The precious warm jade was known only to Wu Wen, Gao Ruqing, and Hua Yan herself. While waiting patiently for Gao Ruqing to carve the warm jade, someone visited Gao Ruqing, hinting that they wanted to buy his warm jade.

"My respected elder, he has devoted his life to two things: his work and his collection of warm jade. Today, I am here only to offer something interesting for the old man who is busy with work," a man in his thirties, with a stern demeanor, said smoothly. Although Gao Ruqing, sitting across from him, looked displeased, the man showed no concern about not obtaining the warm jade.

Gao Ruqing, who had been at home for several days, stayed up late carving last night and fell asleep in the morning. He had just reached the sweetest part of his sleep at nine o'clock when the person across from him woke him up, persistently talking about the warm jade. He was furious to realize that someone had leaked information about the warm jade.

When he first saw the warm jade, he had thoughts of keeping it for himself, but he gave up that idea when he remembered Hua Yan's clear, trusting eyes.

He wasn't sure who leaked the information, but the name Li Dong was significant. A mid-level official with real power, Li Dong was a prominent figure, and his father was also a key figure in the central government. Having the warm jade targeted by him was truly unfortunate.

"It seems you are well aware of the warm jade's history and value, hence your visit. For thousands of years, family treasures have been handed down as heirlooms. Have you ever heard of selling a family heirloom?"

Li Dong sneered, "But I also know that for thousands of years, when a family falls on hard times or faces sudden disasters, they often sell their treasures to save their lives. Mr. Gao, aren't you worried that misfortune might come your way?"

This blatant threat, delivered with an air of inevitability, caused a storm within Gao Ruqing. If he found out who leaked the information, he wouldn't let them go. "Are you threatening or warning me?"

"That depends on how you interpret it. Life or death is in your hands. I'll give you three days to think it over. If you're curious about me, you can find my face on recent news broadcasts."

"Sir, your tea." The housekeeper, who had been with the family for over twenty years, since her twenties, and was now in her forties, Mrs. He, brought in the tea. After Gao Ruqing and his wife divided their assets and divorced, many of the servants either left with his wife or were dismissed. Only Mrs. He, grateful for the family's kindness, stayed to take care of Gao Ruqing. When Gao Ruqing inadvertently glanced at her, her avoidance deepened his suspicion. No one knew what he was thinking.

"Put it down and leave."

As he watched Mrs. He leave, Gao Ruqing immediately went to his study. He found Li Dong's image on recent central news broadcasts, following a certain leader while receiving a foreign president. Any hope of a lucky escape vanished. Things were moving in the worst possible direction.

He pounded his desk a few times, took a deep breath, and retrieved a phone from the safe to dial a number.

"Hello, Xiaoyan. Have you accidentally mentioned the warm jade to anyone recently?" Gao Ruqing needed to confirm his suspicions and eliminate any potential dangers.

Hua Yan, who was in class, sneaked out to take the call. Realizing the warm jade was causing trouble, she said, "No." She trusted Wu Wen completely. Over the past few days, she had only been eating, chatting, and walking with Hu Li and had never mentioned the warm jade.

Hu Li had been particularly busy lately, and their time together was limited. Mrs. Chang and her father, even if they knew something, would never speak out. Other people were even less likely.

"Your warm jade has been targeted... I'm sorry, it must have been someone around me who leaked it. I really..."

Suppressing her shock, Hua Yan said, "I trust you. Who is this formidable person causing so much trouble?" If it were a minor issue, Gao Ruqing would have dealt with it himself with his strong character. But from their conversation, Hua Yan sensed his helplessness and unease.

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"I found out that person is a secretary to a senior central official. He himself is very capable, and his father is also a key figure in the central government. He gave me three days to consider. Li Dong is the type who gets what he wants. We need to figure out a way to ensure the warm jade isn't taken and that we aren't harmed."

"You stall him, and I'll think of a plan. But if he targets your Feicui Carnival, tell him the warm jade is mine and let him come after me."

"Xiaoyan, can you handle him?"

"I'm not sure yet, but remember the old saying: 'A barefoot person is not afraid of someone wearing shoes.' We can't confront him directly; we need to be clever. And I won't give up the warm jade—it has a crucial purpose for me, and no one can take it away."

