C13 Snatch

Lin Qingwan nonchalantly picked out a stone that, to everyone's astonishment, turned out to be top-grade Imperial Jade, igniting a fire of envy within the Lan Family.

Lan Yan's delicate features contorted with spite. She had earlier scoffed at Lin Qingwan's apparent ignorance in selecting jade, but now, her jealousy was palpable, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Lan Chengye's facial muscles twitched involuntarily, yet he quickly mustered a strained smile and complimented, "My dear niece Qingwan, you're incredibly fortunate. To think you've chosen the emperor's jade!"

Beaming, Lin Qingwan glanced down at the jade cradled in her arms and turned to the craftsman polishing the stone. "Master, what do you reckon this jade is worth?"

The old master tidied his tools and chuckled heartily, "In all my years, I've seldom seen such a piece. Its value is difficult to quantify. You could say it's worth trillions, or just as fittingly, call it a priceless treasure."

His words felt like a dagger to Lan Chengye's heart, causing a fresh pang of pain. He had merely intended to appease the Gu family members with some worthless stones, never anticipating the unearthed jade's extraordinary value.

Disheartened, he lost all desire to engage further with Gu Mingfeng and Lin Qingwan, opting instead to have a servant escort them to rest. He then joined the rest of the Lan Family in a tense, silent standoff.

Lan Chengye wasted no time in sending workers to scour the jade mine for more treasures like the Imperial Jade Lin Qingwan had found. Despite their round-the-clock efforts, by daybreak, they had only managed to extract a few pieces of average-grade jade.

It seemed that Lin Qingwan's find was the mine's sole gem, and despite the considerable investment of labor and resources, she was the one to benefit.

Over the following two days, Gu Mingfeng and Lan Chengye toured various collaborative projects between their families. Lin Qingwan expressed interest in joining them but was preemptively turned down by Gu Mingfeng. Wary of her propensity for mischief, he didn't want her causing a scene that could tarnish the Gu family's reputation.

Left to her own devices, Lin Qingwan roamed the estate that was once hers, each step a journey through her past, her gaze reflecting a profound sense of loss amidst the sprawling desolation.

As she approached the artificial lake, a sudden sense of alarm washed over her, prompting her to look up sharply. A figure emerged from the faux mountain ahead, dropping to one knee with a fist to the chest, "Miss Lin, your subordinate has urgent news to report."

The figure was none other than Aofeng from the Shadow Guard. He now regarded Lin Qingwan as the voice of the former Clan Master and had relayed this to the rest of the Shadow Guard. This formidable force had rallied once more, with Lin Qingwan as their sole charge.

Lin Qingwan stepped over to Aofeng and effortlessly helped him to his feet. "What's the matter?"

A flicker of astonishment crossed Aofeng's eyes. It was rare for someone to lift him so easily, and his gaze filled with newfound reverence. He then quietly briefed Lin Qingwan on his recent findings.

"Oh? So Lan Yan is after that jade piece? How petty to want back a gift once given," Lin Qingwan said, her eyes brimming with scorn.

"Our Shadow Guard brothers overheard this from Lan Yan's servants," Aofeng reported before vanishing as silently as a specter.

Lin Qingwan didn't linger in doubt; she made her way back to her quarters. There, she caught Lan Yan in a white dress, furtively peering into her bedroom. Clearing her throat, Lin Qingwan startled Lan Yan, who turned to see Lin Qingwan had returned and offered a sheepish smile. "I thought you were in your room; I was just about to come find you."

"What do you want?" Lin Qingwan inquired, her voice icy.

Lan Yan bit back frustration; if not for the need to reclaim that imperial jade, she'd never stoop so low with this naive woman. She forced a smile, "I was thinking we could go out. You're new to the Lan Family, and I've yet to show you around."

"You're inviting me out?" Lin Qingwan's eyes gleamed with a knowing smile.

"Absolutely. Our island may be small, but it's a world-class city with the latest in fashion and jewelry. I insist on taking you out," Lan Yan mused, plotting to have the imperial jade swiped from Lin Qingwan's room once she was lured away.

Lin Qingwan indeed agreed to Lan Yan's request, but not without securing a leather suitcase for herself. With a playful smile, she remarked, "I think I'll bring that jade stone with me. It's an invaluable treasure, and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving it just lying around in my bedroom."

At that moment, Lan Yan's face took on an unpleasant cast.

After entering her room, Lin Qingwan swiftly dialed Aofeng and made quick arrangements before stepping out, suitcase in hand.

She was convinced that Lan Yan wouldn't let the matter rest, and even with the jade in her possession, Lan Yan would still be scheming to get it.

Lan Yan, driving a flashy red sports car, escorted Lin Qingwan to an upscale shopping center. In the women's fashion section, she attentively helped Lin Qingwan select garments.

Holding up a floral print dress, she encouraged, "Qingwan, what do you think of this dress? It's the work of a renowned designer from the Empire. Go on, give it a try."

Lin Qingwan entered the fitting room, juggling the suitcase in one hand and the dress in the other, while Lan Yan watched her intently from a distance. Sure enough, after changing, Lin Qingwan emerged without the suitcase.

Seizing the opportunity, Lan Yan signaled a saleswoman who then distracted Lin Qingwan by leading her to a mirror. Meanwhile, Lan Yan slipped into the fitting room.

The suitcase lay on the floor, heavier than expected when she lifted it. She was certain it held the coveted imperial jade and gleefully grabbed it, exiting the fitting room.

But her triumph was short-lived. In the next instant, she was bewildered as a throng of reporters burst through the entrance, bombarding her with a flurry of camera flashes without so much as a word.