The food at Cangweige was truly exceptional. Xia Yunyu ate to his heart’s content before being led by Xu Shulan to their next destination.
“Where are we going now?” Xia Yunyu tried to surreptitiously rub his stomach, which was feeling a bit full, but his movement was precisely captured by Xu Shulan.
“When you are full, you have to move around a bit,” Xu Shulan said, pulling a hawthorn strip from out of nowhere and placing it in Xia Yunyu’s hand.
Xia Yunyu was a little pleasantly surprised. He opened it and took a cautious bite, his tone of voice carrying a hint of sweet and sour: “I am not very good at sports…”
“Who said moving around has to involve running and jumping? We could also go to the zoo.” No sooner had Xu Shulan finished speaking than a look of clear anticipation appeared on Xia Yunyu’s face.
Xia Yunyu’s likes and dislikes were expressed so obviously that one only needed to observe him briefly to see what he enjoyed and what he detested.
Just like that encyclopedia of animals he loved so much, which had already appeared in Xu Shulan’s sight countless times.
Today happened to be Sunday. Even though there was a light drizzle, the zoo was still packed with parents taking their children to play, with people squeezed against one another.
Xu Shulan reached out and gripped Xia Yunyu’s wrist, looking directly into his surprised eyes without trying to hide anything: “There are too many people. If I hold your hand, it will not be easy for us to get separated.”
Although Xia Yunyu knew that this level of intimacy had crossed the boundaries he was comfortable with, the other’s reasoning was perfectly sound, leaving him at a loss as to how to refuse.
Of course, Xu Shulan certainly would not give him time to think of an excuse; he pulled him along to get their tickets and entered the zoo. There were indeed many people today. Xia Yunyu was almost pressed against Xu Shulan’s body. He lowered his head out of embarrassment, and thus successfully missed the slight redness of the other’s ears and the look of restraint on his face.
In truth, Xu Shulan was already regretting it a little at this moment. Because of such close contact, he found it difficult to suppress the feelings in his heart—what if his sister-in-law discovered them? However, the feel of the wrist held in his hand was as smooth as lard, and he simply could not bear to let go.
The zoo was not very large, and by the time the two finished walking around, it was already noon.
“Are you hungry? How about we go get something to eat?” Xu Shulan felt very fortunate that he had restrained himself; otherwise, the other would have immediately retreated back into his shell.
Although Xia Yunyu was reluctant to leave the animals he had finally seen in person, he could already feel the hunger in his stomach, so he nodded and left the zoo with Xu Shulan.
The entire itinerary for the day had been planned well in advance. Xu Shulan drove Xia Yunyu to a private kitchen restaurant without a second thought.
As it turned out, Xu Shulan’s arrangements were truly satisfactory to Xia Yunyu, as even the food was perfectly to his taste.
In fact, Xu Shulan’s plan for the day could have ended here. He did not want to keep his sister-in-law out all day; after all, Xia Yunyu was accustomed to staying at home, and if his stamina bar were depleted all at once today, it would surely be a very long time before he could be brought out again.
Moreover, his little sister-in-law clearly did not have great physical stamina; he could not afford to wear him out.
But fate had other plans. Just as they were leaving the restaurant, they bumped into an old acquaintance walking inside.
Xu Shulan was very vigilant. Before the other party even looked over, he moved with lightning speed to shield Xia Yunyu behind him.
Xia Yunyu looked at the man blocking his view, confused. Although he did not know what was happening, the sense of security from being protected behind someone made him feel incredibly reassured.
He could not help but move a little closer, letting the shadow completely envelop him.
“Isn’t this the young master of the Xu family?” A cold gaze swept over them, pausing for a moment on the slender figure revealed behind, the tone carrying obvious teasing: “Bringing your little lover out to play?”
Even when addressed this way, Xu Shulan did not get angry. The Xu family was not the only dominant power in the city, and the last person one wanted to easily provoke among their rivals was the man in front of him—Zuo Ziqian.
Even though his name sounded refined, his conduct was anything but humble or gentle. He had started from the bottom, carving out his success through a life of bloodshed. If not for the current rule of law, he would likely have had the city’s entire black market industry in his grasp. As it stood, whether he was currently involved in gray areas was something everyone knew, even if it was not spoken aloud.
“Uncle Zuo the Third.” Following the hierarchy, Xu Shulan had to call him “uncle,” and since he was the third son in the family, most people called Zuo Ziqian “Third Master.” For someone like Xu Shulan to call him “Uncle Zuo the Third” based on his status was already considered exceptionally humble.
“Just bringing a friend out for a stroll. I have only just returned to the country; I do not have the energy for romance.”
“Is that so… It just so happens there is an auction tonight. Feel free to bring your friend to check it out.” After saying this, Zuo Ziqian did not intentionally make things difficult for them; he just lingered his gaze a few more times on the person Xu Shulan was protecting before walking away.
Taking the invitation handed over by Zuo Ziqian’s subordinate, Xu Shulan could not help but sigh.
“Who is he? Is he very scary?” Xia Yunyu had not made a sound the entire time, so naturally, he did not know who the person opposite them was. Ignorance was bliss; he was actually quite curious about the invitation in Xu Shulan’s hand, as he had never been to an auction before.
Xu Shulan did not answer, but instead reached out to ruffle Xia Yunyu’s soft, short hair: “I will take you to the auction tonight.”
Although he did not know what Zuo Ziqian was up to, Xu Shulan knew they had to attend this auction.
For the sake of safety, they would need to make a few minor adjustments.
