Five minutes before the auction started, Jiang Ziyu found the person reflecting on their actions in a corner, behind some potted plants.

“You’re here… purifying the air?”

“You could say that.”

Luo Yunqing looked around, then slowly turned around, “So, can you help me open a, a lounge?”

With that, a card was handed over.

Luo Yunqing: “What’s this?”

“The young master’s lounge, usually lent to close friends.” This lounge wouldn’t raise any suspicion.

Luo Yunqing took the room card and asked, “What if your young master comes?”

“Don’t worry, that dog…” Jiang Ziyu quickly coughed, “The young master is in South Africa scavenging, won’t be back anytime soon.”

Scavenging in South Africa? The hobbies of the rich are really hard to appreciate.

“Then I’ll head over, everything according to plan.”

Stepping out from behind the plants, Luo Yunqing retreated a step, cautiously putting on a rabbit mask he bought for three hundred bucks from someone with pink hair.

Seeing this, Jiang Ziyu immediately thought of a certain someone, frowning, “What is that?”

“A rabbit, with this on, no one will recognize me.”

“More noticeable, actually.”

Luo Yunqing didn’t care, “As long as they can’t see my face.”

With that, he boldly entered the lounge with the rabbit mask on, swiping the card. Luckily, it was four or five rooms away from Pei Yanli’s.

Inside was a huge floor-to-ceiling window, giving a clear view of the venue and stage below. The room was also equipped with the latest high-definition display, providing a 360° view of all auction items.

“Mermaid’s Tear” was item number 36, starting at 800,000. It would be in the latter half of the auction, so he had time to wait.

…

In Pei Er Ye’s lounge, a few rooms away.

Teng Zaiye was lying on the coffee table, laughing so hard he was crying, “Old Pei, what kind of heinous thing did you do?”

“I’d like to know too.” Pei Yanli sipped some warm water, gesturing for Chen Zhao to drag him back to the sofa to sit properly, “What did that person look like?”

“Look like?” Teng Zaiye wiped his eyes, recalling, “Quite good-looking, with a nose and eyes.”

Pei Yanli: “…”

Chen Zhao: “…”

“Hahaha!!! I can’t take it.” Teng Zaiye bent over, clutching his stomach, unable to stop laughing at the thought of what the person said. After laughing enough, he continued, “Really good-looking, a bit on the cool side, especially the eyes, but he was fierce to me at first sight. Might look better if he wasn’t. Oh, and he stutters, has a speech problem.”

The teacup lid clinked back into place.

Pei Yanli rubbed his knuckles.

“What’s up?” Teng Zaiye leaned in, eagerly asking, “Did someone come to mind?”

“Not sure.” After a while, Pei Yanli shook his head, “Probably not.”

The boy he met at the hospital recently, both he and his brother were sick, their lives didn’t seem great, unlikely to be here, making up stories to deceive.

“The person you met, did they have an injury on their right arm?”

“They were wearing long sleeves, how would I know…” Teng Zaiye persisted, “Who did you think of just now? Did someone really sleep with our Er Ye and then dump him hard?”

Pei Yanli didn’t respond, flipping through the auction catalog.

“Come on, tell me…”

“Speaking of which, Young Master Teng,” Chen Zhao suddenly interrupted, pointing to the grass-green sack he dragged in, “what’s this?”

Recyclable waste collected along the way?

“These are treasures I found.” With his attention diverted, Teng Zaiye got up and opened the drawstring.

Various masks, ritual tools, staffs, a whole bunch clinking together.

“I went to several tribes in South Africa to collect these.” Mentioning this, Teng Zaiye couldn’t help but feel regret, “My favorite was that rabbit, handmade by a local, but… sold it for just three hundred bucks.”

There were several South African diamonds on it.

Really a huge loss.

Originally wanted to give it to Xiao Yuyu.

Pei Yanli paused his page-turning, “I remember, weren’t you supposed to return in early September? Why back so soon?”

“Of course, for something more important.” Teng Zaiye pulled out a telescope from his back, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked out. The auctioneer on stage had changed into a jade-colored Tang suit with a small braid.

His Xiao Yuyu, no matter how you look, is so dazzling.

Looking up, was he looking at him!

Hehe.

Looking up again?

Who is he looking at!

The binoculars moved up, down, left, and right. Chen Zhao couldn’t stand it, “Young Master Teng, if you accidentally see something you shouldn’t…”

“Mind your own business!”

Teng Zaiye’s eyes burned with fire.

He had to see who was worth Jiang Ziyu looking up three times.

Chen Zhao, unable to persuade, sought help from the boss.

Pei Yanli said, “Let him be, it’s one-way anyway.”

People outside couldn’t see inside.

Clearly said for Teng Zaiye to hear. He immediately dejectedly put down the binoculars, but within five seconds, he was back at the window, furious, “One-way glass and he’s still looking! Which bastard stole my home while I was away!!”

