Chapter 14 The Twenty Million Jewelry "This imperial green jade is a very pure color..."
The next morning, Butler Wang arrived at Xiaoming Building early.
Ling Shu also got up early, jogged for forty minutes in the gym, took a shower, and is now sitting in the restaurant leisurely eating breakfast.
Seeing Butler Wang enter, she raised her hand in greeting, "Uncle Wang, would you like something to eat?"
The housekeeper was so excited that he had no appetite for breakfast. He ran over and sat down next to her: "Miss Ling, the car for your trip, the custom-made wheelchair, and the accompanying caregiver are all ready."
After receiving Ling Shu's call last night, he was so excited that he couldn't help but stay up all night to arrange all the equipment and personnel needed for Sheng Yunshen's trip.
"However, I haven't yet consulted the First Madam's opinion. I wonder if she will object?"
Just as Butler Wang finished speaking, Sheng Zhujun walked in from outside and happened to hear the last sentence. Curious, she asked, "What are you against?"
Ling Shu explained, "We're going to the auction together, right? I want to bring Sheng Yun Shen along too."
Although I hate to admit it, my second brother is already in a vegetative state and needs to take good care of himself. It's not really appropriate to take him out, is it?
Butler Wang explained, "Miss, I have confirmed with Mr. Sheng's medical team that he is in very good health and is fit to go out."
While eating xiaolongbao, Ling Shu added, "Junjun, think about it. What if your second brother is still conscious? Wouldn't he feel very uncomfortable being confined to that ward every day? His physical condition allows it, and our Sheng family has the means to take him out. Why don't we give it a try?"
Last night, sitting by Sheng Yunshen's hospital bed, feeling the coldness and loneliness of the ward, Ling Shu suddenly wanted to take him out to see the world, to get some sunshine and fresh air.
Besides, Sheng Yun Shen's perfect appearance is so pleasing to the eye, and it's nice to be able to see him anytime.
Sheng Zhujun stood there blankly for a few seconds, then realized that what Ling Shu said actually made some sense.
If my second brother really has consciousness...
Staying in the hospital room every day must be very uncomfortable, right?
But... she said somewhat uncertainly, "Mom probably won't agree."
Behind her came a calm female voice: "I agree."
Everyone looked over and saw Qin Hong standing by the entrance, having appeared at some unknown time.
Qin Hong's face remained expressionless as she slowly walked to Sheng Zhujun's side: "You can take Yun Shen out today. The Sheng family has reserved a private VIP room at the auction venue; Yun Shen can go there."
She looked up at Ling Shu with a slightly serious expression, her voice heavy, "Shu, I have only one request: don't let outsiders see Yun Shen like this, especially his former partners and competitors."
The usually stern Qin Hong spoke with a rare pleading tone, and her eyes revealed a hint of vulnerability.
Beneath her strong facade, she remains a mother heartbroken and worried for her son.
Ling Shu's smile faded slightly, and she nodded seriously in response, "Madam, please rest assured, I will take good care of him."
"Um."
Qin Hong withdrew her gaze, and also withdrew the hint of vulnerability she had just shown.
At this moment, she transformed back into the stern and unsmiling First Madam of the Sheng family.
"Old Wang and I will go ahead first. You can have breakfast and then take your time. There's no rush."
Without delay, she turned and left, her expression grave, as if she had something on her mind.
After watching Qin Hong and Butler Wang leave, Ling Shu quickly finished her breakfast and went upstairs with several servants to "bring" Sheng Yun Shen down.
Butler Wang arranged for someone to bring a custom-made wheelchair. Ling Shu reached out and tried it out. It was comfortable to sit in, with support for her neck and waist. Even if Sheng Yun Shen was unaware, she didn't have to worry about him swaying while sitting.
They entered the ward, and the caregivers carefully lifted Sheng Yun Shen and placed him securely in his wheelchair.
Butler Wang even arranged for several servants to fix Sheng Yun Shen's clothes and hairstyle.
After getting ready, Sheng Yun Shen, sitting in a wheelchair, wore loose casual clothes, and his carefully styled hair also looked relaxed and casual.
