Ocean Blue Oath

Pawnshop Chronicles

In the evening, Emilia returned to her home, a dilapidated cottage on the outskirts of the city. The surrounding houses looked old and dilapidated, as if forgotten by time.

However, Emilia was already familiar with everything here. She quietly opened the door, carefully checked all around the house, and found no signs of anyone breaking in for no reason, then took the necklace out of her pocket.

Emilia carefully examined the sapphire necklace named "Tears of Deep Blue," and suddenly murmured, "Since it already belongs to me, maybe I should sell it to improve my life."

After a moment, Emilia hid the necklace in the deepest part of the wardrobe, then sat on the tattered sofa and began searching online for information about "Tears of Deep Blue."

After some searching, she was astonished to discover that this necklace was actually one of the most outstanding works by one of the most famous masters of the 20th century. It once belonged to the legendary actress Taylor, and was one of her most beloved jewels. However, after Taylor's death, this necklace disappeared from the public eye, becoming a legend.

According to online estimates, the price of this "Tears of the Deep Blue" necklace is at least over $100,000.

The next day, Emilia carefully picked out a blue dress she used to wear often. Although the style was outdated, with her skillful touch, it still looked neat and elegant. She double-checked her makeup in the mirror, and after confirming everything was perfect, she took a deep breath and, with the sapphire necklace "Deep Blue Tear," stepped into the "Pawn Star" pawnshop located in the city's wealthy district.

She used to be a regular customer of this shop, but this time she was here to pawn an item.

As soon as she entered the shop, Emilia felt the familiar yet strange luxurious atmosphere. She walked past the magnificent chandelier and found the owner of the pawnshop.

Zorn, the owner, was a burly middle-aged man with a bald head. At the moment, he was polishing a katana at the counter. "Emilia, long time no see," Zorn said in his booming voice.

Emilia nodded at Zorn and approached the counter, gently placing the "Deep Blue Tear" on it.

Zorn's eyes were immediately drawn to the necklace. He put on a pair of gloves, carefully cradled the necklace in his left hand, and picked up a magnifying glass with his right hand to examine it closely.

After a moment, Zorn placed the "Deep Blue Tear" on a silver tray, still showing a hint of excitement on his face. "This... this is the 'Deep Blue Tear'?"

"Yes," Emilia replied calmly and firmly.

Zorn meticulously inspected the necklace, occasionally exclaiming in admiration. Finally, he looked up at Emilia and said, "Are you willing to sell it? I can offer you a good price."

Emilia nodded, indicating her agreement. Zorn pondered for a moment and then offered an astonishing price: "One hundred fifty thousand dollars."

Emilia was slightly taken aback but quickly regained her composure. She nodded, signaling her acceptance of the price.

Zorn was visibly pleased and said, "It looks like I need to prepare a large sum of money. Please wait a moment; you'll have your check soon."

Emilia nodded and stood quietly by the counter, waiting.

"Ha! I thought it was someone else. Isn't it Emilia? I thought I'd never see you in this neighborhood again."

At that moment, a sharp voice reached Emilia's ears.

Emilia looked up and saw a middle-aged woman, adorned with jewelry, walking in with a man on her arm. When the woman saw Emilia standing by the counter in her blue dress, a flash of surprise and jealousy crossed her eyes.

The woman said sarcastically, "What? You're here to pawn something too? It seems like you're not doing well."

Emilia recognized the woman as her former neighbor, Farrah. Farrah's favorite pastime was changing men like changing clothes, and they had had some conflicts in the past.

Emilia didn't want to engage with the woman, but Farrah continued to mock her relentlessly: "I heard you got divorced? How pitiful. Where are you living now, and how did you end up in such a state?"

Emilia didn't respond to Farrah's taunts, but Farrah took her silence as a sign of cowardice and became even more aggressive. She pointed to the necklace on the counter and said, "That necklace looks nice, but it's probably fake and not worth much, right? After all, you're now relying on pawning to get by."

Emilia couldn't help but frown but still maintained her composure. However, Farrah's boyfriend started to act inappropriately, ogling Emilia and extending a hand while saying, "Kevin, a practicing lawyer. I've heard about your situation from Farrah. Maybe I can offer you some legal assistance."

Emilia frowned. The man's behavior reopened her wounds, making her angry, but she didn't forget why she was there. She restrained her anger and said, "No need. Please leave; I want to be alone for a while."

Farrah and her boyfriend were annoyed by Emilia's words, but they couldn't find a reason to lash out. Kevin then loudly said to the store staff, "Where's your boss? I need to buy a gift for this lovely lady, Farrah."

At that moment, Zorn, the pawnshop owner, came out of his office. He nodded at Emilia before approaching the couple. "Good morning, you two. I'm Zorn, the owner of Pawn Star. How can I assist you?"

Kevin was very satisfied with Zorn's attitude. He carefully surveyed the items in the display case and then pointed to the tray in front of Emilia, which held the "Deep Blue Tear." "I think this necklace would make a perfect Valentine's Day gift for my dear girlfriend, Farrah."

"Oh! Darling! This is the best gift I've received this year," Farrah said, feigning delight.

Zorn's expression was peculiar as he asked, "Are you sure you want this necklace?"

Kabin's tone was displeased, "do you think I can't afford to pay for this necklace, or is it not yet owned by this pawnshop."

"You are right, sir, but it will soon become Pawn Star's most precious item," Zon said as he handed the check to Emilia. "Emilia, as agreed, this Deep Blue Tear now belongs to Pawn Star."

Emilia took the check and nodded towards Zon, "Of course, but I have one last request, please find a good buyer for it."

"Of course!" Zon readily agreed to Emilia's request, then turned to Kabin with a professional smile, "But I believe a customer willing to pay a high price for it will surely be a good buyer, right? For a generous $200,000, you can have this precious Deep Blue Tear sapphire necklace, sir."

"Two... two hundred thousand dollars," Kabin stuttered. Although he was a high-earning lawyer, spending two hundred thousand on a necklace for a woman he barely knew, was he crazy?

Farrah was shocked when she saw the check, unable to speak. She couldn't believe that the woman she used to look down upon could now have so much money. She was almost driven mad by jealousy, but she managed to restrain her anger and said to her boyfriend, "Darling, you will buy this necklace, won't you?"

Kabin hesitated and said, "This... this is a bit expensive, isn't it? Can we... look at other options?"

Farrah exploded as soon as she heard this. She questioned loudly, "What do you mean? Do you think I don't deserve to wear such an expensive necklace? Or do you not want to spend money on me at all?"

Cornered by Farrah's questioning, Kabin could only smile awkwardly without a word. However, Farrah continued to press him relentlessly, "You must buy me this necklace today, or we are done!"

Unable to bear Farrah's unreasonable behavior any longer, Kabin finally erupted, "Fine, let's break up. Do you think I can't live without you?" With that, he shook off Farrah's hand, turned and left the pawnshop without looking back.

Farrah was stunned by her boyfriend's departure. She never thought she would lose him over a necklace. She shouted in anger, but her boyfriend was already far away. Everyone in the pawnshop looked at her with strange eyes, feeling ashamed, she could only leave the pawnshop dejectedly.

Zon, the owner of Pawn Star, shrugged and put away the tray containing the Deep Blue Tear. "It seems like today is not a good day for business."

Emilia knew he was deliberately trying to provoke her and said softly, "Thank you."

Zon gave Emilia a hearty smile and extended a broad hand, "This was just a transaction, wasn't it?"

Emilia also smiled brightly and shook hands with him, "Of course, it was a good deal."