One day later, the news that Cimei would be auctioning Master “Kong”’s third work of the year spread through the entire circle like wildfire.
No one doubted the authenticity of the news after all, if Cimei didn’t want to ruin its reputation in Jiangcheng, it wouldn’t do something so reckless.
Naturally, the news reached Shi Mingqian’s ears.
The moment he heard it, he immediately summoned Ye Xiangwen.
“Did Cimei send an invitation for the auction?”
Ye Xiangwen nodded. “Yes. You’ve been complaining that Cimei’s good pieces are getting rarer and rarer, so you weren’t planning to go this time.”
“Quickly, find the invitation hurry!”
“Why the rush? Did something happen?”
“The highlight of the auction is a piece by Master ‘Kong’! I’ve been fretting over where to get one myself, and now it seems heaven is helping me!”
Hearing this, Ye Xiangwen also became excited.
Shi Yiyan, standing to the side, only caught bits and pieces. Master? One piece is that valuable?
Seeing her daughter confused, Ye Xiangwen explained with a smile: “Master ‘Kong’ suddenly appeared a few years ago. Normally, works by newcomers aren’t worth much, but Master ‘Kong’ is different. It’s said that his works calm the mind and bring peace, especially for the elderly regular viewing can even reduce minor ailments.”
Shi Yiyan’s face twisted in disbelief. “That’s ridiculous… it must be fake, right? Isn’t science supposed to be trusted?”
“I don’t know if it’s true; I’ve never seen the work myself. But one thing’s certain the matriarch of the Shen family loves Master ‘Kong’’s work.”
After saying this, Ye Xiangwen patted her daughter’s head. “If Madam Shen likes you, marrying into the Shen family will be a lot easier.”
Mentioning her engagement to Shen Shaowen, Shi Yiyan lowered her head shyly.
She had dated many men, but none could compare to Shen Shaowen.
The first time she saw him, she was completely stunned.
He seemed like a male protagonist straight out of a romance novel handsome, wealthy, and the perfect match for her dreams.
Thinking this, Shi Yiyan couldn’t help but feel relieved.
Luckily, she was the true daughter of the Shi family otherwise, a man like this would have gone to that despicable Shi Sheng.
Time passed quickly, and soon the day of the Cimei auction arrived.
Even before it officially started, guests were arriving one after another, invitation in hand.
The auction director watched this, excitement growing in his eyes.
But he quickly composed himself and hurried to the back entrance.
This entrance was very discreet, allowing only a handful of people through. In previous years, only Mr. Shen and Shen Luli preferred this entry, but since Shen Luli went abroad, the Shen family had rarely attended Cimei auctions.
Rumor had it that Mr. Shen had returned recently whether he would come this time was unknown.
As Tang Yu’s thoughts wandered, a black car suddenly came into view.
The rear door opened, and first to step out was a casually dressed girl, who looked like a university student but wore a quirky mask.
Tang Yu froze. Could this be…?
Before he could approach, a champagne-colored stiletto gracefully stepped out of the car.
Tang Yu’s heart tightened.
Though he had never met Master “Kong” or spoken with them, at that moment, he immediately understood this was the real deal.
He suppressed his surprise and approached with a perfectly measured smile.
Who would have thought that Master “Kong,” adored by countless people and whose works were worth a fortune, was actually a young woman…
“Master, your private room has already been prepared. Please follow me.”
Shi Sheng brushed the stray hair from her forehead, revealing her exquisite face, partially covered by a silver half-mask with intricate vine patterns that gleamed coldly in the moonlight.
The mask perfectly hid her eyes and brows, leaving only her perfectly contoured jawline and uncurved red lips visible.
She spoke lightly: “Lead the way.”
Tang Yu, having been Cimei’s director for many years, relied on his keen observation.
In just a moment, he understood this Master “Kong” didn’t enjoy small talk.
He smiled respectfully and walked ahead to guide her.
The back entrance connected to an exclusive passage, leading directly to the third floor without being seen by anyone.
The Cimei auction wasn’t large, catering only to Jiangcheng’s elite.
The venue had three floors: the first was open seating, the second had small rooms without doors, just thin bamboo curtains to obscure view. Guests could observe the items via high-definition cameras those allowed on the second floor were naturally wealthy or influential.
The third floor was even more exclusive. Private rooms offered top-tier service. Guests could inspect items up close before the auction and, if they liked them, purchase them directly without bidding.
Normally, only one room on the third floor was open, reserved for the Shen family the wealthiest household in Jiangcheng.
This time, however, it was for Master “Kong,” pursued by countless people yet never publicly seen.
As they approached the room, Tang Yu quietly asked, “Master, do you want your previous request announced now?”
Shi Sheng’s lips curled in a cold smile. “No, it’s better to announce it just before the auction.”
After eighteen years as father and daughter, she couldn’t dampen her adoptive father’s joy at such an eagerly anticipated moment…
Tang Yu nodded silently.
Soon, the three reached the third floor of the auction.
The lighting was dim, but it cast a soft glow around Shi Sheng, making her look like someone straight out of a Republican-era poster.
Of course, the softness was just outward appearance. Anyone who looked closely would see the eyes beneath her mask cold, sharp, and dangerous.
Her slightly upturned eye corners made it impossible to look away, even if one couldn’t see her full face.
At the room, the waiting staff immediately opened the door. Tang Yu stood aside, smiling: “Master, Miss He, this is the room prepared for you. If you need anything, press the call button on the table.”
Shi Sheng nodded. Just as she was about to step inside, she heard two footsteps behind them.
All three turned.
Tang Yu reacted first, smiling broadly. “Mr. Shen, Second Master Gu, long time no see. How come you didn’t give me a heads-up so I could greet you?”
Second Master Gu removed his sunglasses and grinned. “We’re old acquaintances; you don’t need to greet us.” He glanced at the two mysterious young women at the doorway. “Besides, Old Tang, I see you’re busy anyway.”
As he spoke, by coincidence or fate, Shi Sheng and Shen Luli’s eyes met.
One casual.
One cold as frost.
A few seconds later, they spoke simultaneously:
“Qiuqiu, into the room.”
“Second Gu, let’s go.”