He sat there with his eyes closed, as if he were just tired from playing ball and taking a nap in his chair. A slight call would wake him up, and you would see him open his calm, sharp black eyes again.
Seeing this, the caregivers who were looking after Sheng Yun Shen couldn't help but wipe their eyes.
The caregivers were so absorbed in their grief that they didn't notice the glint in Ling Shu's eyes.
[You exude an ascetic aura in a suit, but like a sunny and cheerful young man in casual wear. Sheng Yun Shen, you have boundless potential!]
My cheap husband is so handsome, I, his cheap wife, am so proud.
[It's decided, I'll push you myself later.]
Sheng Yun Shen, once again surrounded by lewd and inappropriate words: "..."
Help.
Where exactly is she taking him?
Xiaoming Building has an elevator. The group took the elevator down from the third floor and met up with Sheng Zhujun.
Sheng Zhujun was initially a little uneasy, but the moment she saw Sheng Yunshen appear, all her unease vanished, leaving only a sense of awe.
She sighed softly, "That's wonderful."
The way my second brother sits like this is so nice.
They left Xiaominglou in a grand procession.
Having been immersed in darkness for so long, Sheng Yun Shen felt the warm sunlight outside for the first time.
He couldn't see it, but he could feel the sunlight falling on the back of his hand, bringing a reassuring warmth.
The ice and snow in my heart seem to be melting away as well.
……All right.
Sheng Yun Shen decided once again to forgive Ling Shu, this audacious woman.
No matter where she takes him, no matter what he goes through.
This time, he wasn't angry.
-
The Sheng family's car arrived at the auction venue.
As special VIPs, the Sheng family has a dedicated parking space and entrance passage, with an elevator that goes directly from the parking lot to the private room, so there's no need to worry about being seen by others.
Ling Shu kept her word and pushed Sheng Yun Shen's wheelchair the entire time.
This is the first time she has ever been to such an occasion, in both her past and present lives.
However, Ling Shu had seen countless big scenes, so her reaction was calm and she didn't make a fuss.
Once inside the VIP box, she first settled Sheng Yun Shen in before looking around.
The private room was fully furnished, with a coffee table laden with various fruits and desserts, and a call bell so you could press it to get whatever you needed.
One side of the private box features a 270-degree panoramic window, through which one can see the entire auction hall below.
The maid explained, "This is a one-way window; people outside can't see inside."
Ling Shu sat down on the soft chair in front of the window and picked up the auction catalog from the small table next to her to look through it.
She didn't choose to come to the auction to just stroll around.
The original book mentions this auction.
At the auction, there was an item that Li Yin had been searching for for a long time. Unfortunately, he was held up by company business and arrived a step too late. The item was snapped up by an anonymous buyer first.
Later, Li Yin spent a lot of effort to find out the true identity of the anonymous buyer, and then, the end of the world came.
To acquire this item, Li Yin organized a ten-man heavily armed squad, venturing alone into the earliest-fallen downtown area, and finally obtained it after overcoming numerous hardships.
When he received the auction item, he was accidentally injured and was rescued by the female lead by chance, thus owing her a "favor".
That's why he secretly protected the main characters in the middle of the story, providing them with supplies and protection.
This scene shows that Li Yin really cares about this item and that he is a person who always repays kindness.
If Ling Shu can win the bid first, she should have a chance to forge a good relationship with this future doomsday tycoon.
After flipping through the auction catalog, Ling Shu couldn't find the item mentioned in the book, and she couldn't help but frown slightly.
Could it be that she's mistaken, and it's not this auction?
However, she had already asked Sheng Zhujun, and this was the only large-scale auction held in Beijing in the past month.
She put down the register and asked Sheng Zhujun again, "Is everything auctioned today on this register?"
Sheng Zhujun tilted her head and thought for a moment, then shook her head: "Not necessarily. There will be a charity auction during the intermission of this auction, where guests will provide items for auction, and all proceeds will be donated to charity."
