Chapter 186
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Wendy caught the box, still stunned. By the time she regained focus, Quiana was gone. She glanced at the box in her hands.
The box was etched with delicate, intricate patterns, showcasing vintage charm. Wendy couldn’t identify the flower, but it was undeniably beautiful.
A faint, lingering fragrance wafted from the box as she opened it.
Her eyes widened in surprise at the sword–shaped hairpin inside.
The tiny hairpin was exquisitely detailed, its sword–shaped handle adorned with vivid carvings that seemed almost alive.
The design, though slightly different from the box, was beautiful. The flower motif resembled Quana’s, with a subtle variation Wendy couldn’t place.
It resembled emerald in color but felt cooler to the touch. Elegant yet knightly, the hairpin exuded both grace and strength The hairpin’s appearance alone suggested it was a valuable piece.
gback
Wendy stood there, lost in thought for a moment. Eventually, she snapped back to reality, closing the box and heading! to the dorm.
Sofia, Wendy’s roommate, noticed her return from the bathroom, holding a mysterious box. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “Hey, what’s that?”
Wendy said. “Oh. Quiana just gave it to me.”
“Quiana gave you that?” Sofia’s eyes widened. “What is it?
Wendy showed her the box. “It’s a hairpin.”
Sofia eagerly grabbed the box, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns. When she recognized the scent, her eyes widened in shock. “It’s sandalwood!”
What Sandalwood?” Wendy was puzzled.
Sofia didn’t respond. She examined every inch of the box, her nose almost pressed to the lid, inhaling the faint yet distinct
aroma.
Sofia was in disbelief as she inhaled the delicate scent. “Sandalwood. This box must be made from a tree at least a hundred years old! Who’d waste such precious wood on a jewelry box?”
Over the past 14 days, the girls got to know each other better. Sofia, raised in a family of antique collectors and timber merchants, developed a deep knowledge of fine craftsmanship and wood types.
Wendy didn’t know much about wood, bur the look on Sofia’s face told her this was no ordinary item. “Is it really that expensive!”
Sofia’s eyes widened as she held up the box. “Just this raw piece of wood, unpolished, could easily fetch 350 thousand
dollars
And that was the minimum value..
Sofia continued, her excitement evident. “This piece is over a hundred years old. It could easily fetch three million dollars!”
Scarcity drives the value. This rare sandalwood only grows in the unique climatic conditions of the far south
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19:11 Wed, 16 Apr
Chapter 186
Every year, only a small quantity was harvested. It was highly sought after by antique enthusiasts.
She remembered attending an auction with her dad where a pair of wooden walnuts, made from the heartwood of sandalwood, went on sale.
That piece was only 30 years old, yet the bids from cultured, wealthy collectors drove the price up to an incredible sig
million dollars.
Wendy admired the box’s craftsmanship and fragrance, assuming it was expensive, but Sofia’s assessment left her stunned.
“Let me see what kind of priceless gem might be inside this three–million–dollar box” Excited, Sofia slowly lifted the lid and froze when she saw what lay within.
At first glance, Sofia was captivated by the beauty of the hairpin, but as she examined it, she was shocked. After a long she asked stiffly, “Wendy, is this really from Quiana?”
Wendy nodded. The look on Sofia’s face made her heart skip a beat. “Don’t tell me this hairpin is expensive too…
Sofia’s expression was complex. “It’s worth far more than you think…”
Wendy was startled. “You know what it is too?”
Sofia wiped her hand on her clothes before gingerly taking the hairpin. A chill tingled through her fingers as she held it.
She examined the intricate design in the light, her voice filled with awe as she said, “This it’s real emerald…”
pause.
AD
