Chapter 130

Chandler didn't respond to her question directly but suggested they find a place to cut open the stones. Following Chandler, Helen entered a shop where they announced their intention to slice the stones. The shop owner informed Helen, "These aren't stones from us. We charge a crafting fee of a thousand dollars per stone." Helen marveled at the lavishness of the wealthy. "Mr. Newton, are we still proceeding?" she inquired, to which Chandler promptly paid with his card. After seeing this, Helen handed the stones to the craftsman. The shop's patrons gathered around in anticipation. The craftsman examined the first stone. Its pattern and color didn't promise any jade. He asked Helen, "How should we cut this one?" Before Helen could translate, Chandler instructed, "Start from the left side." After relaying Chandler's instructions, the craftsman began his work. The process was slow as it required precision and care. Unfortunately, the first stone turned out to be a dud, which elicited