Chapter Sixty: I Must Win!

As soon as Lu Yier finished speaking, the hall erupted into a wave of animated discussion. Today, the outer ring of the audience was packed. Dozens of professionals from the jade industry were waiting, eager to witness our final showdown. The air was thick with tension and anticipation.

Standing amidst the crowd, I let my gaze sweep across every corner before finally settling on Sister Hong. She remained as composed as ever, as if everything were firmly within her grasp. Our eyes met, and she gave me a slight smile, as if to say, “You will make the right choice.”

I drew a deep breath; my mind was already made up.

“I’ll add five million more!” A voice cut through my thoughts.

I turned, startled, and saw that it was Su Li.

Su Li’s voice echoed through the hall, drawing everyone’s attention. My mind flooded with questions. Just yesterday, Su Li had lost so badly she had to sell herself to pay off her debts. How did she manage to come up with five million overnight? Could someone be backing her? But who would be foolish enough to invest in her at this stage? Besides, with our combined capital, any additional stakes for her would essentially benefit me too.

“Su Li, where did you get that five million?” I couldn’t help but ask, my voice tinged with suspicion.

She smiled faintly, a hint of mystery flickering in her eyes. “That’s my secret. It has nothing to do with you. All you need to know is that I have the resources.”

Her reply only deepened my doubts, but I didn’t press further. After all, what mattered most now was the competition itself, not the origins of her money.

I turned to Sister Hong, who remained as unruffled as before. Lu Yier, after a quick calculation, announced the total capital Su Li and I had pooled together.

Sixteen million—by the previous rules, that could only be valued at eight million.

“You’ve added to your stake as well?” Su Li glanced at me.

“Well then, since you have the means, I won’t be left behind,” I replied, drawing a deep breath.

When our combined funds were announced, the reaction in the hall was muted. Both Su Li and I were newcomers to the trade, hardly worth much attention. It was then that Sister Hong stepped forward.

“I will add a total of twenty million!” she declared.

Her words sparked a fresh wave of commotion. The crowd buzzed with astonishment at her boldness. The atmosphere grew even more charged, all eyes turning to Sister Hong.

“Sister Hong, you’re really going all in!” someone couldn’t help but exclaim.

She responded with a slight smile, confidence shining in her eyes. “I am determined to win this competition.”

Su Li and I exchanged glances, each recognizing that the stakes had just risen to another level.

I began to consider whether I had any other cards left to play.

Just then, a theatrical voice rang out—Gao Youde.

“Well, this is getting interesting. Since everyone’s so keen, I’ll wager on something even more thrilling!” With that, Gao Youde turned to face Old Leopard Chen.

“Old Leopard Chen, I’ve never hated anyone in my life—mostly because those I’d want to hate never lived long enough. But you’re different,” he said. “Let’s be frank. Today, I’ll either not bet at all or bet big. Old Leopard Chen, do you dare play for cash flow?”

The audience was stunned. Betting on cash flow was not your ordinary gamble; it was practically wagering one’s entire fortune. Whoever lost would be ruined.

Old Leopard Chen’s expression shifted for a moment but quickly regained his composure. He sneered, a glint of menace in his eyes.

“Gao Youde, you’re brazen as ever. But do you think I’m afraid of you? Let’s bet and see who blinks first!”

Gao Youde burst out laughing, as if he had anticipated Chen’s reply. “Excellent! In that case, let’s have a real showdown!”

The crowd was at fever pitch, murmuring excitedly. Some marveled at Gao Youde’s audacity, others worried for Old Leopard Chen. Whatever the outcome, this match would become legendary in the industry.

Su Li and I exchanged glances, each of us sensing both awe and a hint of anxiety in the other’s eyes. We were participants, yes, but clearly the game had outgrown us.

What concerned me most was that when giants clash, it’s always the small fry who get crushed.

Sister Hong remained unruffled, her gaze lingering on Gao Youde and Old Leopard Chen, lips curling with anticipation for what was to come.

Lu Yier looked toward the two titans.

“Gentlemen, are you sure you wish to bet on these terms? If so, both your financial teams, bank representatives, and a notary must be present!”

Gao Youde nodded, turned, and whispered a few words to his assistant. Soon, a middle-aged man in a business suit stepped forward, thick files in hand.

“Here are my financial reports and bank statements,” Gao Youde announced calmly, brimming with confidence.

Old Leopard Chen was not to be outdone. With a wave, his own assistant promptly produced a set of documents.

“I never take on what I can’t handle,” he said coldly, his eyes shining with resolve.

Lu Yier nodded, signaling the staff to begin verifying the documents.

The tension in the hall mounted; every pair of eyes was fixed on that small section, as everyone held their breath, waiting for the final verdict.

At that moment, a striking woman, tall and dressed in a black business suit with a stern face, quietly entered the hall. She walked directly to Lu Yier and presented her business card.

“I am a representative of the Notary Association, invited to oversee the fairness of these proceedings.”

Her voice was cool and firm, instantly lending an air of authority to the gamble.

Lu Yier accepted the card with a nod. “Since both parties are ready, I will now proceed to verify your assets.”

In the end, Lu Yier disclosed the assets of the four gamblers.

Su Li and I had a total of eight million.

Sister Hong had twenty million.

Gao Youde, thirty-five million.

Old Leopard Chen, twenty-five million.

Moreover, cash was still flowing into the accounts of Gao Youde and Old Leopard Chen. These two were truly treating this stone bet as a life-or-death battle.

Over a hundred raw stones remained...

I couldn’t begin to imagine just how large this contest would become.

The only thing I knew was that I absolutely could not be eliminated at the very start.

“This time, I must win—from beginning to end, I cannot lose!”