CHAPTER 45: AUCTION

"Either way, I’m not losing out on anything, so don’t worry." Ling Yu’s cheeky grin made Ru Feifei give up, but she still couldn’t help but shake her head.

"You really... It’s fine if you go, just make sure to stay far away from that girl." Ru Feifei referred to Jiang Meng, who was seeking a chance to cause trouble with Ling Yu, but instead, she got patted on her head like a little girl.

Ling Yu rubbed her head with a teasing smile as she said, "Aww, look at how cute you are being all worried about me. Don’t worry, I know how to take care of myself, I won’t go down in a fight if it’s against Jiang Meng."

"Come on, don’t treat me like a kid!" Ru Feifei gave Ling Yu an annoyed look, though she was just pretending as she saw the girl depart. At times like these, Ling Yu really did feel like a big sister, kinda caring for her little sister, which made Ru Feifei think if she was of sound mind or having delusions.

’Looks like I need to call Song and tell him about the situation so he can prepare beforehand...’ Ling Yu thought as she looked up at the sky, as if she was staring at something ominous floating over her head.

It was about time she prepared for the auction, so Ling Yu went back to her dorm quickly as she changed into a white leather jacket, chaining up all the way to her throat and covering her body perfectly before getting out of the room. She was also wearing black boots, and upon entering the back street, after putting on a mask, she also put up the hoodie above her head, enough so no one would be able to recognize her.

’Hmm, isn’t this look... a little suspicious?’

Ling Yu wondered if she looked strange after staring at her reflection on a cafe window, as she thought she looked pretty suspicious.

Though her looks wouldn’t matter anymore as soon as she enters the auction venue, disguise is one of the rules to enter the auction in order not to be recognized by other participants and keep oneself anonymous when doing something illegal.

As soon as Ling Yu showed the invitation letter in her hand, the guards let her in respectfully, making her wonder what Song did to make them feel so respectful.

Or rather, should she say that they seemed to be afraid, more than just being respectful?

Ling Yu glanced at the two guys guarding the entrance for a brief moment before entering the place. The matter at hand was more important than sounding them out. Besides, she had no interest in learning about what Song had done previously before her arrival.

Just as Ling Yu entered the room shown by the ward, the scent of strong incense hit her first.

A faint, metallic tang mingled with the heavy sweetness of expensive incense, curling lazily in the air. The light was dim but warm, golden chandeliers casting fractured reflections against polished black marble floors. Every step echoed softly, the sound swallowed by the thick velvet curtains draped against the walls.

The space was arranged like a small theatre, and rows of cushioned seats descended toward a central stage framed by ornate railings. People, or rather figures in shadow, occupied the seats, each dressed in deliberately concealing attire. Cloaks, hoods, masks, and veils, no one showed their face.

It wasn’t just for anonymity; it was a silent, mutual agreement: Here, no one asks questions.

Ling Yu scanned the crowd with eyes full of deep thoughts. A flash of crimson fabric here, a glint of a gold-ringed hand there. Since she was covered in a black hood, she looked mature than her age. This made her unrecognizable in the crowd. In this way, even if she met someone familiar, they wouldn’t be able to recognize her. Some sat still like statues, while others fidgeted, whispering in low, coded murmurs. No names were exchanged, only subtle nods of acknowledgment, the kind criminals or power-brokers gave each other.

Ling Yu moved to an empty seat along the side, her boots making muted thuds against the carpet runner. She could feel several pairs of eyes on her, evaluating, calculating. Some stares lingered longer than necessary, testing her composure. But she straight up ignored them.

Her seat was elevated slightly, giving her a clear view of the stage. A heavy wooden podium stood at its center, the surface polished to a mirror shine. Behind it was a short staircase leading backstage, guarded by two imposing men in black suits and earpieces. Their expressions were blank, but their posture screamed that they were trained fighters.

The floor above where she stood seemed to hold important guests, maybe VIP and above. Ling Yu snapped her eyes down to the podium once again. She didn’t have a reason to see who they were or attract their attention in any other way. She didn’t believe people from the noble society didn’t attend this auction. It would be a pain in the ass if they were to recognize her in some way.

A low chime resonated through the air, signaling the start of the event. A tall, thin man in a deep green coat stepped onto the stage. His mask was a simple black half-face, but his voice carried smoothly, practiced, and calm.

"Welcome, honored guests," he said, bowing slightly. "Tonight’s offerings are exceptional as always. Our rules remain unchanged: anonymity, discretion, and no disputes inside this hall. All transactions are final."

Ling Yu listened without reacting. Her heartbeat remained steady, though her mind was racing.

The auction Song had arranged for her to attend wasn’t just an ordinary underground sale of luxury contraband. This was a black-tier auction, the kind that dealt in items so dangerous, rare, or forbidden that simply owning them could brand one as a target for the imperial enforcers... or worse, other Awakeners.

And Ling Yu wasn’t here for just any trinket, since she already had one very specific item in mind.