C23 Hypocrite.

Upon opening the gift box, a jade-green, vibrantly colored, and impeccably clean hollow phoenix pendant lay there. It was crystal clear and strikingly lifelike, resting quietly on a cotton cushion.

The instant the pendant caught everyone's eyes, the air around them seemed to solidify.

Even Soong Wan couldn't hide her astonishment at the sight of the vivid pendant.

If authentic, the value of such a pendant could be quite substantial.

At that moment, Qin Shou, who had been eager to mock Jiang Hao, found himself with a frozen expression, his composure shattered.

But then, noticing the sportswear Jiang Hao was wearing, he quickly regained his bearings.

"Mr. Jiang, surely you haven't been duped? Notice the notch on the front of this phoenix pendant – it's a clear sign of repair after a break!

And regarding the pendant's material, it may resemble jade at first glance.

Yet upon closer inspection, you'll find it's actually a piece of crystal, a product of mechanical casting!"

Qin Shou's declaration shattered the tranquil atmosphere, planting seeds of doubt among the onlookers, especially those unfamiliar with jade.

Jiang Hao's attire certainly didn't scream affluence.

If this were a genuine jade piece, it would be a rarity among them, much less something a poor young man could offer.

Whispers and murmurs spread rapidly through the crowd.

"No way, he's presenting a crystal craft as a gift?"

"I was puzzled, and it turns out to be crystal!"

"It's probably fake jade, considering the look of this fellow – hardly the image of wealth!"

"Yet, why do I have the impression that it's an actual treasure?"

Amidst the chatter, Jiang Hao remained composed, offering Qin Shou a smile that spoke volumes without uttering a single word.

"What's the matter? Show us this wonderful item, will you?"

At that moment, Soong Wanzhong approached with several distinguished guests, all smiles.

Qin Shou, swelling with pride, was just about to share the tale with Soong Wanzhong.

"Uncle Soong, Wan'er's classmate has been swindled. He's purchased a counterfeit pendant as a birthday gift for Wan'er, I..."

But before he could finish, an elderly man standing next to Soong Wanzhong caught a glimpse of the phoenix pendant in Soong Wan's grasp.

His eyes suddenly bulged, and in a flash, he was at Soong Wan's side, his gaze nearly gluing itself to the pendant.

He watched the phoenix pendant in Soong Wan's hand with the eager intensity of a child beholding a new toy.

The old man's abrupt movement caught everyone off guard.

Even Qin Shou found himself speechless.

Then, the elder nudged Soong Wan, who was transfixed by the pendant, and sheepishly requested,

"Wan'er, please, let me have a look at your pendant!"

All eyes immediately turned to the old man.

In that instant, Qin Shou was struck by an ominous premonition!

As expected, the very next second, Soong Wan snapped out of her daze. Recognizing the newcomer, she burst into delighted exclamations.

"Third Grandfather, it's really you! I'm so relieved. Please, could you check if this pendant is indeed Imperial Glass Green?"

With care, she passed the pendant to the old man beside her.

Soong Wan's inquiry detonated in the minds of the onlookers like a depth charge.

"Hiss!"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

"Imperial Glass Green?"

"Could it actually be genuine jade?"

"Oh my goodness! It's Imperial Glass Green jade!"