Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

After hearing Mo Shaoshang's words, Wen Yinong's eyes snapped open, her mind went completely blank.

Girlfriend? What was he saying?

The scrutinizing looks around her grew more intense and frequent, but at this moment, Wen Yinong had no time to care. She only felt a buzzing in her ears, as if all her blood had rushed to her head, only to drain away the next instant.

She had never imagined that Mo Shaoshang would unilaterally foist this "new identity" on her without giving her any time to prepare or room to negotiate.

Meanwhile, across the room.

Li Yuanliu was clearly taken aback as well, surprise flickering in his eyes. But as a seasoned figure accustomed to such occasions, he quickly recovered, his mind racing. He then broke into another smile seamlessly and addressed Wen Yinong respectfully, "So this is Miss Wen. My apologies, my apologies. The two of you truly are a perfect match—the man of talent and the woman of beauty, a couple made in heaven."

The ball was now in Wen Yinong's court. She stood there, her striking, alluring face pale one moment and flushed the next, unsure whether to accept the remark or not.

Li Yuanliu did not rush her, continuing to gaze at the young woman before him with a genial smile.

Wen Yinong hesitated internally, weighing her options, while the guests in the room watched this scene from a distance, each lost in their own thoughts.

After all, the host of tonight's auction, Li Yuanliu, was not only the founder of China's premier art salon "Yunguzhai" but also a highly influential broker and appraiser in the domestic collecting world. He had handled countless rare treasures and had deep connections across the political, business, and cultural spheres both at home and abroad.

Very few guests could warrant Li Yuanliu to personally receive them, and with such deference.

"Ah, Old Gao," said a distinguished lady in a moon-white cheongsam.

Her gaze lingered on the tall figure dressed in black in the distance, utter admiration in her eyes. She leaned slightly toward her husband and lowered her voice to ask, "Who is this young man? He looks biracial. Quite handsome."

The middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit frowned, racking his brains for a long moment, then finally shook his head. "I don't know. Never seen him before."

The lady was puzzled. "Judging by how Boss Li treats him—so respectfully—he's definitely no ordinary person."

The wealthy businessman rubbed his jade thumb ring, pondered a moment longer, then his eyes lit up as if a thought had struck him. "Oh, now I remember. I saw the invitation list for tonight. The top name was Mo Shaoshang. The one who really calls the shots in the Mo family of this generation."

The lady inhaled softly, her fan pausing mid-motion. "That... young master of the Mo family who's always been spoken of but never seen?"

"Most likely."

The businessman nodded, a hint of amusement in his certain tone. "I know Li Yuanliu well. These auctions he holds are never about the auction itself; they're a pretext for building a network of connections. Over the years, Boss Li has sent invitations to the Mo family without fail, but that man—reportedly never accepted a single one."

The lady grew more confused, frowning. "If Mo Shaoshang never sets foot in such places, then why is he here tonight?"

The businessman shifted his gaze slightly, landing on the graceful figure across from Li Yuanliu, then slowly set down his teacup and smiled meaningfully. "Who knows."

The distance was too great for Wen Yinong to hear the surrounding chatter.

Across from her, Li Yuanliu was still waiting with unwavering patience.

Wen Yinong's mind was reeling, her emotions in turmoil. She had no idea how to respond to that "couple made in heaven" remark. Just as she parted her lips to speak, unexpectedly, the cold and imposing man beside her acted first.

Mo Shaoshang looked at her, then suddenly wrapped an arm around her slender waist, gently pulling her into his embrace.

The pressure on her waist was restrained and gentle, as if he feared hurting her, yet paradoxically, it was strong and unyielding.

Wen Yinong stumbled for a moment. Amidst her chaotic thoughts, she felt her chin being gripped as two fingers lightly lifted it.

"What are you daydreaming about? Boss Li is talking to you." Mo Shaoshang's blue-black eyes were fixed on her, his expression calm but his tone surprisingly soft. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"..."

Wen Yinong wanted to scratch him.

