CHAPTER 244: CHAPTER 244: COINCIDENCE OR INTENT

"What do you think of this?" Mr. Zhan asked.

Ningwan said, "Our purpose in coming to Tong City is to find the Thousand-year-old Tai Sui. Coincidentally, he also wants the Thousand-year-old Tai Sui. Isn’t that too much of a coincidence?"

Zhan Hanjue nodded, his thoughts aligning with Ningwan’s.

"However, whatever his purpose is, I must get that Thousand-year-old Tai Sui. I’ll notify the Xie Family first, so they can lend us a hand and help us find a way to get the Thousand-year-old Tai Sui," Ningwan added.

Zhan Hanjue said, "No need to notify the Xie Family, I can handle it."

It’s just an auction, as long as you have money, is there anything you can’t buy?

As for money, Zhan Hanjue didn’t need Xie Mingyu’s help.

Ningwan said, "I know you have money, but I always feel that this matter can’t be solved just with money. So many people want the same thing, which means its value exceeds its inherent worth. It’s better to have a conversation with the Xie Family. Having more allies is always better than having more enemies."

Zhan Hanjue understood she made sense, so he said nothing further.

Ningwan personally took a trip to the Xie Family.

Xie Mingyu refused to see her, so she met with Old Sir Xie instead.

This was exactly what Zhan Hanjue wanted.

As soon as Old Sir Xie saw Zhan Hanjue, he quickly greeted him with a smile, "Mr. Zhan."

Zhan Hanjue also quickly and respectfully greeted Old Sir Xie, very polite.

Old Sir Xie asked, "How is Yu’er’s condition?"

Ningwan said, "I came over to talk to you about this matter. Fang Dai said..."

"Fang Dai?"

"I mean, the person treating Xie Mingyu, their name is Fang Dai," Ningwan explained.

Old Sir Xie chuckled, "That name is quite interesting."

"The name isn’t important. What’s important is, he said it’s not impossible to cure Xie Mingyu. But right now, a medicinal lead is needed," Ningwan said.

Old Sir Xie immediately said, "Whatever medicinal lead is needed, just say it. As long as it exists in this world, I can find it. Even if it requires my old flesh, I’m willing."

Ningwan smiled and said, "Human flesh can’t be used as a medicinal lead, and it’s also not nutritious. What he wants is the Thousand-year-old Tai Sui. Frankly speaking, besides curing Xie Mingyu, another reason for our visit this time is to find this Thousand-year-old Tai Sui. I have a patient who happens to need it too. But rest assured, the Thousand-year-old Tai Sui is big enough, and it’s not a problem for two people. So, I’d like to collaborate with the Xie Family to acquire this Thousand-year-old Tai Sui together."

"No problem collaborating, but where will we get it?" Old Sir Xie said.

Ningwan replied, "The underground auction."

Old Sir Xie frowned.

Ningwan said, "This underground auction is held in Tong City. The Xie Family’s influence in Tong City speaks for itself, so you wouldn’t be unaware of this underground auction, right, Old Sir Xie?"

"Of course, I know. Many items that can’t see the light of day are handled at this underground auction. Our Xie Family has also bought some items from there," Old Sir Xie said.

Ningwan breathed a sigh of relief, "Since you know, that’s great. I’ve already obtained a ticket to the auction. However, I’m not familiar with some of the rules of the auction, and would appreciate your guidance, Old Sir."

"There are no rules," Old Sir Xie said.

"No rules?" Ningwan frowned.

How could that be?

Every place has its own rules.

As the saying goes, without rules, nothing can be accomplished.

Especially such a large auction, how could there be no rules?

"There truly are no rules," Old Sir Xie said, "This underground auction is basically a black market. Other than the entry ticket, there are no fixed rules. Because the host is different each time, if the host is different, the rules naturally vary too. So, it’s also called having no rules."

"I see," Ningwan said.

"Are the transactions typically money-based for each event?" Zhan Hanjue asked.

Old Sir Xie smiled, "As expected of Mr. Zhan, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Generally, it’s money-based since currency is the best way to facilitate trade. However, there are hosts who don’t play by the usual rules. There was once a case where it was bartering instead—using specific items designated by the host to exchange for the auction item of interest. But this situation is rare and can be ignored."

"Though the situation is rare, it has happened. So to prevent it from happening again, how does this bartering work? Is there a standard?" Zhan Hanjue asked further.

Old Sir Xie pondered for a moment, "I’ve never exchanged before, but I’ve heard about it. You agree to the terms beforehand, if you can accept the rules, place your bid. If you can’t accept, just drop it. If you accept and can’t abide, it depends on the host on how to resolve it, but it likely won’t end peacefully."

"Got it, thank you for the advice," Zhan Hanjue expressed his gratitude.

Old Sir Xie waved his hand, "No need to be so formal, since we’re cooperating, feel free to ask me if you have any questions. If you need anything, you can let me know as well."

"I would like to ask Old Sir for two people to help," Ningwan said.

Old Sir Xie said, "Which two people do you want? Just name them."

"Tingyu and Wangyue. Tingyu is to watch over Fang Dai. I’m afraid if my person watches alone and this guy runs away, what should we do? Wangyue will go with me to the underground auction. First, to protect me; second, she can help me run errands. We brought male bodyguards, and not having a woman by our side isn’t very convenient."

"They both belong to Yu’er. I need to ask Yu’er," Old Sir Xie said.

Ningwan nodded, "Naturally."

Old Sir Xie sent someone to ask.

Very soon, Xie Mingyu replied, allowing Tingyu and Wangyue to follow Ningwan’s instructions.

Ningwan bid farewell to Old Sir Xie and took the two away.

Tingyu was naturally arranged to join Wu Wei, allowing her to watch over Fang Dai with Wu Wei.

"Keep a close eye on him, and don’t let him escape. If necessary, it’s okay to beat him up, just as long as you don’t kill him, it doesn’t matter how you do it," Ningwan instructed.

Tingyu nodded.

She went to the hotel to meet Wu Wei and joined forces with Wu Wei.

Wangyue stayed with the group.

"Miss Ye, it’s so great to see you again at last. I’m so happy, I’ve missed you so much," Wangyue excitedly hugged Ningwan.

But in the next second, Ningwan was pulled away by Zhan Hanjue.

Wangyue angrily shouted, "Zhan Hanjue, you’re too much. I can’t even hug Miss Ye. You truly are a petty man."

"Yes, I’m a petty man, so stay away," Zhan Hanjue actually admitted to being petty.

Wangyue was angry and helpless.

She had no choice but to act coy with Ningwan.

"Miss Ye, look at him."

Ningwan helplessly said, "Then what can I do? One is my good sister, the other is my man, it’s not appropriate for me to help either. Aren’t you putting me in a difficult position?"

"Hmph." Wangyue stomped her foot in anger and walked ahead.

Zhan Hanjue couldn’t understand, turning to Ningwan, "Why do you want her back? When you’re with me, could there be danger?"

"Can you accompany me to the bathroom?" Ningwan asked.

Zhan Hanjue: "..."