Chapter 15, the painting is so beautiful.
Ling Xinyao clenched her fists instinctively, her fingertips turning white from the force, her nails almost digging into her palms.
She slowly turned her head, forcing a stiff smile: "There is a similar one, quite a coincidence."
She was actually lying.
This is hardly "almost".
This is the sapphire necklace she used to wear!
When she first received that sapphire necklace, she was overjoyed and cherished it. She wore it to countless important occasions, so it was perfectly normal for the ladies around her to remember her.
Why is it appearing here again, at an auction?
Ling Xinyao felt a chill run through her body, her gaze slowly sweeping over the host's hands.
The jewelry in those seven boxes might look familiar to others, but to her, it was something she knew all too well.
Because these were once her treasured possessions.
When she had nothing to do, she would often go into her dressing room alone and carefully wipe the dust off her jewelry. Each piece of jewelry carried her joy and pride.
Although she didn't buy these jewels herself, but got them from her best friend Sheng Zhujun, what did it matter to her?
Sheng Zhujun comes from a wealthy family with assets worth hundreds of billions. She only took a few pieces of jewelry, which is nothing at all.
Until two days ago, Sheng Zhujun schemed against her, using a video to coerce her, forcing her to return all the jewelry to the Sheng family with a heavy heart.
When she saw them off, Ling Xinyao cried bitterly, thinking she would never see her beloved treasures again.
...I never expected to see him again so soon.
But it happened in such an awkward situation.
At this moment, what was there that Ling Xinyao didn't understand?
The seller of these so-called jewelry blind boxes is Sheng Zhujun.
Sheng Zhujun packed up all the jewelry she had returned and sold it!
Like a fool, she unknowingly fell into the trap and spent a full 20 million to buy back the jewelry that should have rightfully belonged to her!
Ling Xinyao felt a dryness in her throat and an overwhelming urge to quell her thirst.
But under the watchful eyes of everyone, she could only force herself to maintain a smile on her face, using all her strength to hide her true feelings.
She had to maintain her dignity; even if she was schemed against or tricked, she absolutely could not be laughed at in public.
The oblivious socialite next to her continued chattering, "And those earrings... I seem to remember you having a similar pair too? I'm not mistaken, am I?"
Ling Xinyao used all her strength to avoid losing face on the spot.
She replied blankly, "My couple is different from this one."
"Really?" The lady looked puzzled, clearly unconvinced.
Just then, after the host on stage finished introducing all the jewelry, he straightened his back and once again smiled politely.
A sudden, extremely uneasy premonition welled up in Ling Xinyao's heart.
The host announced in a loud voice, "This jewelry blind box was provided by Ms. Sheng Zhujun. The 20 million yuan raised from the auction will be donated entirely to women's rights organizations. Of course, we also thank Ms. Ling Xinyao for winning the bid and making a valuable contribution to charity!"
Ling Xinyao's vision went black.
The host actually said that!
She's about to be finished.
The guests present were all shrewd individuals. With the host's prompting, they immediately understood the cause and effect, and their gazes toward Ling Xinyao were filled with a knowing, amused look.
Various rumors and discussions reached Ling Xinyao's ears.
"My goodness, I thought Ling Xinyao only took a few clothes from the eldest daughter of the Sheng family, but I didn't expect her to take jewelry worth 18 million from her. How could she have the nerve to do that?"
"The eldest daughter of the Sheng family is truly devoted to her best friend; she is indeed worthy of being raised by the Sheng family."
"She took so many things from someone and then went and seduced their boyfriend, causing them to break up. That's just too much!"
"Have you forgotten? Ling Xinyao isn't the Ling family's biological daughter; there might be something wrong with her genes..."
Ling Xinyao could tolerate the other sarcastic remarks, pretending not to hear them.
But that last sentence was like a sharp dagger, piercing straight into the most sensitive and vulnerable part of her heart.
No!
Absolutely not!
Even if she wasn't the Ling family's biological daughter, she was still raised and educated by Ling's parents, and could never be someone with inferior genes!
