Chapter 54: Finding a Needle in a Haystack

---

Chapter 54: Finding a Needle in a Haystack

As Li Yi and the others wandered around the market, Wei Sanpao was filled with worry. Although the jade Li Yi had asked him to find was large in size and had a clear target, finding it in Dongyuan Market seemed impossible.

This was Dongyuan Market, the largest antique trading market in the entire Guangshen region!

Even though the target was relatively large, finding it here was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Wei Sanpao looked at the bustling market with a wry smile on his face.

Brother Yi, you've set me an impossible task. This is too difficult!

Though he felt helpless, Wei Sanpao understood the importance of the task. Without a specific plan, he had no choice but to search stall by stall.

He was getting tired, but the thought of the large sum of money he would earn if he succeeded kept him motivated.

"Hello! Do you have any jade here?" he asked one of the stall owners.

The stall owner, seeing the sweaty young man in front of him, smiled broadly. "Yes, I do! It depends on what you're looking for! I have jade Buddhas and jade pendants from every dynasty!"

The owner continued enthusiastically, "Little brother, you seem destined to strike it rich. How about a jade plaque? This one attracts wealth, and I assure you it works every time!"

Wei Sanpao couldn't help but feel a little helpless. It was clear the stall owner was trying to deceive him.

"Boss, I'm looking for something bigger. Something that's at least as big as half a table."

The stall owner was taken aback when he heard Wei Sanpao's request. "Where would I find something that size? Most of the stuff here isn't worth much," he said, a bit helpless.

"If you're looking for something that big, try Qishi Pavilion. But be warned, their prices start at tens of thousands of yuan!"

Wei Sanpao nodded, thanked the owner, and continued to move through the market. He still wasn't sure if the jade Li Yi was looking for could be in this market, but since Li Yi had said it was possible, he trusted that it must be somewhere.

Li Yi was always calculated in his decisions, so Wei Sanpao had complete faith in him. He had never been let down when following Li Yi's lead.

So, after a brief rest, Wei Sanpao stood up and began searching the market again.

Soon, he found himself staring at a small bottle on one of the stalls. It looked just like a bottle that his mother had at home, only hers was used as a vase.

However, at this stall, the price tag said 150 yuan.

"Boss, what's the deal with this vase?" Wei Sanpao couldn't help but ask.

When the stall owner heard the question, he hurried over, smiling. "Ah, you're interested in this vase? It's from the Ming Dynasty!"

"The Ming Dynasty? How much is it worth?" Wei Sanpao asked skeptically.

"Only 150 yuan!" the stall owner said with a grin.

"150? Really?" Wei Sanpao replied, blinking in disbelief. "A Ming Dynasty vase for 150 yuan? Are you sure?"

"Young man, you're getting a good deal! If you go to the next stall, their prices are four or five hundred yuan!"

Wei Sanpao nearly laughed out loud. This vase looked like it had seen better days. It wasn't even 30% new! He could buy a car for 150 yuan.

Having grown accustomed to the tricks in Dongyuan Market, Wei Sanpao simply nodded and turned to leave.

As he turned around, something caught his eye—the stool under the stall owner's butt. It was not really a stool but a simple wooden box with a hole in it, through which Wei Sanpao could see a stone with a soft luster.

His expression shifted instantly. Could this be the jade Li Yi had asked him to find?

It was hard to tell from this angle, so Wei Sanpao decided to get a closer look.

He casually approached the stall owner and asked, "How's business today?"

The owner sighed and replied, "It's not good. The whole West Street has been slow lately."

"Ah, many people like you?" Wei Sanpao asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Lots of people, but not many are willing to spend. I haven't opened my stall for several days because of it."

Wei Sanpao smiled sympathetically. "My elder brother moved into a new house, and he wants to find a suitable ornament. But my sister-in-law thinks all these things are useless."

"Yes, yes! You've come to the right place!" the stall owner's eyes brightened. "We have many fake jade items! Just tell me what you want, and I'll find it for you!"

Wei Sanpao was taken aback by the stall owner's sudden enthusiasm but played along.

"Really? That's great! Can you show me what you've got? The bigger, the better!"

The stall owner immediately seemed eager to help. "How about something a meter tall?"

"A meter tall?" Wei Sanpao was surprised but didn't show it. He thought for a moment and said, "Yes, that sounds good! Bigger would look better at home!"

"Wait here!" the stall owner said excitedly. He pulled out the cardboard box from under his stool, and soon revealed a jade artifact that was still shiny and smooth.

Upon seeing it, Wei Sanpao nearly jumped for joy. Could this be the jade Li Yi had asked him to find?

No matter how hard he tried to search elsewhere, it had taken no effort to find it here. It was as if fate had led him to it.

--