The auctioneer captured all eyes, then gracefully produced five red little boxes, opening them one by one before the guests: “The reason it’s called a primer is that the piece of jewelry itself is not for sale; today’s finale, however, has been replicated by other fairly renowned jewelry designers, with a starting bid of seven hundred and fifty thousand.
Non-professionals would not be able to spot the difference between the two.”
Hardly had the auctioneer finished speaking when Yan Shuirou immediately clung to Li Beicheng, all sweetness and tenderness.
While in an angle invisible to the man, she provocatively sneered at Yan Xiaye and spoke in her always silky and enchanting voice, “Beicheng, I really like that one.”
At the same time, from the vantage point of a top-tier private box, a distinguished and graceful man was holding a glass of wine in one hand, gazing down at the scene below.
His features were handsome and somewhat cold; yet when he was focused, there was an added charm that made the influential figures in the box exchange looks, none daring to break the serene atmosphere, preferring to watch along with him.
Li Yuntang had become famous at a young age, and his status today was built on astute scheming, always striving to be at the forefront, never shrinking back.
From the few times they had interacted, he knew well that Yan Xiaye was a person of a laid-back Buddhist-like disposition.
Had Li Beicheng not hurt her so seriously, she probably would never have learned to become so ruthless and heartless, which was entirely unlike the sharp and outspoken character he usually admired.
But seeing her looking at that piece of jewelry, so close yet unattainable, even afraid to so much as mention it…
He felt a strange and sudden flare of irrational emotion in his heart.
The other magnates beside him started to catch on as well, and one of them shook his head in pity, “Not to say anything out of turn but, Beicheng really lacks taste, how could he choose that vixen instead of the modest and elegant Qingmei girl.”
“Exactly, my boy is just the same, bringing all sorts of improper women home—if he ever causes a scandal, I won’t hesitate to break his legs!”
“Look at that, the vixen’s smiling so brightly; she must have succeeded in her scheme.”
Amidst the murmurs, Li Yuntang casually set down his wine glass and gave the portly middle-aged man to his left a light yet firm glance.
All present were astute, quickly busying themselves with their tea to afford the two an opportunity for a private conversation.
The middle-aged man leaned in to listen and then showed an expression of difficulty: “Second Master, this is against the rules…”
Li Yuntang remained noncommittal, his dark eyes sharp like a blade’s edge, commanding a profound presence that easily made the man sweat profusely.
The man chuckled nervously: “What, President Xu wouldn’t want to give Li Yuntang this face?”
“How could that be…” President Xu wiped his forehead, teeth clenched in a forced smile, “Rest assured, everything will be as you wish.”
…
At the close of the auction, Yan Xiaye did not hurry to leave.
Waiting at the exit, she hoped to catch a glimpse of Li Yuntang.
Even though she couldn’t explain why she had rejected his favor, she at least wanted to express her due apologies.
“Excuse me, are you Miss Yan Xiaye?”
“Yes, I am…” Yan Xiaye was startled, and turning around, she realized the person who had called her was very familiar: “Are you the auctioneer from before?”
“Yes, it’s me.” The person replied with a polite smile, carefully presenting a rosewood box from the palm of their hand: “A distinguished guest has entrusted me to pass this gift on to you.
Please check it to ensure it is correct.”
Not long ago, Yan Xiaye had seen with her own eyes Yan Shuirou receiving a similar-sized box, containing jewelry.
But that box was made of velvet—extravagant but lacking presence, nowhere near the exquisite simplicity of this one.
She couldn’t guess the identity of the gift’s sender and hesitated to accept it, “I’m sorry, I only take what I’ve earned.”
The auctioneer’s face immediately fell, relieved that the honored guest had a backup plan, he then pleaded with a mix of grievance and urgency, “Miss, you’re making this very difficult for me.
I have a family to take care of at home, you can’t just watch me lose my job over this, can you?”
Before Yan Xiaye could fully register her shock, he hastened his speech, rattling on, “Alright, I’ve delivered the item.
I won’t see you out, take your time.”
Having said that, he took it upon himself to open the box, and at the moment the azure gem revealed its full glory, he stuffed it into Yan Xiaye’s hand and vanished without a trace.
Yan Xiaye was left standing dumbfounded in the shadows, she glanced in the direction where the auctioneer had escaped, then admired the perfect craftsmanship in her hand.
For a fake valued at seven hundred and fifty thousand, the quality of the gem was exceptional.
Even the faint light nearby was enough to refract a kaleidoscope of dreamy splendor.
With a heart full of admiration, Yan Xiaye gingerly picked up the jewelry and meticulously examined it in her palm.
After about ten minutes had passed, the lights in the venue gradually dimmed, yet Li Yuntang had not appeared.
With a mixture of emotions, Yan Xiaye carefully packed away the box and headed to the restroom before she left.
Standing in front of the mirror, she practiced her smile atop her healthy, rosy complexion, hoping to convince Grandma Li that she was well.
Before long, the sound of a toilet flushing came from a stall behind her.
Yan Xiaye instinctively looked at her reflection, her eyes suddenly turning cold.
“Xiaye?” Yan Shuirou smoothed her dress and moved towards Yan Xiaye, turning on the faucet to wash her hands.
“How come you haven’t left yet?
Don’t tell me you’re planning to third-wheel between Beicheng and me again, just like you did on the way here?”
Yan Xiaye couldn’t be bothered to waste words on someone so devoid of morals, grabbing her bag to gather her makeup gear.
It was then that Yan Shuirou casually glanced over and caught a glimpse of something half-hidden in the partially opened bag!
Suddenly and without warning, she aggressively pulled at Yan Xiaye’s bag, and with a forcefulness unbecoming of a sick person, nearly snatched the box inside.
One step ahead, Yan Xiaye clutched the valuable box tightly in her hand.
Though she had decided to return the box to Li Beicheng, that was a matter between her and Li Beicheng, not something for others to meddle in.
With old and new grudges piling up, she delivered a resounding slap to Yan Shuirou without a trace of emotion.
After the sharp smack, Yan Shuirou covered her cheek and turned her head, her eyes and brows filled with an intense hatred that was too thick to dissolve.
“Yan Xiaye!” She glared, eyes wide with rage as though she wanted to tear Yan Xiaye apart.
“You dare hit me!
Have you forgotten the lesson from five years ago?”
“I haven’t forgotten, and I hope you haven’t either.”
Yan Xiaye’s expression remained indifferent as she wiped her hand on a tissue with disgust, “I’ve been to prison, I’ve got nothing left to lose.
But you’re different, aren’t you?”
Yan Shuirou’s nerves were pricked by that calm demeanor as she suddenly recalled how Li Beicheng wouldn’t allow Yan Xiaye out of his sight the entire evening, her jealousy flaring up to the point of madness.
“I get it, you really treasure the gift Beicheng gave you, don’t you?
Fine, I’ll show you how much you should treasure it!”