She was at a loss and subconsciously turned to look at her parents beside her.
Ling's father's brows were furrowed, forming a deep frown. Meeting her pleading gaze, he scolded in a low voice, "Why did you have to buy jewelry? Now look what you've done! You've completely embarrassed yourself!"
Ling's mother quickly avoided her gaze, muttering, "Oh dear, the air in here is so stuffy. Honey, I don't think there's anything interesting going on. Shall we go back?"
Ling Xinyao understood that her parents felt ashamed.
They're just too proud to admit it, so they're making excuses to leave as soon as possible.
Mr. Ling coughed lightly, which was a tacit agreement with Mrs. Ling's suggestion: "Since you're not feeling well, let's go first."
After saying that, he glared at Ling Xinyao and got up to leave.
Ling's mother hurriedly followed, her steps quick.
Ling Xinyao stood frozen for two seconds. In that instant, she felt as if she were in an ice cellar, surrounded by mocking gazes like needles, making her almost suffocate.
Two days ago, things were clearly not like this.
Why has it turned out this way?
Ever since Ling Shu was forced into marriage with the Sheng family, it seems like everything is starting to spiral out of control...
Ling Shu, that's right, Ling Shu!
Did Ling Shu instigate Sheng Zhujun's two consecutive traps?
Ling Xinyao's gaze sharpened.
She has lost so much face today, and her parents will surely be disappointed in her again.
At this moment, she desperately needed Ling Shu as a "control group" to highlight her and make Ling's parents understand that only she was worthy of being the Ling family's daughter!
Her mind raced, and she quickly caught up with her, taking Ling's mother's hand and forcing a smile: "Dad, Mom, I heard my sister is also in the Sheng family's private room. Why don't you come with me to see her? I can apologize to Yunyun in person and ask her not to be angry with me anymore..."
-
Laughter filled the Sheng family's private room.
Sheng Zhujun stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass, hands on her hips, a smug smile on her face: "Great, really great!"
Her voice was filled with barely concealed excitement, "I never expected that Ling Xinyao would buy back all those jewelry pieces I sold in a package, and even spend an extra two million! So, not only did I not lose money, I actually made a small profit!"
Ling Shu sat on the soft sofa beside her and clapped her hands in agreement: "We made a profit!"
As she moved, the diamonds on the necklace reflected the overhead lights, shimmering with a dazzling, subtle brilliance.
Her cheerful voice stopped abruptly, and Sheng Zhujun suddenly remembered that Ling Shu in front of her was also a "Ling family member".
To be precise, Ling Shu is the biological daughter of Ling's parents and the true member of the Ling family.
Ling's parents spent a full 20 million yuan to buy jewelry for Ling Xinyao, but never thought of buying any for Ling Shu as well.
In comparison, it's truly disheartening.
Sheng Zhujun pursed her lips gently, silently cursing the Ling family in her heart. Words like "blind to the truth" and "extremely biased" ran through her mind.
Just as she was about to change the subject to something lighter to ease the suddenly heavy atmosphere, there was another knock on the door of the private room.
"Knock knock knock".
Ling Xinyao's familiar yet annoying voice came from outside the door: "Shushu? Your dad, mom, and I are about to leave. We came to see you before we left. Are you there?"
Sheng Zhujun glared unhappily at the door.
Just what I feared most happened; Ling Xinyao is here again.
They even brought Ling's clueless parents along!
She opened her mouth, about to say "Don't pay attention to them," but Ling Shu reacted faster, standing up from the sofa first and calmly saying, "I'll go take a look."
"Shushu!"
Sheng Zhujun took two steps forward, her face full of worry, "If you don't want to drive, then don't drive."
Ling Shu stopped and turned back to look at her with a smile: "It's okay, knocking out three people won't take long."
Sheng Zhujun: "?"
Oh, she almost forgot. Just now, Ling Xinyao deliberately came to provoke her, but before she could say more than a few words, Ling Shu swiftly and decisively knocked her unconscious with a chop to the neck.
