Chapter 16: One Hundred and Forty Million

Ruan Li picked up the note again and read it carefully to make sure she hadn’t misunderstood. Only then did she realize what Fu Huaizhou had meant about the medicine earlier.

It must have been sent the day after that night, and she had almost thrown it away.

The box also contained other medicines, none of which were commonly seen on the market. Ruan Li picked up another one and read the label.

“For inflammation and swelling, twice daily, oral.”

“For other skin wounds, twice daily, apply externally.”

A flush of red crept up Ruan Li’s cheeks. How could Fu Huaizhou be so casual about something so intimate, as if he were delivering her regular cold medicine?

The day she returned home from the hotel and showered, she had seen the sorry state of her body in the mirror—her skin swollen and red, like a ripe peach.

In the corner of the box, there was a strikingly noticeable white jade jar. Out of curiosity, Ruan Li opened it. Inside were several black pills, exuding a strong herbal smell, so bitter she could already taste it just by smelling.

“Contraceptive. Take one, oral.”

Ruan Li wasn’t sure why he had sent her such medicine. It looked bitter and unappealing, but she could understand. She had seen wealthy playboys insist their female companions take such pills immediately to avoid accidents.

She rolled her eyes and was about to toss the note back into the box when she noticed writing on the back. She flipped it over.

“No side effects, won’t harm your body.” The handwriting looked as if the writer had hesitated for a moment, the bold strokes less forceful. He had added two small words at the end: “Rest assured.”

Age does have its benefits, Ruan Li thought.

The next morning, when she got out of bed, she noticed that the redness on her skin had faded significantly. She had been enduring a lot over the past few days, especially with action scenes requiring wire work and big stunts, which had left her exhausted. Walking felt much easier today.

It was her final day on the set, filming her last scene. Although this project didn’t have a large budget, the script and her character were compelling.

After filming the last scene, where the heroine walks off alone, sword in hand, Ye Mian immediately rushed over and handed her a bouquet of red roses. “How about a date, heroine?”

Ruan Li flashed her a flirtatious wink. “I’ve got plenty of vacation time.”

Not long ago, she had secretly auditioned for a role in Jing Luan, a much-anticipated production. The feedback from the director and producer had been positive, and she had made it to the final selection. They told her to wait for further news.

But then, an unexpected candidate swooped in. Ruan Li wasn’t sure if Ruan Shu did it deliberately or if she was just trying to make a name for herself with the role.

Chen Jing, her assistant, was busy packing up Ruan Li’s things on set. She also knew about the casting situation. “I’ve lined up a variety show for you to fill in the gap.”

“What kind of show?” Ruan Li asked. It would be her first time on a variety show.

“A workplace observation show. Who doesn’t love watching celebrities act like regular office workers? There weren’t many other good options. The only other offer was for a wilderness survival show. Do you like that?”

Ruan Li quickly shook her head, looking horrified. “Survival? I’d rather die out there.”

“Afraid of bugs, dirt, and the dark. What aren’t you scared of?” Ye Mian teased. “There’s an auction today. Come with me. That’s more up your alley, right?”

“Love it, love it!” Ruan Li’s eyes lit up instantly. “Do you have the auction catalog? Let me see if there’s anything I like.”

Ye Mian took a small catalog out of her bag. “I didn’t pay attention to anything else. I’m only interested in that royal British gown. They say it’s a masterpiece by a royal designer.”

It wasn’t until they arrived at the auction venue that Ruan Li finally finished going through the catalog. Suddenly, she thought of something and slumped. “No way. Half of my assets went into paying for Fu Huaizhou’s car. I can’t afford to splurge.”

Just as she said this, the auction began. Ye Mian, who rarely found items she truly liked, was excited and turned to her. “What did you just say?”

Ruan Li shook her head. She noticed that quite a few well-known people were present. Normally, assistants attended auctions, while their employers handled the bidding over the phone. Ruan Li and Ye Mian, on the other hand, were there purely for fun.

“Is someone important attending today?” Ruan Li asked. “Why are so many notable families here?”

Ye Mian also noticed something unusual. “My brother didn’t mention anything. We’ll find out from the final lot.”

