Chapter 196

Chapter 196 - My Sister Is Not My Biological Sister

“Give up,” Zhang Xiaolong sighed deeply, “This woman has lost her mind. We can't compete with her.”

Su Mei had taken full control of the Su family's wealth, unlike Wang Zongming.

At the Xu family's Charity Auction that day, Su Mingtang was ready to drop a billion on the blue diamond. Now, she would surely bid even more. She seemed willing to pay any price to keep him from acquiring the Strong Dragon Group.

“One billion!” Chen Yaru continued to bid.

“One billion fifty million,” Su Mei persisted, relentlessly driving up the price.

“Yaru...” Zhang Xiaolong shook his head when he saw Yaru preparing to bid again. He didn't want to engage in such pointless actions.

Engaging in a bidding war would only result in the Su family paying a higher price for the Strong Dragon Group, which they couldn't fully utilize. Zhang Xiaolong didn't want to participate in such a mutually destructive scenario.

He wasn't as reckless as Su Mei, nor was he interested in making the other party suffer or pay a steep price simply because he couldn't have it.

Chen Yaru turned to look at him, “I get what you're saying, and I understand her message. She's trying to show me that not choosing her was a mistake because she'll stop at nothing to prevent you. But I want to show her that even though I may not be as powerful, I'll use all my strength to support you.”

Zhang Xiaolong paused, then chose not to intervene, silently wrapping his arms around her.

It had become a struggle between two women. He saw no point in it, but just as Yaru had supported him unconditionally, he would do the same for his woman, no matter how futile it might seem.

“Two billion!” Chen Yaru, sensing his resolve, smiled and placed her bid.

Su Mei, with a cold expression and biting her red lips, countered, “Two billion fifty million.”

Eventually, they reached their limit. Zhang Xiaolong and Chen Yaru exchanged a knowing smile, free from any hint of regret.

“What if we don't have Strong Dragon? We were always going to bring it down anyway. It's just a matter of time.” Despite his internal disappointment, Zhang Xiaolong spoke with a generous spirit.

“Mm, I believe you,” Chen Yaru said gently, “As long as Elegant Dragon Drinks remains, we'll soon forge our own Strong Dragon.”

Yang Jingjing tilted back slightly, resting gently in the crook of his arm.

“Thank you, Jingjing. Actually...” Zhang Xiaolong began awkwardly.

Though it wasn't the kind of affection typically shared between lovers, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being ensnared by yet another of Yaru's schemes.

“What's there to be ‘actually' about?” Yaru cut in, interrupting his hesitant speech.

“Alright,” Zhang Xiaolong conceded with a resigned smile, “there's really nothing to be ‘actually' about...”

Yang Jingjing chuckled, and the mood among the trio lightened considerably. It seemed as if the subtle barriers that had once stood between them were dissolving.

“One billion and fifty million!” Su Mei's voice was nearly a roar.

She couldn't fathom why, after Yang Jingjing's bid, Zhang Xiaolong had suddenly grown closer to her.

Why? Why was she willing to do so much for this man, only to be met with indifference, while other women seemed to succeed?

The bidding soared to new heights, eliciting astonishment from the Auctioneer. After a final call and seeing no further bids, the hammer came down decisively.

He then declared with great volume that the Strong Dragon Group brand and real estate had been sold to Su Mei of Yishui City for one billion and fifty million yuan.

The room buzzed with shock, but Su Mei, the protagonist of the auction, felt none of the victor's elation.

She had thought that taking down Zhang Xiaolong would bring her immense joy, but as she faced the person before her, she realized that wasn't the case at all.

Yet Su Mei, ever so obstinate, couldn't admit to any wrongdoing on her part; her animosity towards Zhang Xiaolong only grew.

“Congratulations on acquiring Strong Dragon Group. I trust it will once again rise to prominence under the Su family's leadership,” Zhang Xiaolong offered, with a smile, as he saw Su Mei standing in their way, extending a few courteous remarks.

“Who is she?” Su Mei, ignoring his pleasantries, fixed her gaze on Yang Jingjing and demanded.

Chen Yaru quickly interjected before Zhang Xiaolong could respond, “My sister. Is there an issue?”

The term ‘sister' was clearly not meant in the literal sense, particularly when spoken by Chen Yaru, hinting at something more intimate. But the crowd didn't linger for Su Mei to probe further; the two women had already linked arms with Zhang Xiaolong and were making their exit.