Wanyi limped back to her room, almost as if Shen Yuxun were some kind of predator that might chase after her at any moment.
She even glanced back from time to time, making sure she was truly alone.
Everything that had happened tonight felt overwhelming—too chaotic.
She needed time to calm down.
Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, she reached for her makeup remover.
The reflection staring back at her made her pause—
flushed cheeks, slightly swollen lips…
Every detail reminded her that what had just happened was real.
Not a dream.
After changing into her pajamas, she lay down on the soft hotel bed, pulling the blanket over her head as if to shield herself.
But the moment she closed her eyes—
all she could see was Shen Yuxun leaning down, his voice low and gentle as he said, “Be good.”
Her heart stirred again.
Somewhere between wakefulness and dreams—
she finally drifted off.
The next morning, she woke up feeling as though she hadn’t slept at all.
Just as she was about to leave for breakfast, her phone rang.
A message from Shen Yuxun.
“Come upstairs for breakfast.”
Still as concise—and commanding—as ever.
She grabbed her room card, tidied her hair, and headed up to the top floor.
Standing outside the presidential suite, she pressed the doorbell.
The door opened almost immediately.
A warm aroma of food drifted out.
Shen Yuxun stepped aside, gesturing for her to sit.
The table was filled with an array of breakfast dishes—both Chinese and Western.
He had personally asked the kitchen to prepare them.
Not knowing her preferences, he had simply ordered everything.
Wanyi sat down and quietly served herself a bowl of porridge.
Across from her, Shen Yuxun sipped his coffee and ate a fried egg.
Their tastes were completely different—
Yet here they were, sharing the same table.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked, taking another sip of coffee.
“Not bad,” she replied.
There was no way she was letting him know she hadn’t slept because of him.
“I didn’t,” he said calmly, setting his cup down and fixing his gaze on her.
Only then did she really look at him.
He was dressed in a black shirt and trousers. The faint shadow beneath his eyes did nothing to diminish his sharp, striking features.
“That’s not my fault,” Wanyi said, blowing on her porridge before taking a sip. “I didn’t do anything.”
If anything, he was the one blaming her unfairly.
“That’s exactly why I couldn’t sleep.”
Wanyi paused, then muttered, “You already kissed me several times…”
She had meant to complain—but halfway through, it sounded strangely off.
“Then you’d better remember—” Shen Yuxun tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his tone laced with quiet authority, “from now on, only I get to kiss you.”
Wanyi lowered her head and continued eating, choosing not to respond.
He didn’t press further, simply leaning back, sipping his coffee leisurely.
His phone rang.
He picked it up, gave a brief “Okay,” and hung up.
After finishing breakfast, Wanyi walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The view here was far better than her own room.
From this height, the entire ocean stretched endlessly before her.
The sky was clear, sunlight scattering across the waves like fragments of silver. In the distance, someone was surfing.
The sound of the sea felt like a quiet symphony.
“So you like the ocean that much?” he asked, walking up behind her.
“Mm. It makes me feel… lighter,” she said softly. “Like I can forget everything.”
Knock, knock.
The door opened again.
Wanyi turned to see Assistant Jin entering, followed by several elegantly dressed women.
Behind them, staff rolled in racks of clothing—rows of evening gowns.
“Pick something,” Shen Yuxun said, leaning casually by the window.
The auction would begin that afternoon.
“Miss Song, these are our latest arrivals. Please take your time choosing.”
Wanyi stood in front of the racks, slightly overwhelmed.
The dresses were clearly expensive—far beyond what she was used to.
“Pick one yourself,” Shen Yuxun added lazily, flipping through a magazine. “If you can’t decide, I’ll have them all sent to your closet.”
“Mr. Shen treats you very well,” one of the women said with a smile.
“Miss Song, this one would suit you,” another suggested, holding up a white silk dress. “It complements your complexion beautifully.”
Wanyi took the dress, hesitated for a moment—
then nodded.
She declined help from the staff and went into the bathroom to change.
When she stepped out again—
The room fell quiet.
“It really suits you, Miss Song,” the woman said, gathering around her, adjusting the fit and discussing alterations.
At that moment, Shen Yuxun closed his magazine and looked up.
Just in time to see her fully.
She stood before the mirror.
Her slender neck, pale and graceful, curved like a swan’s. Her shoulders were delicate, her collarbones defined—elegant, yet subtly alluring.
Her neck was bare.
“Add a necklace,” Shen Yuxun said.
“Yes, Mr. Shen.”
The stylists brought out several diamond necklaces and earrings, helping her try them on.
Soon, she was guided to the vanity, where someone began doing her makeup.
Wanyi looked at her reflection—
and felt like she was looking at a stranger.
Even though she had worn formal attire once before…
This time felt different.
More important.
Meanwhile, Shen Yuxun sat in the study with Assistant Jin, discussing the details of the afternoon’s auction.
She vaguely caught fragments of their conversation—
something about expanding the resort in Hong Kong.
So this trip…
wasn’t just about the auction.
The study door remained open.
From time to time, Shen Yuxun would glance in her direction. Occasionally, their eyes met—reflected through the mirror—brief, fleeting moments that lingered longer than they should.