She finally realized that this man was doing it on purpose.

He had deliberately set a trap for her, putting her on the spot in public, leaving her in a bind with no way to escape.

A moment later, under his calm yet silently oppressive gaze, she could only force a smile, curving her lips, and reach out to pry his hand off her waist, then firmly loop her arm through his.

What’s with the wandering hands?

"I'm not unwell," she said, her eyes curving into a smile, her voice as composed and sweet as she could manage. "It's just that Boss Li's place here is so steeped in classical elegance and taste that I got a bit carried away."

As she finished speaking, Li Yuanliu immediately laughed, pleased. "Miss Wen flatters me. This humble place is truly honored and brightened by the presence of you and Mr. Mo."

Wen Yinong smiled back. "Boss Li is too modest."

After a brief round of pleasantries, Li Yuanliu gestured with his hand, respectfully inviting them to the seats of honor.

Having dealt with Boss Li, Wen Yinong let out a quiet breath of relief, her nerves finally relaxing a little. Just as she was about to pull her hand free from Mo Shaoshang's arm, he casually wrapped his arm around her waist again, pulling her firmly against him.

He pulled her tight, trapping her, enveloping her completely.

Wen Yinong's ladylike smile nearly crumbled. Flushed with embarrassment and anger, she could no longer hold back. She widened her eyes and lowered her voice, saying, "Mr. Mo, please restrain yourself. I haven't even questioned you about that ridiculous 'girlfriend' announcement."

Mo Shaoshang's lips curled in the faintest hint of a smile. "Teacher Wen, if I may be frank: in a place like this, you need a clear, defined identity to be treated properly."

His tone was calm, utterly devoid of any ripple, merely stating a fact. "The 'girlfriend' label is the simplest and most proper. It means you're with me, under my protection, and it saves you from a lot of unnecessary trouble."

Hearing this, Wen Yinong's eyelashes fluttered slightly. She was stunned.

Almost instinctively, she glanced around the venue.

The hall was filled with distinguished guests, and countless eyes were fixed on her and Mo Shaoshang, some simply curious, but many more with a measuring, appraising, calculating gaze.

Beneath the elegant dresses and polite chatter, there seemed to be a silent undercurrent of schemes and calculations.

In just a few seconds, the anger and embarrassment in Wen Yinong's heart suddenly subsided.

So...

Mo Shaoshang calling her his girlfriend wasn't a deliberate joke—it was a way to create a shield for her in this predatory, power-driven arena of fame and fortune. To protect her?

As she thought about it, a strange feeling welled up in Wen Yinong's heart. She withdrew her gaze and looked again at Mo Shaoshang's sharp, cold profile, momentarily lost in thought.

Sensing her gaze, he looked back at her, simultaneously leaning down, lowering his head closer to her. "What is it?"

"..." Wen Yinong's face warmed. She hurriedly looked away, not answering.

This exchange appeared even more intimate to onlookers.

Li Yuanliu led the way ahead.

Wen Yinong held Mo Shaoshang's arm as she followed him toward the VIP seats.

Suddenly, a burst of rich, sweet fragrance wafted past Wen Yinong's nose—like blooming roses mixed with honey and lychee, forcefully flooding her senses.

Wen Yinong paused in her step, instinctively looking up.

A figure had appeared before them, elegantly poised and blocking the way.

She was an exquisitely beautiful woman, with long, jet-black hair styled in elaborate waves that cascaded like a waterfall, wearing a bespoke rose-quartz off-shoulder evening gown. Her makeup was vibrant and striking, her chin slightly lifted, exuding a pampered air bred from a lifetime of adoration.

Now, she stood there, her gaze fixed firmly on Mo Shaoshang, ignoring Li Yuanliu, who was guiding the way.

What a stunning girl.

Wen Yinong marveled inwardly, wondering who this beauty was, until she heard Li Yuanliu speak with a beaming smile: "Miss Qiao, the auction is about to start. Are you heading out?"

