I Was Reborn as the Villain, but the System Bound Itself to the Female Leads - Chapter 34:

Chapter 34: Jade City

However, as tempting as such enormous profits were, they paled in comparison to the Heart-Guarding Jade—a treasure artifact that could protect his life.

Lin Yuan pondered in his mind, searching for a solution that would allow him to secure the Heart-Guarding Jade without having to make an enemy out of Gao Ming. After all, having one more friend was always better than gaining another foe, even if the friendship was purely based on mutual interests.

This was the reality of the world.

“Have you thought it over, Brother Lin?” Gao Ming finally urged, seeing that Lin Yuan had been silent for a while. He didn’t have time to waste here.

“Brother Gao’s proposal is quite reasonable. As the saying goes, better to make peace than to make enemies. Naturally, I don’t wish to offend you over a piece of jade. However…”

Lin Yuan paused here. Seeing Gao Ming’s pleased expression shift into one of seriousness, he smiled and continued, “However, I really like this jade. I can’t bring myself to part with it. But there’s no need for Brother Gao to worry. I promise to personally take you to find another piece of jade, one that’s even better. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied. How about it?”

“Really?”

Gao Ming frowned. The jade in Lin Yuan’s hand had excellent appearance and was carved with the mythical beast Xuanwu, full of auspicious symbolism. It would’ve been perfect for gifting to his grandfather. But if Lin Yuan could truly find something even better, then giving this one up might be acceptable.

He was only worried Lin Yuan might be lying to him.

“Of course. Once we leave this Old Brand shop, I’ll take you there. That other jade was originally on my purchase list. But since you’re giving a birthday gift to your grandfather, I’m willing to offer you a favor.”

“Alright, I’ll trust Brother Lin. If you really help me find a top-quality jade, then what I said earlier still stands.”

With the deal sealed, Lin Yuan turned to the shopkeeper, paid 180,000 yuan, and claimed the Heart-Guarding Jade.

After leaving Old Brand, Lin Yuan brought Gao Ming to another shop on the antique street called Jade City.

In Lin Yuan’s memory, Long Haochen had bought two items on his visit to the antique street in the original plot—one was the Heart-Guarding Jade, and the other was an exquisite ancient jade housed in this very shop.

Though the jade wasn’t a treasure artifact like the Heart-Guarding Jade, it was still a rare item. It could ward off evil spirits when placed in a home and symbolized longevity—an ideal gift for the elderly.

In the original novel, Long Haochen had bought it as a birthday gift for Gu Qingyi’s grandfather.

This jade wasn’t on Lin Yuan’s list, but if he could use it to do Gao Ming a favor, then why not?

The two of them entered Jade City and browsed for a while. Gao Ming didn’t find any jade that satisfied him and turned to Lin Yuan.

“Brother Lin, are you sure there’s something here that will impress me?”

“Naturally. But the price is quite high. As long as Brother Gao is okay with that.”

“Brother Lin, you know well—price means nothing to people like us.”

“Good.”

Lin Yuan smiled.

That exquisite jade was the shop’s treasure and wasn’t displayed at the counter. In the original novel, Long Haochen had only found it because he sensed the aura it emitted.

Lin Yuan closed his eyes for a moment and indeed sensed a warm energy gathered on the second floor of Jade City.

“So that’s why that brat Long Haochen always found the good stuff… Ancient martial artists really are incredible,” Lin Yuan muttered to himself.

He walked straight to the counter, where a beautiful young woman was managing the shop. She looked to be in her early twenties, graceful and elegant in a form-fitting cheongsam that perfectly outlined her figure. Her hair was pinned up with a jade hairpin, and she looked like a classic beauty. If she had a silk fan in her hand, the image would have been flawless.

“Gentlemen, is there anything you’re looking for? We have a wide range of jade artifacts here,” she said. Though young, her manner of speaking was calm and mature.

This woman had also played a notable role in the original novel. Though not a female lead, she had a somewhat ambiguous relationship with the Child of Destiny, Long Haochen.

Her name was Yao Ying.

“Shopkeeper Yao, none of these jades catch our eye. Why don’t you show us your store’s treasure?” Lin Yuan said bluntly.

“Our store’s treasure? You must be joking. How could a small shop like this have such a thing?”

“Shopkeeper Yao, allow me to introduce someone. This is Gao Ming, the young master of the Gao Family from Jiangcheng. You don’t need to worry about whether he can afford it.”

Yao Ying’s eyes lit up slightly.

She had already noticed when they entered that these two men were not ordinary. She hadn’t expected one of them to be from such a prominent family.

Though this was North City, everyone had at least heard of the Gao Family of Jiangcheng. In fact, most major families across cities knew of each other—each one a powerful force dominating their region’s economy.

“My apologies, Young Master Gao. I didn’t recognize your status. Please give me a moment, I’ll retrieve it right away.”

Yao Ying smiled gracefully, an absolute beauty. As she walked upstairs, her gentle swaying steps and graceful figure would’ve been enough to tempt any man.

“Brother Lin, I didn’t expect such a beauty to be hidden in this little antique street,” Gao Ming said.

“What? Taken a liking to the shopkeeper of Jade City, have you, Brother Gao?”

Men, after all, had zero resistance to beauty—even those with high status. Why else would there be a saying, ‘Even heroes fall for beauty’?

Of course, just being pretty wasn’t enough to attract someone like Gao Ming. Men at Lin Yuan’s level needed beauty, yes, but also uniqueness, charm, and a sense of individuality to truly catch their interest.

“What about you, Brother Lin? Not interested?”

“A little.”

“Hahaha!”

The two burst into laughter. Of course, they kept their crude remarks private. If Yao Ying heard them, it would’ve been rude. And if she refused to sell them the jade because of it, that would be a huge loss.

By the time Yao Ying returned, both of them had already gone quiet.

She held a finely crafted wooden box, polished to a rich shine, with intricate carvings on its surface that gave it an antique elegance.

When she opened the box, a top-grade ancient jade was revealed.

The moment Gao Ming saw it, his eyes locked onto it. He didn’t blink for a long time.

The jade was set on a perfectly square platform, atop which two intricately carved dragons coiled around each other, lifting a luminous pearl together.

“This really is top-quality jade. The craftsmanship, the color, everything is exceptional.”

Having been influenced by his grandfather, Gao Ming had some knowledge of jade. He knew this would make the perfect gift—his grandfather would be delighted.

“This piece is called ‘Twin Dragons Offering the Sun.’ Not only is it beautifully crafted, but it also has the power to guard a home and ward off evil. Most importantly, it symbolizes longevity.”

“Excellent. Excellent. Excellent!”

Gao Ming said the word “excellent” three times in a row after hearing Yao Ying’s introduction. At that moment, he was deeply grateful he hadn’t fought Lin Yuan over that other jade—otherwise, he would’ve missed out on this incredible treasure.