Chi Xue glanced at him, and Yu Jinnan immediately fell silent. He had never seen her like this before, with reddened eyes and an inexplicable aggressiveness in her expression.
At her shout, everyone’s gaze turned toward them. The previously quiet venue instantly erupted into discussion. From the scattered snippets of conversation, it was easy to tell that they were talking about her recent entry into the entertainment industry and some of her past scandals.
Xia Mian also looked over. For some reason, Chi Xue felt that she was smiling faintly.
It could have been sold for two million, but there happened to be a wealthy heir who was foolish with money. He had recently become obsessed with Xia Mian’s drama, and the moment he saw someone about to steal the spotlight, he immediately raised his bidding paddle and shouted loudly, “Three million!”
The price had increased by one million at once, drawing a wave of astonishment from the crowd.
Chi Xue bit her lip, her hand gripping the paddle so tightly that her palm ached. She did not have enough money to bid for these earrings unless she troubled Lan Bei to pay for them again. But... if the price kept rising like this, she had no idea how high it would ultimately go. After thinking it over, she finally sat back down.
Seeing this, the host immediately called out, “Three million! Is there anyone willing to bid higher?!”
Silence followed.
“Three million, once! Three million, twice! Three million, three times!”
The host brought down the hammer. “Sold!”
Ever since the Jade earrings had been auctioned off, Chi Xue had been distracted. She did not react even when her own item was brought out for bidding. Yu Jinnan tried several times to ask her about it, but could not find an opportunity. It was not until Xia Mian suddenly stood up in front of them that Chi Xue’s gaze shifted. She immediately rose as well.
Before Yu Jinnan could say anything, she had already hurried after Xia Mian.
When she reached the restroom entrance, Xia Mian knew that someone was following her. The corners of her red lips curved upward, and she suddenly turned around. Seeing who it was, she was not surprised in the slightest and merely smiled faintly. “Miss Chi, is something wrong?”
Chi Xue stared at her alluring face, her gaze cool yet warm. “Where did you get those earrings?”
Xia Mian raised an eyebrow. “You mean the ones auctioned today?”
After saying that, she chuckled to herself. “I don’t know where Cishen got such an old-fashioned and tacky pair of earrings. In any case, he gave them to me, and I wouldn’t wear them. I thought I might as well auction them off and do some good.”
“You said...”
Chi Xue’s voice trembled slightly. Her hands were clenched tightly, and her eyes had reddened. “Those were given to you by Gu Cishen?”
“That’s right. Does Miss Chi like them?”
Xia Mian brushed back her hair. “Oh, right. I saw you bidding just now. Unfortunately, they were ultimately bought by the Young Master of the Su Family. Why don’t you discuss it with him privately? He’s very easy to talk to. He might even transfer them to you.”
After saying that, she walked into the restroom in her high heels.
Chi Xue stood there in a daze for a moment, feeling as though her heart had fallen into an ice cellar. Gu Cishen really was... Although she had suspected that his fondness for Xia Mian was merely because Xia Mian carried the shadow of Xia Yan—after all, even Chi Xue felt that their features overlapped in several ways—she had never imagined that Gu Cishen would give those earrings to Xia Mian just to please her...
Her heart ached, but she had no time to think further. The Auction was just ending. After searching through the crowd for a while, she found that figure and rushed over without hesitation, as though she had seen her last lifeline.
The Young Master of the Su Family was the person who had bought those earrings. He was currently having the staff inspect the item and was signing the confirmation form. Chi Xue hurried over and said nervously, “I’m sorry, Mr. Su. May I trouble you for a few minutes?”
Su Lian frowned impatiently. When he turned around, his gaze froze. He had not expected her to be such a beauty, and his attitude immediately changed. “Who are you?”
“I’m Chi Xue,” she replied politely.
Su Lian thought for a moment, then looked at her in sudden realization. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s like this.” Chi Xue carefully chose her words. “The earrings you just bought are very important to me. Would you consider transferring them to me? As for the price...”
Su Lian smiled, his gaze openly sizing her up. “Three million, plus you. How about it?”
“What do you mean?” Chi Xue’s expression changed drastically, and she looked shocked.
“It’s very simple. Become my woman, and why wouldn’t I give you the earrings?” Su Lian smiled. The amusement in his eyes grew more pronounced, carrying an arrogant air that made it clear he was not joking.
“Impossible.” Chi Xue refused sharply. “Three million is fine, but I can’t be with you.”
“Then there’s nothing to discuss.” Su Lian turned around, his refusal obvious.
“Young Master Su...” Chi Xue still wanted to persuade him to stay.
Su Lian merely snorted with a laugh. “Contact me whenever you’ve made up your mind.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
Since there was still a Charity banquet afterward, Yu Jinnan went ahead to make preparations and told Chi Xue to touch up her makeup before joining him.
Chi Xue nodded. While touching up her makeup, she continued thinking that she had to finish early so she could go meet Su Lian. No matter what means she had to use, she had to get the bracelet back.
After touching up her makeup in the restroom, Chi Xue looked even more radiant and beautiful. She was elegant without losing her uniquely seductive charm. She pursed her red lips slightly, and a faint, enchanting smile spread across her delicate face.
As she walked out of the restroom, a voice from nearby made Chi Xue stop.
“Assistant Director Lü, let go of me. Otherwise, I’m going to call for help.” The familiar voice that Chi Xue knew all too well rang in her ears.
Assistant Director Lü? Could he be the scoundrel who had sent people to humiliate her?
Fierce flames instantly ignited deep within Chi Xue’s eyes. She followed the voice to an honored guest room. The door was only ajar, so through the crack, Chi Xue clearly saw Assistant Director Lü and Xia Mian struggling with each other. Assistant Director Lü, in particular, was even making a move as if he intended to kiss Xia Mian.
Chi Xue let out a cold snort, her tone thick with mockery.
“Xia Mian, be obedient and listen to me. Otherwise, I’ll tell President Gu that I ordered people to deal with Chi Xue.” Assistant Director Lü’s voice rang out again.
His words made Chi Xue narrow her almond-shaped eyes.
Could Xia Mian be the mastermind behind it all?
Chi Xue clasped her hands together, an intense murderous aura radiating from her entire body.
“You... Don’t talk nonsense. This has nothing to do with me. If you dare say anything, I’ll sue you for defamation!” Xia Mian shouted angrily.
“Miss Chi, Mr. Yu is looking for you,” a staff member said as they approached Chi Xue.
Her voice clearly reached Xia Mian and Assistant Director Lü. Xia Mian’s expression changed drastically, and she shoved Assistant Director Lü away with all her strength.
“Chi Xue, you were eavesdropping? How despicable and shameless!” Damn it! If Chi Xue exposed this matter, the consequences were easy to imagine!
Xia Mian rushed over to Chi Xue and said coldly and sarcastically, afraid that Chi Xue would tell Gu Cishen about her struggle with Assistant Director Lü just now.
Seeing the anxiety and fear in Xia Mian’s eyes, Chi Xue became even more certain of her suspicion.
“Why are you in such a hurry? Feeling guilty? I’ll investigate what happened last time. Once I find out that you were the mastermind behind it, Xia Mian, I’ll make you pay in blood.”