"No."

The girl's gaze didn't waver, still fixed on the tall man in the charcoal-black suit. Her proud demeanor softened slightly, replaced by a hint of shyness and delight, even her voice softened a few notches: "I came specifically to greet Mr. Mo."

Miss Qiao?

Wen Yinong's mind stirred, immediately recalling the "difficult and demanding" eldest Miss Qiao mentioned by the flight attendant Linda on the private plane.

So this was Qiao Mingyi, the treasured granddaughter of Old Master Qiao?

She blinked and continued observing quietly.

On the other side, Qiao Mingyi clicked forward in her high heels, facing Mo Shaoshang with a radiant smile: "Mr. Mo, it’s been a while. My grandfather was just talking about you the other day, saying he wanted to play chess with you."

Mo Shaoshang’s expression remained unchanged; he offered only a polite smile, his tone detached and aloof: "Once I’m free from this busy period, I’ll visit the old gentleman."

"Really? That’s great. Grandpa will be so happy."

Qiao Mingyi’s smile grew more radiant. Then, catching a sidelong glance, she noticed another figure beside Mo Shaoshang.

Soft, willowy, graceful—almost concealed by the man's tall, strong frame.

Qiao Mingyi frowned, sizing up Wen Yinong from head to toe.

Displeased by their intimate posture, the shyness and joy in her eyes faded, replaced by scrutiny and judgment. She then asked tentatively: "Mr. Mo, who is she?"

Mo Shaoshang answered succinctly: "My girlfriend."

Qiao Mingyi’s smile instantly froze. "Girlfriend? When did this happen? How is it that I had no idea at all?"

The moment she finished speaking, she felt a cold stare.

Mo Shaoshang’s expression visibly darkened. His dark blue-black eyes swept over her, devoid of any emotion, yet the temperature around seemed to drop below freezing.

Within a split second of eye contact, Qiao Mingyi broke into a cold sweat. The intense pressure sobered her up, making her realize she had overstepped.

The Mo and Qiao families had been friends for generations, with close ties. The two families’ elders interacted frequently, and when Old Master Mo was alive, he had even half-jokingly proposed a marriage alliance to strengthen the bond.

Qiao Mingyi knew this well. She wasn't opposed; in fact, she secretly looked forward to it.

After all, Mo Shaoshang was handsome and powerful, a walking embodiment of power and a living icon of wealth. Marrying him was almost every socialite’s dream.

Now, an unknown woman appeared by his side, and he had directly declared her his "girlfriend"? This sudden change made Qiao Mingyi both angry and anxious, leading to her impulsive, disrespectful outburst.

But regardless, Mo Shaoshang was not someone she could casually question or offend.

Collecting herself, Qiao Mingyi took a breath, quelled the anger and resentment churning inside her, plastered a smile back on her face, and softened her voice in an attempt to make amends: "Sorry, Mr. Mo, I didn't mean anything by that. It’s just... so sudden, I was a bit surprised."

Mo Shaoshang didn’t bother to respond. He pulled Wen Yinong closer, wrapping an arm around her in a possessively protective gesture, and strode away.

Li Yuanliu, a shrewd socialite, knew exactly who not to slight. With a slight smile, he left Qiao Mingyi with a casual "Feel free to look around, Miss Qiao" before quickly following.

Qiao Mingyi stood alone, feeling countless eyes on her—some curious, some mocking. Her face burned, and she trembled in fury.

She had assumed that, with her status as the Qiao family’s granddaughter and the friendship between the two families, Mo Shaoshang would at least maintain polite courtesy and gentlemanly demeanor, even if he wasn’t interested in her.

But he had shown her no regard, leaving her publicly humiliated...

Overwhelmed by shame and fury, Qiao Mingyi clenched her fists so tightly that her diamond-encrusted nails nearly dug into her palms. After a long pause, she stomped her foot and stormed off.

Entering the restroom, she locked the door, whipped out her phone and dialed a number.

After a few rings, it connected.

