Volume One, Chapter 15: Paying the Price

Nightfall descended, and the city lights began to glow.

Within the Fulong Manor, brilliant lights shone brightly amid a clamorous crowd.

Tonight’s auction drew numerous illustrious elites and wealthy magnates from the city. Some sought the thrill of extravagant spending, while others aimed to forge broader connections within the business world.

Wearing a striking red evening gown, Wang Rong linked arms with Zhang Shaojie as they entered the auction hall.

A confident smile graced her face, as if she already envisioned herself as the future matriarch of the Zhang family.

“Shaojie, look over there—that’s Ye Zhichong, the head of the Ye family,” Wang Rong whispered, pointing toward a middle-aged man not far away.

Zhang Shaojie nodded, adjusted his suit, and led Wang Rong toward him.

“Master Ye, good evening. I am Zhang Shaojie from the Zhang Group,” he said politely, extending his hand.

Ye Zhichong smiled faintly and shook Zhang Shaojie’s hand. “Master Zhang, I’ve long heard of your esteemed reputation.”

Wang Rong stood to the side, inwardly pleased. She knew tonight’s auction was Zhang Shaojie’s perfect opportunity to showcase his wealth and influence, and a crucial step for her ascent into high society.

The auction officially began, with a series of precious artworks and antiques displayed on the platform, bidding voices rising and falling.

Zhang Shaojie participated in several bids but failed to secure any lot.

“Next, we will auction a highly valuable jadeite necklace, designed by a world-renowned jeweler. The starting price is five million,” the auctioneer’s voice echoed through the hall.

Wang Rong’s eyes instantly sparkled; she had long desired such a jadeite necklace.

Noticing her gaze, Zhang Shaojie smiled faintly and raised his bidding paddle.

“Five and a half million,” his clear voice resonated across the room.

“Six million,” a voice called out from the other side.

Zhang Shaojie frowned, surprised by the challenge. He raised his paddle again. “Seven million.”

“Eight million,” the opposing voice responded calmly.

Zhang Shaojie’s expression darkened; he hadn’t expected such persistence. Catching Wang Rong’s hopeful look, he gritted his teeth and raised the bid again. “Ten million.”

“Fifteen million,” the voice increased steadily.

The atmosphere grew tense as everyone speculated who dared to rival Zhang Shaojie.

“Twenty million,” Zhang Shaojie ground out through clenched teeth.

***

“Thirty-five million,” the voice remained unruffled.

Zhang Shaojie’s face turned pale; he hadn’t anticipated such deep pockets. Looking at Wang Rong’s disappointed eyes, irritation welled up within him.

“Enough. Let’s go,” he sneered, pulling Wang Rong away from the hall.

Wang Rong was filled with frustration, unable to comprehend why Zhang Shaojie would give up. She didn’t realize that although his wealth was substantial, it was still not enough to spend recklessly in such circles.

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of Fulong Manor, Fang Tao and Tang Xinyi also attended the same auction.

“Xinyi, are you really going to bid on that jadeite necklace?” Fang Tao asked, surprised.

Tang Xinyi nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. “That necklace belonged to my mother. I must take it back.”

Fang Tao didn’t ask further. He understood that Tang Xinyi’s family background was complicated, and some matters were beyond his interference.

“Thirty-five million, once,” the auctioneer’s voice rang out.

“Thirty-five million, twice.”

“Thirty-five million, three times. Sold!”

With the fall of the auctioneer’s gavel, Tang Xinyi successfully won the jadeite necklace.

At that moment, Ye Zhichong approached with a disdainful smile, his gaze sweeping over Fang Tao and Tang Xinyi as he sneered provocatively, “I didn’t expect the useless son-in-law of the Wang family to show up today.”

Fang Tao raised an eyebrow calmly and responded, “Master Ye, the auction is a public event; anyone may participate.”

Ye Zhichong sneered, “Is that so? I heard you recently divorced. Must be a difficult time for you.”

Fang Tao’s heart jolted slightly but maintained a composed demeanor. “Quite the gossip.”

When the auction ended, Fang Tao and Tang Xinyi prepared to leave.

At the exit, they encountered Wang Rong and Zhang Shaojie.

“Oh, isn’t this Fang Tao? Bringing your celebrity girlfriend to the auction?” Wang Rong mocked.

Tang Xinyi cast Wang Rong a cold glance without replying.

Fang Tao said lightly, “We’re here for the auction, not to show off like some people.”

Zhang Shaojie’s face darkened; he hadn’t expected Fang Tao to speak so boldly.

“Fang Tao, don’t get too cocky. Once I become head of the Zhang family, you’ll understand what true power is,” Zhang Shaojie threatened coldly.

***

Fang Tao smiled without replying. He knew Zhang Shaojie’s threats were mere bluster. True power wasn’t inherited; it had to be earned through wisdom and courage.

“Let’s go,” Fang Tao said, taking Tang Xinyi’s hand as they left Fulong Manor.

Wang Rong watched their retreating figures with a flicker of malice in her eyes.

She vowed to make Fang Tao pay dearly.

***

“Darling, we’re home!” Tang Xinyi settled easily into the passenger seat of the Musang sports car, with Zheng Li at the wheel.

The scene once again drew attention from company employees and passersby; some even snapped photos to share online.

Tang Xinyi’s residence lay within the luxurious villa district of Yunding Garden—renowned for its standalone mansions and among the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city, each villa worth a fortune.

Her home embraced European architectural style, surrounded by spacious gardens that gleamed softly beneath the twilight.

As Fang Tao stepped inside, he was struck by the lavish interior and exquisite furnishings, far surpassing the standards of Wang Rong’s household.

Several uniformed maids and two burly guards greeted them respectfully, awaiting Tang Xinyi’s instructions.

“This is Fang Tao. From today onward, he will live here. Remember, do not disclose any family matters to outsiders, not even to my parents,” Tang Xinyi commanded.

In unison, they replied, “Yes, Miss.”

“All right, take him to freshen up and prepare dinner,” Tang Xinyi nodded approvingly, assigning a servant to accompany Fang Tao.

During the meal, the servants stood quietly behind them, leaving Fang Tao somewhat uneasy.

Yet, having come this far, he resolved to make the best of his new life.

After dinner, Tang Xinyi arranged a room for Fang Tao on the second floor, cautioning him not to enter the third floor without her permission.

“Don’t worry. I’m not interested in your private affairs,” Fang Tao replied with a faint smile.

Tang Xinyi was momentarily speechless. “You’d better mean that!”

For some reason, she suddenly felt irritated—it was the first time in her life she had met a man so indifferent to her.