Unconventional [Rebirth] - Chapter 27.2

Mu Yan also looked up at Jiang Rui.

Jiang Rui seemed oblivious to everything, merely telling the stone cutter, “This rough stone is so large, and we’ve only cut a small portion so far. Since it already showed green just now, the possibility of it showing green again later is very high. Master, don’t worry, just keep your cuts steady!”

The master cutter nodded, deeply admiring the composure of this sixteen- or seventeen-year-old boy. Setting aside everything else, even experienced old stone gamblers who had weathered major storms might not possess such calmness.

After that, green was not seen again for a long time. Everyone around advised Jiang Rui to give up. They argued that the possibility of finding green again was too low, and even if he did, the chances of it surpassing Mu Yan’s purple jade were slim.

Jiang Rui turned a deaf ear to these pieces of advice.

He enjoyed playing the fool to catch the tiger.

Just when Xie Yuqian was growing impatient and was about to tell Jiang Rui to concede defeat, the situation took another dramatic turn.

The rough stone showed green again!

It must be the same as before. What if the clarity and color are good? It’s still just a surface layer of green, Xie Yuqian, including Mu Yan, thought the same.

“It’s Glass-type! Old Pit Glass-type!”

People around rushed over to look, and it truly was Old Pit Glass-type!

Looking at the color, clarity, and water quality, though it couldn’t compare to the rarely-seen Imperial Green, it was still hard to find.

The master cutter looked at Jiang Rui. Jiang Rui didn’t say anything, just smiled and nodded at him, signaling him to continue.

Time ticked by. The cry of “surface layer of green” was never heard from anyone again. As the layers of stone skin were peeled away, the jade contained within gradually revealed itself to the crowd.

The moment the entire piece of jade was cut out, everyone present, including Xie Yuqian, Mu Yan, and the five judges, involuntarily held their breath.

Excluding the emerald green part on the edge, this was a massive piece of Old Pit Glass-type Imperial Green Jade!

A single, whole piece!

Absolutely flawless!

Even though he knew it beforehand, Jiang Rui couldn’t help but feel a little excited at the moment. This was his first time seeing such a large piece of Old Pit Glass-type Imperial Green Jade.

That ultimate green truly embodied the meaning of “dripping with emerald.”

Everyone’s eyes were practically glued to this top-grade jade, and after a long time, one of the judges, surnamed Cao, snapped back to reality. The fiery look in his eyes when he looked at Jiang Rui gave the young man goosebumps.

“The result of this competition must be quite clear now.”

At the sound of Judge Cao’s voice, the crowd recovered. Xie Yuqian and Mu Yan’s faces were ashen. Xie Yuqian, in particular, seemed unable to accept the turn of events. Before this, not even one of the judges had favored Jiang Rui.

How could Jiang Rui have won?

He had handled this rough stone before. It was clearly waste material. How could it hide such a huge piece of top-grade Imperial Green Jade?

This was impossible.

Absolutely impossible.

“This definitely wasn’t a rough stone sold by the association’s merchants. Where did you get it?” Xie Yuqian glared at Jiang Rui with bloodshot eyes, his fierce tone suggesting he might charge forward and strangle the young man at any moment.

Jiang Rui, however, maintained his gentle demeanor, politely smiling. “Master Mu Yan and I were monitored by the association throughout the entire competition. If this rough stone truly wasn’t from an association merchant, I would have been caught on the spot and disqualified. Mr. Xie, you can doubt me, but you cannot doubt the fairness of the association.”

Seeing that Xie Yuqian was on the verge of losing control, Judge Cao quickly called people to escort him away. Xie Yuqian was indeed somewhat distraught, but he wasn’t completely insane. He pushed away the people who intended to restrain his arms, gave Jiang Rui a deep look, and then strode away.

Judge Cao shook his head. He had seen too many people and incidents like this during his many years working at the association—people who acted like big shots normally but couldn’t afford to lose when it mattered. Xie Yuqian at least possessed some self-control, not letting himself lose too disgracefully.

“Truly, heroes emerge from the young, and the waves behind push the waves ahead. Young Master Jiang, today you beat the Mu family member who is known as the King of Stone Gambling, and you cut out a piece of top-grade Imperial Green Jade that is rarely seen in a hundred years. I’m afraid your story will soon spread throughout the Yi Dian stone gambling world! I offer my congratulations to Young Master Jiang in advance!” Judge Cao looked at Jiang Rui and smiled.