As expected of Shushu, her methods are always so direct and efficient.
She felt relieved and stopped stopping Ling Shu from opening the door.
Ling Shu walked to the door and pulled it open.
Ling Xinyao stopped knocking on the door and looked Ling Shu up and down as she stood in the doorway.
Ling Shu stood firmly in the doorway, showing no intention of letting them in, her expression indifferent: "What is it? Speak."
This attitude is really a bit arrogant.
Ling Xinyao bit her lower lip, turned around to look at her parents behind her, and said with a hint of grievance in her voice, "Sister, Mom and Dad came all this way to see you. What do you mean by this? You don't even want us to come in?"
Ling Shu looked up at her parents behind her, her expression still indifferent: "It's not very convenient."
Her answer secretly pleased Ling Xinyao.
Ling Shu was too lazy to watch her hypocritical performance and prepared to close the door directly.
Ling Xinyao kept a close eye on her movements, her excitement growing stronger.
Although she didn't look back, she could already guess what expressions Ling's parents had behind her.
Just as she was secretly pleased with herself, Ling's father, who was standing behind her, suddenly rushed forward and slammed his hand on the door of the private room.
Ling Xinyao was startled by this sudden action, thinking that her father was so angry with Ling Shu's attitude that he wanted to teach her a lesson.
If they really start fighting, shouldn't she pretend to try and break it up or something...?
Before she could even get ready, she heard Mr. Ling ask, "Xiao Shu, isn't this the jade necklace that Miss Sheng just bought? Why are you wearing it?"
He leaned forward slightly, one hand still pressed against the door, his movements a little rough, but his tone was unusually gentle and full of patience.
He was completely different from the person who had been furious at the auction because of Ling Xinyao.
Ling Shu looked down at it, her expression unchanged: "Oh, she gave it to me."
Mr. Ling was stunned for several seconds, then pointed to the yellow diamond earrings she was wearing: "Was this also a gift from the young lady?"
Ling Shu nodded: "Yes."
Standing to the side, Ling Xinyao belatedly noticed the necklace and earrings that Ling Shu was wearing.
She had been so focused on Ling Shu's face that she hadn't even noticed that Ling Shu was wearing two extra pieces of jewelry.
When she saw the details of the two pieces of jewelry clearly, her mind went blank, and she was completely dumbfounded.
This... isn't this the jewelry that Sheng Zhujun just snatched from her hand?
She remembered that jade necklace very clearly; Sheng Zhujun had spent a whopping 20.5 million yuan to buy it at the auction!
Such an expensive necklace was casually hung around Ling Shu's neck.
How is this possible?!
Ling's father, who was standing next to her, reacted first.
He lowered his hand from the door and burst into laughter: "Haha, Xiao Shu, I didn't expect you and Miss to become good friends so quickly. It seems you're doing quite well in the Sheng family, aren't you?"
Ling Shu looked up at him. Her gaze was calm, and the corners of her mouth curved slightly, forming a faint arc.
"I'm doing fine."
"That's good, that's good." Mr. Ling nodded repeatedly, looking very pleased.
He seemed to realize that Ling Shu didn't want to exchange any more pleasantries with them, so he tactfully took a step back, still smiling, and said, "In that case, we won't bother you any longer. Xiao Shu, your father and mother are leaving now. We'll visit you at the Sheng family another day."
After saying that, he seemed to suddenly remember something and asked enthusiastically, "By the way, Xiaoshu, the eldest daughter of the Sheng family gave you such an expensive gift, you should reciprocate. Do you have enough money? How about Dad gives you some more?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Shu's smile widened.
Without the slightest hesitation, she readily agreed: "Okay."
Money delivered to your doorstep is money you shouldn't refuse.
But would Ling's father really be so generous as to give her money?
After all, when she first arrived in this world, she checked the original owner's personal account and found only a pitiful 1,300 yuan.
