Chapter 254 The Right Approach
Tommy and the others followed suit.
One of the high-ranking members of the Reich Family frowned and remarked, “This Jane is truly arrogant. Her words imply that this public plate of good jade is already considered the possession of the Fordsons. The most skilled gambling master of the Fordsons stated, ‘In the past two years, Jane has risen rapidly in the gambling world and gained significant fame. Every time she participates in a public or private plate, she always returns with great success. Her success rate in gambling on stones has reached over ninety percent, and she can almost always acquire top-grade and high-grade jade. People in the gambling circle claim that she is a natural gambling master with unparalleled talent. So, we must not underestimate her this time.”
Another gambling master added, “Indeed, she is truly remarkable. Just by touching it, she can determine if there is jade in the raw material. The selected raw materials, when opened in public, never seem to disappoint.”
Felix recalled his own experience and said, “Who knows if she used some mysterious method to achieve this?”
Regardless, he was certain that the woman employed some shady means.
The gambling master helplessly said, she has taken away all the good jade.”
No matter what method she used, the fact remains that
Simone suddenly asked, “With her fame and skill, hasn’t she attracted attention?” It seems that Jane is very high-profile in the gambling circle! It’s normal; the more exceptional she is, the more attention she garners in the Fordsons and the more influential she becomes. She will also be sought after in the gambling circle and establish connections with powerful individuals. No wonder Jebediah, the heir, still has to consider Jane’s opinion.
But being so high-profile, she would usually attract attention.
The special department and the geomancy association should also take notice, theoretically.
The gambling master said, “It’s impossible not to, but Jane has someone protecting her from behind the scenes. No one dares to touch her, which is why she is so arrogant.”
Simone asked, “Isn’t it the Fordsons behind her?”
The gambling master replied, “No, the Fordsons don’t have the ability to let her be so arrogant and monopolize so much jade without consequences. It is rumored to be a formidable figure, but their specific identity is unknown. There have been daring individuals who targeted her before, but they all suffered miserable fates. After that, no one dared to
touch her again”
Simone asked again, “Has the geomancy association and the special department investigated. her exceptional skills?”
The master of stone gambling replied, “Indeed, some people suspected that she used improper methods in stone gambling and reported her. The geomancy association sent people to investigate, and the result was that they found no issues with her. The reason she is so skilled is because she has a natural talent.”
The master of stone gambling looked envious, “So, this is something we can’t envy.”
Simone nodded. “I see.”
People from the geomancy association came to investigate, but it’s unclear whether they genuinely didn’t notice any problems with Jane or if they intentionally covered it up. She leaned toward the latter. It seems that there are people from the geomancy association who support Jane. That makes sense. The people behind the scenes have been planning for many years and have set up such a large network. It must not be simple.
This public auction was the largest in nearly a decade, attracting many domestic jewelers and stone gambling enthusiasts.
The scene was bustling with activity.
This public auction followed a one-way auction format.
The bidding methods were divided into two types: open bidding and sealed bidding.
Open bidding meant that each stone had a base price. You would remember the number of the stone, and then everyone made their bids together.
If no one would compete, you could acquire it at a low price.
If someone competed and raised the price, the price of the rough material would increase, but one would know the price range.
The other type was sealed bidding.
Similarly, if you had found a stone you like, remember its number, and write your bid on a form, then put it in a ballot box.
In the end, the highest bidder would win.
The public auction was divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D. Sections A and B were for open bidding, and sections C and D were for scaled bidding.
Today’s focus was on open bidding.
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For sealed bidding, after the people submit the bid forms today, the results would be announced the next day.
Everyone entered section A, noted down the rough materials they were interested in, and set a rough bottom line in their minds.
In the afternoon, based on these numbers and their own analysis, they would bid together.
The exhibition area was filled with rough materials, mostly uncut stones.
It meant that it was unknown whether there was jade inside the stones; it all depended on gambling, but it was also the easiest way to find bargains.
There were also some half-cut stones, where a window had been opened on the stone, revealing a flat surface of jade..
Whether it would appreciate or depreciate when it was finally cut open was uncertain; it also depended on gambling.
Finally, there were a few pieces of cut stones, which were the original jade stones that had been cut open. Customers could bid based on the quality if they wanted them.
This was the safest option; after all, it wouldn’t depreciate, but you couldn’t find any bargains either.
Tommy led the group of stone gambling experts and started exploring.
Simone also asked for a pen and paper and began her search from the beginning. She could actually use the method of observing the aura to determine if there was jade in the raw stone.
If there was a particularly unique magnetic field sensation, then there must be jade.
Based on the strength of the magnetic field sensation, she could roughly determine the quality of the jade.
Of course, not every geomancer could do this; only a very small number could.
She was one of them, and so was Jane. After she was blessed with June’s luck, she could also
do it.
However, Simone didn’t plan to use this method; it was just too unfair.
If she picked out all the jade, wouldn’t others have come in vain? One should not be so greedy.
She used the gambling method she had learned in a mini timeline before, mainly based on the appearance of the skin, color, luster, shape, and cracks.
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She also brought tools, such as mineral water and a dedicated flashlight.
Seeing Simone looking at the raw stones so professionally, Felix smiled and asked, “Master Gray, do you also have knowledge of gemstone gambling?”
Before Simone could respond, Zac interjected, “Of course! Have you seen how professional Simone is when it comes to examining them?” He gazed into Simone’s eyes, captivated by her expertise. Simone always exuded charm whenever she worked.
Felix thought to himself. This guy is really trying to impress Simone.
Simone chuckled and replied, “Well, I learned about gemstone gambling from my master, so I do have some understanding of it. I plan to buy some gemstones to play with this time.”
She added, “If you guys also want to participate, let me know if there’s anything that catches your eye, and I can take a look for you. However, please keep in mind that my assessment may not be entirely accurate, so don’t blame me if it turns out to be a disappointment.”
Zac smiled and said, “That’s great! I also want to give it a try. Gemstone gambling is already a gamble in itself, so if we end up with a disappointment, it’s our own responsibility.”
Felix also laughed and said, “Okay, then I’ll buy a few gemstones to play with as well.”
Simone allowed the two of them to search for gemstones on their own, and if they needed. assistance, they could rely on their instincts to make a choice.
Once they were done, she would personally help them evaluate their selections.
Armed with pen and paper, the two of them began their search.
Simone continued to select gemstones for herself while also keeping an eye on Jane.
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