The rest of the judges and onlookers followed suit, expressing their goodwill and congratulations to Jiang Rui.

Mu Yan looked at the young man surrounded by the crowd, then looked at himself, ignored and unable to even squeeze closer. He couldn’t help but smile bitterly, lamenting that his composure was insufficient; he cared too much about gain and loss. If it were him, he would never have dared to buy such a large, ill-looking stone. Even if he had bought it, he likely wouldn’t have persisted until the end to finally reveal the green.

Jiang Rui exchanged pleasantries with the surrounding people. Seeing Mu Yan standing nearby, he walked over to him and asked, “Master Mu Yan, do you have something you wish to say to me?”

Mu Yan thought of the request he was about to make to Jiang Rui and blushed slightly. He said, “Young Master Jiang, please don’t call me that again. You just defeated me. If you keep calling me that, people will hear it and mock me.”

Jiang Rui laughed. “I call you Master because you deserve the title. I don’t care, and cannot control, what others think or how you interpret the meaning of my ‘Master.'”

Mu Yan felt much better upon hearing this. In his eyes, Jiang Rui was still just a child, yet a child possessed this level of composure. Could he, a man who had lived for over thirty years, lose to a junior in this regard?

“You brat, I can’t argue with you. You’re right. I do have something to say to you—specifically, a request,” Mu Yan said.

Jiang Rui looked at Mu Yan for a moment and then asked, “Master Mu Yan, do you want to know why my judgment is so accurate?”

“If you are asking that, I must decline to help you, Master Mu Yan,” Jiang Rui refused directly.

Mu Yan was a little embarrassed but had anticipated Jiang Rui’s refusal. Every famous stone gambler had their own signature skill, and such a skill was not something easily shared with outsiders.

“I was presumptuous. However, I meant no offense, Young Master Jiang, so please do not take it to heart.”

Jiang Rui smiled. “Master Mu Yan is too polite. Although I am young, I have that much tolerance.”

Mu Yan quickly said, “That’s right, that’s right. Young Master Jiang’s composure is definitely outstanding among the younger generation.”

“Young Master Jiang, to be honest, I have another request…”

Jiang Rui said, “I know. You want me to explain to Rong Jingtang the matter of the Mu family appearing on behalf of Xie Yuqian?”

Mu Yan nodded, slightly surprised at Jiang Rui’s familiarity with Mr. Rong, reaching the point where he addressed him directly by name. Beyond that, he simply felt at a loss for words, as Jiang Rui was overly perceptive.

Jiang Rui chuckled lightly. “This is no big deal. Rong Jingtang is quite reasonable about these things.” Jiang Rui was certain that Rong Jingtang probably wouldn’t even think twice about such a minor favor. For other matters, he wouldn’t dare to guarantee it, as that ‘Rong-style negotiation’ was not something to be trifled with.

Mu Yan also knew something of Rong Jingtang’s temperament, but he was still grateful. “Then thank you, Young Master Jiang.”

Jiang Rui said ‘you’re welcome’ and then bid farewell to Mu Yan, leaving first.

Upon returning, Jiang Rui first went to Rong Jingtang’s room. He was already awake. It was a good time for him to visit.

When he entered, Rong Jingtang was already tidied up and was sitting on the sofa nearby, drinking honey tea. His complexion was still pale, but he no longer showed the same vulnerability as when he was lying unconscious in bed earlier.

This man truly…

The moment he felt slightly better, he reverted to his true nature, as if afraid to show any weakness in front of others.

Jiang Rui used to think that this person was both sickly and unreasonable, with an explosively high IQ that made him feel exposed and difficult to get along with. But now that the other man was ill, Jiang Rui felt that those previous flaws had, if not turned into advantages, at least become more acceptable.

What kind of bizarre psychology was this?

Jiang Rui was a little confused about himself.

In his previous life, Wang Chenghui said he was a proud and sincere person. Ye Wenbin, however, said he was hypocritical and always put on a façade. Xiao Jinnan initially said he was gentle and considerate and a rare good-natured person, but later, upon meeting him, he said Jiang Rui was soft-hearted and timid, like a girl, and most importantly, stubborn.

Jiang Rui didn’t know what kind of person he was, but no matter what, he couldn’t bring himself to dislike Rong Jingtang, nor could he genuinely get angry at him. Perhaps he even felt a little… fondness.

Thinking this, Jiang Rui felt a little awkward when he looked at Rong Jingtang again.

