Chapter 141

Lin Mo handed over the ticket, “Please, Master.”

The Jade Carving Master took the receipt and asked, “Cut it open directly, or shall we make a window first?”

“Let’s make a window first, don’t ruin it by cutting it all at once. This is the stone my daughter picked. If it’s any good, I’d like to make something out of it for her to remember,” Lin Mo answered the master’s question, knowing his wife would surely ask again, so he proactively explained, “Making a window means using a small drill to remove some of the skin of the stone to open up a crack, to observe the trend of the material inside, and then decide how to slice it based on the situation.”

“Oh, oh…” Li Jinwen nodded in seeming understanding.

“Alright, making a window costs extra, 100. Just scan this QR code,” the Jade Carving Master pointed to a QR code next to him.

The cost of cutting the stone was covered by the stall owner, but the additional cost for making a window had to be paid by oneself.

Ding.

Lin Mo scanned 100 yuan over.

Seeing this, the Jade Carving Master didn’t waste any time, took a look at the stone, picked up a small drill, and began working on the stone.

In front of him was a protective shield made of tempered glass, allowing customers to clearly see the entire windowing process, and later, the stone cutting process as well.

An important part of gemstone gambling is the wait during the cutting, as well as the moment when the material is revealed.

So the market considered this very thoroughly, also avoiding many unnecessary disputes.

Of course, only small raw stones can be manipulated like this. If it’s a larger one, it must be placed directly into a cutting machine for precise slicing.

Buzzing and sizzling sounds…

The small drill began to work, spraying water, and dust from the raw stone scattered, as its surface layer gradually disappeared.

Lin Mo, Lin Xiaoxiao, and Li Jinwen all waited tensely for the final result.

Especially Lin Xiaoxiao, who clenched her fists tightly, her eyes wide open as if ready to fight someone.

And this was also Lin Mo’s first time gambling on a stone.

Buzzing and sizzling sounds…

Soon, a small area on the surface of the raw stone was wiped away, revealing a pale green color inside.

Lin Xiaoxiao excitedly shouted, “Rise! Rise! Rise!!”

Good gracious, she had quickly picked up others’ chants. No wonder Mrs. Meng moved three times.

A child’s ability to imitate is indeed strong.

Li Jinwen watched nervously and asked softly, “Husband, does the appearance of green mean we can make money?”

Lin Mo shook his head and replied, “Not necessarily. It depends on what comes out after it’s cut.”

“Right, you are the expert,” said the Jade Carving Master, casting a glance at Lin Mo and immediately knowing he was not some clueless newbie; he continued, “As they say, one cut could lead to poverty, one to riches, and one to wearing hemp clothes. In the gemstone gambling business, no one knows what the situation inside the stone is until it’s really cut open.”

“How much did you pay for this stone, boss?”

Lin Mo replied, “1000.”

“Hmm, then you’re fairly lucky,” the Jade Carving Master said with a smile, “Shall we open it? If not, you could sell this windowed piece for about 1500, making a bit of profit.”

Li Jinwen asked in surprise, “Alt? We can make money just like that?”

Lin Mo explained with a smile, “Yes, as it stands, that’s correct. Look around; everyone here is gambling on the chance of revealing good material. Now that we have green, it means our stone is a bit more stable than others, with a higher probability of containing good material, so its value has increased.”

Although Li Jinwen didn’t understand these things, she quickly caught on following Lin Mo’s explanation.

Lin Mo turned to the Jade Carving Master and said, “Master, please continue, go along the lines you judge best. I don’t rely on this to make money.”

The Jade Carving Master nodded, drew a line on the stone with a black marker, confirmed with Lin Mo once more, and then continued with the stone processing.

Whirring… crack crack crack crack

This time a slightly larger cutting machine was used.

Moments later, the stone was cut along the line marked by the black marker, splitting it directly in half.

Lin Xiaoxiao and Li Jinwen immediately became excited.

Even Lin Mo unconsciously moved closer.

This is the charm of gemstone gambling, filled with the unknown and suspense!

Although the stone was cheap, and even if it did produce something worthwhile, it wouldn’t be much money, the excitement of the gambling process and the thrill of a potential increase in value was the same!

After all, whether it was Lin Mo, Li Jinwen, or Lin Xiaoxiao, it was their first encounter with gemstone gambling, and they found the experience incredibly fresh!

But unfortunately,

After this cut, the original patch of green that was revealed turned out to be only as large as a fingernail, with many black spots on it.

Even Lin Xiaoxiao could tell… it seemed like they had lost money.

“Oh no….”

Li Jinwen pursed her lips, “If only we had sold it for 1500 earlier, now we don’t even have the 1000.”

“My dear, this is how gemstone gambling goes,” the Jade Carving Master said with a smile, “This chunk of material can be cut one more time. Would you like to try? It will cost you an additional 300 yuan, though.”

More money to spend?

Li Jinwen did the math: they spent 1000 for the stone, plus another 100 for the windowing, already 1100 yuan in the hole.

Add another 300?

That would make 1400 yuan.

With that amount of money, one could buy a very nice cashmere coat.

It could be enough for a family of three to live on for half a month!

Yet, the thought of giving up now also felt like a waste, considering they had already invested so much. What if the next cut brought a rise in value and they could recover some of their investment?

After some thought, Li Jinwen spoke first, asking, “Master, how much is this stone worth now?”

“This half is now useless, not worth a penny,” said the Jade Carving Master, picking up the other half and weighing it, “This chunk, I estimate, could probably sell for about 200..”