…

One minute before the start, Jiang Ziyu kept glancing at room 01 on the second floor, knowing he couldn’t see, but couldn’t stop worrying.

Luo Yunqing’s proposed method was still too risky.

But now, there was no turning back.

“Manager Jiang, it’s about to start.”

Jiang Ziyu adjusted his earpiece, closed his eyes, then opened them, quickly getting into the zone.

At 2 PM sharp, the auction officially began.

Once involved, Jiang Ziyu couldn’t spare any thought to worry about other things. One by one, the items were displayed, auctioned, bid on, and hammered.

Time passed second by second, and with his solid knowledge and professional skills, over a third of the items were sold at high prices in the first half.

After a fifteen-minute intermission.

After the bidders and consignors finished their phone discussions, the second half was about to begin.

“Next, item 36, a blue gemstone from Sri Lanka, ‘Mermaid’s Tear,’ approximately 9.98 carats, starting at 800,000. Now…” Jiang Ziyu glanced at room 01 on the second floor, extending one hand, “Start!”

In the blink of an eye, several bidders placed their bids.

90, 100, 120… the increments weren’t large.

Pei Hengzhi wasn’t in a hurry to bid, waiting for the right moment to take it in one go.

“Ah Heng, this is really beautiful.”

Song Xuechen sat on the sofa, digging into ice cream, eyes fixed on the blue gemstone on the screen.

Pei Hengzhi walked over, patted his head, and kissed him, “Wait, I’ll get it for you soon.”

“Room 201, bid 5 million.”

What!

Pei Hengzhi quickly turned back.

“5 million for the first time, okay, Mr. Qin over there bid 5.2 million, any more, any higher bids?”

“Ah Heng.”

Song Xuechen’s voice came from behind.

Pei Hengzhi didn’t hesitate, pressing the bid button next to the screen.

“Room 207, bid 8 million! Any more?”

“Miss Liu bid 8.2 million.”

“Room 201, bid 10 million! 10 million, any more bids?”

“Room 207 bids again, 12 million.”

“12 million, any more bids? 12 million for the first time.”

“Room 201, bid… 20 million! 20 million, any more bids?”

Amidst the fierce bidding between the first and second floors.

Teng Zaiye’s mouth hadn’t closed since “Room 201” bid, pointing back at himself, “Me, my room, who is it?”

He didn’t know, and Chen Zhao knew even less.

But he had some impression of “Room 207,” bending down to whisper in the boss’s ear, “The young master reserved 207 today.”

Teng Zaiye came over to listen, “Pei Hengzhi? The person using my room, could they have a grudge against Pei Hengzhi?”

The bidding continued.

It had reached 3,800.

The higher it went, the fewer people bid.

After all, it was just a gemstone, from Sri Lanka, and there was still the “Desert Star” from Kashmir, nearly 11.78 carats.

Unless someone particularly liked “Mermaid’s Tear,” everyone naturally wanted to save their money for something better, except for 201 and 207.

Both sides were red-eyed, neither giving way.

“This is more exciting than a TV drama.” Teng Zaiye wasn’t as frantic as before, even wanting to join in, “Old Pei, should I bid too? Seems fun.”

“I advise caution.”

Pei Yanli, calm and composed, closed the catalog, “Didn’t you notice, this 201, every bid is leading 207, and when they’re about to catch up, they quickly widen the gap.”

Teng Zaiye was puzzled, “Aren’t they afraid the other side won’t follow?”

With this momentum, Pei Yanli guessed, “201 is confident enough that 207 won’t dare not follow, as for the reason…”

Chen Zhao, who had quietly gone out, returned, “The boss guessed right, the young master brought the young master from the Song family, ah, no, should say the second young master from the Song family.”

With this said, Teng Zaiye understood, “Oh—bringing the childhood friend, can’t save face.”

Today’s price, even if it’s sky-high, Pei Hengzhi has to grit his teeth and keep bidding until the other side stops.

“So, this person must be an acquaintance.” Teng Zaiye analyzed seriously, “And, an acquaintance who knows them very well.”

Based on this inference, it’s either the Pei family or the Song family.

Could it be Song Moyan?

Or… no, no, impossible, absolutely impossible.

He asked again, “According to our smart President Pei, where will the other side stop?”

It was already 7,200.

Pei Yanli rubbed his knuckles again, gesturing an “8.”

Just then, downstairs came, “Room 207, 8 million. 8 million, any more bids?”

“8 million for the first time, 8 million for the second time, 8 million… sold!”

The small gavel, a decisive strike.

“Congratulations to the gentleman in room 207 for acquiring item 36, ‘Mermaid’s Tear,’ congratulations.”

Teng Zaiye turned back in shock, “How did you know they wouldn’t continue bidding?”