In the original owner's memory, Ling's parents strictly controlled her spending. If she spent an extra hundred yuan, she would be questioned repeatedly, as if she were being interrogated as a criminal.
Ling Shu looked calmly at her father, waiting for his move.
This time, Mr. Ling wasn't just saying it casually. He took out his phone and laughed heartily, "The Sheng family is a wealthy and powerful family, unlike the Ling family. Dad should give you more money."
In the past, Ling's mother was responsible for these trivial matters, and he never had to worry about them.
Meeting Ling Shu's all-seeing gaze, he broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly patted Ling's mother beside him, "What are you standing there for? Transfer some money to Xiao Shu!"
Ling's mother was still unaware of what was happening. She only came to her senses after being scolded and asked in a somewhat embarrassed low voice, "How much should we turn it?"
Ling's father waved his hand impatiently and said loudly, "Transfer five million first."
Ling's mother exclaimed in surprise, "Ah? So much?"
Ling Xinyao's expression also changed: "Dad!"
Mr. Ling's eyes widened: "Xiao Shu is different now! What kind of family is the Sheng family? Their eldest daughter gives away a necklace worth 20 million yuan, 5 million is too little!"
Ling's mother was somewhat reluctant.
In her eyes, Ling Shu was still the daughter who was inferior to Ling Xinyao in every way and whom she did not like.
She really couldn't understand what kind of taste the eldest daughter of the Sheng family had, that she would fall out with her Xinyao and instead become friends with Ling Shu.
But she was used to listening to her husband in everything, so she could only obediently pick up her phone and transfer money to Ling Shu.
Soon, Ling Shu's phone vibrated.
She calmly picked up her phone and glanced at it, confirming that the original owner's account, which previously only had 1,300 yuan, now indeed had an additional 5 million yuan.
The string of numbers stood out prominently on the phone screen.
Ling Shu put down her phone, her smile becoming more genuine: "I received the money. Take care, you two."
Mr. Ling nodded with a smile, not minding at all that she was telling them to leave, and waved happily, "Okay, Xiao Shu, we'll be going now!"
After saying that, he reached out and tugged at Ling's mother, who was still in a daze, and Ling Xinyao, who looked unwilling, and urged, "Let's go! Hurry up! Don't block the door and cause trouble for Xiaoshu!"
Ling Xinyao was completely stunned.
No, how did the plot change so quickly?
She had just persuaded Ling's parents to come over, clearly intending to provoke Ling Shu, make her lose control of her emotions, and incur her parents' disgust, so that they would know that only she was the most obedient and lovable daughter.
Unexpectedly, Ling Shu was wearing the necklace that Sheng Zhujun had just bought, as if to declare her special status in the Sheng family.
What she found even harder to accept was that Ling's father transferred five million to Ling Shu without saying a word.
She usually has to go to great lengths to get five million, using all sorts of tricks and flattery, and it takes a lot of effort.
Ling Shu simply responded without saying a word of thanks, and easily obtained the huge sum of money.
What right do they have to do this?!
She was pulled away by Ling's father, completely bewildered, without even a chance to say another word.
Ling Shu stood at the door, quietly watching them leave until their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor, before slowly closing the door.
Sheng Zhujun, who had overheard the whole thing in the room, was still in a daze and subconsciously asked, "What's going on?"
Ling Xinyao came here specifically not to give Ling Shu money.
How did things turn out this way?
Ling Shu raised her hand and gently touched the imperial green jade on the necklace, letting out a soft laugh that was hard to decipher.
She said somewhat nonchalantly, "Before, in the eyes of the Ling family, I was a useless person. Now, I am useful."
She was useless before, so she could be bullied, ignored, and used as a substitute bride, like an object that could be discarded at will.
Now she's useful.
Because the Sheng family cares about her, because Sheng Zhujun cares about her.
The values of Ling's parents are truly pragmatic to the extreme, with everything based on self-interest.
