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Chapter 29: Not Only did he Stealing Your Fiancée, But Also…

Cheng Wanting’s cold gaze landed on Chen Songxian, who was watching the front row with evident interest. The admiration and curiosity in his cousin’s eyes were completely unhidden.

“You have a girlfriend,” Cheng Wanting reminded him flatly.

Chen Songxian clicked his tongue and replied breezily, “Cousin, I broke up! I’m single now—appreciating beautiful women is perfectly legal and reasonable.”

Secretary Yang’s eyelid twitched heavily at that. He leaned in and whispered, trying to save this man from his own doom, “Young Master Chen, are you sure you broke up? Could there have been some misunderstanding?”

“How could a breakup be a misunderstanding?” Chen Songxian said indifferently. After all, dating and breaking up were routine for him. “Lili and I broke up peacefully. Our final candlelight dinner went really well.”

Chen Songxian was a generous man. No matter who initiated the breakup, he always gave a breakup gift—usually jewelry worth 300,000 dollars. His exes rarely had complaints.

Secretary Yang instinctively looked toward his young master and thought, We’re doomed.

Cheng Wanting’s thin lips curled into a cold arc. The words he spoke were even colder than summer air-conditioning: “Single, are you? Then would you like me to introduce you to the lady in the front row?”

“Of course I’d love that!” Chen Songxian lit up with excitement. Though he couldn’t see her face, the woman’s back was slender, her neck long and fair like a graceful swan. Her silky black hair flowed like seaweed. Just her back was stunning enough.

Chen Songxian muttered to himself, “I bet that lady’s gorgeous! Definitely my type!”

The air around them instantly dropped a few degrees. Secretary Yang didn’t even dare to breathe, let alone glance at his young master’s face.

“You’re certainly confident,” Cheng Wanting said coldly. “But she probably wouldn’t even spare you a glance.”

“Cousin, you’ve never chased a woman before. You wouldn’t understand. Guys like me are women’s favorites,” Chen Songxian said proudly. As a famously flirtatious rich boy in Hong Kong, he was full of self-assurance. “Let’s be real—you’re better than me in business, but when it comes to charm with women, you can’t compare. If we let the lady in front choose between us, I bet she’d choose me over you.”

—Hiss!

Secretary Yang nearly popped his eyeballs out. Young Master Chen, why are you saying exactly the worst thing possible?! Are you tired of living?!

Meanwhile, the woman in question was calmly sitting in the second row, watching the land auction with mild curiosity, completely unaware of the drama behind her. She leaned over slightly to whisper something to her godmother—and was about to turn, just enough to show a side profile…

Chen Songxian stared at the beauty’s slow side turn, heart racing with anticipation, eager to see her face…

“Master Chen—!” Yang Minghui jumped up in a flash and sat in the third row, perfectly blocking Chen Songxian’s line of sight. “I have an urgent matter to discuss!”

Chen Songxian twisted his neck left and right, trying to get another glimpse of the beauty, but by the time he got past the obstacle, she had finished speaking and sat upright again.

“Brother Yang, come on… was your ‘urgent matter’ really worth interrupting my one chance to see a beauty?!”

Yang Minghui had no time for pleasantries. He grabbed Chen Songxian’s arm and started dragging him out. “Sorry, sorry, Young Master Chen. Let’s talk outside.”

As Chen Songxian was being pulled away, he looked back repeatedly and cheerfully shouted to his cousin, “Cousin, let’s have lunch together later!”

Cheng Wanting gave him a faint glance, his expression unreadable.

And Chen Songxian… never returned.

Yang Minghui kept him occupied and eventually took him to a nearby restaurant for dim sum.

Thankfully, Chen Songxian was easygoing. Since he often relied on Secretary Yang for favors and information, he quickly dropped thoughts of the mystery beauty—for now.

Back inside the Lands Department, the auction continued.

As the auction neared its end, competition grew fiercer.

For the third-to-last plot, Lin Keying was finally asked by her godfather to raise her paddle and place a bid—starting at a whopping 1.5 billion.

Lin Keying felt a surge of pride. Throwing around billions like pocket change—amazing!

The land was in a prime location, sizable, and highly desirable, so many companies were bidding.

