Chapter 32

Chapter 32

As his words fell, the whole place erupted.

"Lighting the lantern" holds a unique meaning in the auction world: regardless of how high other bidders go, the bidder who lights the lantern will automatically follow suit with a higher bid, ultimately securing the item at the highest price.

In simple terms, it activates an auto-bid mode, signaling to other bidders an unwavering determination to win.

Tonight, the guests invited to Yunguzhai's auction were all prominent figures from various fields, and everyone knew the name Mo Shaoshang.

The Young Master usually kept a low profile and rarely attended such events, but although no one had seen him in person, many had heard numerous tales about him.

It was rumored that when Mo Shaoshang formally took over the Asia-Pacific operations of the Mo Group, it coincided with the global financial crisis, which severely battered the traditional shipping industry. While some senior members within the group advocated for shrinking defenses and cutting losses, he overrode their objections, acquiring two near-bankrupt European shipping giants at a rock-bottom cost, integrating their routes and port resources.

A year later, as the global economy recovered and shipping prices skyrocketed, the Mo Group not only leapfrogged to become the global shipping leader, but this acquisition led by Mo Shaoshang also was included in the curriculum of top international business schools, hailed as a "textbook example of contrarian investment."

Another story: three years ago, a core tech subsidiary of the Mo Group faced a crisis: its key technical team was about to leave en masse to start their own venture. Mo Shaoshang was in North America at the time, overseeing a critical merger negotiation. Upon receiving the news, he flew across the Pacific within twenty-four hours. Instead of taking legal action or using non-compete pressure, he convened an emergency board meeting that lasted only ten minutes.

After the meeting, he announced the splitting of the subsidiary into three separate entities, granting the original team a high degree of autonomy and far more generous profit-sharing than expected, while also launching a massive internal entrepreneurship incubation program called "Future Star."

In the end, not only did the core team stay, but dozens of top global technical talents were also recruited.

This move of "turning crisis into opportunity" was widely covered by numerous leading media outlets.

The financial front pages of that year were all filled with high praise for the new leader of the Mo family, commending him for "showing both the iron fist's resolve and the wisdom to embrace all streams."

As the attendees pondered these legendary tales, their gazes once again fell upon the dazzling blue sapphire necklace on the display stand.

They wondered: What magic does this necklace hold, that it could captivate the Young Master Mo, known for his calm composure and strategic deliberation, making him break his usual low-key style and openly light the lantern at an auction, determined to have it no matter what?

The guests were both astonished and intensely curious.

Muffled discussions buzzed around, while Wen Yinong, at the epicenter of attention, was utterly dumbfounded, speechless with shock.

Over there, Assistant Lin, after announcing the "lighting of the lantern," lowered the bidding paddle, a gentle smile on his face, composed and unhurried.

Wen Yinong glanced at Lin Ke, then turned to look at Mo Shaoshang beside her. Her lips quivered several times before she could barely regain her voice. She tentatively called out, "Mr. Mo."

Mo Shaoshang looked straight ahead, his long legs elegantly crossed, the gold chain of his glasses resting against his sharp jawline. Hearing the faint voice at his ear, he tilted his head slightly, his blue-black gaze falling on the young woman's exquisite, vibrant face.

He gave a light, lazy nasal "Hmm?"

That single, understated syllable brushed her earlobe like a soft feather.

For some reason, she felt a hint of unease and couldn't help but frown slightly: "Um... you're not buying this necklace just because I said I like it, are you?"

Although Wen Yinong had never attended an auction of this caliber, having watched so many TV dramas, novels, and variety shows, she knew what "lighting the lantern" meant.

It wasn't that Wen Yinong thought too highly of herself, but looking back at the entire evening, every time the auctioneer introduced an item, Mo Shaoshang had asked for her opinion. When she said she wasn't interested, he never made a move.

With this blue sapphire necklace, she said it was beautiful, that she liked it, and he immediately decided to light the lantern to get it.

It was too much of a coincidence.

