Chapter 130: What is that thing?

Just as the two had expected, Xie Jingchuan received a call from his assistant that evening.

The Chu family had been making inquiries about the abandoned factory, clearly intending to acquire the plot of land themselves. To ensure they would successfully take the bait, Xie Jingchuan even repaired the bug that had previously been crushed into pieces. His goal was to let them "overhear" the bidding price they were hoping to discover, so that they would end up losing everything. Everything was proceeding according to plan.

The following day, as Shen Qingli stepped out, she ran into Gu Qingming. She instinctively glanced at the man beside her. Sure enough, Xie Jinchuan’s expression was far from pleasant.

Gu Qingming offered Xie Jinchuan a faint smile before turning his attention to Shen Qingli. "Sister, I’ve managed to get two tickets to an auction. Why don't you come with me? You might find something you like. Since I’m the spokesperson for the auction house, you can also help me negotiate the renewal terms with them while we're there."

Looking at the tickets, Shen Qingli knew this was the largest auction house in Kyoto. Everyone who attended was a wealthy benefactor with power and influence. Xie Jinchuan had also received an invitation the night before, but she had felt such venues were boring and had no interest in going. However, with Gu Qingming’s personal invitation and the matter of the company’s endorsement at stake, she felt she had to take it seriously.

"If there’s anything you like, Sister, I can buy it for you—"

Before Gu Qingming could finish his sentence, Xie Jinchuan produced a black card and placed it in Shen Qingli’s hand. "Buy whatever you want. It’s my money you’re spending, after all, as your husband."

Xie Jinchuan deliberately emphasized the word "husband," intending for the person sitting in the van to understand his status and stop harboring foolish thoughts.

Gu Qingming’s smile stiffened. He looked at Xie Jinchuan and said with a forced smirk, "Mr. Xie is certainly generous with his wealth. If I happen to want something today, I wonder if Mr. Xie would be just as generous?"

"My money is for my wife to spend."

The man’s slow, deliberate response left Gu Qingming speechless. He had hoped to trap Xie Jinchuan, but with the man having put it that way, if he were to accept the offer, the dynamic between them would become far too awkward.

"I believe Mr. Gu, being a big star, should have enough money of his own. If not, it doesn’t matter; I can lend it to you. The interest rate is 50%."

Hearing the mention of interest, Shen Qingli raised an eyebrow. This was more exploitative than any capitalist.

"No need for Mr. Xie’s kindness. I have my own money." Gu Qingming said this through gritted teeth, his expression softening the moment he turned back to Shen Qingli, showing none of the hostility he had reserved for Xie Jinchuan. "Sister, it’s getting late. Let’s head out."

Shen Qingli glanced at Xie Jinchuan, who nodded. "Go ahead. Don't worry about saving money for me; if you want something, buy it." He had never given her a proper gift, so he wanted her to pick out whatever she liked.

"Alright." Shen Qingli nodded and climbed into Gu Qingming’s car.

As the car pulled away, the smile on Xie Jinchuan’s face vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp look. He turned and headed to the office to deal with the matter of the factory land.

...

Rong Qiaoyi was also on her way to the auction. Chu Li sat in the back, her father beside her, casting surreptitious glances at Rong Qiaoyi, clearly hatching some ulterior motive.

"Miss Rong is every bit as beautiful and moving as she is on television. My daughter is truly blessed to have your guidance, Miss Rong," Chu’s father said with a chuckle, his eyes betraying his obvious intentions.

Rong Qiaoyi’s expression turned icy. She shot him a warning glance. "Mr. Chu, I am well aware of what is running through your mind, so keep your filthy thoughts to yourself. Your daughter is signed to my agency; I can blacklist her at any moment."

Caught in his tracks, the father’s face darkened. He thought to himself that she was nothing but a low-level celebrity, a mere actress, and yet she dared to be so arrogant in front of him. When the time was right, he would find a way to bring her down. Chu Li frowned, feeling her father’s behavior was inappropriate, yet she also found Rong Qiaoyi’s pride grating—who did she think she was?

The atmosphere in the car remained stiflingly awkward until they arrived at the auction house. Because Mr. Chu was a VIP, they entered through the back and were led directly to their private box.

Rong Qiaoyi passed by Shen Qingli. Both women sensed the other’s presence, but both dismissed it as impossible, assuming the other would not be here. Rong Qiaoyi was focused solely on acquiring the tree, so she ignored the flicker of intuition. She had scanned the area earlier; other than the spiritual energy of the deer emanating from that tree, she felt nothing else. Therefore, Shen Qingli could not possibly be here.

Reassured, Rong Qiaoyi took her seat.

Their boxes were directly opposite each other. Shen Qingli noticed the figure sitting across the way. Mr. Chu was always one for ostentatious displays, so the curtain that would have blocked the view was kept wide open, allowing Shen Qingli a clear look at the people inside.

"How is Rong Qiaoyi here? Could there be something here that attracts her?" she murmured, narrowing her eyes. She failed to notice the strange behavior of Gu Qingming beside her.

Gu Qingming kept his head slightly bowed. Ever since entering the auction hall, he had felt an inexplicable force pulling at him. Yet, whenever he tried to focus on it, the sensation would vanish. It was truly bizarre.

"Sister, I think this jewelry would suit you perfectly. It’s a diamond necklace worth two hundred million. I imagine Mr. Xie can afford that, right?" Since he was spending Xie Jinchuan’s money, he wanted to make sure Shen Qingli bought something expensive—just in case there were any future complications, it would be easy to sell.

Shen Qingli glanced at the sparkling diamond necklace in the catalog but felt no interest. Wearing such a thing would make it impossible for her to fight.

"Let’s look at something else. You should see if there is anything you want. I’m going to head backstage to verify the details regarding the spokesperson contract with the staff."

Gu Qingming watched the spirited, work-focused Shen Qingli with a sense of helplessness. He actually had three tickets, but he had lied and said there were only two out of selfishness, hoping for some time alone with her. He hadn't expected her to be so entirely preoccupied with work. In the end, his intentions had come to nothing.

Shen Qingli followed the staff backstage. She saw the precious jewelry and other auction items on the hydraulic lift. She gave them a cursory glance, but her eyes locked onto one item, unable to look away.

"What is that?" she asked, pointing toward a lush, vibrant tree that looked like a money tree but gave off a sensation unlike any other.

She couldn't shake the feeling that something about it was beckoning her to come closer.