Chapter 46

Update Time: 2013-03-28

Zhang Yang's expression was somewhat conflicted, and Duan Fei noticed this, interpreting it as a sign of interest.

"Brother, we have a connection. On my first day here, I met you. If you're willing to take a risk, Brother Duan can give you a 10% discount. That's not a small amount, and Brother Duan can also secretly reveal to you that the stone has good potential. This is insider information, something you can't buy no matter how much you spend," Duan Fei said.

Zhang Yang's expression was hesitant, his head hanging low, and he didn't say a word. After a long time, he finally raised his head with a determined look and said, "Alright, Brother Duan, I'll follow your advice and take a chance."

Just then, Hong Yaqin and the appraiser came out. Hearing Zhang Yang's words, she was shocked and quickly said, "Zhang Yang, are you crazy? Gambling on stones isn't something anyone can do."

No matter what, they were now acquaintances, and she didn't want to see Zhang Yang lose all his money.

As a Beijinger, although she didn't pay much attention to these matters, she knew that gambling on stones and antiques were the hottest trades in recent years. She had heard many stories of people losing everything, even their lives, because of gambling on stones.

Duan Fei's expression turned sour. He had finally convinced this man, but he didn't expect this woman to intervene.

"Brother, let me think about it," Zhang Yang said, seizing the opportunity to back out.

Even if he were to gamble, he didn't want to do it at this time, and he hadn't yet figured out how to trick Duan Fei.

Hearing Zhang Yang's words, Duan Fei's expression became much colder. He reluctantly accepted the gold and had the finance department transfer the money to Zhang Yang.

Just as Duan Fei thought the deal was off, Zhang Yang suddenly whispered, "Brother Duan, what's your phone number?"

Duan Fei looked at Zhang Yang in surprise.

Zhang Yang deliberately made a face at Hong Yaqin, and Duan Fei understood. Zhang Yang was planning to gamble secretly without his girlfriend knowing! This was great; without that woman around, a few words of persuasion might make this guy bet all his money.

"This is my number, Brother. We'll keep in touch!" Duan Fei said in a low voice.

Zhang Yang nodded in agreement, "Got it, Brother Duan."

The two of them, each with their own ulterior motives, smiled and patted each other on the back.

After leaving the Jade Pavilion, Hong Yaqin said, "Zhang Yang, that Duan guy is no good. You can tell from his words that he's a thug. If you get involved with him, you'll be in trouble."

Zhang Yang hadn't expected Hong Yaqin to be so concerned. She had already warned him once inside, and for two people who weren't very familiar, her words were quite considerate.

"I understand, don't worry. It's getting late, I'll take you back," Zhang Yang said.

Hearing Zhang Yang avoid the issue, Hong Yaqin was worried. After getting in the car, she hesitated for a moment and then said, "Zhang Yang, I have to warn you again. Gambling on stones isn't for everyone. Too many people have lost everything in this industry. You should find a solid project and do something practical. Everyone wants to get rich overnight, but that's not a safe way. If something goes wrong, you'll lose all your money."

Zhang Yang replied, "Thanks for your concern. I just want to try. Maybe the jewelry business is a good choice."

Hong Yaqin sighed in frustration.

After a while, Hong Yaqin suddenly took out her phone. A moment later, Zhang Yang's phone received a text message.

"This is a client of mine. He deals in gambling on stones. If you really want to try your luck, go to him. I'll get him to give you a discount, but you have to promise me not to bet too much," Hong Yaqin said.

Zhang Yang was genuinely taken aback. Since leaving home, he hadn't encountered any good people. Some had given him hope and made him dream of a bright future, but in the end, it was all just a dream. So he didn't feel anything was wrong with trying to use Hong Yaqin; human nature was like that—either you use others, or they use you.

But today, Hong Yaqin had repeatedly warned him and even tried to help when she couldn't persuade him. This was the first time he had met someone who genuinely cared for him. This kindness made Zhang Yang feel uncomfortable. He didn't know what to say and fell silent. They didn't speak until the car arrived at Hong Yaqin's private restaurant.

Zhang Yang didn't know what to say, and Hong Yaqin was surprised by her own behavior. She was never a warm-hearted person; she only cared about the kitchen and her close friends. She didn't understand why she suddenly cared about Zhang Yang.

After all, they were only familiar strangers.

"I have something to do, I'll go first," Hong Yaqin hurriedly got out of the car and left.

The car paused for a moment before slowly driving away. Hearing the car leave, Hong Yaqin, who was leaning against the door, relaxed. She was startled when He Linlin appeared in front of her.

"You scared me! What are you doing here?" Hong Yaqin said.

"I should be asking you what you're doing. Don't tell me you have a crush on him. You've only known each other for two days. Are you planning to make it real, Sister Hong?" He Linlin said dramatically.

"Stop talking nonsense! I don't have time for this. I need to prepare the dishes; the guests will be here soon," Hong Yaqin avoided He Linlin's questions and went into the kitchen.

After a while, Hong Yaqin understood what was happening. She wasn't in love with Zhang Yang; she had an unusual feeling about the role he was playing as her boyfriend, which made her unconsciously care about him. Realizing this, Hong Yaqin smiled bitterly. She now understood why soap operas were so popular—acting for a long time could make it real.

It seemed she should have less contact with Zhang Yang in the future. She had promised her senior to wait for him to return.

Back home, Zhang Yang didn't let his emotions affect him.

Meeting Duan Fei unexpectedly had put him in a highly excited state. What could be more satisfying than having his enemy fall into his hands! Duan Fei, Duan Fei, you never imagined who I am!

He picked up his phone and looked at Duan Fei's number, a cold smile spreading across his face.

This jewelry store, if my guess is correct, should belong to Xiao Fei. It seems Xiao Fei is planning to enter the jewelry business, and with so many gambling stones, his investment must be substantial. How can I trick Duan Fei?

Casually, Zhang Yang saw the message from Hong Yaqin: Lido Gemstone Company, General Manager Wang Li, phone number 18989896666. What a cool number; this guy must be important.

Zhang Yang opened his computer and searched for Lido Gemstone Company on Baidu.

A few minutes later, Zhang Yang put down the mouse. It was a huge company, with branches like the Jade Pavilion. He hadn't expected Lido Gemstone Company's business to span the entire country, with branches in multiple provincial capitals. In the jewelry industry, many might not know it, but in the gambling stone business, it was a leader, with many jewelry stores buying their stones and jade from them.

Zhang Yang habitually leaned back in his chair. As he had suspected, Hong Yaqin was a valuable resource. Her background wasn't as simple as it seemed, and her father wasn't just an ordinary chef. It was clear that many people would dream of knowing Wang Li's phone number, but few would actually get it. He had obtained it so easily.

If he were in their shoes, even if he knew about this person and this company, he would have no way of getting the phone number, no matter what means he used.

Just like before, he could only find Xiao Fei's photo in online reports, with no other specific information. Why? Because they were in different circles and lived in different social strata.

Lido Gemstone Company, Jade Pavilion, it seems I should start with Lido.