"To maintain suspense, the items to be auctioned in the charity auction will not be disclosed in advance."
I see.
Ling Shu nodded knowingly. It seemed that what Li Yin wanted was in the charity auction items and had not been announced to the public in advance. No wonder he couldn't buy it in time in the book.
Next, all she needs to do is wait quietly.
After confirming her target, Ling Shu relaxed a bit, strolled over to the sofa and sat down, her gaze wandering over the coffee table laden with all sorts of delicious food and snacks.
What should we eat first?
How about trying the Napoleon first? I've heard that the Napoleon at this hotel is amazing.
Having selected her target, Ling Shu was about to reach out when a sudden, urgent knocking sounded at the door, carrying a sense of overwhelming pressure.
She stopped what she was doing and turned to look at the doorway.
Sheng Zhujun, who was sitting next to her, tensed up instantly. She sat up straight, her hands gripping the armrests unconsciously, her eyes filled with vigilance: "Who is knocking? We can't let anyone in."
Her second brother is also in the room; she absolutely mustn't let outsiders see him.
The servant guarding the door stepped forward to check, then quickly walked to Sheng Zhujun's side, bowed slightly, and reported in a low voice: "It's Miss Ling Xinyao."
"Ling Xinyao?" Sheng Zhujun frowned. "How dare she come here?"
Ling Xinyao fell into a pit yesterday and even got into a fight with Jian Yicheng. Isn't that a lesson enough?
Ling Shu calmly picked up a Napoleon cake and said slowly, "She's probably after me."
Ling Xinyao was probably obsessed with the identity of "real and fake heiress" and relentlessly sought every opportunity to provoke Ling Shu. The original owner's memories were full of Ling Xinyao's smug face as she showed off and suppressed Ling Shu.
Now that Ling Shu has married into the Sheng family, Ling Xinyao still hasn't given up on suppressing her.
By the way, ever since Ling Xinyao and Jian Yicheng's affair was exposed, Sheng Zhujun took away all the luxury gifts she had given to Ling Xinyao. Ling Xinyao probably hates Sheng Zhujun too.
No wonder they're so arrogant.
Upon hearing this, Sheng Zhujun's face grew even uglier. She stood up abruptly and said, "I'll call the staff over and get rid of her."
"No need," Ling Shu shook her head. "I'll go."
The staff could only try to persuade her, because if Ling Xinyao stubbornly refused to leave, there would inevitably be another commotion.
It would be faster if Ling Shu took action herself.
"Don't worry, I won't let her in. The entrance is blocked, she can't see inside, and she won't see Sheng Yun Shen."
As Ling Shu spoke, she walked over and opened the door.
As soon as the door opened, Ling Xinyao, like a fighting rooster baring its teeth and claws, withdrew her hand from the door and tried to rush inside. But Ling Shu blocked the doorway completely, preventing her from even squeezing through a crack.
She didn't stand on ceremony and raised her hand to push Ling Shu away.
Ling Xinyao: "?"
Ling Xinyao was dumbfounded: "??"
When did Ling Shu become so strong? I can't move her no matter how hard I try.
As she spoke, Ling Xinyao smiled smugly, "My parents promised to buy me jewelry. I don't care about Sheng Zhujun's stuff. Sigh, my parents are so good to me, even better than their own daughter."
"Ling Shu, what do you think?"
Ling Shu thought expressionlessly, "Oh, so he came here to show off this."
How childish.
At this moment, Sheng Zhujun was sitting in the room and heard Ling Xinyao's words clearly. She was so angry that her face turned pale, and she couldn't help but want to rush out and yell back.
Just as she moved her toes, she suddenly heard Ling Shu's slightly mocking inner thoughts.
[The Ling family is really willing to spend money to appease Ling Xinyao. They'll definitely regret it later when Ling Xinyao causes that incident. They've spent so much money, only to raise an ungrateful wretch.]
Sheng Zhujun abruptly stopped: "?"
Ling Shu, you need to be clear about "which matter" it is!