Lin Keying happily played the role of “bidding machine,” enjoying every second:

“1.5 billion.”

“1.8 billion.”

“3 billion.”

As if money meant nothing.

The price soared. In the end, only three companies were left bidding. When the price reached 3.3 billion, her godfather stopped. “We’re out.”

Lin Keying was still eager to play. “Godfather… are we just here to stir the pot and drive up prices?”

She was beginning to suspect he never intended to win the bid at all.

Guo Changda chuckled. “You’re a clever girl.”

When the second-to-last plot went up, nearly every company joined the bidding.

Lin Keying perked up her ears but didn’t hear that familiar voice.

Huan Yu Group still hadn’t made a move.

After sixteen intense rounds, only one bidder remained: Yang Fangming, the head of Hongji Industrial, who won the land for 4.15 billion.

And then came the final plot of the auction—
A massive 3,000-mu site in Central Hong Kong.

Central was the undisputed financial heart of the city. Backed by mountains, facing the sea, and surrounded by prosperity, this land was destined to be the star of the auction.

As expected, the moment it was announced, everyone participated. Even those who stood no chance still wanted to place a few symbolic bids.

After eight rounds, the price had already jumped from the starting 1.6 billion to 3.88 billion, but Huan Yu Group remained silent.

Lin Keying had placed a few bids herself and was still excited—but curious. Why wasn’t her fiancé doing anything yet? Was he just here to watch too?

“Which companies haven’t placed a bid yet?” Godfather Guo asked, still pointing out key players.

Lin Keying scanned the room and recalled the previous twelve rounds. “Tianxing Real Estate and Huan Yu Group.”

“Mhm. Those two should be making a move soon,” Guo nodded approvingly. “Now it’s your turn—raise your paddle and join in.”

Lin Keying: “…Me?”

“Bid as you like,” Guo smiled, deep wrinkles forming on his face with no sign of worry. “If I’m not worried, why should you be?”

Lin Keying: “…”

Terrifying!

Then, in the 9th round, Tianxing Real Estate finally made their move. Their representative, Liu Zhigao, raised his paddle and stunned the room with a bid of:

“6 billion.”

The price jumped from 3.88 to 6 billion in one go!

Until now, bids had only increased by 10 million at a time. Now someone had just added 2.12 billion!

Lin Keying glanced over at Liu Zhigao, who sat there smoking a cigar, calm and confident. He met the curious gazes around him with smug satisfaction.

Lin Keying tightened her grip on her paddle. How was she supposed to follow that?!

The room filled with murmurs. Everyone whispered about the sudden 6-billion bid. It was clearly a power move to scare off unqualified competitors.

What a flex!

Godmother Zhao Fengzhen leaned in and whispered, “Don’t worry. Just think about your number.”

By now, Lin Keying no longer recognized numbers as money—they were just cold digits.

The room grew silent. No one dared to bid. The auctioneer finally raised his gavel for the first time:

“6 billion from Tianxing Real Estate, going once.”

Lin Keying struggled inwardly. She was just about to bid on behalf of Huacheng Industries…

When she suddenly heard a familiar voice from the front row for the first time that day.

Deep and low—not the bright, rising tone of youth—but solemn, steady, and full of authority.

“7 billion.”

The crowd gasped.

The auctioneer’s eyes lit up and pointed to the fourth row:
“Huan Yu Group, 7 billion.”

Tianxing Real Estate and Huan Yu Group were officially head-to-head!

Both wanted this prime land in Central. Both came out swinging.

Lin Keying watched the numbers fly, stunned. Billions now felt worthless.

She quietly pulled her hand back.

She’d never seen this level of outrageous bidding in both her lifetimes.

The auction reached a fever pitch. Everyone else faded into the background, watching these two titans battle.

One was a veteran real estate king. The other, a shipping magnate turned rising real estate star.

Who would come out on top?

Lin Keying eagerly joined the peanut gallery, until—

Godfather Guo suddenly whispered:
“Raise your paddle. Bid.”

“Eh?” Lin Keying thought he was crazy and whispered back, “Godfather… it’s already at 11 billion!”

“Mhm. Bid,” Guo said casually, entirely unbothered.

