Chapter Thirty-Five: The Ancient Pagoda Holds the Buddha’s Treasure, the Ancient Buddha Conceals a Jade Heart

The entire room was struck silent with shock. For a moment, it was as if the very air had frozen, and every eye was fixed on that check for nine million. The usual clamor of the market gradually faded into hushed whispers.

Hu San, standing beside me, was as pale as a sheet, his mouth slightly open, clearly rattled by the succession of dramatic turns. His hands trembled involuntarily. He quickly tried to compose himself, drawing a deep breath and attempting to look calm, but his quivering fingers betrayed the anxiety within.

"Nine million! That's an astronomical figure!" one stall owner exclaimed, his voice thick with disbelief.

"Indeed, is this little jade Buddha really worth so much?" another vendor questioned, a glint of greed and resentment flickering in his eyes.

"This is the gambling stone market, after all. Prices are always unpredictable," remarked a seasoned stallholder in a measured tone. He had clearly seen his share of big deals, but even he couldn't help but look astonished.

All around, customers began to murmur among themselves. Some admired the middle-aged man's willingness to gamble such a fortune, while others bristled at what they saw as our blatant price gouging. In an instant, the market was abuzz, as if everyone had found something to say about the deal.

"Sir, are you really sure you want to buy this little jade Buddha?" a customer couldn't help but ask, skepticism clear in his voice.

The middle-aged man drew a deep breath, summoning composure, then nodded resolutely, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, I'm certain. The value of this small jade Buddha isn't in the price, but in its uniqueness and rarity. I'm willing to pay for that."

At his words, another wave of commotion rippled through the crowd. Some admired the man's resolve, while others marveled at—or simply couldn't understand—such extravagance.

"This is nine million, not nine bucks!" a customer gasped, his tone awash with shock and disbelief.

"Rich people truly live in a different world. Nine million probably means nothing to them," another customer shook his head, resigned to the outcome.

Just then, a man in a black suit emerged from the crowd, immediately drawing everyone's attention. He strode up to the middle-aged man and spoke in a low voice, "Boss, are you sure you want to buy this jade Buddha? That price is just too high."

The middle-aged man nodded, his expression firm. "Yes, my mind is made up. The value of this Buddha lies in its uniqueness and rarity, not in its price."

The man in the black suit sighed in resignation but nodded, signaling his support for his employer's decision. Then, in the next moment, he raised his hand.

Across the market, the Red Leaderboard lit up, its signal glowing. Instantly, the number of my stall appeared at the very top of the board.

The man in the black suit glanced back at us. "Just in time—your goods are sold out, and you're now at the top of the leaderboard. Congratulations, both of you. You may proceed to the VIP lounge!"

I listened calmly to the man in black, showing no sign of impatience. Instead, I handed the jade Buddha to the middle-aged man and said quietly, "With a sincere heart, young master, you've made quite a profit this time."

The surrounding buyers, hearing my words, all looked surprised. Some stallholders muttered under their breath, "Don't let that boss' attitude fool you. He's just being mysterious... How could such a small jade Buddha be worth much?"

"But that's nine million! Not a trivial sum!"

Then the middle-aged man stunned the crowd once more. He actually bowed deeply to me, his tone earnest: "Thank you, sir. I have searched for this piece of jade for many years. Nine million is nothing—I'd pay thirty million if I had to! This jade can save a life!"

His words dropped like a stone into a still lake, sending even greater ripples through the market. The chatter grew louder, as people speculated wildly about what hidden marvels this jade Buddha must possess to make a grown man value it so highly.

"Save a life? This jade Buddha can save someone?" a customer asked, his face full of doubt.

"I've heard that some ancient jade pieces really do have miraculous properties, but isn't that a bit much?" another customer frowned, clearly skeptical.

The man in the black suit seemed as though he wanted to add something, but in the end, he said nothing. He quickly tucked the jade Buddha to his chest and turned to leave.

Now it was everyone else's turn to be stunned. In all these years, there had never been a deal like this in any market.

Just then, a stall owner exclaimed, "I've got it, it's ancient jade, ancient jade!"

Once again, the entire market erupted. All eyes turned to the vendor who had shouted "ancient jade," as though hoping he might unlock the mystery.

"You know nothing," he declared, his voice booming with pride and urgency. "In ancient pagodas, Buddha treasures are hidden; in ancient Buddhas, a jade heart is concealed. That little Buddha hides a superb piece of jade at its core... Otherwise, why would that fellow leave so quickly?"

"Superb jade?" someone in the crowd repeated softly, surprise and suspicion in their eyes.

"Is that true? Is there really some treasure inside that little jade Buddha?" another stall owner couldn't help but ask, his tone laced with both doubt and curiosity.

"Exactly. Otherwise, who would spend nine million on such a tiny Buddha?" a customer chimed in, clearly intrigued by this explanation.

As the crowd debated noisily, a plainly dressed old man walked over, immediately drawing attention. His deep gaze marked him as a seasoned connoisseur.

"The saying, 'In ancient pagodas, Buddha treasures are hidden; in ancient Buddhas, a jade heart is concealed,' holds some truth," he nodded gently, sweeping his eyes over the gathering. "But a true ancient Buddha with a jade heart is not something easily found."

At the old man's words, everyone fell silent, clearly respecting his insight.

Unfortunately, by the time the old man reached us, the buyer had already departed. He shook his head and looked at me. "Young man, was that Buddha-heart jade you just sold?"

"Sir, do you mean there's really a chance that this little jade Buddha contains a top-grade jade stone?" a customer couldn't help but ask, hope shining in his eyes.

The old man smiled faintly and shook his head. "That depends on the specifics. But given the middle-aged gentleman's reaction, it's hard not to suspect this Buddha's extraordinary nature."

"Of course, the real question of authenticity depends on the seller!" the old man gestured for everyone to look at me.

I sneered, "I'm sorry, sir, but the VIP lounge awaits. I won't delay you all any further—please carry on as you wish!"

With that, I left the stall, Hu San following close behind, and we headed straight for the VIP lounge.