Just as Wen Yinong's heart was pounding, silently praying for a denial, the impeccably dressed Young Master Mo beside her parted his thin lips and replied, "Yes."

Wen Yinong: "..."

Mo Shaoshang looked at her calmly and added, "You like it, so I'll give it to you."

Wen Yinong almost choked on her own spit. The next moment, her eyes widened, and she blurted out in a rush, "I just said I think it's pretty, so I like it—I never said I wanted it!"

Mo Shaoshang: "The education I received since childhood taught me that if you like something, you should obtain it."

Wen Yinong couldn't get this bossy, unreasonable logic and couldn't help but retort, "Must you get everything you like? What if I said I like the stars in the sky—would you go and pluck one from the sky?"

At this, Mo Shaoshang's eyelids dropped slightly, as if considering the feasibility of the matter, then said blandly, "I could buy the naming rights to a star and give it to you, naming it after you or according to your preferences. But actually plucking one down? That's a bit tricky for now."

"..." So stars can be bought too? Well, shows how little I knew.

She didn't understand the world of the ultra-wealthy.

Wen Yinong pressed a hand to her forehead, then took a deep breath and exhaled. Lowering her voice, she said seriously, "Mr. Mo, last time I accompanied you to the banquet, you gave me such an expensive gift that I already felt I didn't deserve it. I absolutely can't accept this blue sapphire necklace. Please don't do this."

Mo Shaoshang raised an eyebrow at her words, glanced at her, and also lowered his voice to imitate her tone: "Lin Ke already put it out there. Now the entire venue knows I've lit the lantern to bid on this necklace. If I back out now, Teacher Wen wants everyone to make a fool of me?"

"I... of course that's not what I meant." Wen Yinong couldn't take that accusation. She waved her hands, flustered and stammering in explanation, "Mr. Mo, I'm thinking of you. I don't want you to drop so much money just because of an offhand comment I made."

Mo Shaoshang saw her flustered expression, a barely perceptible curve touching his lips. He withdrew his gaze and said in his usual tone, "Teacher Wen, you're overthinking this."

"What do you mean?"

"An expense like this won't break the bank."

Wen Yinong: The starting bid alone is 80 million, and who knows how high other bidders might drive the price...

"An expense like this"?

She had totally underestimated his wealth.

Forget it.

The money was his, in his pocket, and he could spend it however he wanted. If he truly wanted to buy it, so be it—as long as he didn't make her take it.

With that thought, the pressure in Wen Yinong's heart eased considerably.

She cleared her throat, sat up straight in the VIP seat again, keeping her eyes downcast, trying her best to ignore the intense presence beside her.

At that moment, Li Yuanliu on stage gave a knowing, respectful smile, nodding slightly in Mo Shaoshang's direction, then faced the crowd and said loudly, "Mr. Mo has a keen eye and is determined to win. Per the rules, this item has been lit by a VIP. Distinguished guests, is anyone else willing to bid and enjoy this treasure with Mr. Mo?"

As the organizer's words fell, the hall, buzzing with whispers, went dead silent.

The guests exchanged glances, their expressions subtle.

Clearly, they all saw the same considerations and caution in each other's eyes.

Everyone knew the Mo family's influence had no borders, with deep roots in all major economies, making them a true multinational giant.

Getting in good with such a giant and its current and future boss was an opportunity many sought eagerly. Conversely, going up against them, especially over a piece of jewelry with no strategic value, was utterly foolish.

In the face of absolute power and influence, any bidding was pointless and would only come off as a rude challenge.

The guests were all sharp cookies, subtle in their thinking, and had quickly made the wisest decisions aligned with their own interests.

Dead silence; no one made a peep.

This outcome seemed expected to Li Yuanliu. A knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he spoke again, his voice clear: "80 million, first call. 80 million, second call. 80 million, third call."

Then, the organizer slammed down the gavel: "Congratulations, Mr. Mo! The 'True Love' necklace is yours at 80 million!"

*

The auction ended close to 10:30 p.m.

