Elsewhere in Deep City, where glamour and secrecy intertwine.
Liang Siyan swirled amber whiskey in his glass and sank lazily into the leather sofa. The social scene has been quiet lately. Any interesting news?
Qin Xu exhaled a cloud of smoke and glanced at him with a look of amused disbelief. You have not heard?
Heard what? Stop keeping me in suspense.
At that private Christie’s auction last month our man Jiang placed a bid, Qin Xu said, lowering his voice even though there was no one else nearby.
Liang Siyan straightened with sudden interest. Jiang Yanqin bid on something? What was it? Antiques? Paintings? He has not done that sort of thing in ages.
Qin Xu shook his head. A piece of jewelry.
Liang Siyan scoffed. Him? Jewelry? Since when does he collect that? Is some celebrity about to be spoiled?
It is not about spoiling a celebrity, Qin Xu retorted. It was a bracelet designed for a woman. Understated and simple but with an extraordinary provenance. Once owned by a duchess, the final masterpiece of a legendary designer. One of a kind. The diamond purity and cut are textbook perfection.
So what then? Liang Siyan frowned. An investment?
Qin Xu smiled knowingly and leaned closer. The price is what matters. The opening bid alone was this high. He gestured.
Impressive, Liang Siyan nodded. But for him that is not exactly
He was cut off. That was just the start. A wealthy buyer from the Middle East got into a bidding war with him. And guess what happened?
Qin Xu paused before speaking slowly. Our man Jiang never raised his paddle a second time.
Liang Siyan stared. It did not sell?
Sold for that first bid! He named the price right from the start, Qin Xu said making the gesture again.
How much?! Liang Siyan nearly spilled his drink. Has he lost his mind? For a bracelet?
Spending without limit, Qin Xu sighed in awe.
Liang Siyan sat in silence for a long moment then leaned back slowly. What is he thinking? That is not like him at all. Jiang Yanqin is a businessman. No matter how much he likes something he calculates value. He does not throw money away on impulse.
There is only one explanation, Qin Xu said thoughtfully. It was never just merchandise. He had decided it was his from the start and he would have it no matter what.
They fell quiet for a moment, both struggling to grasp the scale of it.
Liang Siyan sighed heavily. So where is it now? Locked away in some vault gathering dust or already on the wrist of some woman we do not know about?
Qin Xu shrugged, thinking of the young girl Jiang Yanqin had brought to dinner though it seemed impossible. Who can say. But when he sets his mind on something he always gets what he wants.
Liang Siyan shook his head in disbelief. Damn. Jiang Yanqin does not enter the game often but when he does he plays for the highest stakes.
After New Year’s Day Ji Xia grew busy with final exams and group projects. Studying at such a prestigious university was demanding.
When the last exam ended the class group chat lit up immediately. Someone suggested a celebration dinner and everyone agreed enthusiastically.
They gathered at a lively Sichuan restaurant near the university gate. Affordable and popular, it was filled with laughter and youthful energy.
Everyone chatted about the difficult exams and shared plans for the coming winter break. Ji Xia sat beside Huang Yuhan with class president Chen Ziqian across from them. He was thoughtful and attentive passing napkins turning the lazy susan and helping those who could not reach dishes.
When he stepped away Huang Yuhan leaned in excitedly. Xiaxia do you think he has feelings for you?
Ji Xia nearly choked on her juice. What? Do not say things like that!
Why not? Huang Yuhan counted on her fingers. He always takes the hardest part of your assignments. He turned the crayfish platter toward you just now. Is he that careful with everyone else? He is handsome kind and comes from a good family. Many girls admire him.
Ji Xia felt her face warm and glanced toward his empty seat. He is just being a good class president. Do not imagine things. It would be awkward if anyone heard you.
Deep down she had noticed his extra attention but her mind was already elsewhere. Her heart was far away in Northern City. Her hopes and plans were simple and clear.
Go home right after exams. Rest through winter break and enjoy her father’s wonderful cooking. Graduate return home take the civil service exam and stay close to her parents.
She had once come here hoping to catch Fu Yichen’s attention but that feeling had long passed. Deep City was a pleasant chapter in her life and nothing more. She had never planned to stay. She certainly had no intention of starting a relationship destined to end in separation.
Besides Chen Ziqian was kind but his attention never crossed any line. Overreacting would only make things uncomfortable. It was best to keep things friendly and polite.
Thinking of home made her smile. She had booked her flight for the day after tomorrow. Jiang Yanqin had arranged the ticket through his secretary and though she had tried to decline she could not refuse his kindness.
She messaged her mother. Mom! Flying home the day after tomorrow afternoon! Have braised pork and pork knuckle waiting for me!
Her mother replied instantly. Already prepared! Your father talks about you every day! We cannot wait to see you! [Hug][Hug]
Ji Xia could almost smell the familiar aromas of home cooking and see her parents smiling faces. Fine restaurants and exquisite food could never compare to the warmth of home. Excitement for her journey home pushed away all tiredness and embarrassment.