Pei Yanli picked up his teacup to soothe his throat, unhurriedly, “Because Pei Hengzhi’s account only has 8 million.”

8 million, just enough to use it all.

This also means, it can’t be hidden from the Pei family.

“Imagine, if my father and elder brother found out about this…”

Teng Zaiye finished the sentence, “Several bamboo sticks would be broken, right.”

Not only that.

The second young master of the Song family, who received 8 million from the Pei family, probably wouldn’t have it easy either, especially since he has no blood relation to the Song family.

“This person, really ruthless.”

Teng Zaiye sighed, shaking his head, “No, he occupied my room, haven’t settled the score with him yet.”

Young Master Teng stormed out, heading straight for room 01.

Chen Zhao refilled the boss’s cup with warm water, pondering, “The boss rarely talks this much, was it to stall Young Master Teng?”

Pei Yanli: “The other side used this method to avoid exposure.”

Chen Zhao asked again, “Isn’t the boss curious?”

The teacup touched his lips, Pei Yanli smiled brightly, “When it’s time to meet, we’ll meet naturally.”

Taking a sip of water, Pei Yanli picked up the catalog again, turning to the next page.

“…Next, item 43, another gemstone, but this one is golden. From Kashmir, the ‘Desert Star,’ approximately 11.78 carats, starting at 2.3 million. Now… start!”

As the auctioneer on stage extended one hand.

Pei Yanli slid the numbers, room 205, joining the bidding.

…

After the decisive strike.

Luo Yunqing left the second floor without hesitation, wearing his employee badge, heading to the transaction backstage.

Originally, Pei Hengzhi planned to bid on another item, but now, with 8 million gone, not to mention the bid price, he didn’t even have money to refuel his McLaren.

“Ah Heng, look, does it look good on me?” Song Xuechen couldn’t wait to hold the gemstone to his neck, looking in the mirror brought by the staff.

The world’s only “Mermaid’s Tear” was his!

Pei Hengzhi forced a smile, nodding, his hand trembling as he filled out the check.

Seeing this, Luo Yunqing almost burst out laughing.

In the past life, they always said Pei Yanli broke them apart, making their childhood friendship end as uncle and nephew. Later, to be together, they even drugged Pei Yanli with a mental disorder, taking the opportunity to steal his shares in the Pei family.

Now he wanted to see how far this childhood friendship, separated by 8 million, could go.

There weren’t many items in the second half.

Nor did any reach the sky-high price of item 36.

After the last item was successfully sold, Jiang Ziyu handed over the follow-up work to his assistant and found the person waiting in the underground parking lot.

The first thing he said was, “I was almost scared to death.”

“Really.” Luo Yunqing tossed the rabbit mask in his hand, “I saw you were calm as ever.”

Jiang Ziyu snorted, “If I got caught, wouldn’t I lose my job?”

“True.” Luo Yunqing nodded, then said, “I have to say, you looked really cool at work!”

Jiang Ziyu couldn’t help but smile, pushing his glasses up to hide it. He quickly changed the subject, “A 30% commission, once it arrives, I’ll transfer it to you.”

Luo Yunqing thought for a moment, then shook his head, “Transfer it to the welfare institute’s account.”

“You don’t want it?” Jiang Ziyu didn’t quite agree, advising him, “Luo Luo, I’ve told you before, you and I don’t owe the welfare institute anything, the debt was repaid long ago, didn’t Grandma say so too? If you keep thinking about that welfare institute, when will it end? Don’t you want to start a family? We’ll have our own little family in the future.”

Luo Yunqing remained silent.

Seeing he was still as stubborn as before, Jiang Ziyu sighed again, “I know, you’ve long considered the welfare institute your home, but Luo Luo, everyone has to leave home, even Xiao Yu and Xiao Feng wouldn’t want to keep burdening you.”

Luo Yunqing didn’t argue, but said, “Don’t you also send 80,000 every year?”

“That’s…” His expression flickered behind the glasses, Jiang Ziyu unconsciously touched his nose, “That’s for buying supplements for Grandma, it’s different.”

“Oh.” Luo Yunqing replied calmly, mimicking him, “Me too, for buying supplements for Grandma.”

Jiang Ziyu: “You!”

“What’s wrong, brother, is there a problem?”

Clear eyes blinked at him, and Jiang Ziyu almost wanted to bite his outstretched hand.

Indeed, younger brothers aren’t as cute when they grow up.

Not like when they were little, following him obediently.

“Don’t worry about me.” Luo Yunqing feared he’d make himself sick with anger, “Now I’m at least, at least a young master of the Song family, not short of money.”

“Hey!” Mentioning this, Jiang Ziyu was even more worried, “You don’t understand, in those wealthy families, interests are more important than blood ties, they wouldn’t recognize you without a motive… don’t think I’m trying to sow discord, just be more cautious, plan for yourself, live your life well first, then think about other things.”