In an image design studio serving the elite, Yunyu was fussed over by a group of people for quite a while. Standing in front of the mirror, staring at the reflection inside, he really could not accept his current attire.
Who knew an auction would require a Western palace masquerade roleplay?!
Xu Shulan was waiting outside. Although time was tight, he had people deliver a set of clothes suitable for Xia Yunyu.
With a click, the door finally opened, and a young lady slowly stepped out, holding up her skirt.
Beneath the sea-blue skirt were intricate details of silver mesh, with little bits of crushed diamonds shining within. As she walked, they spread out on the floor like waves on the sea, reflecting shimmering ripples under the moonlight.
Long, black hair fell over her shoulders, with a slight curl. Her waist looked as if it could be snapped with a single pinch, but her chest was full, showing an exceptionally alluring curve.
Xia Yunyu bit his lip and looked at Xu Shulan with embarrassment—he looked exactly like a shy and youthful maiden.
“It really is strange, right?”
Xia Yunyu looked down at his female attire. Although he had not worn one at home in a very long time, it had happened once in the distant past.
Xu Shulan could barely keep his racing heart under control.
“No, it is… very beautiful.”
Because it was rumored that Zuo Ziqian liked fair and clean young men, Xu Shulan had no choice but to have Xia Yunyu dressed up as a girl.
Xu Shulan knew that Xia Yunyu would look good in women’s clothing, but he had not expected him to be this beautiful. It made him almost unwilling to bring him out, and it made him realize that the other’s charm blurred the lines of gender; whichever way he looked, he was utterly captivated.
“Shall we go?” Xu Shulan held out his hand to Xia Yunyu.
Because he was wearing high heels, Xia Yunyu only hesitated for a moment before placing his hand into his.
The moment their skin touched, Xu Shulan could not help but lighten his breathing, cautiously gripping the bone-soft hand in his own.
Xu Shulan did not take on the role of driver this time; he called for the driver from the garden villa to take them to the address on the invitation.
Before getting out of the car, the driver handed a gift box from the passenger seat to Xu Shulan. He took out an exquisite mask and gently placed it over Xia Yunyu’s face.
The silver mask covered most of Xia Yunyu’s beauty, which immediately made Xu Shulan feel much more at ease.
He also put on a matching mask. Opening the door and stepping out, Xu Shulan walked to the other side and held out his hand: “Princess, would you do me the honor of attending this gala with me?”
Xu Shulan was wearing a classic Western-style suit that evening, specifically paired with a sea-blue tie matching the dress—he looked like a gentleman out of a medieval painting, causing Xia Yunyu a moment of distraction.
Once he snapped out of it, Xia Yunyu’s cheeks flushed hot. He placed one hand in the other’s palm and lifted his skirt with the other, using the leverage to step out of the car.
Many people had already arrived by this time. Before the auction began, everyone was gathered in small groups in the grand hall, chatting. However, their eyes were unconsciously wandering, trying to discern the identities behind each mask to facilitate potential business dealings.
As soon as the figures of Xu Shulan and Xia Yunyu appeared, many prying eyes were cast in their direction.
The two were simply too outstanding in appearance; even with their faces masked, they were striking enough to draw attention.
Xu Shulan looked straight ahead, leading Xia Yunyu to a quiet corner.
Soon, someone walked toward them, but was met with Xu Shulan’s indifferent gaze halfway there, forcing them to leave awkwardly.
The following people were much the same, but it was not long before an attendant led them into the auction hall to take their seats.
Xu Shulan had already glanced around briefly. There were not many people there, but they were almost all high-society figures from the city. However, the invitation had not clearly stated what was to be auctioned, which made Xu Shulan a bit curious.
The auction soon began. The auctioneer, dressed in a Western-style gown, took the stage, exchanged a few polite pleasantries, and then efficiently began the bidding.
“The first item: The royal dowry brought from Spain by Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII—a yellow sapphire crown!” The red silk was lifted from the glass dome, and the transparent yellow gems set on the crown appeared exceptionally dazzling under the lights.
“Do you like it?” Xu Shulan tilted his body slightly to look at Xia Yunyu.
Participating in such an event for the first time, Xia Yunyu was nervous just sitting there. Hearing Xu Shulan’s words, he quickly shook his head.
“No, no, just looking is fine.”
Xu Shulan had no choice but to give up, but he had already decided that he would bid for something for Xia Yunyu today.
Perhaps the greatest expression of loving someone is the desire to spend money on them.
Auctions typically ordered items by importance, but as the first item, many people bid on this crown because most believed that yellow sapphires brought good luck with wealth, and it was also a great gift for the women in their families.
For several consecutive items, they were all royal Western jewelry pieces that had been lost to the public. Xu Shulan now understood why the auction included a Western-style masquerade theme.
Necklaces, rings, bracelets—they were all there.
However, after watching for a long time, Xu Shulan only bid on a diamond bracelet; he felt that even that was not quite a perfect match for Xia Yunyu.
“Now, the final item of our auction this evening.” A spotlight hit the last glass dome, which was still covered. As the red silk slid away, the people in the front row let out gasps.
“The legendary ‘Tears of the Mermaid Princess’.” It was a pure, sea-blue gemstone that seemed to contain the entire ocean within it. Its quality was near-perfect, radiating a brilliant luster under the spotlight.
It had clearly been fashioned into a necklace by a master craftsman, surrounded by a ring of diamonds that encircled the gem like stars surrounding the moon, exuding a mysterious and sacred aura.
Everyone present had a keen eye for treasure. The auctioneer did not offer much more introduction and went straight to the opening bid.
“The opening bid is ten million, with each increment at one million. The highest bidder takes it!”