"Wow, what a beautiful piece of jewelry."
"Tsk tsk, this is the most unique piece of jewelry I've ever seen."
"Liang Dachao is really smart, already starting to venture into the jewelry industry."
"The jewelry industry is the most lucrative right now, with the highest profits. It's definitely a money-maker."
"Of course, as long as you have the money to invest and a keen eye, it's a sure win."
"The key is the name, 'Star of Love.' It signifies love and dreams, making it the perfect gift for a girlfriend."
"But the price is too high, three million. Not everyone can afford that."
"Not just three million. If this piece were to be auctioned, it could go for tens of millions."
"Right, I doubt anyone can take it home today. After all, we're just here for the party and didn't expect a jewelry display."
"True, let's just admire it for now."
Cheng Shaoqing also wanted to take a closer look. She tugged at Jiang Feng's sleeve and said, "Jiang Feng, let's go take a look too."
"Sure." Jiang Feng nodded. He was curious about the sapphire, sensing it was not ordinary.
Jiang Feng protected Cheng Shaoqing as they squeezed through the crowd to the front.
"Wow, it's so beautiful," Cheng Shaoqing exclaimed in awe after getting a closer look.
"It is quite beautiful," Jiang Feng smiled slightly, noticing how much Cheng Shaoqing liked the "Star of Love."
It's not surprising that women naturally love jewelry.
But this sapphire had an extraordinary allure for women, irresistible to any of them.
Jiang Feng had already figured out what made this sapphire unique.
It contained a trace of spiritual energy, though it was far less potent than the Spirit Stone he had discovered earlier.
Still, if an ordinary person wore this sapphire regularly, it could extend their life and enhance their beauty.
For women, it was definitely a treasure.
Selling it for three million was indeed a bit low. If someone who truly understood its value knew, they wouldn't hesitate to spend billions.
"Do you like it?" Jiang Feng suddenly asked.
"I... like it," Cheng Shaoqing instinctively replied, but then quickly shook her head, "Not really, it's just okay."
But Jiang Feng noticed her eyes never left the sapphire.
Clearly, she liked it but was trying to be rational.
Jiang Feng nodded slightly, appreciating Cheng Shaoqing's sensible approach.
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Meanwhile, Chu Qingqing muttered softly, "This sapphire is really special, it feels strange."
Her grandfather, Chu Tianxiong, was an antique enthusiast with a vast collection of rare items. He had read in some book that certain mystical objects contained spiritual energy that could strengthen the body and prolong life. If one could find such an item, they could live a few more years.
Because of this, Chu Tianxiong was passionate about searching for these legendary items. After much effort, he finally found a jade ring that emitted a faint energy, making people feel comfortable and indeed strengthening the body.
This only fueled Chu Tianxiong's determination to find more such items. Whenever he heard of their existence, he would set off immediately and do whatever it took to obtain them.
Chu Qingqing often heard her grandfather talk about these things and gradually understood some of it. Now, looking at this sapphire, she felt it was very similar to what her grandfather described.
Jiang Feng noticed Chu Qingqing's thoughtful expression and asked, "What do you think is different about it?"
Chu Qingqing was startled, then smiled, "I was just saying. I can't explain it, it just feels special."
"Hehe, this piece is indeed remarkable. If you could get it, it would bring many benefits," Jiang Feng laughed.
"I doubt many people can come up with millions on the spot. Just looking is more practical," Chu Qingqing said truthfully.
Indeed, just looking was better.
As expected, no one bid on it because they didn't have the money. So Liang Dachao promised to hold a special auction later.
...
Liang Dachao then announced, "Well, we can't just stand around. Next, please enjoy a solo performance on the guzheng by Qiu Yue'er."
Upon hearing Qiu Yue'er's name, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
Clap clap clap!
A fair-skinned woman in her thirties, dressed in ancient attire, emerged from behind the scenes, holding a guzheng.
This was the famous guzheng performer Qiu Yue'er, whom Liang Dachao had gone to great lengths to invite.
Of course, he had offered her a satisfactory appearance fee.
He invited Qiu Yue'er to perform to let everyone appreciate the beauty of classical music, to showcase his own capabilities, and because he personally liked the guzheng and had even studied it for a while.
It was hard to believe someone like Liang Dachao would enjoy such an elegant instrument.
But he genuinely liked it, and there was no helping it.
Everyone, good or bad, has a hobby.
Liang Dachao was no exception.
The crowd quieted down. Qiu Yue'er set up her guzheng, sat down, and placed her hands on the strings, her fingers like jade onions.