This time, Ling Shu didn't wait for her to finish speaking. Her expression suddenly changed, and she looked behind Ling Xinyao, asking in surprise, "Huh, what's this?"
Ling Xinyao instinctively stopped talking and reflexively turned her head to look behind her.
The back corridor is empty; there's clearly nothing there.
She was filled with doubt and was about to turn around and question Ling Shu when she suddenly felt a dull pain in her neck.
Ling Xinyao rolled her eyes, her body went limp, and she slumped against the wall.
Ling Shu withdrew her hand with satisfaction, then turned to Sheng Zhujun and instructed, "It's done. Call the staff to come and carry her away."
Sheng Zhujun couldn't help but walk over to watch, her face full of amazement.
"Shushu, that move of yours is amazing! Can I learn it?"
“I can learn it.” Ling Shu hesitated for a second, “but I have to control my strength. If I’m too light, I won’t knock someone out; if I’m too heavy, I can kill them.”
Sheng Zhujun quickly shut her mouth: "..."
Okay, I understand. She doesn't deserve it.
-
Meanwhile, outside another box in the auction room.
A man in a suit stood ramrod straight, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, like an unshakeable sculpture, firmly blocking the entrance to the private room.
He wore a polite, formulaic smile, but when he spoke, his tone carried a subtle air of aloofness: "The old man said he's too old and hasn't been involved in family affairs for a long time. Since he can't offer any real help, there's no need for this meeting."
The man in the suit remained unmoved and gently shook his head: "Mrs. Qin, please leave."
Having said all he wanted to say, he slowly lowered his eyes, fixing his gaze on the ground, conveying his attitude perfectly through this silent gesture.
Left with no other choice, Qin Hong had to give up and slowly turned to leave.
Butler Wang followed closely behind.
After walking a few steps, Qin Hong turned back and looked at the tightly closed door of the private room.
She sighed heavily, a sigh filled with deep weariness and worry: "Old Wang, tell me, why is Old Master Li avoiding us? Is it because he really doesn't want to get involved in this matter, or is there some reason why he can't get involved at all?"
During this period, she made countless trips to try and see Old Master Li, but each time she was turned away.
Even someone as strong as Qin Hong was somewhat exhausted at this moment.
Butler Wang lowered his eyes and replied, "Madam, I've checked carefully. Since Mr. Li Yin took over as president, Old Master Li has kept a low profile and hasn't socialized for a long time. Perhaps..."
He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "The Li family has already undergone a complete transformation."
Qin Hong nodded thoughtfully.
Since Old Master Li has no say, their only hope lies with Li Yin.
Li Yin suddenly appeared three years ago, claiming to be the son of the Li family raised abroad, and quickly took over the vast Li family business empire.
In recent years, he has been managing affairs abroad and only recently returned to China.
Qin Hong knew very little about him, not even his personality or preferences, which left her completely at a loss as to where to begin in making contact with this key figure.
Just as Qin Hong was lost in thought, Butler Wang asked softly, "Madam, shall we go back to the private room now? Miss and the others should have arrived by now."
Qin Hong pondered for a moment, then shook her head: "Let's not go back yet. Li Yin should also be attending this auction. Let's wait here and see if we can seize the opportunity to strike up a conversation with him."
The situation was urgent, and she had no other choice but to resort to this desperate measure: waiting for the rabbit to run into her trap.
The Sheng family must win the support of the Li family for them to have any hope of survival.
-
The auction venue was brightly lit, illuminating the entire hall.
As the auctioneer's gavel gently fell, the auction officially began.
Expensive and exquisite items were presented in a flowing stream, each shimmering dazzlingly under the spotlight.
Ling Shu had little interest in this and sat next to her husband, who was in a vegetative state, idly eating sunflower seeds.
Sheng Zhujun was more focused than Ling Shu.
She leaned slightly forward, her eyes occasionally scanning the bidding, a look of scrutiny and contemplation in them. However, she maintained a low profile; for the first hour of the auction, she remained a calm observer, not participating in the bidding herself.
Until lot number 28 appeared.
