?Chapter 1696:


    Neville grinned. “I’m dying to know why Mrs. Mitchell sent these rocks. They look beautiful—could they actually be jade?”


    Ethan held a fist-sized stone, illuminating its sliced surface with a shlight to study its inner texture.


    “It appears to be jade. This one’s quality is remarkable—potentially worth millions if crafted into a bracelet.” He sensed he hade across a potentially lucrative opportunity.


    “This yellow one is beautiful, too; you don’t see that shade often.” Neville and Rex examined the stones closely.


    Though not an expert, Ethan could tell their quality was notable, but a professional valuation was needed to confirm their worth.


    “My mom mentioned that many families in Brindleton often find stones like these in the mountains. She’s convinced there’s a jade mine and urged me to check it out,” Ethan said.


    Buried in work, he still intended to make the trip soon.


    He turned to Neville. “Did you get in touch with Dustin Guerrero?” His gaze was fixed on thergest stone, wondering if it might be a rare jade, though he wasn’t certain.


    “Everything is set. He’s ready for us to bring him the stones,” Neville replied, turning one over in his hand. “Should we head out now?”


    Ethan nodded. “Yeah, let’s go and grab a meal together.”


    Dustin, who owned a stall in the antique market, was a seasoned expert in jade and other valuables.


    On the way, Ethan dialed Elsa, who had just finished teaching and was walking to the canteen for lunch.


    “Mom, your stones arrived. They look like top-notch jade. I’m taking them to a friend for a proper evaluation,” he said calmly.


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    Elsa was in a good mood. “That’s incredible! If they’re valuable, that’s a game-changer. Locals here have simr stones, but the nearby jade dealer ims they’re worthless, offering little for them. I’m sure he’s ripping them off. You should visit soon—the school’s roof is leaking, and the rainy season is near. Could you help fix it and bring some sports equipment, musical instruments, and books? It’s pretty tough here.”


    Elsa listed her requests, and Ethan agreed without hesitation, moved by her evident joy in her work.


    “What are you going to have for lunch, Mom?” he asked.


    “Just simple pasta.”


    “And any sides?”


    “Boiled cabbage with onions.”


    Ethan knew that the food there was worlds away from the refined cuisine prepared by a private chef at a five-star restaurant. He was shocked that Elsa didn’tin about it.


    A blend of relief and concern surged through Ethan as he realized his mother had finally discovered a rewarding profession. Despite challenging conditions, Elsa remained uining, her phone calls filled with enthusiasm for her students, her tone radiating a vibrancy surpassing her days with the theater group.


    “You won’t believe what happened recently,” Elsa said. “One of my brightest students, blessed with extraordinary musical ability, faced a forced marriage to an older, visually impaired man because her family needed money for her brother’s medical care. I couldn’t let her potential be buried, so I provided thirty thousand to secure her return.”


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