Vivian glanced at Hiram Southgate, and he immediately caught the message. "Old man, we're making the payment—here's a hundred thousand. Don't back out on the deal! If you do, you'll be in for a very bad time."
Old Johnson of course knew he couldn't back out; business was founded on trust, after all.
Many people who knew their stuff realized the stone could be worth billions; if it were to be developed and artistically carved, its value would rise even higher.
One individual said to Vivian, "Hello, miss. I'm a renowned carving artist from Huaguoel. I'd like to buy this piece of jade from you. Will you sell it to me? Name your price; I have no shortage of money, only fine jade."
Vivian replied, "No! I need this stone for something."
Stone? Stone? Vivian actually called it 'stone,' which unsettled the master right away.
He felt that Vivian and the others seemed young and likely didn't recognize the treasure they held.
