Chapter 174: Auction
At Treasure Pavilion, Qin Jiuyue arrived right after lunch. Ever since Qin Deshu became aware of Su Lin’s capabilities, he had become increasingly indulgent towards Qin Jiuyue, even intentionally trying to bring her and Su Lin together.
However, knowing that Lin Xiaowan and Xia Shiyu were in Donghai, Qin Jiuyue had yet to take action because she knew that seeking out Su Lin would inevitably lead to encountering Xia Shiyu and Lin Xiaowan, and she wasn’t sure how to interact with them. Thus, she could only wait at home for the auction to arrive.
In the afternoon, guests started arriving at Treasure Pavilion, and Qin Jiuyue’s gaze was constantly fixed on the entrance, waiting for Su Lin’s Mercedes to appear.
Instead of Su Lin’s Mercedes, she first saw Li Ziyu’s convoy arriving. Having overcome numerous obstacles to become the new head of the Li family, Li Ziyu’s appearance caused quite a stir among the crowd.
Her beauty and capability, along with the persona of a high-cold beauty who was also a family head, made many fantasize about her. Such personas were rare, and men loved the challenge of conquering seemingly unattainable women.
Only Qin Jiuyue knew that Li Ziyu was also one of her rivals, as Su Lin and Li Ziyu had a business relationship.
From conversations she overheard, Qin Jiuyue knew that Li Ziyu’s swift control over the family business was largely thanks to Su Lin’s indispensable contributions, although the specifics of Su Lin’s role were unclear to the public.
“What’s so great about her?” Qin Jiuyue muttered to herself, feeling somewhat deflated at the thought of being just a university student relying on her family’s allowance.
Li Ziyu handed her invitation to the staff and then entered the venue, noticing Qin Jiuyue standing to the side. “Little sister Jiuyue, long time no see,” Li Ziyu greeted. She knew of the complex relationship between Su Lin and Qin Jiuyue, so she was considerably warmer towards her.
Qin Jiuyue was surprised. The Qin and Li families were competitors, yet Li Ziyu was greeting her so kindly? “Sister Ziyu, I saw you at my birthday party,” she responded.
“Oh? I’m sorry, Jiuyue. I was busy that day and forgot to prepare a birthday gift for you,” Li Ziyu sincerely apologized, her status as the head of her family making this acknowledgment significant.
Qin Jiuyue felt there was an underlying tone, as if Li Ziyu was suggesting she was too insignificant to notice. Qin Jiuyue played dumb, “No worries, I received a very interesting gift. Would you like to see it?”
Li Ziyu shook her head, showing no interest.
“Ah, it was a birthday gift from Su Lin. Really interesting,” Qin Jiuyue added, aiming to provoke Li Ziyu.
Li Ziyu quickly caught on to Qin Jiuyue’s implication. “A toy from Su Lin? Such gifts are normal for girls like you.”
“I didn’t receive anything... He just saved me twice. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay him,” Li Ziyu lamented, pretending to be troubled about repaying Su Lin.
Qin Jiuyue was infuriated but maintained her composure, a master at controlling her emotions. “Oh? I know about your partnership with Su Lin; he told me. When I visited Sihai Group, he shared it with me,” Qin Jiuyue said, flaunting a charming smile.
The two continued their veiled verbal sparring, all revolving around Su Lin. Fortunately, their esteemed statuses prevented onlookers from eavesdropping, or it would have been a scene to behold.
Just as Qin Jiuyue and Li Ziyu were about to escalate their rivalry, Su Lin arrived fashionably late, accompanied by three incredibly beautiful women, each with their own charm, causing a sensation.
Lin Xiaowan stood out dramatically from her usual girl-next-door image. Dressed in a black long dress with her hair neatly done, leaving a few strands loose, she exuded confidence and grace, captivating many onlookers.
“Whose daughter is this? Such a strong presence, definitely not from a minor family.”
“No clue. We’ve never seen her in Donghai before. Someone this stunning would have been recognized.”
“Her poise alone is a lesson for many high-born ladies.”
Su Lin was also seeing Lin Xiaowan in this new light for the first time, finding her fascinating and planning an exciting role-play for the evening.
“Heh... don’t worry, I have my ways.”
“Mm, I’ll try to find a chance.”
The four entered Treasure Pavilion together. Just a few steps in, Su Lin spotted Qin Jiuyue and Li Ziyu. The two seemed to be arguing but stopped upon seeing him. Qin Jiuyue changed her demeanor to that of a good girl and waved at him.
Li Ziyu also ceased the argument to glance at Su Lin and then looked away, embarrassed by their previous conversation, especially since Su Lin, with his keen hearing, must have overheard.
Su Lin first looked at Lin Xiaowan, who seemed amused by the situation, whispering, “Those two are Qin Jiuyue and Li Ziyu, right?”
“How did you know?”
“I heard them arguing. Su Lin, they were fighting over you. As the man in question, pursued by Donghai’s most beautiful flowers, how do you feel?”
Su Lin playfully smacked Lin Xiaowan’s buttocks, “Still joking at a time like this.”
He then approached Qin Jiuyue and Li Ziyu with a smile, “Ziyu, Jiuyue, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Li Ziyu glanced at Su Lin and then commented, “You call me Ziyu, but you call her Jiuyue sister?”
Su Lin: “...”
At this moment, Qin Jiuyue was smiling foolishly, pleased by Su Lin’s form of address that inadvertently placed her above Li Ziyu, which made her very happy.
“Wow... Li Ziyu.”
Li Ziyu hadn’t fully reacted when she saw Zhao Yanyan approaching. Standing tall in her high heels, she towered over Li Ziyu, greeting her warmly despite Li Ziyu’s confusion.
Su Lin explained, “This is Zhao Yanyan, your ardent fan, always looking up to you as her goal.”
“Oh? Really?”
“Yes, yes, Su Lin is absolutely right. Ever since I heard your story, I’ve found you incredibly impressive...”
Li Ziyu found Zhao Yanyan’s enthusiasm a bit overwhelming. In truth, this was Zhao Yanyan’s genuine personality, which she had to suppress while managing the store, hence the stiff persona.
Now, she could finally drop the act in front of Li Ziyu. The two quickly started chatting, leaving Su Lin feeling somewhat redundant.
He turned to Lin Xiaowan, hoping for some comfort, only to find her already engaged in conversation with Qin Jiuyue.
“Your name is Qin Jiuyue, right? It’s an interesting name. I heard you were born in September, so your grandfather named you after the month?”
“Yes, my grandfather is terrible at naming. He went through the family records and checked my horoscope but still couldn’t decide on a name, so he just went with Jiuyue,” Qin Jiuyue shared.
Su Lin then turned to Xia Shiyu, who also seemed lost.
Seeing Su Lin’s predicament, Xia Shiyu couldn’t help but laugh. “Heh heh... Su Lin, you were worried they might fight, but it seems your concerns were unfounded.”
Su Lin nodded, “Seems so!”