"There’s a woman with Mo Shaoshang," she said angrily. "Find out who she is!"

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Wen Yinong had already taken her seat in the very center of the VIP section, the prime spot.

The seat was soft, the view excellent, and a beautiful waitress served delicious tea and snacks, a testament to the host's attentiveness and regard.

The tea had an elegant fragrance.

Wen Yinong took a sip from the cup.

As she sipped, she recalled Qiao Mingyi's sour expression and the fury nearly blazing from her beautiful eyes.

Wen Yinong frowned slightly, paused for a moment, then couldn't help leaning in closer to Mo Shaoshang, lowering her voice: "Mr. Mo, Miss Qiao seems really angry. Will there be any trouble..."

"Someone irrelevant," Mo Shaoshang cut her off, his tone completely flat. "Don't bring her up again."

Wen Yinong’s remaining words caught in her throat.

She had initially thought that since Qiao Mingyi was a family friend's daughter, Mo Shaoshang’s blunt dismissal was too rude and might create enmity. She had wanted to advise a more harmonious approach. But seeing his indifferent attitude, she knew it was pointless and swallowed her words.

Fine.

She took another sip from her cup and silently thought, "She's not the one who caused offense. If Qiao Mingyi holds a grudge, it's against Mo Shaoshang. Why should she care?"

Wen Yinong quickly adjusted her mindset, deciding to keep her nose out of it.

After eating a piece of mung bean pastry, she casually scanned the venue, noting that while many guests came in pairs, plenty had come solo.

Curiosity stirred again.

Wen Yinong leaned toward Mo Shaoshang once more, speaking in a voice only he could hear: "By the way, Mr. Mo, I noticed many people here came alone. It seems bringing a companion isn’t mandatory. So why did you insist on me coming?"

Mo Shaoshang was browsing the auction catalog. At her question, a faint smile touched his lips as he said nonchalantly: "Don’t rush. You’ll find out soon enough."

Wen Yinong became even more puzzled, blinking as she tried to figure out what he was up to.

At that moment, the stage lights adjusted slightly, becoming brighter and more focused. Then, an auctioneer in a celestial-blue qipao walked gracefully onto the stage.

She stood elegantly, her makeup flawless, a smile on her face as she bowed slightly to the audience.

"Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening," the auctioneer’s voice carried clearly throughout the venue through the speakers, calm and captivating. "Welcome to this year’s 'Yunguzhai' annual antique auction. Tonight, we gather not only to appreciate the artistic treasures that transcend time but also to witness a feast of taste, heritage, and discovery. Every piece to be presented carries the essence of history and the warmth of craftsmanship. I wish you all the best in finding your heart’s desire and enjoy this splendid evening. Now, the auction officially begins!"

With that, the auctioneer paused briefly and gestured to the side.

The lights came up on the first display stand.

"The first item tonight is a 'Famille Rose Hundred Flowers' vase from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. This vase features a well-proportioned shape, warm glaze, and is adorned with various floral motifs in famille rose, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. The painting is exquisite and refined, with vibrant yet elegant colors. It is a fine example of Qianlong imperial kiln famille rose porcelain in excellent condition. The starting bid is ten million RMB."

Immediately, people started bidding.

The bidders raised their paddles in an orderly manner, with appropriate increments.

Wen Yinong was experiencing a high-end auction like this for the first time and found it fascinating. She was observing the bidders when a familiar voice suddenly sounded, cool and low, brushing against her ear: "Do you like it?"

"Hmm?"

Wen Yinong was confused. She turned her head and looked at the handsome profile so close to her, didn't react at first. "Like what?"

Mo Shaoshang casually jerked his chin, indicating the vase being bid on: "This."

Wen Yinong then understood that he was asking about her preference for the lot.

She then really looked at the vase, with its heavy colors and intricate patterns so dense that there was almost no empty space, and honestly shook her head. "It's too busy – makes me dizzy. I don't have great taste... I just can't get into this kind of thing."