It was an antique necklace with a round, full-green imperial jadeite as its centerpiece. It resembled a crystal-clear, emerald-green droplet, radiating a captivating luster, and hung like a droplet on a necklace set with platinum and diamonds.
Sheng Zhujun, who had been languidly sitting up, straightened up a few places instantly. A glint of light flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly: "Finally, something interesting has arrived."
As she spoke, she reached out and lightly pointed in a certain direction below the stage with her fingertips.
Ling Shu glanced at it and realized that those were the seats where the Ling family members were sitting.
Sheng Zhujun sneered: "I knew Ling Xinyao would like it. It's good that she likes it, but she can't buy it, that's what makes her so angry."
She hadn't forgotten the grudge Ling Xinyao had inflicted on her earlier.
Ling Shu is now her second brother's wife, a member of the Sheng family. How can she be bullied by others so easily?
She had to get her revenge!
Sure enough, as soon as the host finished speaking, Ling Xinyao eagerly raised her bidding paddle and called out a price.
"16 million!"
Sheng Zhujun picked up the walkie-talkie and told the staff at the auction: "I like this necklace. Help me bid. No matter how much the Ling family bids, I will still outbid them by 500,000."
As VIPs, the Sheng family enjoyed special treatment. Unlike the Ling family, they did not need to raise their bidding paddles themselves. Instead, they could have a dedicated staff member on site operate the bidding system via walkie-talkie.
Upon receiving the instruction, the staff quickly raised a sign to signal.
Upon seeing her action, the auctioneer announced in a loud voice: "VIP number 8 has bid 16.5 million."
Upon hearing the price quote, Ling Xinyao abruptly looked up at the VIP room, secretly gritting her teeth.
VIP Room No. 8, isn't that the Sheng family's VIP room?
The person who dares to compete with her must be Sheng Zhujun!
A fierce glint flashed in her eyes, and she raised her paddle again: "17 million!"
The staff continued to hold up the sign: "17.5 million."
Ling Xinyao shouted again, "18 million!"
The staff member retorted without backing down: "18.5 million."
Upon seeing this, the guests immediately began whispering and discussing among themselves.
"The Sheng family is forcing the Ling family girl to bid; this is clearly intentional, isn't it?"
"Strange, I remember that the eldest daughter of the Sheng family and the fake heiress of the Ling family were good friends. How did they end up arguing at the auction?"
"Your information is way outdated! Don't you know what happened at the Sheng family wedding banquet? Let me tell you..."
"Wow, is that even possible?! No wonder the eldest daughter of the Sheng family is so persistent, she's so cool!"
Most of the guests present were supportive of Sheng Zhujun.
Ling Xinyao also heard the whispers around her and felt the schadenfreude of those watching the spectacle. It felt as if countless needles were pricking her skin, making her feel uncomfortable all over.
She gritted her teeth, glanced defiantly at the VIP room, made up her mind, and continued bidding: "20 million!"
When she called out that price, her heart ached.
Before leaving home today, Mr. Ling repeatedly emphasized that the Ling family's budget was limited and they could only provide a maximum of 20 million.
If it exceeds this number, then she is "insensible".
Beside her, Ling's mother couldn't help but frown and complain in a low voice, "Xinyao, why are you fighting with the Sheng family? If they want it, why don't you just give it to them?"
After only a few bids, the price has already reached 20 million.
The Ling family's money didn't come from thin air.
Ling Xinyao bit her lower lip, a stubborn glint in her eyes. Unusually, she didn't listen to her mother's opinion and insisted, "Mom, I really like this necklace. I liked it at first sight."
"This child..." Ling's mother sighed helplessly, but in the end she did not stop him.
This time, the Sheng family staff remained silent, seemingly having given up on the competition.
A look of joy appeared in Ling Xinyao's eyes.
Just as the host was about to bring down the gavel, a member of the Sheng family raised his placard again, smiled, and calmly announced, "Twenty-five million."
Ling Xinyao's smile froze instantly.
The host immediately put away the gavel and asked loudly, "Guest number 8 has bid 20.5 million. Is there a higher bid?"