No wonder they raised someone like Ling Xinyao; her parents are essentially the same selfish and cold-hearted people. I just wonder if they'll feel any pain when Ling Xinyao does that thing in the future? Heh, I'm kind of looking forward to it.
Sheng Zhujun: "..."
Hey, hey, hey, what exactly is this matter? You better explain yourself clearly!
I hate it when half of the plot is spoiled!
But she couldn't ask, how annoying!
However, judging from Ling Shu's reaction, she probably didn't take her parents' outrageous behavior to heart.
Sheng Zhujun finally felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief.
Ling Shu didn't dwell on it for long before she keenly heard the host's voice coming from the hall.
It's here!
What she had been waiting for finally arrived!
Ling Shu perked up, forgetting all the Ling family members who had come over to fool around, and quickly walked towards the floor-to-ceiling window of the private room.
On the auction stage, the auctioneer's voice rose and fell in cadence: "This lot is of great artistic value, consisting of thirty-two paintings. The seller spent many years collecting these works. While the artists are not famous, they still possess artistic and collectible value. The estimated value is one million, with a starting bid of five hundred thousand!"
Despite his passionate delivery, the guests in the audience weren't really impressed; some were engrossed in their phones, while others were chatting.
Those who attend the auction are all shrewd people; they know exactly what's valuable and what's not.
These paintings aren't by famous artists, so there's a high chance they'll be a dud if you buy them.
Of course, some investors who specialize in art may buy paintings by unknown artists as an investment. However, this requires a lot of preliminary research, including the artist's skill, style, and school of thought. Only after a comprehensive evaluation and confirmation that the work has investment value will they make a purchase.
This is a blind box auction, so you can't even see what these paintings look like.
The estimated value isn't high; they're definitely just some very ordinary paintings.
The guests were naturally not interested.
Outside the auction hall, Ling Xinyao paused for a moment as she stepped out.
The host's voice came from behind her, somewhat muffled, but the content was still roughly audible.
This time, the auction item is actually a painting?
She studied art, and she would often buy paintings at auctions, including some by unknown artists.
It wasn't for investment purposes; she mainly wanted to maintain her persona of "understanding and loving art."
More than thirty paintings, with a starting bid of only 500,000, and at this kind of charity auction... both the price and the occasion are very appropriate.
If it weren't for that embarrassing incident involving 20 million, she would definitely have gone back and photographed those paintings.
But now...
Ling's mother noticed her hesitation, patted her shoulder gently, and urged her softly, "Let's go."
Ling Xinyao bit her lower lip, unwilling to give up easily: "Mom, you know I like buying paintings. These paintings are only worth 500,000 yuan, and they're not famous works, so maybe no one will even make an offer."
She lowered her eyes, putting on a wronged expression, "Mom, I've embarrassed myself so much today. Buying these paintings will at least make up for it a little."
After hearing this, Ling's mother hesitated for a moment, then turned to look into the hall.
She could also tell that after the host had been introducing the paintings for so long, no one had raised their paddles to bid, indicating that the guests present were clearly not interested in them.
Xinyao has a point. It's only a matter of a few minutes anyway, so why don't we...
Just as she began to waver, the host's voice suddenly rose in the distance: "Thank you... for the bid! Five hundred thousand for one round!"
Someone made a bid.
They were too far apart to hear clearly who made the bid.
Ling's mother shook her head and advised, "Xinyao, look, someone has made an offer. It's too late for us to go back now; there will be plenty of opportunities later. Besides, you've already spent so much money today. If you buy something else, your father might get angry again."
She tugged at Ling Xinyao's hand. "Let's go back, okay?"
The host's voice rang out again from afar: "Five hundred thousand twice!"
Ling Xinyao sighed softly and looked away.
Ling's mother is right; it's too late for her to go back now.
She said gently, "Okay, Mom, let's go."
The two turned around and continued walking out.
The automatic doors in the lobby sensed the approach of the two people, and the two large golden doors slowly opened to the sides.
After the two passed through, the door slowly closed again.
