad's charmingly naive appearance, leaning forward to admire it.

Qifeng Xuan subsisted on craftsmanship, and Master Xu Yi was the company's cornerstone. The quality of this toad’s execution was undeniably top-tier in the industry. One could wager that even Empress Dowager Cixi, were she alive, would offer praise for this piece. After all, during her lifetime, the world lacked the sophisticated cutting tools available today; even the highest-skilled artisan could not achieve such delicate refinement.

To mention nothing else, a high-intensity flashlight capable of revealing the internal details of the raw material was a tool simply unavailable in that era. Today, one could illuminate the interior completely before designing and carving, a luxury they never possessed!

After Jingtian Hui shifted his strategy away from direct pressure on Wang Zhuo, the men he had brought felt the awkwardness of throwing heavy punches into empty air. Consequently, the atmosphere at their dining table grew rather subdued. Wang Zhuo preferred not to dine with such glum companions anyway. Seeing Siyuan’s interest in the golden toad, he took the opportunity to suggest they approach for a closer look.

Siyuan happily agreed. The pair exchanged greetings with Jingtian Hui and his group, then carried their plates toward the center of the assembly hall.

The large, dark green toad sat before the main stage, attracting nearly twenty people who crowded around to admire and critique it. Wang Zhuo and Siyuan joined the throng. Whether by coincidence or design, as G-cup Luo Lan pushed into the crowd, she found herself standing right beside them.

"Boss Wang, what do you think of this golden toad?" Luo Lan inquired with a smile.

"Just call me Wang Zhuo," Wang Zhuo stated firmly. He had already resolved to correct everyone's address for him. Whether strangers, friends, or foes, 'Wang Zhuo' felt far more comfortable than the awkward formalities of 'Boss Wang,' 'Chairman Wang,' or 'CEO Wang.'

Luo Lan felt a surge of delight at his correction, interpreting it as a sign of closer acquaintance. Her smile widened instantly, causing her substantial bosom to press even further forward.

Siyuan, glancing at the twin globes nearly the size of her own head, snorted inwardly, feeling both envious and jealous. Qi Fei possessed a unique talent that she could not offer Wang Zhuo, a fact that constantly rankled her. This woman named Luo Lan, however, seemed to possess the exact dimensions that could make Wang Zhuo completely lose himself. The young girl, comparing her own assets—which felt barely better than a fried egg—to Luo Lan’s, immediately felt deflated.

"This golden toad…" Wang Zhuo smiled faintly, shaking his head. "It's exquisitely crafted. A pity the material isn't of the highest caliber."

"Qifeng Xuan's stinginess is notorious in the circle," Luo Lan agreed readily. "Such a magnificent toad, yet they used Mocui—a bit like putting the cart before the horse."

"No, no, Miss Luo, you misunderstand my meaning," Wang Zhuo corrected her seriously. "The Mocui itself isn't the issue. The problem is that this particular piece of material has two fatal flaws. Although Qifeng Xuan concealed them exceptionally well, they are undeniably present."

"Oh?!" Luo Lan was momentarily stunned. Wang Zhuo had only just approached the toad, yet he was already pointing out two fatal defects—was he perhaps being needlessly mysterious?

"However, the flaws do not eclipse the brilliance," Wang Zhuo concluded his assessment. "The value of this golden toad is certainly commendable. There are very few toads in this country that can match it. Among Mocui golden toads, this one stands first."

Beside him, Siyuan looked on with sheer adoration. Though she didn't grasp the technical jargon, she was utterly fascinated by his calm and confident manner as he spoke. She quickly pulled out her phone to look up the meaning of Xiabu Yanyu (flaws do not obscure the jade's beauty), realizing Wang Zhuo meant that the toad's merits outweighed its defects, making it a fine piece overall.

But... she looked back at the large, dark green creature and genuinely couldn't spot any issues. Puzzled, she asked, "Director Wang, what are the two flaws you mentioned? I can't find them."

Because the admirers were gathered so closely, several people nearby had overheard Wang Zhuo’s articulate critique. Some had scoffed at his claims, while others were genuinely curious. Now that Siyuan had voiced their shared question, everyone turned their gaze toward him.

Wang Zhuo asked calmly, "Siyuan, what is the most feared aspect of jadeite?"

"Cracks!" Siyuan blurted out instantly, without needing to think. Cracks are fatal flaws in any piece of jade, no matter how fine, because jadeite is inherently brittle; a crack often carries the risk of shattering—a complete disaster for such a beautiful object!

"Exactly, cracks," Wang Zhuo chuckled, then continued, "Among the conditions that determine the value of jadeite, what generates the most debate?"

Siyuan couldn't answer this one and shook her head sheepishly. It was Luo Lan beside her who replied, "The most debated aspects are Zhong (translucency/texture) and Se (color). Whether water quality is more important than color—that debate has raged for a long time."

"If the material is Zhimahei, there's no debate," Wang Zhuo said with a slight shrug. "No matter how good the color is, or how superb the texture, if you have a patch of black sesame seeds, it’s all useless."

"Heh, hehe," a young man in his thirties standing nearby suddenly laughed, shaking his head repeatedly as he addressed Wang Zhuo. "Friend, your little theory is quite well-constructed and sounds convincing. Sesame seeds inside Mocui? I've collected jade for ten years, and that's the first time I've ever heard of it."

Wang Zhuo sized him up, tilting his chin slightly, indicating the young man should continue.

Provoked by Wang Zhuo’s arrogant demeanor, the youth scoffed dismissively and asked, "Do you even know the value of this golden toad?"

Wang Zhuo smiled faintly. "Gold has a price, but jade is priceless. In my eyes, this is merely a rather attractive stone. If you ask me to estimate its worth, how could I possibly guess what others are willing to bid for it?"

"An attractive stone? You have a great deal of nerve!" The youth's disdain grew more pronounced. Posing proudly, he declared, "If you cannot present a jade collection superior to this golden toad, I suggest you keep your mouth shut and stop boasting, lest you become a laughingstock." Before Wang Zhuo could speak, Luo Lan interjected coolly. "Friend, I suggest you look more carefully before you speak."

Saying this, she pointed to the small, exquisite peace buckle Siyuan wore around her neck. She sneered, "This piece is called the 'Golden and Jade Fated Couple Dual Dragon Buckle.' Look closely. Those two golden dragons on top are not inlaid; they are naturally occurring. Which one is worth more—that one or that black toad—I think requires no further explanation, does it?"