Lin Keying took a deep breath, her heart tightening. She was especially worried that her godfather might’ve taken the game too far. What if we bid 1.2 billion and the other two back out?

All eyes were locked on Liu Zhigao and Cheng Wanting. The auctioneer was waiting to see how Liu Zhigao would react to Cheng Wanting’s bid of 1.1 billion.

No one had expected this plot of land to be driven up to such a staggering price. If sold, the 1.1 billion would set a new record—the highest land auction price in Hong Kong history.

Liu Zhigao, who had previously been all smiles, slowly dropped the corners of his mouth, looking seriously toward Cheng Wanting across the room.

Just days ago, the two had cooperated to acquire Kowloon Wharf and Crescent Bay. Now they were on opposite sides, fighting for the same plot.

“Huanyu Group, 1.1 billion, second call!” the auctioneer announced, hammer poised.

Everyone held their breath, waiting to see if Liu Zhigao would raise the bid. If not, the third hammer would finalize the deal.

Just as the room was dead silent, a crisp female voice rang out:

“1.2 billion.”

Soft as a spring breeze, yet the number stunned everyone.

The auctioneer beamed and announced, “Huacheng Industries, 1.2 billion!”

Gasps erupted throughout the room. The youngest woman present had just thrown out 1.2 billion! Everyone speculated who she was representing—how could she dare name such a sky-high price?

Lin Keying’s heart clenched tight as she spoke that number. All she could do was silently pray: Please, someone bid higher…

“1.3 billion!”
Liu Zhigao’s expression turned fierce. Clearly, he was losing patience with these two under-30s repeatedly challenging him.

The record-breaking bid was now 1.3 billion. The spotlight shifted instantly to Cheng Wanting of Huanyu Group.

Everyone was silently chanting: Raise it! Let’s see a fight!

Even Lin Keying was caught up in the adrenaline, turning to watch her fiancé with intense curiosity—How much would he bid next?

After all, he had once said more than once:
“What I want, I will always get.”

But unexpectedly, this time, Cheng Wanting narrowed his eyes at the woman in front. His gaze lingered on her face, and then his thin lips curved slightly.

“Since Miss Lin of Huacheng has already made her offer, I’ll honor that. Huanyu withdraws.”

—Whoa.

The entire room erupted in shock. Huanyu actually gave up the bid!

Liu Zhigao, elated, cast a meaningful glance at Cheng Wanting. In their last cooperation, Liu had taken Crescent Bay and Cheng had won Kowloon Wharf. This time—it was clear he had won.

Some spectators were disappointed, but their excitement quickly shifted to the young and beautiful Miss Lin.

“1.4 billion!” Lin Keying exchanged a glance with her godfather and raised her paddle again.

Huacheng’s boldness shocked everyone—including Liu Zhigao.

He hadn’t expected this plot to be driven so high. 1.4 billion far exceeded his expectations. The cost was steep—too steep.

Cheng Wanting remarked with a hidden smirk,
“Had I known your bottom line, Mr. Liu, I wouldn’t have backed down. What a pity.”

Liu Zhigao sneered and raised his paddle:
“1.5 billion!”

---

“Tianxing Real Estate, 1.5 billion, first call.”

“Tianxing Real Estate, 1.5 billion, second call.”

“Tianxing Real Estate, 1.5 billion, third call—SOLD!”

With no further bids from Lin Keying, the land was awarded to Tianxing Real Estate. The room erupted into applause. Many wealthy businessmen rushed over to shake hands and congratulate Liu Zhigao.

Proud and confident, Liu approached Cheng Wanting, extended his hand, and said politely:
“Brother Cheng, thanks for conceding.”

Cheng Wanting shook hands and replied calmly,
“Congratulations, Mr. Liu. You and Mr. Wang had privately teamed up for this. It was clear you were determined to win. I was just here for the show.”

Liu Zhigao’s smile slowly faded.
“How did you know that?”

“I happened to hear,” Cheng Wanting said coolly, showing no signs of disappointment. In fact, he looked quite pleased.

Liu Zhigao’s expression froze. In that moment, he finally understood—

Huanyu had never really wanted that land.
Cheng Wanting’s multiple bids had been to drive up the price, causing him to overpay by several billion.

