Chapter 22: Billions in Cash Into My Wallet!

Early in the morning, Gu Man felt completely at ease, full of energy, and fully charged.

She got to work.

First, she called Zhang Ma and told her not to come in the next couple of days, but her salary would still be paid.

Then, she went to the basement, aimed at the safe, and with a faint light, her eyes scanned the door, which opened.

She pulled out a pink diamond the size of a baby’s fist and, after thinking for a moment, also took out the Hetian mutton fat jade Buddha statue.

After taking a photo, she sent it to her eldest uncle.

She was in need of money.

Although she had a billion in liquid assets, it wasn’t nearly enough to support a base.

She’d put the Gu Group’s stocks aside for now.

If Gu Mingren and the others didn’t make things too extreme, she wouldn’t leave them without room for negotiation.

Although she hated to admit it…

The truth was, she still held onto a bit of mercy.

It was the last bit of mercy based on blood ties.

She wanted money, and the fastest and most advantageous way was, of course, to turn to Xu Group’s leader, who had done even better than the Gu Group.

Her mother had severed ties with the Xu family to marry Gu Mingren, but she hadn’t.

She’d reclaimed her mother’s shares, with some help from a few uncles.

“One, two, three…”

In less than ten seconds, her eldest uncle called.

“Manman, the photo you sent me—is it real or AI-generated?”

“You know, my old eyes can’t tell.”

Gu Man sweetly replied:

“Uncle, why ask? Of course, it’s—”

There was a deep breath from the other side, and a tense silence as he awaited her answer.

“It’s not fake.”

“Ah, I thought so… Wait, you’re telling me it’s real?!”

Her eldest uncle’s voice rose by eight degrees.

Realizing that this might scare her, he quickly lowered his voice.

“Manman, your cat is a bit strange.”

Gu Man glanced over. The cat, elegant with its hooves in the snow, turned gracefully, leading a small group of followers.

She gave a sheepish smile:

“This cat’s a bit wild, but it won’t harm anyone.”

Yeah, right.

Xu Hanhai finally felt at ease and introduced an elderly man beside him.

“This is Master Zhong, a top appraiser from the Jiade Auction House. Manman, show him those two items for his appraisal.”

Gu Man nodded.

“Master Zhong, please.”

She casually pointed at the baby-sized pink diamond and the mutton fat jade Buddha statue that lay on the table. Master Zhong nearly fainted when he saw them.

He glared angrily at Gu Man.

“Such waste! How could you just leave such treasures on a table like this?!”

“Such treasures…”

He immediately rushed forward, opened the box lined with silk, and carefully took out the velvet cloth to wipe the diamond and statue, all while gasping in awe.

“This is a natural pink diamond, uncut! The purity, transparency, and refraction are already top-tier… And the reflective light—so captivating! I can’t even imagine how stunning it would be once it’s cut!”

“Compared to this, that $83 million pink star diamond doesn’t even compare. This one could absolutely break records!”

“This mutton fat jade Buddha statue is carved so lifelike, the expression full of compassion. The smooth, delicate texture—this is definitely a rare piece worthy of a collection!”

Master Zhong was utterly mesmerized, constantly praising.

Xu Hanhai listened, his eyes gleaming.

He glanced at his calm niece and paused for a moment.

“She’s so calm. Could it be that my precious niece has even more treasures?”

While pondering this, he asked Master Zhong.

“Can I send these items to Jiade for a global auction? Can you estimate their value?”

Master Zhong was thrilled.

If these treasures went to Jiade, it would likely elevate their status even further, potentially making them the number one auction house.

“The jade statue could easily fetch 100 to 200 million yuan, given that mutton fat jade is prized in China, though it’s not as recognized internationally.”

“But this pink diamond, given its rarity and perfection, could easily fetch $1 billion!”

Master Zhong then made an offer, his eyes gleaming.

“How about this, Xu Zong, I’ll buy this jade statue myself. I’m willing to pay 300 million yuan.”

This price far exceeded his original estimate.

Xu Hanhai looked toward Gu Man.

“Manman, what do you think?”

Gu Man said, “Of course, that’s fine.”

Master Zhong’s sparkling eyes turned toward Gu Man.

The decision lay in her hands.

At such a young age, she was already worth billions.

Her calm demeanor toward wealth made others feel inferior.

Such a young person, yet so formidable.

“Uncle, I need cash. I can’t wait for the auction time. I’ll sell this diamond to you for 1 billion yuan. How does that sound?”

Xu Hanhai rejected firmly:

“That’s not enough! 5 billion! This way, I’ll make a profit, and you won’t lose out!”

Gu Man was suspicious:

“Ah, Uncle? Do you have that kind of money?”

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him, but business was hard these days, and few people had 5 billion in cash.

Xu Hanhai’s face turned red, but he spoke confidently:

“Don’t worry, my grandnephew. I may not have that much cash, but I have connections. With such a valuable diamond, I’m sure those old guys will be interested.”

“I’ll give you 1 billion first, and the remaining 4 billion will be ready in a week.”

“Wow! Uncle, you’re really my uncle!”

Xu Hanhai immediately transferred 1 billion.

Master Zhong also transferred 300 million.

Gu Man’s wallet was full again.

Her mind was at ease.

“Uncle, you’ve really helped me out. Can you help me with one more small favor? Introduce me to a few grain companies.”

Xu Hanhai looked at her suspiciously.

“Well, I want to buy some grain and store it up. In case the apocalypse suddenly hits, I’ll be prepared.”

“Well, if you didn’t say that, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

He immediately gave her a few phone numbers.

“Just say I recommended you. They won’t ask why, and they’ll help you with any follow-up issues.”

“But remember, don’t use this grain to do anything harmful to the country or people.”

Gu Man immediately promised.

She wasn’t going to harm anyone. She was trying to save lives.

Saving the lives of future generations.

Before leaving, Master Zhong reminded her to never casually leave such treasures out again.

Gu Man repeatedly promised.

“Uncle, thank you. This gift is for you. You can either wear it or give it to Aunt, but don’t sell it.”

Xu Hanhai opened it, revealing a thumb-sized blue gemstone.

The moment he opened it, Master Zhong leaned in, excited:

“Xu Zong, I can—”

Smack.

Xu Hanhai closed the box.

“You can’t.”