Luo Yunqing obediently replied, “Okay, I’ll remember.”

“In September, you’ll be going to school.” Before leaving, Jiang Ziyu couldn’t help but suggest, “When you have time, do you want to come to the auction house as an intern assistant? I’ll pay you monthly.”

Luo Yunqing thought carefully, then shook his head, “I only have a bit of, a bit of cleverness, and besides, I’m about to get married!”

“Oh, getting married… huh?” Jiang Ziyu realized belatedly.

Looking up, the person had already run off.

“Getting married to who? Explain yourself, you’re only eighteen, who the hell are you marrying! Luo Yunqing! Come back!!”

“Oh—so his name is Luo Yunqing.”

Behind him, the elevator doors slowly opened, releasing a wave of resentment.

A head of pink hair came into view first, Teng Zaiye with a baseball bat, looking around disdainfully, “Where is he!”

“What person?” Jiang Ziyu widened his eyes in shock, “No, why are you back!”

Teng Zaiye sneered, “If I don’t come back, my home will be completely stolen!”

He took two big steps forward, glaring, tears flowing freely, “Tell me! Who’s your lover!”

Jiang Ziyu: ???

…

The underground parking lot of the auction house was long.

But it couldn’t stop Luo Yunqing’s good mood, tossing the rabbit mask along the way, humming an off-key lullaby.

The first phase of the plan was successfully completed, and soon, at the birthday banquet, he could officially meet Pei Yanli!

What to wear then?

What to say?

“Hel, hello, my name is Luo, Luo Yunqing.”

Luo Yunqing bit his tongue, shaking his head.

No, try again.

“Hel, hello, my name is…”

No, try again.

“You…”

Turning the corner, a familiar wheelchair appeared.

!!!

Was he destined to bump into corners today?

The sound of footsteps approached, Pei Yanli put away the box and looked up, seeing someone wearing a chubby rabbit mask with two big front teeth smiling.

Exactly like the one he encountered in the corridor before the auction started.

He vaguely remembered Teng Zaiye saying that mask was specially made by a local craftsman, could it be this one?

“You don’t know, he said, he actually said, he slept with you and then dumped you hard, hahaha, it’s killing me.”

The devilish laughter echoed in his ears.

Pei Yanli squeezed the velvet box with some force, looking at the black eyes under the mask, his lips curved slightly, “Hello, little rabbit.”

“You, you…” Oh no, starting to stutter again.

Luo Yunqing quickly covered his mouth, tapping his head two or three times, responding with an “uh-huh.”

Perhaps because the mask was cute, Pei Yanli chuckled, “Are you waiting for a car here too?”

Luo Yunqing focused on the gentle-eyed person, nodding again, then quickly shaking his head, extending two fingers to mimic walking.

“Walking back from here?” Pei Yanli asked again, “Is your home far? Want me to give you a ride?”

His eyes lit up instantly, then dimmed.

Was he this nice to everyone?

Luo Yunqing shook his head again, waving his hand.

“Alright… hope we meet again next time.”

Of course, we will meet again.

Luo Yunqing said silently in his heart.

As he got closer, he started to get nervous, walking awkwardly.

“Careful! Speed bump.”

The mask blocked most of his view, and the parking lot was dark. Hearing this, Luo Yunqing was too late, tripping and stumbling forward.

The wheelchair appeared in his view instantly.

Pei Yanli turned the chair, catching him in time.

The mask was half askew, his nose surrounded by a scent of sandalwood and herbs. Luo Yunqing was stunned for a few seconds, hurriedly grabbing the mask that was slipping up.

A warm sigh sounded in his ear, “It’s dark in the parking lot, wearing a mask makes it harder to see… if you don’t want me to see your face, I’ll close my eyes.”

With that, he really closed them.

Still as considerate as in the past life… Luo Yunqing sighed inwardly, taking off the mask, trembling as he reached out, touching the person’s cheek before retracting, slowly standing up from his embrace.

He bit his lip, saying firmly, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Then I’ll, I’ll go now.”

A stutterer!

And this voice…

Pei Yanli gripped the wheelchair armrest, after a brief internal struggle, softly reminded, “Be careful on the way out.”

The lime scent lingered behind.

Unexpectedly, Chen Zhao, who went upstairs to get a blanket, came down at this time.

Seeing someone behind the boss, he shouted loudly, “What are you doing! Security!!”

Luo Yunqing was startled. Before he could respond, he quickly put on the rabbit mask again, running forward without looking back.

Thud!

Running less than twenty meters, he tripped over another speed bump.

Both knees hit the ground hard.

A good opportunity!

Chen Zhao lifted his foot to chase.

Pei Yanli suddenly spoke, “Xiao Zhao, my leg hurts.”

“Boss.”

“Bring the blanket over.”