Pluck~~
She tested the sound.
Then a beautiful melody began, like pearls falling on a jade plate, creating a serene atmosphere that transported everyone to a slower-paced ancient life, evoking endless reverie and emotion.
The grand Rose Hall was filled with the sound of the guzheng, alternating between intense and gentle, fast and slow, making people feel as if they were swimming in a peaceful world, smiling in enjoyment.
Jiang Feng and Cheng Shaoqing stood together, quietly listening and appreciating the beauty of the music.
The entire piece was poetic and picturesque, with a clear and smooth melody, starting slow then fast, loose then tight, creating an emotional progression that was extremely beautiful.
It perfectly depicted a scene of a sunset over a lake, with fishing boats gliding and fishermen singing.
Listening, Jiang Feng couldn't help but think of his master, Wu Muqing.
His master was also a guzheng expert and often played for him. Over time, he had picked up some basics.
But the sacred music of the Immortal Realm couldn't be heard here. Although Qiu Yue'er's skill was high, it was still far from the celestial music Jiang Feng had heard.
Cheng Shaoqing, lost in the music, gently leaned her head on Jiang Feng's shoulder, like a little bird nestling.
Jiang Feng was slightly taken aback but didn't stop her. In such a setting, it was normal for a woman to unconsciously act this way.
As the piece "Fishing Boat at Dusk" ended, Qiu Yue'er stood up slowly and bowed to thank everyone.
The audience was still immersed in the beautiful music, unable to extricate themselves.
Seeing this, Liang Dachao quickly led the applause.
The crowd followed, clapping and cheering.
Cheng Shaoqing snapped out of it, realizing she was leaning on Jiang Feng's shoulder. She quickly straightened up, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Jiang Feng smiled knowingly at Cheng Shaoqing's shy expression, finding her endearing beneath her cool exterior, not difficult to approach at all.
"Thank you, Qiu Yue'er, for your performance. Everyone, wasn't it wonderful?" Liang Dachao took the stage.
"Yes."
"It was indeed excellent, very pleasant."
"Right, it was so beautiful, I was completely captivated."
"Listening to Qiu Yue'er's guzheng, I felt like I was back in my innocent childhood."
"Yes, I even shed tears."
"Marvelous, simply marvelous."
"Please, Miss Qiu Yue'er, play another piece for us."
"Yes, please, Miss Qiu Yue'er, play another piece."
Everyone suggested that Qiu Yue'er play another piece, expressing that they hadn't had enough and wanted to hear more.
But Qiu Yue'er seemed unwilling to play again and looked to Liang Dachao for help.
Liang Dachao knew Qiu Yue'er wouldn't play another piece because he had only paid for one.
Liang Dachao quickly said, "Everyone, you may not know, but Miss Qiu Yue'er just arrived in Meilong City today. After a long journey, she's not feeling well and can't play another piece. But I promise, if there's another opportunity, I'll invite Miss Qiu Yue'er again and make sure to invite you all to enjoy it."
Since Liang Dachao had said this, everyone didn't insist, though they were a bit disappointed.
Such a wonderful musical feast was over too soon, leaving everyone wanting more.
"Don't be disappointed, everyone. To keep the fun going, I propose a game. Anyone interested can join, with the loser paying the prize. I'll also occasionally add to the pot. What do you think?" Liang Dachao shouted.
"Good idea, I was just thinking there was nothing to do. Now we have something fun."
"I support it, let's play."
"Liang is so clever, coming up with such a brilliant idea."
"This will liven things up, and no one will feel bored."
"Brother Liang's idea is genius. I need to think about who to play with."
"Hehe, I like this idea."
"I just had my eye on a girl. If I win, hehe, I can have some fun tonight."
"Yes, the stakes can be anything, truly exciting."
"It can be one-on-one or a group. Just thinking about it is fun."
Everyone was very enthusiastic about Liang Dachao's proposal, showing great interest.
Liang Dachao scanned the room with a wicked smile, finally stopping at Jiang Feng.
This plan had been premeditated, designed to draw Jiang Feng out, humiliate him, and win Cheng Shaoqing's favor.
He had waited a long time for this moment, and now it had arrived.
His body was burning with anticipation, barely able to contain himself.
"Alright, I'll start us off," Liang Dachao said.
Everyone was surprised, knowing Liang Dachao was looking for someone to compete with. They wondered who it would be.
Whoever it was, they would have a hard time winning, as Liang Dachao was talented and would surely choose his best skill for the competition.
Everyone believed this firmly.