"Okay, I'll focus on finishing the jade pendant and the thumb ring."

Gao Ruqing then had someone take Mrs. He away. The next day, a woman's body was found in the moat. After investigation, the police discovered she was Mrs. He, the housekeeper at Gao Ruqing's home. Li Dong also tried to use this incident to pin something on Gao Ruqing.

But he underestimated the people in the underworld. In his eyes, they were insignificant, but in reality, they were like unstoppable warrior ants in an underground kingdom, meticulous and clean in their actions. In the end, Li Dong found nothing.

Back in the classroom, Hua Yan asked Cheng Qingqing to help her request leave from the class teacher. She hurriedly took a taxi to the antique and jade market in the suburbs and found Old Yang to inquire about the situation.

"You look hurried and anxious. Is something urgent?" Old Yang asked.

"Do you know someone named Li Dong in the central government? He's a secretary to a high-ranking official," Hua Yan asked urgently.

"Li Dong... Li Dong...," Old Yang's expression shifted from contemplation to astonishment. He couldn't help but ask, "Have you offended him? He's the youngest son of Li Jiaguo. This man is steady and seasoned, much like his father. If he's fixated on you, your days will be tough."

"So he's that influential. It's because of a piece of warm jade I have. But I'm not planning to give it to him!"

"Warm jade? Did you use your vision to find another treasure? I've warned you about overusing it; be careful not to end up like me," Old Yang scolded her. He had no children of his own and treated Hua Yan like a daughter, deeply concerned for her safety.

"Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine," Hua Yan reassured him.

Old Yang glared at her before continuing, "You always get into trouble. But about the Li family—I've heard Li Jiaguo is passionate about collecting warm jade, but a single piece shouldn't drive him to such extremes, should it?"

"The warm jade I have is of the highest quality. Anyone who sees it would be tempted."

"Why is that?" Old Yang asked curiously.

"It has jade mist and jade marrow, qualities that seem otherworldly," Hua Yan explained.

Old Yang's mouth dropped open, his eyes filled with disbelief. Impatient, Hua Yan pushed him slightly to bring him back to reality. "This is incredible!"

"But it exists," she insisted.

"If that's the case, it explains why Li Dong is after you. Do you have any plans?"

"The warm jade is being carved by Mr. Gao. Li Dong knows it's with him but doesn't know about me yet. I'm not sure what to do next."

"My advice is to stay hidden for now. I'll keep an eye on Li Dong and have Old Qiao talk to him."

"That sounds good. Li Dong gave Mr. Gao three days to decide—how arrogant."

"Because he has power."

On the third day, Li Dong didn't appear before Gao Ruqing, allowing Gao Ruqing to relax a bit. Li Dong couldn't understand why Gao Ruqing could enlist Old Qiao's help. For now, Li Dong decided to delay his actions, but he wouldn't easily give up on the warm jade after seeing its photos.

At the Feicui Carnival press conference, several reporters unexpectedly asked if they had obtained top-quality jadeite during the recent rough stone procurement. They inquired whether it would be auctioned or kept as a family heirloom and when it would be displayed for public viewing if it were for sale.

The secretary was unaware of the warm jade issue. He assumed someone was maliciously trying to disrupt the press conference. When he denied the reporters' questions, many believed him, though some speculated he was merely a skilled liar, hiding the truth about the prized jadeite.

Due to these unexpected questions about top-quality jadeite and other sensitive issues, the press conference left both Gao Ruqing and the secretary exhausted. In the lounge, the secretary asked, "Could it be that Xiaoyan indeed brought back top-quality jadeite from her procurement?"

"That's Xiaoyan's private matter. She'll tell you if necessary," Gao Ruqing replied. The questions at the conference were clearly arranged by someone. Although they managed to silence the reporters, the issue wasn't over.

In the following days, Feicui Carnival was swamped with inspections from various government departments—commerce, health, regulatory, taxation, police—scrutinizing every minor issue. Even trivial matters were blown out of proportion, pushing Feicui Carnival to the brink.

"Today, the bank manager called and said our loan can't be deferred any longer. It must be repaid immediately, or the bank will seize Feicui Carnival's assets," an executive reported.

"They took so much of our money, and now they turn on us just like that. It's as bad as the police," Gao Ruqing fumed.