Ruan Chen found himself following closely behind Ruan Luo as he wandered around the exhibition hall.
His gaze was fixed and unwavering, making Ruan Chen feel uneasy.
“If I like someone, I’ll tell you,” Ruan Chen said helplessly. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the chance to bleed a lot.”
She could tell that Ruan Luo really wanted to mend their relationship.
Ruan Chen didn't really care. Who hasn't been young and naive at some point? Besides, Ruan Luo was also a victim—he had been the eldest son of the Ruan family for over ten years when suddenly a younger sister appeared, and a few days later, a pair of older brothers and sisters appeared as well.
To be honest, the fact that this child hasn't developed a mental disability is a testament to Ye Huanhuan's effective parenting.
Surprisingly, she also saw Su Jin and Ruan Yunhan. Ruan Yunhan was unusually low-key, wearing a white and gold bodycon dress, and obediently followed behind Su Jin, barely raising her head.
He must have been warned by Su Jin or Ruan Zhengde, or perhaps both.
Ruan Chen, with her sharp eyes, noticed several deep finger marks on her shoulders and neck, which were covered with foundation and were not obvious at first glance, but could still be seen upon closer inspection.
There's no need to even think about who did it.
"Her new sugar daddy?" Ruan Luo saw it too.
Ruan Chen continued strolling along the exhibition hall corridor. "This time, Ruan Yunhan has fallen. She's given the other party leverage over her, so she must be having a tough time."
"So capable?" Ruan Luo was somewhat surprised, and turned back to give Su Jin a special look. "When did such a person emerge in the Jingzhou circle?"
"It doesn't seem to be from Jingzhou. Their business doesn't seem to be mainly in China." Ruan Chen looked at the data copied from Su Jin's phone. There wasn't much in those unencrypted files, but you could still get some information out of them.
Su Jin noticed Ruan Luo's gaze and nodded and smiled politely. He appeared harmless and gently took Ruan Yunhan's arm.
"What leverage?"
Don't ask such nonsense.
"By the way, have you been keeping up with the latest news? Ruan Yunhan caused a stir. Apparently, the US is investigating her, but she still has the nerve to go out and about."
Ruan Luo seems to be constantly on the front lines of gossip.
“It shouldn’t be her. She’s just a bit arrogant and domineering, not really stupid.” In fact, Ruan Chen was too lazy to even think about this. “I do admire that girl named Xiao Qiu. She’s willing to risk her life to drag Ruan Yunhan down with her.”
"My friend sent me some inside information from the First Military Academy. The academy's leadership is holding an emergency meeting to discuss whether to expel Ruan Yunhan from the academy. It's probably going to depend on her performance in this competition. If she can get into the top three, the First Military Academy will probably protect her. The First Military Academy does have that kind of power."
Ruan Chen had reached the end of the exhibition hall, gazing at the last exhibit covered by a white cloth. "What if she can't get it?"
"Then we can only arrange a marriage. The Ruan family has just stabilized recently, and Dad probably hopes she can be sent back home by the First Affiliated Hospital—sorry, Dad."
Ruan Chen leaned closer to the last glass case, trying to see the shape of the exhibits below through the white cloth.
Seeing her curiosity, Ruan Luo explained, "This is an old tradition. The last item will be presented on the auction stage covered with a white cloth, and the person who wins the bid will personally remove it."
How can you bid if you can't see the material?
“Starting bid at zero, bidding will increase depending on my mood,” Ruan Luo shrugged. “As for whether the white cloth reveals a piece fully inlaid with emeralds or a gaudy work of art, that’s up to fate.”
Ruan Luo paused, then asked seriously, "Do you like it?"
This is the item that Ruan Chen spent the most time on today.
“What’s the difference between this and gambling on jade? It’s just a gimmick,” Ruan Chen waved his hand. “I’m not a gambler.”
The crisp sound of brass bells rang out, and waiters entered the exhibition hall to guide guests to their seats in the auction area.
Ruan Chen didn't initially intend to participate in the auction; she was only interested in the designs and materials of the different crowns and came with a learning attitude.
But she couldn't resist raising her paddle when the third item came up.
It features a rainbow tourmaline setting with rich, bright colors and a rose cut. The main body is made of 18K gold with a silvery-white hue and high overall saturation, making it a feast for the eyes.
In particular, the ruby at the top, which appeared to be nearly 300 carats, was a favorite of Ruan Chen.
The starting bid is three million.
Ruan Chen raised his paddle once, increasing the bid by 100,000, and Ruan Luo followed suit with a second bid, "Six million."
Ruan Chen: Are you fucking sick?
A gameplay style that directly doubles the bet is indeed rare.
It must be said that Ruan Luo's imposing presence stunned many potential buyers. With three hammer blows, the deal was finalized: "Congratulations to VIP number twelve for winning your desired item."
Ruan Luo's eyebrows practically flew off in smugness.
The auctioneer was a little frustrated. Just based on the rubellite as the main stone, along with the nearly two hundred side stones of various sizes, and the setting and cutting techniques, he had expected it to fetch ten million.
Who knew that a reckless, clueless kid would snatch it up?
Ruan Chen also knew that Ruan Luo had made a profit.
The seventh item was a crown necklace in pigeon blood red with cornflower blue. Its top-quality color and ingenious design, modeled after the shape of Queen Victoria's crown, were both elegant and grand.
Ruan Chen hesitated for a moment before raising his sign again.
She really likes it.
Even though she knew she wouldn't wear it even if she took the picture.
This time, Ruan Luo kept a low profile and didn't raise her sign. Instead, she quietly observed and chatted with Ruan Chen, "What's the material of that necklace you often wear? I've never been able to tell."
“It’s just any piece of metal,” Ruan Chen said vaguely, “but a relatively valuable one.”
That was something Su Ze put on her.
That's exactly what Su Ze said.
But Su Ze said it was very important and that it must be carried with you at all times and in all places.
Ruan Chen simply took it as a token of Blood Skull—and it had indeed been recognized by Blood Skull's people before.
"Let me see." Ruan Luo casually hooked the black leather rope around Ruan Chen's neck with her little finger, muttering, "Why don't you change the rope... Ruan Chen, let go!"
The moment his fingertips touched the leather cord and he pulled it out a little, Ruan Chen suddenly grabbed his wrist and pressed it down hard!
Ruan Luo was in so much pain she almost cried out.
"It's very important. My family gave it to me, so it has special meaning."
Ruan Chen tucked the moon-white pendant further inside.
Ruan Luo assumed it was left to her by Ruan Chen's biological mother, and awkwardly apologized.
He added, "You're quite strong."
"I had a hard life growing up, doing manual labor."
Ruan Luo was silent for two seconds, then slapped herself, "Look at my stupid mouth."
The auctioneer began to strike the gavel, "Five million for the first time, five million for the second time..."
"Six million!" Ruan Luo finally came to her senses, and her guilt surged up twice as much, turning into motivation to spend money on Ruan Chen.
He was so engrossed in his conversation with Ruan Chen that he didn't notice that Su Jin had won the bid for this item.
VIP number 12 successfully bid on his desired item again.
"The last item!" The spotlight shone on the item covered by a white sheet, and the auctioneer began to build suspense with an air of mystery. "As those familiar with our auctions know, the last item is sold blind. So, for this year's final item, 'Thorn Rose,' those interested can now begin bidding. With twenty years of experience in the industry, I assure you that no matter how much you pay, you will not feel cheated!"
"Because it is a priceless treasure!"
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