Rong Jingtang, no matter how clever, could not truly read minds and could not know Jiang Rui’s every thought. Seeing Jiang Rui’s rare blush, he assumed the boy was feeling embarrassed about giving him a jade ring.

After all, a ring was different from the previous pair of Pixiu; a ring was worn close to the body. Giving this suggested a much closer relationship.

“Why did you suddenly think of giving me this?” Rong Jingtang extended his beautiful, long-fingered hand. Each finger was like carved jade, perfectly resembling a work of art.

The Miao Xuan Secret Ring was sky-blue and exquisite. Perhaps only a jade ring like this could barely match such a handsome hand, Jiang Rui thought.

“Because it’s pretty,” Jiang Rui replied, half-truthfully. It was unclear whether he meant the ring or the hand was pretty.

Rong Jingtang stared at him for a long time. Just as Jiang Rui thought he had figured something out, Rong Jingtang said, “I don’t have anything as good as this to give you.”

Jiang Rui secretly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “Everything I give away is one-of-a-kind. It might be difficult for you to give me something equally good, but…”

Rong Jingtang touched the jade ring on his finger, his eyes carrying a hint of a smile. “But what?”

“That jade Guanyin of yours is acceptable. Why don’t you give it to me?” Jiang Rui said, with a “begrudging acceptance” look.

Rong Jingtang hadn’t expected such a request. He reached inside his clothes and touched the shape of the jade Guanyin on his chest. He said lightly, “Ask for something else. Not this one.”

…

A silence fell.

Jiang Rui asked Miao Xuan in his Sea of Consciousness, “If I don’t take off this jade pendant, can you counteract it?”

Miao Xuan replied, “…Master, it is fine if you truly cannot remove it. It is merely a low-grade spiritual artifact. Even in my current weakened state, I am still the spirit of a realm, and dealing with such an object is manageable.”

Hearing this, Jiang Rui didn’t say anything more. However, for some reason, he still felt a little uncomfortable.

“Don’t take it seriously. I was just joking. It’s something you wear close to you. Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn’t have the guts to accept it. Besides, you’ve given me so much jade for free, plus the pair of Pixiu last time. I’ve only given you two things. I’m the one who profited, really.”

Jiang Rui’s face maintained his usual smile, giving himself an out.

Rong Jingtang frowned as he looked at him. “It’s not that I won’t give you anything, but this one cannot be given. Ask for something else. Anything else you want, I will…”

The smile on Jiang Rui’s face faded upon hearing this. He reached out and interrupted Rong Jingtang, his voice losing its usual warmth. “Rong Jingtang, I said I was just joking. Your things, you keep them well.”

Having said that, he walked toward the door without waiting for Rong Jingtang’s response.

Rong Jingtang got up, intending to grab him, but his body was still very weak. He couldn’t stand up immediately and instead hit his arm.

Jiang Rui heard the commotion behind him and turned back. Seeing the unprecedented look of panic and distress on the man’s face, he couldn’t stay angry.

Truth be told, he didn’t even know what he was angry about.

Jiang Rui turned back to help him. Unexpectedly, Rong Jingtang seized his arm.

“Let go,” Jiang Rui frowned.

Rong Jingtang ignored him and refused to let go until Jiang Rui helped him sit down on the bed.

Seeing that he wouldn’t let go, Jiang Rui simply stopped trying. The expression on his face had already reverted to its usual gentleness, as if the previous coldness were an illusion.

Jiang Rui skipped the previous topic and began to talk to Rong Jingtang about the competition. He also casually mentioned the Mu family. Seeing that Rong Jingtang wasn’t concerned, he only mentioned a few simple points and didn’t explain much for them, thus fulfilling Mu Yan’s request.

Afterward, Jiang Rui said, “My task in Yi Dian is complete, but it’s still early before school starts. I plan to leave tomorrow and travel around Yi Dian.”

Rong Jingtang said, “Fine. Let me instruct Uncle Cheng…”

Jiang Rui interrupted him. “I meant I’m going alone.”

Rong Jingtang looked at Jiang Rui, his face still devoid of expression, yet Jiang Rui felt strangely that he was angry.

“Yi Dian Province is not small, and it’s near the border. It’s not as peaceful as Qing City or Xiang City, and danger can easily occur. I will arrange some matters with Uncle Cheng, and then I’ll accompany you on your tour.” Rong Jingtang said.

The moment Jiang Rui heard his tone, he knew his ‘Rong-style negotiation’ was back.

