?Chapter 1709:


    As Brenna and Ethan made their way toward the field, groups of female students passed by on their way back to their dorms. Each one greeted them cheerfully, their faces lit with admiration.


    Over at the sports field, the survey team had gathered in a circle. They sat cross-legged on the grass, listening as Jarrett recounted the day’s progress.


    Then he said to Ethan, “We covered quite a few hills today. Thanks to the helicopter you provided, Mr. Mitchell, we saved a lot of time. Still, we haven’t found any usable jade mines yet. Brindleton has too many hills—it might take us another half month to finish the survey. If you’ve got other matters to attend to, you can head back. We’ll send the results once we’re done.”


    He seemed to enjoy his work. Retirement had left him with idle days spent fishing and walking his dog, so this assignment brought a refreshing sense of purpose back into his life.


    When Jarrett finished speaking, Aikin stepped forward and said, “Mr. Mitchell, we also ran into another survey team today. They’re from Timelong Surveying Company.”


    Ethan didn’t look surprised. He had expectedpetition. News of potential jade mines would never stay secret for long. “Do you know who their boss is?”


    Aikin nodded. “Denis and a woman by his side. From the way they acted, they seemed more than business partners.”


    Ethan’s expression sharpened slightly. “So, the Wagner family has taken an interest in this, too. That’s fine. Brindleton has countless hills. In the end, it’s just a matter of who strikes the right vein first.”


    Jarrett gave a reassuring nod. “Exactly. Don’t worry, Mr. Mitchell. We’ll find it before they do. Some vigers mentioned possible jade deposits about fifty miles southeast of here. The ce is still untouched, though the terrain is rough.”


    “If the roads are bad, we won’t bother with the car,” said Ethan. “We’ll take the helicopter. Jarrett, if there’s anything you or your team need, just tell me. I will help as much as I can.”


    Find your next adventure at gα ?η σ ν?? ?s


    Ethan’s tone was courteous, his respect clear.


    Jarrett smiled, clearly pleased. He appreciated Ethan’s respectful demeanor. Despite his wealth and power, the young CEO carried himself with sincerity and warmth.


    “Of course. By the way, your friend, the one looking to buy jade, should check out Mosswood. That’s the vige where we had lunch today. Quite a few families there keep stones at home. Your friend might find something valuable there.”


    Dustin eagerly presented the stones he’d gathered to his father, who examined them with great interest. Impressed by their quality, he praised his son warmly and urged him to continue collecting the next day.


    He even set aside the funds Dustin would need for it.


    When Dustin’s father had thergest stone split open, the brilliance inside left them both speechless. The jade was of top-tier quality—just that single piece could fetch hundreds of millions.


    His father’sughter echoed through the air, filled with pride and excitement.


    In the world of antiques and jade trading, profit was unpredictable. Years could pass without a sale, but one good find could secure a family’s future for decades.


    That was why, when a golden opportunity appeared, no one in the industry hesitated to chase it.


    That night, Dustin took thirty million in cash and flew back to Brindleton Girls’ School in a private helicopter.


    .


    .


    .