Mo Shaoshang said nothing more.

Soon, the Qianlong famille rose vase was bought by a real estate developer from the south for thirteen million RMB.

After the auctioneer congratulated the winner with a smile, the second item was brought onto the display stand.

It was a violin case containing a violin that had a warm luster and graceful shape.

"The next item is the 'Voice of the Stars' violin, crafted by master luthier Antonio Stradivari in 1715. Its tone is hailed as 'the sigh of angels,' and the wood grain of the body flows like a river of stars..."

As the auctioneer introduced the history of this legendary violin, Wen Yinong was listening with interest when the man beside her spoke again casually: "Do you like it?"

Wen Yinong had no special fondness for musical instruments, so she shook her head again.

...

The auction went on smoothly, with paintings, calligraphy, porcelain, jewelry, antique books, and other treasures appearing one after another, each sold at high prices to different buyers.

Wen Yinong gradually felt overwhelmed, marveling at this game where prices were in the tens or hundreds of millions.

After an unknown amount of time, a Ming dynasty Tianhuang stone seal was sold.

At this point, the organizer, Li Yuanliu, personally stepped onto the auction stage.

He gave a slightly mysterious smile and addressed the entire audience: "Thank you all for your enthusiasm for the previous lots. The next item to be presented is extremely special, and I will personally host its bidding."

With that, Li Yuanliu clapped his hands twice, and four staff members in white gloves came out from backstage. They carefully pushed a specially made bulletproof glass safe to the center of the stage.

Li Yuanliu personally entered the password and opened the safe door.

A spotlight hit it.

On the black velvet cushion lay a necklace.

It was like a deep starry sky, but also like the first light of dawn.

The venue fell silent; everyone held their breath, in awe of the dazzling piece.

The centerpiece of the necklace was a star sapphire weighing over twenty carats, oval-cut. The gem had a rich, pure royal blue color. Under the direct light, a clear six-ray star seemed to awaken and bloom within the stone, radiating brilliance.

Even more astonishing, when Li Yuanliu rotated the display stand and slightly adjusted the angle, a pink-orange glow appeared in the center of the star, like the first ray of dawn coloring the sky, complementing the surrounding blue star rays.

Breathtakingly beautiful.

"This necklace is called 'True Love,'" Li Yuanliu's voice echoed again in the silent venue. "Its legend began in the 17th century with a European grand duke. To win the favor of his beloved, he searched the world for rare treasures and finally found this unique sapphire in an ancient Eastern country. It had a 'dawn star' inside it. He commissioned the finest craftsmen of the time to create this necklace as a token of their love."

"The grand duke and his wife had a deep, lifelong love. Their love story became famous across Europe and has been passed down along with the necklace to this day, becoming what people think of when they say 'True Love.' It's not just jewelry – it's an eternal vow that goes beyond time."

"The starting bid is eighty million RMB."

Wen Yinong couldn't stop staring at it.

This necklace was truly magnificent. The deep blue of the gem and the pink-orange warmth inside mixed together, as if containing endless stories and tenderness.

She took out her phone, aimed it at the display stand, adjusted the focus, and took several photos, her eyes full of wonder.

At this moment, the low voice beside her spoke again for the umpteenth time, still those three words: "Do you like it?"

Wen Yinong, after taking photos and looking at the enlarged gem details on her phone screen, nodded casually as she heard the question. "This gem is so beautiful. The deep blue mixed with pink is like dawn in the deep sea – amazing. And the story of the grand duke and his wife is really romantic."

Mo Shaoshang quietly listened to her, his eyes lingering a moment on her focused, stunning face. Then, he lifted his lashes a bit and glanced sideways and behind him.

Seeing this, Lin Ke, who was standing nearby, instantly got it.

He raised his bidding paddle, gave a gentle, refined smile, and his clear voice rang through the hall: "For this 'True Love' necklace, Mr. Mo Shaoshang will 'light the sky lantern' (meaning he'll outbid everyone)."