The auction was held at a convention center in the heart of the city—
a venue that had once hosted world-class summits.
Outside, the crowd surged like a tide. People lined up endlessly at the entrance, a steady stream of anticipation and wealth.
After arriving at the underground parking area, they were guided through a VIP passage.
“This way, Mr. Shen.”
At the entrance, a manager personally greeted them and handed Assistant Jin a bidding paddle.
8008.
Several collectors approached to exchange greetings with Shen Yuxun.
He acknowledged them briefly before taking his seat in the front row—with Wanyi beside him.
Anna and Assistant Jin sat behind, ready to handle media interactions if needed.
Today, he wore a tailored gray suit, paired with a dark patterned tie. A white silk pocket square rested neatly against his chest.
His long legs were casually stretched out, his posture relaxed—yet there was an unmistakable cool detachment about him.
The hall was filled with people, all dressed in formal attire.
Every bidder held a numbered paddle.
Only those who had paid the deposit were eligible to participate.
Wanyi lowered her gaze, studying the auction catalog in her hands.
Each item was meticulously listed—descriptions, sequence, starting prices, deposits.
Soon, the auctioneer took the stage, her gown shimmering under the lights.
Spotting Shen Yuxun seated prominently in the front row, she gave him a subtle nod.
The room fell silent.
Under the bright lights, the only sound that remained was the rapid clicking of cameras from the media lined along the back wall.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Jiade Century Evening Art Auction.”
She spoke in both Chinese and English, outlining the rules.
“All bids are in RMB. The final payment includes the hammer price, buyer’s premium, and applicable taxes.”
“Bidding is available in person, online, or by phone. Good luck.”
“Lot 2032. Qing Qianlong flambé-glazed double-handled vase. Starting at 180,000.”
Paddles rose one after another.
The price climbed steadily—
180,000…
250,000…
300,000…
Until it finally settled at 350,000.
Wanyi watched, captivated.
The rhythm of bidding, the rising tension—it was exhilarating.
“Do you like it?” Shen Yuxun murmured beside her.
“I just think the process… is thrilling,” she admitted softly.
At the final moments, when two bidders battled each other, her heart had nearly raced out of her chest.
Each increment, each gesture from the auctioneer—
pulled at everyone’s nerves.
In a world hidden from ordinary people, she was suddenly witnessing a life of unimaginable luxury.
Here, money wasn’t money.
It was just… numbers.
Numbers she might never reach in her lifetime.
“You can try raising the paddle,” Shen Yuxun said with a faint smile near her ear. “If you win, I’ll pay.”
“After all, I’ve already put down the deposit.”
“No way,” Wanyi shook her head quickly. “I couldn’t afford it.”
“You can repay me… in other ways.”
The mischievous look in his eyes made her instinctively tap his palm in protest.
But before she could pull away—
her hand was caught, enclosed completely within his.
“Throwing yourself into my arms,” he added lightly.
“In your dreams.”
The auction continued.
Porcelain, jewelry, rare pieces—
Yet Shen Yuxun never once raised his paddle.
As if none of it interested him.
Until the final lot appeared.
The Doucai “Azure Dragon Teaching Its Son” Moon Flask.
Shen Yuxun placed the paddle in Wanyi’s hand.
“Help me win it.”
His tone was casual, almost lazy—
as if he were commenting on the weather.
“I… I don’t dare,” Wanyi whispered, staring at the paddle.
It felt impossibly heavy.
“With me here,” he said quietly, “you don’t need to be afraid of anything.”
His words seemed to carry more meaning than just the auction—
but in that moment, all she could think about was the piece ahead.
“Lot 3018. Starting price: 70 million.”
The room hesitated.
Few dared to bid.
Soon, a phone bidder broke the silence—
“80 million.”
Wanyi turned to look at Shen Yuxun.
He leaned back, calm and composed, and gave a small nod.
Her heart pounded like a drum.
She lifted the paddle.
“90 million. Bid from the front row—90 million.”
The room fell utterly silent.
Every breath seemed held in anticipation.
“Any further bids?” the auctioneer called.
“This is its first appearance in thirty years.”
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
But no one raised their paddle.
Wanyi’s gaze drifted anxiously toward the phone bidders.
One more bid—and it would jump to 100 million.
The estimated value was only 70–80 million.
With fees and taxes, even 90 million meant over 100 million in total.
Was it worth it?
She didn’t know.
“90 million, second call.”
Silence.
“90 million, third—sold! Paddle 8008, congratulations!”
Wanyi let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
She almost clapped—only to realize her hand was still trapped in his.
Shen Yuxun leaned back, as composed as ever.
As if the outcome had never been in doubt.
Or perhaps—
he had already decided it would be his.
Two attendants in cheongsams approached with documents.
Shen Yuxun signed with a steady hand.
Afterward, the verification process began.
The moon flask was brought forward carefully.
Wanyi stared at it, almost unable to believe it was real.
“Can I… touch it?”
Her voice was soft, almost reverent.
Shen Yuxun smiled faintly.
“Of course.”
Up close, the porcelain was breathtaking—
its colors vivid, its form perfectly rounded and refined.
Only at this distance could she truly feel its beauty—
its quiet, overwhelming brilliance.
Art, in its purest form—
left her speechless.