Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Transform, My Ugly Duckling

After what happened before, once Lin Yi left, Zhuang Yan simply called in Master Jieshi. They opened up all 16 pieces of raw jade.

The results were exactly as Lin Yi had predicted, without the slightest deviation.

Lin Yi said there was no jade inside, even if the exterior looked good, and sure enough, there was none.

And Lin Yi said there might be jade inside, even if it looked like an ordinary stone from the outside, it still produced jade when cut.

This inevitably made Zhuang Yan’s view of Lin Yi even more incredible.

In his mind, Lin Yi became even more unfathomable.

This young man was becoming more and more inscrutable.

Not only was he proficient in antiques, but his skills in gambling stones surpassed those of the lifelong veteran in his shop.

In fact, saying he was remarkable would be an understatement.

Just based on what Lin Yi displayed, no one else in the entire gambling stone circle could achieve that.

Zhuang Yan believed that if this matter were to spread, Lin Yi’s name would instantly resonate throughout the gambling stone community.

Of course, he wasn’t going to do that. Not only that, but he would also try his best to win over Lin Yi and keep him by his side.

With this approach, his future jade business was bound to soar.

Although the Zhuang’s Group currently held the top position on the island,

even in the province, it was among the top-ranked groups.

However, looking at all of Huaxia, the reputation of Zhuang’s Group was much smaller.

Not to mention those leading large enterprises, even almost any Internet group was far more powerful.

On the other hand, Elder Chen, who had played the game his whole life, was eventually pecked by the bird.

Due to a moment’s impulse, not only did he lose his reputation, but also three years’ worth of money.

Of course, with so many people present watching, denying his loss was impossible.

Not to mention everyone present, even Zhuang Yan was someone he couldn’t afford to offend.

Previously, because he was useful to him, Zhuang Yan could be extremely courteous to him.

But now…

Sigh, he only reprimanded the younger generation a couple of times, but ended up in such a position. What sinister intentions did he have…

The story splits here, while Zhuang Yan was busy cutting the raw materials.

Lin Yi was already meandering through the shops on the commercial street with Xiao Zihan.

“When are we going back?”

After being pulled into a women’s clothing store by Lin Yi, Xiao Zihan seemed to vaguely guess Lin Yi’s intention and cautiously asked in a low voice.

Earlier, Lin Yi had gifted her a necklace. Even though Xiao Zihan internally didn’t want to accept it, she was left with no choice, especially as it was something Lin Yi had bought beforehand.

Moreover, the necklace wasn’t overly valuable; it was more about Lin Yi’s thoughtfulness, so she accepted it.

But now it’s different, a piece of clothing would cost at least a few hundred yuan, which Xiao Zihan couldn’t possibly accept.

Given Xiao Zihan’s family situation, from childhood, she never encountered very valuable jade; thus, thinking of that glass-like pendant as inexpensive was understandable.

Of course, not to speak of Xiao Zihan’s family background, even someone from a modest family wouldn’t easily guess it was a million-yuan glassy violet jadeite.

“No rush; there’s still plenty of time before the exams. Let’s stroll around for a bit, and we’ll buy a few clothes before heading back.”

Xiao Zihan wanted to say more, but at that moment, a store staff member had already approached, taking note of Xiao Zihan’s faded school uniform as well as Lin Yi’s thrift store attire.

They had already labeled them as unlikely to make a purchase.

Nonetheless, unlike what one might read in a novel, the store didn’t display any dog-eyes-that-bulge-at-people behavior.

Thinking they wouldn’t buy anything, the staff still greeted them with a smile:

“Hello, you two, good afternoon. Welcome to Chanel. I’ll be providing service for you.”

Upon hearing the name Chanel, Xiao Zihan visibly paused, and Lin Yi felt her hand still as well; clearly, she had heard of this name before.

While she didn’t know the exact price of this brand, Xiao Zihan knew it definitely wasn’t affordable on her ninety-yuan monthly budget.

Of course, even if Lin Yi could afford it, Xiao Zihan didn’t want him to buy anything for her.

Never mind their relationship, from Xiao Zihan’s perspective alone, being able to wear clothes was enough, and she was fine with wearing her school uniform every day.

Feeling Xiao Zihan’s reaction, Lin Yi understood her thoughts, and he couldn’t help but show a trace of distress on his face.

Perhaps due to family limitations or self-protective disguise, he couldn’t intervene in her past life.

However, now that he was part of her life, he mused that her life should now be directed by him.

With him by her side, she could transform from an ugly duckling into a white swan; even if she revealed her splendid feathers, he would protect her.

Ignoring Xiao Zihan’s attempts to leave, he directly led her further into the store.

This scene only confirmed the salesperson’s initial assumptions.

Simultaneously, she couldn’t help but feel exasperated, wondering what this handsome young man was thinking.

Given his looks, easily finding a well-off older lady under his protection would mean a worry-free life. Why settle for such an average girlfriend?

As the salesgirl’s imagination ran wild, Lin Yi suddenly smiled at her politely:

“Hello, could you help her pick out an outfit? Don’t worry about the price, just choose what’s best for her.”

Such a courteous smile froze the salesgirl. Her eyes lit up with small stars, thinking if he wanted to, she could earn and support him.

Even while daydreaming, she cast what she thought was her most beautiful smile towards Lin Yi:

“Certainly, sir. Please follow me; I believe this long dress here is very nice. Your girlfriend’s tall figure will make her look even more elegant in it.”

Perhaps with intention, the salesgirl turned to guide them to a display while pointing to a mannequin adorned in an 18,888-yuan dress with a smile.

Following her hand, Lin Yi saw a light purple chiffon dress just above the knees with a soft silk bow lightly tied at the waist and lace edging along the hem. The overall impression Lin Yi got was of understated elegance and nobility.

[To be continued….]