Southern Jin's night was thick. From the car window, the city's nightscape was a dazzling mosaic of lights, like a cosmic chart pieced together from countless brilliant diamonds and flowing star rivers. High-rises stood in rows, their immaculate glass facades reflecting neon signs and traffic streams, bustling with an almost surreal splendor.

As a bridge among dignitaries, Li Yuanliu was thorough in his arrangements and naturally would not neglect the honored guests attending the auction.

When the auction concluded, he presented each guest with a thoughtfully chosen small antique gift.

Having spent over an hour on the plane, then rushing straight to the auction after landing, Wen Yinong's eyelids were already heavy, and she was drowsy.

Settling into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce, she yawned. Her head began to droop as she was about to fall asleep, but then she jolted awake with a start.

She hadn't forgotten: she was accompanying Mo Shaoshang to Southern Jin.

With that thought, Wen Yinong unconsciously turned her eyes to look beside her.

Beside her, her employer was gazing down, reviewing a stack of documents. His profile was sharp and cool as a painting.

Leaving Mr. Employer to sit idly while she closed her eyes and slept was out of the question.

At a loss, Wen Yinong could only find something to keep herself awake. Glancing left and right, she spotted the gift box from Li Yuanliu. She lifted it onto her knees and opened it with both hands.

Inside.

Her gift was a delicate kesi round fan. The fan face was embroidered with extremely fine gold and silver thread, depicting a pattern of butterflies frolicking among flowers, with a pale green tassel hanging from the handle. It was elegantly charming.

Wen Yinong curled her lips in satisfaction, put the fan away neatly, then patted her face, ready to refresh herself by playing on her phone for a while.

But as she took out her phone and lit up the screen, a deep, cool voice sounded in her ear.

"If you're tired, you can sleep for a bit," the voice said.

Wen Yinong paused, lifting her eyes to look beside her.

Mo Shaoshang had set down his documents at some point. His gaze rested on her face. "By my side, you can relax as much as you like. There's no need to be so on edge."

Wen Yinong fell silent after hearing this.

Inwardly, she thought: she didn't want to be so tense. She wanted to relax too.

But his long-accumulated aura, a blend of power and control, was like an invisible net, making her unconsciously tighten her nerves, even softening her breath.

Still, since the boss had given her permission to sleep, she no longer had to force herself to stay alert.

"Alright," she said, thinking it over. She flashed Mo Shaoshang a polite smile. "Then I'll take a quick nap. Sorry, Mr. Mo."

Without waiting for his reply, she leaned back and rested her head on the seat cushion.

She had been deeply sleepy before, and now that her mind had relaxed, Wen Yinong closed her eyes and soon drifted off into a hazy sleep.

She didn't know how long she slept.

When Wen Yinong opened her eyes again, she saw that the street scene outside the window had stopped changing, completely still.

The Rolls-Royce was parked in front of a magnificent skyscraper.

This building stood by the river, occupying a prime, unobstructed river-view location. In the heart of land-scarce Southern Jin, its extensive footprint and low-key yet luxurious design all spoke to the owner's exceptional strength and taste.

Wen Yinong blinked in confusion and rubbed her eyes.

Just then, the door beside her seat was opened from outside.

Wen Yinong turned her head and saw Lin Ke's gentle, smiling face. Assistant Lin personally opened the car door for her. Smiling, he said, "Teacher Wen, please step out."

Wen Yinong was still groggy from sleep. After hearing Lin Ke speak, she nodded and got out of the car in a daze. Once she stood still, a breeze of night air cleared her head fully.

This wasn't the airport. She didn't see Mo Shaoshang's private jet.

Where was this?

"Assistant Lin, this is..." she asked, a note of doubt in her voice.

"This is Jingfu Mansion, one of Mr. Mo's residences in Southern Jin," Lin Ke replied, seemingly reading her confusion. Before she could ask further, he explained, "Mr. Mo said it's too late. If we fly back to Jinggang overnight, you'd only be able to rest on the plane, with the bumpy ride. He was afraid you wouldn't sleep well. So he decided on the spur of the moment to stop over in Southern Jin for the night."