Ling Xinyao's hand, clutching the number tag, was itching to move, but her mother grabbed it and pressed it down.
Ling's mother warned in a low but stern voice, "Xinyao, we can't compare to the Sheng family, so don't compete!"
Ling Xinyao gritted her teeth and endured for several seconds. Finally, like a deflated balloon, she helplessly released the number plate and slumped down.
"make a deal!"
The hammer fell, sealing the deal.
The Sheng family won the bid for the jade and diamond necklace. The host gestured to the staff to put away the box and send the necklace to VIP room number 8 immediately.
Ling Xinyao watched the staff leave with resentment in her eyes, her heart feeling as if it were bleeding.
Five hundred thousand? She was only five hundred thousand short!
hateful!
Next, Ling Xinyao made several more bids, participating in the auction for a ruby ring and a set of yellow diamond earrings.
Later on, everyone almost developed a conditioned reflex; as soon as Ling Xinyao called out a price, they would immediately turn to look at the Sheng family's staff, waiting for them to contradict them.
Ling Xinyao spent half a day working on it, but didn't get any photos and ended up feeling very angry.
Ling's parents also sensed something was wrong and exchanged an uneasy glance.
Ling's mother asked softly, feeling guilty, "Is the Sheng family targeting us?"
Ling's father tried to remain calm: "It's not that serious, it's just the two girls playing around, we adults shouldn't get involved."
Ling's mother couldn't help but complain, "The Sheng family is really going too far! Didn't our Xinyao already return all those jewelry and clothes? Why are they still so relentless?"
Mr. Ling glanced at her sideways, his eyes flashing a warning: "Shut up! No matter how outrageous the Sheng family is, they're not someone you can just insult. We already offended them when you made a scene about Ling Shu marrying in their place. Do you think they can't deal with us just because the Sheng family is in trouble?"
Ling's mother was so frightened that she shrank back and dared not say another word.
As for Ling Xinyao, who was already so angry that her face was contorted, she had no heart to comfort her.
The first half of the auction ended in this delicate atmosphere.
In VIP box number 8, Sheng Zhujun was examining the jewelry she had just won at auction, a bright smile on her face: "This is the first time I've ever had such a happy and exhilarating experience buying jewelry at an auction! It's so satisfying!"
These are not just jewelry, but also her spoils of war.
Sheng Zhujun felt happy just thinking about Ling Xinyao's extremely unpleasant expression.
Ling Shu was cracking sunflower seeds next to her.
Sheng Zhujun smiled and picked up the jade and diamond necklace that cost 20.5 million yuan, and put it around Ling Shu's neck.
Ling Shu suddenly felt a weight on her neck, and she stopped eating sunflower seeds: "?"
The sudden weight affected my efficiency in eating sunflower seeds.
After helping Ling Shu put on the necklace, Sheng Zhujun took a few steps back, tilted her head to examine it, and nodded and smiled with satisfaction: "Not bad, not bad, this imperial green color is very true, it suits you."
After saying that, she waved her hand generously and announced with great fanfare, "It's for Shushu!"
"ah?"
Ling Shu raised her hand to touch the so-called imperial green on her neck, her first reaction was to refuse.
Before she could even utter a word of refusal, Sheng Zhujun, as if she had anticipated it, grabbed Ling Shu's hand, her face resolute, and said in a commanding tone, "It's a gift from me, so as long as it looks nice, that's fine. You're not allowed to take it off, and you're not allowed to refuse! Otherwise, I'll be very sad!"
Ling Shu: "..."
All right.
She didn't refuse again, turned her head to look at the mirror next to her, and admired herself for a moment.
I have to say, it looks really good on, no wonder it's called Imperial Green.
[It's decided. When the end of the world comes, whatever I eat, Junjun will eat too. As long as I live, Junjun will never die.]
Upon hearing Ling Shu's heartfelt words, Sheng Zhujun felt a sudden warmth in her heart, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
Ling Shu is such a gentle person. Even though she has so much on her mind, she doesn't show it at all on her face.