Jiang Rui sighed in his heart. Forget it. Traveling alone is still traveling, and traveling with two people is also traveling. Furthermore, he had been to Yi Dian many times in his previous life, but he couldn’t claim to be very familiar with it. Here, besides Rong Jingtang and his people, he didn’t know anyone else. Rong Jingtang’s worries might not be unfounded.

“Can your body handle it?” Jiang Rui still wanted to fight for his chance to travel alone.

As a man, how could Rong Jingtang say he couldn’t? He said directly, “We’ll go back to the villa to pack up later and set off tomorrow.”

“…” Uncle Cheng has been waiting at the villa to check your body for a long time. At this point, he’s probably gone quite grey. Is it really okay for us to go back, stay for one night, and then leave?

Jiang Rui, who had originally planned to leave alone tomorrow, had to say, “There’s no need to rush. I still have over twenty days of holiday. Let’s stay at the villa for a few more days…”

“Whatever you say,” Rong Jingtang said with a serious expression.

Jiang Rui laughed out of exasperation. Now you say it sounds good, but why didn’t you listen to me just now!

…

Uncle Cheng was indeed worried sick at the villa these two days. He was overjoyed to see Rong Jingtang return safe and sound, taking his pulse seven or eight times repeatedly. Only after confirming that his body was fine and even a little better than before did he let him go.

As expected, Uncle Cheng objected to their travel plans. If they truly insisted on going, they had to take Sui Ming and him along. Otherwise, given Rong Jingtang’s habits and temperament, how could he possibly rest assured?

In the end, Jiang Rui’s planned solo trip turned into a trip for four. Oh, and the team of Rong family bodyguards who always followed Rong Jingtang closely.

That group had followed them from Xiang City to Yi Dian, then to the villa, then to the association (without entering), and now they were planning to join them for a group tour of Yi Dian…

The only thing that somewhat comforted Jiang Rui was that Rong Jingtang did not demand that he remain within his sight at all times. Jiang Rui still had considerable freedom. Thinking this, he suddenly felt a little heartache. Who goes on vacation and ends up feeling like they are out on parole?

After Jiang Rui, with his group of tails, traveled around Yi Dian for about two weeks, Rong Jingtang clearly became busier and busier. Jiang Rui estimated that he was likely handling the affairs of the Xie family.

Because Jiang Rui didn’t have to spend every waking moment with those people on this trip—they all stayed in separate lodgings—he spent more time in the secret realm. It was as if he were making up for the days of missed cultivation, spending all his time either meditating or sparring with the Jade Tree.

He was no longer deliberately suppressing the growth of his cultivation. In recent days, his cultivation had progressed rapidly, hinting at a breakthrough to the Early Foundation Establishment stage, and his Body Cultivation realm had advanced by one layer.

When it wasn’t convenient to enter the secret realm, Jiang Rui would transcribe the contents of the jade slips concerning talismans, formations, geomancy, and alchemy that he had memorized, and then repeatedly study them.

Just as Jiang Rui and the others’ trip to Yi Dian was nearing its end, a major event occurred in the Yi Dian stone gambling world.

Cao Xingjian, a master stone gambler famous for many years and the chief stone gambler of the August Underground Association, resigned after paying an astronomical breach-of-contract fee.

The entire Yi Dian was shaken by the news.

Although the media industry was not as ruthless now as it would be in later generations, Cao Xingjian’s name still made it onto major Yi Dian newspapers and was reported on television news, showing his pivotal status in the Yi Dian stone gambling world.

Jiang Rui suddenly realized that although his performance at the association had spread throughout the Yi Dian stone gambling world, no information about him had been leaked. Even the rumors were vague about his name, age, and gender. Furthermore, not even a picture of a corner of the top-grade jade he cut out had circulated.

This gave Jiang Rui a profound appreciation for the confidentiality of the August Underground Association and made him very curious about the kind of person capable of running such an association.

Jiang Rui briefly skimmed the news about Cao Xingjian in the newspaper he held.

This Cao Xingjian was the Judge Cao, one of the five judges during the association competition.

Jiang Rui’s impression of him was that of a thorough, passionate lover of jade. From the way he looked at the jade, his attitude toward every piece, and various minor details, Jiang Rui felt that while he wasn’t sure how much passion the man had for stone gambling, his enthusiasm for jade was absolute.

Sure enough, Cao Xingjian soon sought him out.

His purpose was singular: the top-grade Imperial Green Jade that Jiang Rui had cut out during the competition.