Wen Yinong was stunned.

Could it be that just now, seeing how tired and sleepy she was, nodding off in the car, Mo Shaoshang had changed the itinerary on the fly?

It was indeed...

Considerate and thoughtful.

A flicker of emotion rose from the depths of her heart. Wen Yinong's cheeks felt warm. She looked around briefly, then asked, "Where is Mr. Mo?"

"Mr. Mo has some matters to attend to. He said you don't need to wait for him." Assistant Lin smiled. "Let me take you upstairs first."

Wen Yinong nodded lightly. "Alright, thank you for the trouble."

*

As she stepped into the mansion's entrance, two young foreign men in neat suits immediately approached, bowing to guide Wen Yinong and Lin Ke forward, pressing the elevator button.

The two men had high noses and deep-set eyes, with striking features. Wen Yinong couldn't help but glance at them twice.

When the elevator doors slid shut, she blinked curiously and asked Lin Ke beside her, "Who were those two handsome guys just now?"

Lin Ke swiped his fingerprint card and pressed the floor button. "They're security personnel from the property management."

Recalling the slim waists, perky rears, and long legs they'd just seen, Wen Yinong was taken aback. She muttered, "Is the security industry this competitive nowadays?"

She'd thought they were male models.

Lin Ke was amused by her remark, and his tone relaxed. "They submitted applications and came for interviews. They have impressive credentials and outstanding personal abilities. Should we reject them just because they look like male models?"

Wen Yinong was even more surprised. "You hired them?"

"More or less," Lin Ke said. "Jingfu Mansion was developed and built by a real estate company under the Mo Group, and the property management is also our own. Back then, Mr. Mo liked the river view here, so he took the penthouse."

Hearing this, Wen Yinong nodded thoughtfully.

They arrived at the penthouse level.

Lin Ke stepped out of the elevator, crossed a vast indoor garden, and came to the front door, entering the keypad lock.

Click. The door opened.

"Teacher Wen, please come in." Assistant Lin gestured with a "please" motion.

Wen Yinong stepped inside.

Light cascaded from above, and the entire interior came into view at once.

This was a penthouse covering over 800 square meters in an Italian-inspired minimalist luxury style, with black, white, and gray as the main tones, featuring clean, sharp lines. The natural marble floor gleamed like a mirror, with custom furniture and art pieces dotting the space, luxurious yet understated.

But the most stunning feature was the huge curved floor-to-ceiling window, which framed the entire shimmering river and the dazzling city nightscape across the shore like a starry river, creating a living painting that seemed to hang on the living room's feature wall.

Inside was warm and quiet; outside, bustling and noisy. A single window separated two worlds.

Then, Lin Ke walked Wen Yinong to a bedroom door and said, "Ms. Wen, this is your room. Don't worry. Mr. Mo had it cleaned beforehand. You can stay with peace of mind."

There was an unfamiliar aromatherapy scent in the room; the air was fresh and fragrant, inexplicably calming her mind.

Wen Yinong nodded. "Okay."

"Then I won't disturb your rest. Good night." With that, Lin Ke turned to leave.

Seeing Lin about to leave, Wen Yinong suddenly became flustered and quickly said, "Lin, aren't you staying here tonight?"

Lin Ke curled his lips into a smile. "I have somewhere to stay. Don't worry about me, Ms. Wen."

Having said that, Lin Ke turned and left.

Wen Yinong stood in the center of the spacious bedroom and pressed her hand to her forehead: this meant she and Mo Shaoshang would spend the entire night alone in this house...

Wasn't that inappropriate? But then again, it didn't seem so.

The house was as big as a maze; she and Mo Shaoshang would sleep in separate rooms without disturbing each other. They might not even run into each other the whole night.

She'd just think of it as going on a business trip with her boss and staying on the same floor of a hotel.

Her top priority was to take a shower and go to sleep before Mo Shaoshang returned.