What's this called? Quiet dedication!
Compared to her previous "friends" who only talked a good game but never actually paid for anything, she was a hundred times better.
No, a million times better!
So Sheng Zhujun pressed on, taking out a ruby ring and yellow diamond earrings, and stuffing them all into Ling Shu's arms: "They're all yours!"
Ling Shu, who had never been this rich before: "?"
No wonder Ling Xinyao chose Sheng Zhujun as her best friend. Who wouldn't love such a generous and forthright best friend!
She knew that Sheng Zhujun would not allow her to refuse, so she simply accepted the kindness generously and picked up the ruby ring to examine it.
The ruby ring has a very pure color, as red as the vivid blood of a pigeon, and it sparkles with a mesmerizing light under the lamp.
It would look exceptionally beautiful if worn on a fair and delicate finger.
Ideally, they would have those slender, pale fingers...
Ling Shu's gaze involuntarily drifted to a certain place, and a smile appeared on her lips.
Hehehehehe...
A person in a vegetative state suddenly felt a chill run through their body, and had a vague sense of foreboding.
The last time I heard that laughter, it seemed like something terrible had happened.
Could it be that...
Sheng Yunshen felt his hand being gently lifted, and then something was slipped onto his fingers.
Ling Shu's cheerful voice rang out beside him, tinged with pride: "Look, isn't it beautiful? I told you, your brother's fingers are so fair and slender, they would look amazing on him!"
Sheng Zhujun agreed: "Wow, that's really nice. It's the first time I've ever seen my second brother wear a ring."
Ling Shu: "Anyway, he can't refuse, so let's just let him wear it."
Sheng Zhujun: "I think it's a good idea!"
Sheng Yun Shen: "..."
He thought it wouldn't work!
But nobody listened to him.
The two girls huddled together, happily admiring the ruby ring's all-around display on the former domineering CEO's hand.
They reluctantly returned to their seats only when the charity auction began after the intermission and the crisp opening bell rang in the boxes.
Of course, the ruby ring is still securely worn on the hand of a person in a vegetative state.
Sheng Yun Shen: "..."
Oh.
I was so angry I almost laughed.
Unlike her previous leisurely observation, Ling Shu sat up straight and paid close attention to the charity auction.
This charity auction adopted the "blind box auction" method, where only textual descriptions and estimated values were provided for the items. Bidders could only judge whether an item was worth buying based on this limited information.
This novel auction method instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the guests present, who were all waiting for the auction items to be revealed.
The first item attracted a lot of interest.
The host, holding up a blurry photograph, loudly announced: "Distinguished guests, the next item in this auction is a collection of top-tier jewelry from a wealthy heiress's private collection. It includes several exquisite necklaces, rings, and earrings, made of materials such as diamonds, rubies, icy jadeite, and emeralds. The conservative estimate is at least 18 million!"
"Whether you wear it alone to showcase your unique personality, or cleverly combine it to create a variety of looks, it can perfectly meet your needs! Now, the starting bid is ten million!"
Ling Xinyao, who had initially shown little interest in the charity auction, was idly playing with her number paddle when she heard the words "jewelry." She instantly perked up, sitting up straight and staring intently at the auction stage with longing in her eyes.
Several guests next to her were also discussing it animatedly.
"Although the photo is blurry, you can tell there are quite a few. The quality of this lot must be pretty good."
"Auction house official valuations are always reliable, why don't you give it a try? With so much jewelry, you can buy it for your wife and she won't have to worry about buying jewelry for the rest of the year."
"It's a charity auction, and all the money spent will be donated to charity. It's so prestigious to talk about it like that."
With the heavy thud of the auctioneer's gavel, several bidding paddles were raised one after another.
"Eleven million!"
"Twelve million!"
"Thirteen million!"
Seeing the fierce competition, Ling Xinyao gritted her teeth inwardly.
In the first half of the auction, she failed several times. The Sheng family was clearly suppressing her. She probably won't be able to buy anything in the second half either.
