The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 397

Chapter 397: Chapter 397 Stone Betting
Zhane grunted slightly but remained where he stood, taking a moment to collect himself. He never imagined that his first date would be more nerve-wracking than performing his first surgery as chief surgeon.

He felt a flutter of nervousness in his stomach but pushed it aside, taking a deep breath to steady himself. As he walked over to his collection of clothes, he realized, much like his friends, that he had little to choose from aside from a few three-piece suits, tuxedos, and various formal attire.

His casual attire was limited to home clothes, leaving him conflicted. He wanted to present a different side of himself to Hera. Whether he admitted it or not, Dave’s comment about him acting old struck a chord. He worried that wearing a suit on the date would only reinforce that perception, especially given his naturally formal demeanor.

He wanted to dress casually to reflect his youthfulness, like the idols featured in magazines and on TV. However, his intense focus on work meant he hadn’t prepared any such outfits. It was only yesterday that he realized what he was lacking and knew he needed to make a change.

Now, he felt increasingly insecure about how he might appear to Hera if he showed up in his usual attire. With no time to shop for something new, he had to improvise. He scanned his closet and eventually chose a black shirt and white khaki pants—an outfit his mother had bought for him, hoping he would look good in it.

After hanging in his closet for so long, the outfit had finally found its moment. If his mother knew he was finally trying it on, she might burst into tears. Zhane was known for sticking to his routines and only doing what was familiar, so this decision to change his style was a significant breakthrough.

After putting on his black shirt and white khaki pants, Zhane tucked his shirt neatly into his pants. To complete the look, he chose a pair of simple LOUIS STITCH Men’s Brunette Brown Shoes Slipon Square Design Style, adding a touch of casual elegance. He finished off the outfit with a Paul Newman Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6239 watch, balancing sophistication with a relaxed style.

Zhane appeared both sophisticated and striking in his new look. Without his usual by-the-book gentleman’s attire, he exuded a refreshing charm. His captivating emerald eyes alone could turn heads, and the two buttons he left undone on his shirt revealed a hint of his alluring collarbone.

Zhane studied his reflection in the mirror, nodding with a mix of determination and self-assurance. He quickly headed to the garage, where he slid into his Ferrari 812 Superfast GTS. The sleek, silver-gray sports car, with its understated design, perfectly complemented his sophisticated aura. The engine’s smooth, quiet purr was a testament to its refined power, mirroring Zhane’s own poised demeanor.

As Zhane’s Ferrari 812 Superfast GTS pulled up in front of the Dragon Jade Building, Hera was already at the entrance, having taken Zhane’s word that he’d arrive in 30 minutes. Just as the car came to a stop, Hera was about to step outside. The smooth purr of the engine caught her attention, and though she wasn’t a car expert, she couldn’t help but admire the sleek, sophisticated vehicle.

The car’s engine emitted a refined, smooth hum rather than the typical noisy revving, which immediately impressed Hera. As Zhane arrived with the roof down, she got a clear view of the antique brown leather seats. The combination of the car’s sleek, understated design and its quiet performance won her approval, reflecting a sophisticated elegance that she appreciated.

“Nice ride!” Hera commented as Zhane stepped out of the car. True to his gentlemanly nature, Zhane didn’t allow Hera to open her own door. When she reached for it, he gave her a meaningful smile, signaling her to wait. Understanding immediately, Hera stood back as Zhane gracefully opened the door for her before moving to his own side of the car.

As she settled into her seat, Hera took a moment to observe Zhane. It was the first time she saw him looking more casual yet still carrying an air of subtle seriousness. This new side of him was like a finely aged wine—refined and captivating in a way that stirred something within her. He looked strikingly handsome, and the effect was both irresistible and thrilling.

Hera smiled at Zhane as she buckled her seatbelt. Zhane didn’t drive off immediately; he first ensured that Hera was securely fastened and comfortable in her seat. Satisfied, he set off toward the antique district. The area was bustling with a variety of antique shops, from old history establishments with century-old histories to newly opened boutiques.

This area is typically frequented by older individuals who enjoy browsing and discovering treasures. There are also smaller stalls, which, despite being less prestigious, are tightly secured to protect the elderly from any potential exploitation.

The district is accessible to middle-class visitors as well, with stalls offering more affordable items. However, these goods often have only a decade of history and don’t quite qualify as true antiques.

Despite its focus on antiques, the district remains a popular destination for many due to its vibrant atmosphere. Veterans and elderly individuals, including those from prominent families, often mingle with the crowd, adding to the charm and appeal of the place.

In addition to the antique shops, there are rows of stalls offering raw, unopened stones—a practice known as “stone betting.” This attracts those seeking the thrill of a potentially lucrative gamble, making it a legitimate form of gambling in the area.

When Hera and Zhane arrived, they passed by rows of bustling stores, eventually coming upon a grand three-story pagoda teeming with activity. Despite the early hour, the place was alive with a steady stream of visitors.

The large, eye-catching signboard read “Pearl Jade Raw Stone,” its bold, golden lettering standing out prominently from afar. Hera gazed at the sign with interest, noting the lively scene, and smiled as her eyes narrowed into slits.

She was tempted to explore the bustling pagoda and its intriguing offerings. Tapping her lips with her index finger, she weighed the decision of whether to venture inside or stick to their original plans. After all, Zhane was accompanying her, and she didn’t want to drag him along on an impromptu detour unless it was something he’d enjoy.

Zhane, who had been attentively watching her every move and expression, noticed her interest in the pagoda. With a subtle glance at the bustling entrance, he smiled warmly. “Would you like to take a look? It could be quite an experience, and who knows, you might even find a unique souvenir,” he suggested with a cool, casual tone. Gently taking Hera’s hand, he guided her toward the entrance with a reassuring touch.

Inside the pagoda, there were multiple levels. The first level featured a common area just outside the main entrance. This space was filled with crates of small stones, and many people were busy inspecting and selecting their stones using small lights to check for any internal illumination or translucency.

Once they had chosen their stones, they proceeded to the payment area. After payment, they had the option to either take the stone with them or have it cut by the stone master.