That way, she could avoid any potential contact later...

With that thought, Wen Yinong shook her head and got started.

She picked up a clean bathrobe nearby and went into the bathroom to shower.

She changed out of her gown and removed her makeup.

Warm water flowed from the showerhead, comforting and soothing.

Under the hot shower, Wen Yinong slowly relaxed. She wet her thick, wavy hair, applied shampoo, and massaged in circles, working up a lather.

But the next second, she slipped and fell.

She slipped on the wet floor, lost her balance, and fell hard onto the tiles.

"Ah..." A sharp pain shot through her right knee. She cried out in pain.

When she came to, she looked down and saw that her kneecap had hit the tile—it was already swollen, scraped, and bleeding badly.

Wen Yinong's face turned pale with pain and cold sweat. She tried to get up but couldn't, so she just curled up on the floor, clutching her knee.

Just then, steady, firm footsteps approached and stopped outside the bathroom door.

Then came the sound of knocking on the bathroom door—thump, thump.

"..." Wen Yinong had already guessed who was outside. Her heart raced, and she instinctively held her breath.

"What's wrong?" the person outside asked, with a hint of barely perceptible concern in his tone.

"N-nothing," Wen Yinong managed to take a breath and replied. "I just slipped and fell. It's nothing."

Even as she said that, the pain made her voice tight and shaky. Almost instantly, Mo Shaoshang knew something was wrong.

Realizing she'd had an accident, his brows furrowed. He grabbed the door handle and started to push the door open.

However, the next second, the girl's voice came from inside again. She seemed to be in so much pain her voice trembled, on the verge of breaking, almost pleading, pitiful: "...Please don't come in. Mr. Mo, I'm not dressed."

Mo Shaoshang's eyes sharpened. His fingers on the door handle paused.

After a moment, he casually took off his glasses, tossed them aside, pulled off his tie, and blindfolded himself, then pushed the door open and strode in.

The bathroom was filled with steamy mist, the air warm and humid, carrying a faint, elusive fragrance from somewhere known.

Hearing the door open, Wen Yinong from the corner almost screamed in panic.

She was flustered and panicked. The next moment, a pair of long, straight legs appeared.

The tall figure of the man stepped into the steamy bathroom.

"I... I told you not to come in!" Wen Yinong, shame and embarrassment mixing together, hugged herself even tighter, close to tears. "Get out!"

Mo Shaoshang tilted his head slightly, following the sound, he approached the girl.

With his eyes tightly covered by the dark tie, his other senses sharpened. Thus, he could clearly hear the suppressed tremor in her voice and smell the rich, sweet fragrance of her damp skin...

After a faint rustle of his trousers, Mo Shaoshang crouched down.

"Why did you..."

"I have my eyes covered. I can't see you," Mo Shaoshang interrupted the frightened girl, his voice deeper and softer than usual. "Tell me, where are you hurt?"

Hearing this, Wen Yinong's eyes flickered.

Blindfolded?

She looked up through the steamy mist and noticed that the man's shirt collar was open, his lapels slightly undone, and the previously immaculate dark blue tie was now covering his eyes.

His deep-set eyes and brows were covered, revealing only his straight, high nose bridge, his sharply defined jawline, and his thin, handsome lips.

Wen Yinong frowned, surprised and uncertain. She tentatively waved her hand in front of his eyes. Seeing no reaction, she confirmed he truly couldn't see her.

Only then did Wen Yinong's tense nerves ease a little. After hesitating for a moment, she squeezed out two words, barely a whisper: "My knee."

Mo Shaoshang said nothing and reached out his hand.

But since he couldn't see, his long fingers landed slightly off, touching her smooth, slender ankle.

His warm palm with a light layer of calluses formed a stark contrast to her delicate skin.

Wen Yinong shuddered violently, even her toes curling.

"Don't be afraid. Let me first check if the bone is injured," Mo Shaoshang said softly, his voice gentle and soothing. "If it hurts during the process, just tell me."