It's strange, besides her, who else from the wealthy families of Beijing would be interested in this kind of thing?
Now that the item had been bought, Ling Xinyao stopped paying attention, turned her gaze away, and walked forward with her mother.
-
Inside the Sheng family's private room.
Sheng Zhujun stood beside Ling Shu, looking down at the auction hall.
Ling Shu just spent 500,000 yuan to buy more than 30 paintings. There was no one bidding against her at the scene, and the auction went very smoothly.
The host is showing photos of these paintings.
Most of these paintings were landscapes, and in Sheng Zhujun's opinion, the style was conventional and unremarkable, at least unable to arouse her interest.
However, if Ling Shu likes it, then that's good.
Sheng Zhujun nodded affirmatively and said with a smile, "Shushu, you got a really good deal buying these paintings! Where do you want to hang them? How about in Xiaominglou's living room?"
Ling Shu looked at the paintings displayed on the large screen below, a smile playing on her lips.
"It doesn't matter where it's hung, or not at all, as long as the painting is in the Sheng family's house."
Sheng Zhujun: "Huh?"
What does this mean?
Before she could ask any questions, Ling Shu turned around, walked to Sheng Yun Shen's wheelchair, grasped the handle, and said softly, "Jun Jun, we've bought everything we needed. Why don't we go back now?"
"ah?"
Sheng Zhujun was a little confused.
But there's a second half to the auction, isn't there?
However, since Ling Shu wants to leave, then they should leave.
I came to the auction today to accompany Ling Shu, and now that I've had my fill of fun, it's time to go home.
"Okay, let's go then."
Ling Shu nodded, and after confirming that the staff at the door had delivered the painting she had photographed, she pushed Sheng Yunshen's wheelchair and was the first to walk out of the room.
Sheng Zhujun followed behind.
Feeling himself being slowly pushed, Sheng Yun Shen quietly pondered in the boundless darkness.
His intuition, honed over years in the business world, told him that Ling Shu's every move was not as simple as it seemed on the surface, and that there must be other motives hidden behind it.
But what exactly is her purpose?
Ling Shu was very quiet at this moment, and no thoughts came out.
He couldn't glean her thoughts from her inner voice.
In fact, most of the time, Ling Shu's inner thoughts were very quiet.
She is like a still and deep lake, only occasionally rippling when a breeze passes by.
She seemed to be more accustomed to and adapted to loneliness than he was.
What kind of past experiences shaped her personality?
Sheng Yun Shen was lost in thought and didn't notice that his focus had unconsciously shifted from exploring "Ling Shu's purpose" to being curious about "Ling Shu's past".
Just then, a crisp "ding" sound rang out, bringing him back to his senses.
My body was pushed again, and I felt a slight bump from the bottom of the wheelchair, which meant I had entered the elevator.
The wheelchair stopped after entering the elevator.
The elevator doors slowly closed.
Just before the elevator doors were about to close, a sudden "bang" sound rang out, indicating that someone had raised their hand to block the elevator doors.
Immediately afterwards, Ling Shu's clear and pleasant voice rang out: "By the way, if President Li comes to visit, please let us know that we have other matters to attend to and will be returning to the Sheng family first. If he has time, he is welcome to visit the Sheng family."
The staff member outside the elevator quickly replied, "Okay, Ms. Ling."
Ling Shu chuckled softly. This time, the elevator doors closed smoothly, and with another "ding," it slowly began to descend.
Inside the elevator, Sheng Yun Shen was completely dumbfounded.
President Li...
Could it be that CEO Li he's thinking of?!
-
The atmosphere remained lively during the second half of the auction. Even in the lounge, the sounds of bidding could still be heard coming from the main hall.
Qin Hong sat on the sofa in the lounge, her hands clasped in front of her, glancing up at the outside every now and then.
She didn't go back to the Sheng family's private room; she stayed here waiting.
Not far from the lounge was the Li family's private room. For a long time, the room had been quiet, without any movement or participation in the auction.
