Chapter 180 - 180 180 The Sudden Encounter

Words : 1339 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 180: Chapter 180: The Sudden Encounter Chapter 180: Chapter 180: The Sudden Encounter Qin Yize placed the bowls and chopsticks in the sink. Noticing it was already midnight, he decided not to wash them. Afraid the noise would disturb others, he returned to his room. After brushing his teeth, he came out to find the bedroom door closed. Qin Yize looked at the sofa and was relieved to see that his luggage had been moved out. He lay down but felt a bit too full, seemingly without any sleepiness despite the lateness of the hour. He wanted to talk to Gu Qiaoqiao. Plus, he indeed had important matters to discuss with her. Otherwise, he feared that in his absence the next day, the girl might take matters into her own hands. Thus, he walked unhurriedly to the bedroom door, extended his hand, and knocked softly, asking, “Gu Qiaoqiao, are you asleep?” The room was quiet, with no response. “Are you planning to go to Yubao Square tomorrow?” he continued to ask. After a moment, Gu Qiaoqiao’s muffled voice surfaced, “Yes, I’ll go tomorrow.” “Are you taking your Gold Jade Stone Carving with you?” “Mhm.” “And what’s your plan for negotiating with the people at Yubao Square?” “I… haven’t really thought it through,” Gu Qiaoqiao hesitated for a bit before replying softly. “If you haven’t figured it out, don’t show your hand first. Listen to me, don’t take anything. When you get to Yubao Square, just ask Zhang Yi if there is any Red Spirit Jade Marrow,” Qin Yize instructed softly. The bedroom door opened gently, and Gu Qiaoqiao stood in front of the half-open door, her head lowered as she asked, “Is it okay to just ask directly like that?” “Why not? Yubao Square is the largest gemstone store in the Imperial Capital. It’s absolutely normal to go there to buy gemstones. Plus, if they really have it, you can examine it for authenticity, see the price, and even haggle…,” Qin Yize explained patiently. Gu Qiaoqiao hadn’t really thought it through that much herself. Her original intention was to use the Gold Jade Stone as a conversation starter, then subtly inquire about the Red Spirit Jade Marrow. Her ideas were the exact opposite of Qin Yize’s. But at that moment, she had to admit she was being a bit naive. Even if her Gold Jade Stone was a gem among gems, revealing it first would surely put her at a disadvantage. And if the other party were to make exorbitant demands, wouldn’t it be terrible? Gu Qiaoqiao nodded in agreement, convinced, “Okay, then tomorrow I will go empty-handed, just inquiring about the Red Spirit Jade Marrow.” Qin Yize offered a faint smile, “Do you want me to accompany you?” Gu Qiaoqiao looked up in surprise at the handsome man, a hint of astonishment arising in her heart. This Qin Yize seemed to be becoming more and more different from the one she knew. And their conversations were becoming increasingly natural. Gu Qiaoqiao bit her lip, pondering for a moment before asking, “You’re not busy tomorrow?” “No, I’m off for the day.” “Then… okay.” “Alright, rest early,” Qin Yize said and glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao, quickly averting his gaze, then gently closed the door. The Gu Qiaoqiao under the light had an almost irresistible charm. Taking a deep breath, Qin Yize suppressed the inexplicable restlessness within and lay on the sofa, slowly closing his eyes. The moonlight was like water, gentle and clear. The next day, after breakfast and getting ready, Qin Yize really did drive Gu Qiaoqiao towards Yubao Square. Gu Qiaoqiao was somewhat nervous. Opening the Mysterious Dragon Box would reveal her grandfather’s secret. And the Red Spirit Jade Marrow was the key. But would Old Master Gu part with it? If Elder Gu refused to part with it no matter what, what would she do then? Qin Yize glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao, who was preoccupied with heavy thoughts, understanding how important the Mysterious Dragon Box was to her. And he, to this date, had not heard any legends about the Mysterious Dragon Box. The car continued to drive smoothly. Qin Yize didn’t speak, nor did he disturb Gu Qiaoqiao’s contemplation. Although the atmosphere inside the carriage was quiet, there was a faint sense of warmth flowing. Sёarᴄh the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, the car arrived at the entrance of Yubao Square. The place was as lavish and ancient-looking as always. Gu Qiaoqiao walked straight into Yubao Square. Behind her followed the unhurried Qin Yize. After entering, there were few customers at this time, and Gu Qiaoqiao glanced around, only to find no sign of Zhang Yi. Gu Qiaoqiao did not inquire but instead started to carefully examine the jade displayed in the glass cases. She had never seen Red Spirit Jade Marrow. But she already had an image of this type of jade in her mind. After she had looked over all the stones, she shook her head slightly in disappointment towards Qin Yize behind her. She knew, though. How could such a precious thing be displayed out in the open. The store’s staff were well-trained; seeing Gu Qiaoqiao’s actions, it seemed she was searching for something. And the man in a white shirt and black trousers following her, with an air of wealth, obviously looked like someone with money. So, with a beaming smile, a staff member approached them, asking, “May I help you with something?” Gu Qiaoqiao also smiled slightly, “Is Yubao Square’s Boss Zhang here?” “The second manager has stepped out on business.” Stepped out on business? Gu Qiaoqiao felt even more disappointed and couldn’t help but ask, “Then do you know when your second manager will return?” The staff member shook their head, “I’m not sure, but at the earliest, it would be a week from now. If you have an urgent matter, I can pass on a message.” Gu Qiaoqiao thought for a moment, “No need, we’ll talk when he returns.” The true intent of her visit was to get in direct contact with Zhang Yi. If he wasn’t there, she had hoped he could introduce her to Old Patriarch Gu. As for reasons to meet, there were plenty. But now, she hadn’t even seen the person she came for. Gu Qiaoqiao and Qin Yize left Yubao Square. Seeing Gu Qiaoqiao’s disappointed expression, Qin Yize suggested, “Since we’re here without any particular plans, let’s take a look around at other gemstone stores.” Perhaps one of them might have it, saving the trouble. Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, murmuring an agreement, then followed Qin Yize towards a gemstone store right next to Yubao Square. As Gu Qiaoqiao walked, she looked up at the name of the gemstone store, called Jubao Pavilion, which had a sizable facade. She didn’t expect to nearly bump into a young man coming her way. Fortunately, Qin Yize reacted quickly, pulling Gu Qiaoqiao aside, thus avoiding a full embrace of awkwardness. Gu Qiaoqiao’s cheeks flushed, and she smiled apologetically at the young man who was clearly startled. Unexpectedly, her gaze landed directly on a woman wearing a cheongsam standing beside the young man. The woman’s eyes suddenly widened, and she involuntarily exclaimed, “Sister Yu,” Then her face turned pale as paper. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at her curiously; the woman had very fair skin and fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, appearing to be in her fifties. Gu Qiaoqiao didn’t catch what she had shouted, but she could confirm that the woman must have been reminded of someone on seeing her. But since there was no collision, there was no need for an apology. Qin Yize’s sharp gaze swept over the two people who were nearly clinging to Gu Qiaoqiao—both the old and the young felt eerie and annoying.

Chapter 180 - 180 180 The Sudden Encounter

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