This "jewelry blind box" in front of us is indeed very tempting in terms of cost-effectiveness; otherwise, it wouldn't have attracted so many people to fight over it.
How should she price her bid to scare off competitors?
Furthermore, this is a charity auction. Given Sheng Zhujun's arrogant standards, she definitely wouldn't be interested in the packaged jewelry at the charity auction and probably wouldn't try to snatch it from her.
Since that's the case, then we can't hesitate any longer!
Ling Xinyao gritted her teeth, raised the sign, and shouted, "Twenty million!"
These jewels were valued at only 18 million, but she bought them for 2 million more than the original price, so no one else should be able to compete with her.
Sure enough, after she called out the price of 20 million, the venue fell silent, and no guests continued to bid.
Everyone instinctively turned their attention to the Sheng family's staff, who were looking down at their phones, clearly not planning to make a bid.
Ling Xinyao stared nervously at the commotion, not daring to blink for even a moment, until she was sure that the Sheng family staff hadn't made any moves, before she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She made the right bet!
Sheng Zhujun really wouldn't compete with her for this!
Just then, the Sheng family staff put down their phones and looked at the host.
Ling Xinyao's breathing suddenly stopped, she clenched her fists nervously, and didn't dare to blink.
Fortunately, the Sheng family staff member just shrugged and lowered their head again, without raising the number plate that frightened Ling Xinyao again.
Upon hearing the word "deal," Ling Xinyao's tense nerves instantly relaxed.
She took a deep breath, her eyes brimming with joy, and looked up at the Sheng family's private room.
So what if Sheng Zhujun tries to take it from her?
She still managed to buy what she wanted, and the amount of money she spent was exactly 20 million!
This auction trip was a complete success.
He smiled mysteriously, a smile that seemed to hold a hidden meaning. "I guarantee it's absolutely worth the price."
Ling Xinyao withdrew her gaze and looked at the stage with anticipation.
Under the spotlight, the jewelry she photographed was presented to the staff. The plate was covered with a black velvet cloth, and although the contents could not be seen, the high, rounded shape of the plate suggested that there was a considerable amount of jewelry inside.
Ling Xinyao's lips curled up uncontrollably.
Buying so much for 20 million is such a great deal!
So what if it's a blind box?
So what if it's secondhand?
Aren't they all jewelry, all diamonds?
Her eyes were fixed on the host, hoping he would quickly untie the velvet cloth and reveal what was inside.
Fortunately, the host didn't intend to keep everyone in suspense. He methodically directed the cameraman to aim the lens precisely, ensuring that every corner of the venue could clearly see the blind box before slowly reaching out with gentle, almost ceremonial, movements to unveil the velvet cloth.
Seven boxes, each of different sizes and beautifully decorated, were neatly arranged on a plate.
The host took out the first box and gently opened it in front of the camera.
"These are a pair of diamond earrings, made from two-carat diamonds of the highest clarity."
After saying that, he picked up the second box: "This necklace uses a very unique setting technique, and the overall shape resembles a lively snake..."
The guests sitting next to Ling Xinyao looked at the jewelry and discussed it: "These pieces are all of top quality. It's really a good deal to be able to buy so many at once."
"It's not just the quality; look at the design too. It's elegant and sophisticated, definitely made by a famous artist, and its collectible value is certainly high. The original owner of these jewels must have come from a wealthy and influential family with a deep-rooted background and discerning eye."
"Although the estimated value is only 18 million, it's not a bad deal to buy it for 20 million. It's definitely worth the price."
"But... wait, why do these jewels look a little familiar?"
"I have the same feeling, like I've seen it somewhere before?"
Ling Xinyao, who had been beaming with excitement, froze completely, as if the smile on her lips had been suddenly paused. Her eyes were fixed on the stage, her gaze filled with complex and indescribable emotions.
The wealthy woman sitting next to Ling Xinyao didn't notice her unusual behavior. She leaned closer with great interest and whispered with envy, "Miss Ling, you have such a sharp eye. You spent the 20 million without losing a penny."
"But that sapphire necklace, I remember you wore something similar before?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com