Butler Wang was beside her, his eyes fixed on the phone in his hand.
Suddenly, his phone screen lit up, and his eyes lit up as well. He quickly looked up and said, "Madam, we have received news from the Li Family Group that the meeting has ended and President Li is on his way. He will arrive in about ten minutes."
Qin Hong raised her hand to check her watch and nodded: "Okay."
She stood up, carefully straightened her clothes, and smoothed her hair to make herself appear more dignified.
Like a soldier about to go to the battlefield, entering a state of combat readiness in advance.
Today, she's determined to stop Li Yin no matter what.
The waiting time felt exceptionally long.
Qin Hong was on edge, intently watching every second pass.
One minute... five minutes... ten minutes... fifteen minutes...
Time passed slowly, but no other members of the Li family appeared outside the corridor.
She walked to the door of the lounge, looked out, and frowned slightly.
Could it be that Li Yin didn't come?
Behind her, Butler Wang was equally puzzled: "According to our information, President Li's car pulled into the hotel five minutes ago. The Li family's private room also has a dedicated entrance; he should have arrived by now..."
Qin Hong's heart sank.
An unexpected incident still occurred.
Clearly, after getting out of the car, Li Yin did not go to the Li family's private room, but went elsewhere.
Where can he go?
She turned and ordered, "Find out where Li Yin went immediately!"
"yes!"
Butler Wang lowered his head and quickly began to call for help.
The setback made Qin Hong somewhat anxious.
Or did Li Yin receive advance notice and know that she was waiting here, so he deliberately avoided seeing her?
The corridor was empty; Li Yin's figure never appeared.
A few minutes later, Butler Wang finally received a call reporting the news.
Upon hearing the latest news over the phone, he was momentarily stunned, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Qin Hong was also watching Wang the butler's movements. Seeing that he looked strange, she hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Where is he?"
Butler Wang put down his phone, his expression as if he were dreaming: "Madam, after Mr. Li got out of the car, he went straight to... the Sheng family's private room. He's outside the Sheng family's private room right now... knocking on the door..."
"What?!"
Qin Hong suddenly stopped in her tracks, her voice rising sharply: "Is there something wrong with the information?"
Li Yin has been abroad for the past few years and has never had any contact with the Sheng family, so why would he go straight to the Sheng family's private room?
They didn't even give us any prior notice!
Without thinking twice, she strode towards the Sheng family's private room: "Let's hurry over there!"
-
At the same moment, outside the Sheng family's private room.
The auction house staff were bowing and explaining, "Mr. Li, Miss Sheng left ten minutes ago, and there's no one in the private room right now. The item you asked about was taken by her."
A tall man stood silently in the shadows of the corridor, like a silent mountain.
He was wearing a well-tailored gray overcoat, his hands casually in his pockets.
The shadows obscured his face, and the staff with their heads down couldn't see his expression, but they could vaguely feel the gaze coming from above, which seemed to weigh a ton and was filled with an invisible and intangible sense of oppression.
The staff appeared calm on the surface, but were actually quite surprised inside.
When Ling Shu left, she specifically told President Li that he might come over, but he didn't take it seriously at the time. He didn't expect that President Li would actually come looking for him so soon.
Since the Sheng family knew that President Li was coming, why did they leave first and invite President Li to their home?
The staff couldn't understand it.
After he finished explaining, he didn't say anything more and kept his head down.
Strangely, despite the rumors that President Li was gentle and approachable, he was inexplicably nervous at this moment and didn't even dare to look up.
After a few seconds, the man on the other end finally responded.
"Okay, I understand. Thank you."
Unlike the oppressive feeling that came with his silence just now, Li Yin's voice was very gentle.
The staff member breathed a sigh of relief and quickly looked up, saying, "This is what I should do."
In that instant when he looked up, he saw Li Yin's face clearly, and his gaze froze for a moment.
It's so beautiful!
Despite having short hair, Li Yin possesses the gentle and refined air of an ancient gentleman.
