Mr. Sterling gazed at the solid block of blood-red stone, clicking his tongue repeatedly in admiration. The quality of this stone was simply outstanding—the best of the best. He adored it, so he turned to Vera Xavier and asked, "Vera, are you selling this stone?"
"It's not for sale," Vera Xavier said with a smile. "This is my birthday gift for Master Nathan. He just offered me a hundred yuan for it, and I didn't sell!"
Mr. Sterling paused for a moment, then instantly understood. He realized Vera Xavier was indirectly warning him to be wary of the shop owner, but she'd done it in such a playful way. He burst out laughing.
He and the shop owner had known each other for some time. The owner wouldn't dare pull any tricks in front of him, but he wasn't an entirely honest man, either.
The shop owner said sheepishly, "I was just teasing you. You actually took it seriously!"