Swallowing his frustration, Liu left with forced dignity. When he faced the press outside, there wasn’t even a trace of a smile left.

---

Inside the auction hall, company representatives who had won bids were led backstage for registration. The rest began to leave while exchanging pleasantries.

Lin Keying left with her godfather and godmother. By her side, Cheng Wanting walked alone. She had many questions, but simply asked:

“Young Master Cheng, where’s Secretary Yang?”

Cheng Wanting’s eyes darkened as he recalled the auction scene:
“Handling a troublemaker.”

“Oh.” Lin Keying nodded.

As they passed through the corridor, a few blond-haired, blue-eyed men walked by, speaking in fluent British English.

With sharp ears, Lin Keying caught their words—and her face instantly changed.

The three British men entered the Director’s Office of the Lands Department and were warmly welcomed. Even before the auction winners finished paperwork, these men had already completed theirs.

They had acquired ten plots of land, each sold at 30% of market price.

The director shook hands with them in high spirits. The atmosphere inside was cozy and diplomatic.

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Outside, reporters were everywhere. Cheng Wanting never appeared in public media. He boarded a luxury car driven by his chauffeur and prepared to return to Huanyu to handle “big matters.”

Before leaving, he said to Lin Keying:
“Stay with Mr. and Mrs. Guo. I have something else to take care of.”

Lin Keying nodded and got into a taxi with her godparents.

“Godfather, were we really just there to make noise?”
The moment she got in, Lin Keying poured out her nervous thoughts.
“I was so scared during that second-to-last round. What if they gave up and it landed in my hands?”

That was 1.3 billion!

Guo Changda waved it off:
“What’s the fun in an auction if you don’t drive the price up? You’re just a timid little girl. You need more training.”

“…” Lin Keying felt weak, helpless—and kind of pitiful.

That wasn’t playing. That little ‘game’ cost Tianxing Real Estate an extra four to five billion!

“Godmother, what if Liu Zhigao had really backed out? That would’ve fallen on us!”

Zhao Fengzhen smiled gently.
“If Liu Zhigao had backed down, he wouldn’t be Liu Zhigao. He’d rather bleed out than give up.”

“Besides…” Guo Changda finished the sentence,
“If he had backed down, I would have bought it. I just don’t get why Cheng Wanting backed out too.”

Following this thought, Lin Keying recalled the final round. She’d seen her fiancé staring straight at her as he announced his withdrawal.

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Their red taxi pulled up in front of the renowned Lee’s Restaurant in Central. While Lin Keying dined with her godparents, Cheng Wanting rushed back to Huanyu Group.

In the general manager’s office, Chen Songxian—finally tracked down by Secretary Yang—was waiting.

“Cousin!” Chen Songxian burst out the moment Cheng Wanting arrived.
“Secretary Yang dragged me off to Huanyu! I missed the whole exciting auction! Did you win the Central land or not?”

Cheng Wanting brushed past his cousin’s clingy enthusiasm, walked directly to the sofa, and said coldly:

“Yelling at the auction like that—are you not embarrassed to be part of the Chen family?”

Chen Songxian felt wronged. He was just enjoying the show! And admiring a pretty girl wasn’t a crime either:
“Cousin, come on. My dad and uncle weren’t even there. By the way, who was that beauty in the second row? What company does she represent? What’s her name? Did you ask for me?”

Secretary Yang coughed lightly, interrupting:
“Young Master Chen, maybe it’s time to go home early today.”

He had saved this guy so many times already—don’t be ungrateful!

But Chen Songxian refused to budge:
“I’ve been single for a whole week. Today was love at first sight—how can I just walk away? If you don’t know who she is, I’ll find out myself.”

Cheng Wanting tapped his finger on the coffee table, each tap silencing his cousin’s voice. Once he finished, Cheng Wanting loosened his tie and said casually:

“You’re still immature. All you think about is chasing women. Clearly, you need more training.”
“Your family’s clothing business is expanding—pack your things and go back. Keep working in Africa.”

Chen Songxian jumped up, shocked: “Cousin, I—!”

“What? Not willing?” Cheng Wanting’s sharp eyes pierced him.
“Africa, Siberia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bolivia—take your pick.”

Chen Songxian: !!!!!!!

What did I do to deserve this?!

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