His eyes were smiling, and a faint smile played on his lips, as warm as a spring breeze.
Li Yin nodded to the staff, then turned and strode away without lingering.
The staff watched in a daze, noticing that Li Yin walked directly towards the elevator leading to the parking lot.
Hmm, is President Li planning to leave right now?
But the auction isn't over yet!
He was completely bewildered, but dared not ask any more questions. He could only quietly watch Li Yin leave in the elevator.
A few minutes later, two more people rushed over.
Butler Wang walked at the front, and upon seeing the staff, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where is President Li?"
The staff member recognized the visitors and was somewhat surprised: "Mrs. Qin, Butler Wang? I thought you had already left with Miss Sheng."
Butler Wang shook his head and continued to press, "We didn't leave, where's President Li?"
"President Li..."
The staff member was a little confused and honestly said, "President Li just came over, heard that there was no one in the Sheng family's private room, and then left."
"They're gone?!"
Butler Wang's vision went black.
Qin Hong stepped forward.
In contrast, her expression was much calmer.
She asked softly, "Who is President Li here to see?"
She sensed that something was off about what happened today.
If Li Yin came looking for her, he should know that she had never been to this private room, and he wouldn't have left so easily.
Could it be that... Li Yin came here to see someone else?
Staff member: "Mr. Li was looking for Miss Sheng just now..."
"Young Miss?!"
Butler Wang's vision went black again.
How did he get involved with the young lady again?
Qin Hong frowned and continued, "So what was your answer?"
The staff member continued, "Miss Ling instructed that if Mr. Li came to ask, they should say that they had left first and invited Mr. Li to visit them in person if he had time. I just answered according to Miss Ling's instructions."
"Miss Ling?!"
Butler Wang was completely dumbfounded.
How did Ling Shu know that Li Yin was coming?
What on earth happened?!
Qin Hong also remained silent for a few seconds, as if she was organizing her thoughts.
After a while, she let out a long sigh of relief and looked back at Butler Wang: "Old Wang, let's go back too."
It seems that the cause of all these events today lies with Ling Shu.
Only by asking Ling Shu can we find out the answers to everything.
Qin Hong turned around and impatiently ordered Butler Wang, "Let's go home, home right now!"
-
The auction site is located in the underground parking garage.
A Bentley Mulsanne sat quietly in the shadows.
With a "ding," the elevator doors opened, and Li Yin's tall and upright figure stepped out steadily.
His assistant, who was following behind him, jogged over and opened the car door first.
Li Yin leaned forward slightly, his posture as elegant as a medieval nobleman, and slowly got into the car.
The assistant jogged to the other side and quickly got into the car.
Li Yin shook his head, his expression calm: "I can't blame you. These paintings have been sold many times and passed through many hands. From the initial gallery to now, you've acted very quickly."
Unfortunately, some people acted even faster.
The assistant slightly raised his head and asked in a low voice, "President Li, will you accept the invitation from the Sheng family? Ever since Sheng Yun Shen's accident, you have been avoiding the Sheng family. Are you going to make an exception this time?"
Li Yin did not answer immediately.
He turned his gaze to the window, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.
He originally thought that after losing Sheng Yun Shen, the Sheng family was like a dying beast, unable to stir up any more waves and not worth mentioning at all.
At this time, the Li family's choice to remain aloof, not get involved, and not take advantage of the situation is already an act of utmost benevolence.
Unexpectedly, the Sheng family could bring him such an unexpected "surprise".
He slightly curled the corners of his lips: "Yes, of course I'll see her. Next time Mrs. Qin calls, just answer the phone."
"yes."
The assistant immediately bowed his head in agreement.
Li Yin looked out the window, his gaze momentarily blank, as if trying to see through the white walls of the parking lot into the vast distance.
Regardless of what the Sheng family ultimately wants...
He had to get those paintings back.
must.
Author's Note: I'll be posting tomorrow, so there will be a late update. I'll resume daily updates at 3 PM from now on. [Heart]
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