Just as Ruan Li was about to look away, she spotted a family being led in by the staff—it was Ruan Cheng with his wife and daughter.

Meanwhile, the auctioneer was reading out bids for the next item, a gold evening gown that Ye Mian had her eye on. This gown was more valuable as a collectible and for study than for wearing.

There weren’t many competitors for the item, especially with Ye Mian bidding so decisively. She easily won the gown.

Several ordinary pieces of jewelry followed, but Ruan Li was too curious about the final lot to pay much attention. The organizers had deliberately kept it a secret for promotional purposes.

Ruan Cheng bid three million for a qipao painted by a famous Chinese artist, making it clear who the gift was for.

“Our final lot today is a donation from a private seller, repurchased at a high price by Mr. Jiang Yixing from Hong Kong. Now, let’s unveil this magnificent piece of jewelry.”

The screen displayed a ring, featuring a square-cut pink diamond that was dazzlingly clear and brightly colored. Its substantial carat weight and flawless quality were so extraordinary, it seemed unreal. The crowd erupted in excitement.

It wasn’t just the ring that caused a stir; it was the identity of the “private seller.” With this, it became clear that the power dynamics among the four major families in Jing City had truly shifted, as the new generation of heirs had taken over.

“Jiang Yixing is back?” Ye Mian furrowed her brows.

“He must have returned after graduating to take over the family business,” Ruan Li replied. She hadn’t heard the news either. They had all gone to the same high school, and their class had been notoriously known as the “elite” class.

“Good thing we’re not still in school with him,” Ye Mian joked.

“Starting bid for the Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond is 80 million.”

Ruan Li gasped. “Beautiful things really are priceless. I’d better take a few more glances before it’s snatched up.”

Ye Mian wasn’t interested in jewelry. “Wipe your drool before it spills out.”

“Defaming a goddess will get you beaten with sticks,” Ruan Li quipped. She was curious to see who would have the means to win this sky-high-priced gem, and right as she said that, someone placed a bid.

“Mr. Ruan, number 9, bids 85 million.”

Ruan Li glanced in that direction and shrugged. She knew Ruan Cheng wouldn’t buy this ring for Ruan Shu—it had already exceeded the amount he was willing to invest in his daughter. The price would definitely rise above a hundred million, and others would continue bidding.

Sure enough, in the next second, “Ms. Ming, number 5, bids 90 million.”

This bid wasn’t placed by Ming herself but by a staff member with a headset.

“Some people, without their title as a wealthy heiress, can only watch from the sidelines at events like this.”

Ruan Li turned at the sound of a familiar voice and saw a face she recognized—it was the woman from the last banquet with lipstick on her teeth. She had heard enough of this voice. “Zhou Yue, you really act like a minor character. Every time I appear, you just have to speak up.”

“Sharp-tongued as always,” Zhou Yue huffed. “Your father won’t even bid for his biological daughter, will he?”

“So jealous. Why don’t you place a bid yourself instead of staring at me?” Ruan Li watched as the bidding rose to 110 million.

“Who says I won’t?” Zhou Yue, provoked by Ruan Li’s disdainful look, raised her paddle in a moment of heated impulse. “115 million.”

“115 million, going once!” The auctioneer held his gavel.

Ruan Li raised her eyebrows, noticing Zhou Yue’s growing anxiety. For an ordinary family in Jing City, this was no small sum. If she went home with a ring worth that much, Zhou Yue would surely face severe punishment.

Zhou Yue hadn’t expected that no one would outbid her. The auctioneer had already called once. “115 million, going twice!”

While enjoying the show, Ruan Li couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Such a rare and stunning pink diamond ending up in Zhou Yue’s hands meant it wouldn’t be shown off to its full glory. It was likely to disappear from sight.

The auctioneer was about to bring down the gavel for the third time. Zhou Yue’s face turned red with panic, knowing she couldn’t back out now in front of so many people.

Just then, the auctioneer paused, adjusting his earpiece and confirming with the staff upstairs. He then announced, somewhat surprised, “An anonymous bidder, number 1, has bid 140 million!”