CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 54: PUBLIC HUMILIATION (12 UPDATES)

The exhibition hall was a bit chilly, and the shawl draped over Shen Jianian’s bare shoulders felt just right. A casual glance met Yin Shuyao’s gaze unexpectedly.

Even looking one more time was annoying, Shen Jianian quickly withdrew her gaze, lowering her head to adjust the hem of her shawl.

Someone walked briskly over to the table, dressed in formal black business attire and wearing thin silver-framed glasses, appearing over forty, exuding an elegant and scholarly demeanor. It was the person in charge from the auction organizer, coming over to greet them, his words hinting at goodwill.

Fu Jichen’s expression was indifferent. He raised his hand slightly and said, "Just follow the rules. I’m only here to join the fun."

The person in charge was taken aback for a moment, then nodded with a smile, saying, "Then I won’t disturb you."

Shen Jianian glanced at Fu Jichen. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and turned to smile at her, "So, is there anything you like?"

"No." Shen Jianian said these two words for the third time tonight.

Yin Shuyao sat with Qin Fan at a round table not far from the main seat, surrounded by well-known wealthy businessmen.

The Yin Family wasn’t up to par, so Yin Shuyao didn’t know any of these people. She just quietly listened to Qin Fan engage with them, unable to join the conversation.

Her gaze occasionally drifted to the main seat, always catching a glimpse of that stern man smiling at Shen Jianian, slightly tilting his head to talk to her while Shen Jianian’s expression remained lukewarm.

Yin Shuyao pressed her lips together, feeling uncomfortable inside.

In the past, she was always outshone by Shen Jianian. Now that Shen Jianian had lost everything, she herself had transformed into the young mistress of the Qin Family, supposedly enjoying endless glory. Why was she still jealous of her?

The auction began. The auctioneer took the stage with the microphone, introducing the first lot of the day, a set of jewelry from a renowned French designer, featuring a sapphire and pearl necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The necklace’s centerpiece was a large sapphire surrounded by small diamonds, with a string of smooth pearls forming the chain. The sapphires on the bracelet and earrings were more petite.

The sapphires were perfectly clear, and the pearls were lustrous, together exuding nobility and elegance.

Bidding started, with offers constantly being made in the hall.

The starting bid was three million, and in the blink of an eye, the price multiplied several times over.

Fu Jichen tapped his fingers lightly on the edge of the table, leaning his shoulder to one side, and asked Shen Jianian, "Do you like it?"

Shen Jianian shook her head.

Lu Yanzhi, sitting on the other side, looked over Fu Jichen in the middle to gaze at Shen Jianian, slightly puzzled by her. Fu Da’s intent couldn’t have been more transparent; as long as she said "like," he would have immediately raised his paddle to bid for her.

Jewelry worth several million, even if she didn’t like the design, could later be turned into cash, which was still worthwhile. Why not take it?

Not far away, Yin Shuyao gazed mesmerized at the display, the jewelry in the glass showcase. Even from a distance, the scattered light refracting from the cut surfaces of the sapphires was visible, too beautiful to look away from. The enlarged details on the big screen further captivated the women present.

Yin Shuyao pressed one hand on her bidding paddle, feeling some temptation.

Qin Fan glanced at her, lifting his lips to say, "Do you like it?"

Yin Shuyao looked up at him, too embarrassed to voice it, but her expression and eyes clearly conveyed to those beside her that she really liked the jewelry.

Qin Fan raised his bidding paddle and bid, "Fifteen million."

There were small exclamations of surprise from the audience, with many turning to look in their direction.

Yin Shuyao was slightly stunned.

She thought Qin Fan was just asking and wouldn’t actually place a bid and give them to her. They were currently in a cold war, and his attitude toward her was quite harsh.

Unsurprisingly, Yin Shuyao received envious glances from other women.

Her vanity satisfied, Yin Shuyao’s face burst into unexpected and joyous expressions, her lips curving upward uncontrollably.

The auctioneer lifted the small hammer, glancing around the room, and called out loudly, "Mr. Qin has bid fifteen million. Is there any bid higher than fifteen million? Fifteen million once, fifteen million twice, fifteen million... three times! Sold! Congratulations to Mr. Qin for bidding fifteen million for this set of jewelry called ’Sky Realm’!"

Yin Shuyao was so excited that she couldn’t sit still, her grip on her handbag tightening repeatedly, barely maintaining her composure.

She sat up straight and glanced in Shen Jianian’s direction, feeling a faint sense of pride.

Unfortunately, Shen Jianian did not look at her.

Qin Fan cast a fleeting glance, looking at Yin Shuyao as if she were a performing clown, a mocking smile curving his lips as he took out his phone to send a message.

He didn’t avoid Yin Shuyao while texting, and she saw the note at the top of his phone screen reading "Xinxin Baby," with the chat box displaying a message he had just sent.