My New Eyes Can See Through Clothes

Jack didn't stick around to hear more. The heavy wooden door of Reed's Antique slammed shut behind him as he stepped outside, frustration boiling within. The pendant had to be worth something—his 'Celestial Eye' had told him so. The pulsating golden light that always flickered in the corner of his vision when something valuable was near had practically screamed at him when he first laid eyes on it. Trusting that power more than the dismissive opinion of some lazy shop clerk, Jack clutched the pendant in his hand, his grip tight with agitation.

He paced in the narrow street for a moment, his breath coming in heavy puffs. "How could that guy not know its value?" Jack muttered under his breath, glaring back at the store. Reed's Antique might have been reputable, but Mark, the clerk, had been too arrogant to care about anything Jack had brought in. "That idiot couldn't tell the difference between an antique and a cheap knock-off if it hit him in the face," Jack spat, irritation spilling over.

His eyes darted around, searching for another option. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Across the street, a small shop caught his eye: Noble Collection. It wasn't as large or flashy as Reed's Antique, but it exuded an air of quiet authenticity.

The shopfront was old-fashioned but elegant, with a simple wooden sign swaying in the breeze. A man in a traditional gown sat outside on a creaky rocking chair, his face relaxed and his demeanor serene. He looked out over the street with calm confidence, as though he had all the time in the world.

Jack's frustration began to fade, replaced by a sense of curiosity. Jack walked toward the man.

The man opened one eye lazily as Jack approached, his lips curling into a warm smile. "What brings you here, little brother?" he asked in a smooth, welcoming voice.

The man's friendly tone was a stark contrast to the cold indifference Jack had faced just minutes earlier.

"I have something," Jack began. He pulled the pendant from his pocket, the weight of it reassuring in his palm. "I'd like you to take a look at it."

The man stood up gracefully, as though time had no hold on him, and motioned for Jack to follow. His gown flowed behind him as he led Jack through a narrow doorway into the shop, the scent of polished wood and old paper filling the air.

The interior of Noble Collection was quaint yet elegant. Antiques of all kinds were neatly arranged on dark wooden shelves, each item displayed with care. Soft lighting cast a gentle glow over the room, highlighting the craftsmanship of the pieces. There were no garish signs or flashy advertisements here—just a quiet sense of history and value.

Jack couldn't help but glance around as they walked, his eyes catching on various items. There were intricately carved jade figurines, delicate porcelain vases, and ancient scrolls, all of which seemed to hold their own secrets.

The man in green clothes settled behind a small wooden table, his movements slow and deliberate. He pulled a pair of glasses from his pocket and placed them on the bridge of his nose, his attention now fully on Jack and the pendant. "Let me see this treasure of yours," he said.

Jack handed over the pendant, feeling a strange sense of anticipation. Unlike Mark at Reed's, the man didn't rush. He took the pendant carefully, holding it up to the light. The faint glow from a nearby lantern reflected off the polished surface of the blue stone, casting flickers of light across the room.

The man in green turned the pendant over in his hands, feeling its weight, running his fingers over the intricate carvings with practiced precision. His focus was absolute—every touch, every glance filled with expertise. Jack watched him closely, sensing that this man knew exactly what he was doing. Each second that passed felt heavy with expectation.

After what felt like an eternity, the man finally exhaled, a slow smile spreading across his face. His eyes gleamed as he looked up at Jack.

"Little brother, may I ask how much you paid for this?" the man said, his voice casual.

"Got it for free," Jack said with a shy smile, scratching the back of his head. "But… is it an antique?"

The man in green nodded slowly, a glint of admiration in his eyes as he examined the pendant again. "Indeed it is. The original name of this piece is the Ruby Dynasty Blue Locket. It's carved from a rare sapphire, the craftsmanship of which speaks to a long-lost era. Look here," he said, pointing to the double-sided carvings. "This is the style of that time. The ruby at the center symbolizes nobility—only those of the highest status would have owned such a piece."

Jack felt his heart race. He had known there was something special about the pendant, but hearing it confirmed by someone so knowledgeable sent a thrill through him. "So… how much is it worth?" he asked, his voice barely concealing his excitement.

The man didn't mock Jack's enthusiasm. In fact, he seemed to share in the moment, his smile widening. "If I had been the one to find such a treasure at your age, I probably would've jumped onto the nearest roof by now," he chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But to answer your question…"

The man raised his hand, holding up five fingers.

Jack's eyes narrowed in thought. "Five hundred thousand?" he guessed, though he knew it might be five million but he still couldn't believe it.

The man chuckled again, a low, deep sound that filled the room. "Add another zero," he said with a smile, clearly enjoying Jack's reaction.

Jack's breath caught in his throat. Five million? His Celestial Eye had mentioned that exact number, but hearing it spoken aloud by an expert made his head spin.

The man continued, his voice calm and measured. "Five million is just the reserve price. If this were to go to auction, it wouldn't be hard to imagine it fetching an additional two million—though, of course, that would take some time."

Seven million. Jack's mind reeled at the thought.

The man eaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "Little brother, how about this? I'll buy the pendant from you right here. Five million, cash on the spot."

Jack thought for a moment and nodded. The transaction was complete, and Jack found himself staring at his phone, the extra five million sitting comfortably in his account. His head swam with disbelief.

The man—no, Uncle Leo—looked at Jack with a knowing smile. "You did well, little brother," he said softly. "But tell me… do you have a job? My Noble Collection could use someone with sharp eyes like yours."

Before Jack could respond, his Celestial Eyes opened on their own. The golden light flickered and converged into a row of text.

[He is kind if he can, protect people he can and generous to his people]

Jack's heart skipped a beat. An assessment of Uncle Leo? He hadn't expected it, but it solidified his decision.

"Thank you, Uncle Leo. I'd love to work with you."

Leo grinned. "I'll pay you 1,000 a month, plus commissions on anything you help identify. Food is covered, but accommodation… well, that's on you. Think you can handle it?"

Jack nodded. "I understand. I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Leo waved him off playfully. "Come to work tomorrow. Prepare yourself well, little brother."

With that, Jack left the shop, his mind buzzing with excitement for the new chapter ahead.