Chapter 2: Secured. He Guan sighed, raising the bid by 500 million at once.

Ren Ning: ?

Ren Ning: ???

Trembling, Ren Ning asked, "Did I really bid?"

He Guan touched his knuckles, "Bid quickly. After the price exceeds 100 million, the bidding increment will slow down. Someone else will likely try to spike the bid. Incremental bidding lacks intimidation."

Ren Ning pressed the bidding button, and the screen in front of him lit up.

Holding up the paddle, he stuttered, "Two...two hundred million!"

His words came out haltingly.

Although he managed He Guan's business affairs and coordinated various entertainment contracts, he'd never secured a deal worth two hundred million for any artist.

The magnitude of that amount...

The room fell silent for a brief moment.

Above the cage, a large cylindrical screen began to descend.

The auctioneer chimed in, "Ladies and gentlemen, please be patient. Anticipating the enthusiasm for rapid bidding, we've prepared this screen to clearly display your bids."

Once the screen was in place, the auctioneer directed his gaze at Ren Ning and announced, "Bid number twenty-eight, two hundred million! Do we have any other—"

From a booth opposite He Guan, an assistant raised a paddle and calmly declared, "Two hundred and ten million."

Once the psychological threshold was breached, the bidding price would surely continue to rise.

Originally, the main character was bought by the unscrupulous male lead for two hundred million. He Guan had hoped to secure the bid in one go, but it seemed unlikely now.

He also noticed some commotion below.

Was this assistant a well-known figure?

He observed the assistant momentarily touching the bridge of his nose before quickly retracting his hand.

The man usually wore glasses, but not today, revealing a subtle habit.

He recalled that in the original story, the unscrupulous male lead's assistant was described as being nearsighted.

Ah, this was going to be interesting.

He Guan, smiling, gestured to Ren Ning to pause and momentarily mute their microphone.

The bidding continued.

Finally, when the price escalated to 380 million, the momentum of the bidding slowed, reaching an impasse.

Even the most profligate scion of a noble house would know that spending close to half a billion to buy a person, especially a man, is extravagant.

He Guan noticed the antagonist's assistant moving his arm.

The antagonist, after waiting this long, was finally about to make a move.

He Guan grabbed Ren Ning's arm, turned on the microphone, and preempted, "Five hundred million!"

Five hundred million?

This amount surpassed the expectations of nearly everyone present, causing an uproar.

Numerous gazes turned towards He Guan's private box, blocked by one-way glass. Meanwhile, He Guan's raspy voice echoed throughout the venue.

On the central screen, the hand with which He Guan grasped the assistant's arm held firmly, incredibly steady.

Ren Ning, by his side, was flabbergasted, catching a fleeting glimpse of madness in his eyes.

The antagonist's assistant turned off his screen, ceasing to bid further.

He Guan smirked, let go of Ren Ning, and sat back down, gesturing for Ren Ning to mute the microphone.

The auctioneer, turning to their booth with a look of sheer excitement, chanted, "Five hundred million once! Five hundred million twice!"

"Congratulations to the gentleman in booth twenty-eight!"

Ren Ning, turning off the screen, called out to He Guan with a shaky voice, “What should we do, He Guan, Guan-zi, Mr. He? Where are we going to find five hundred million?!"

He Guan replied, "Wait. We'll leave last."

Ren Ning responded in panic, “But even if we leave last, we still have to pay, right?!"

He Guan, "...”

As the auction concluded, the staff began to verify the positions of the successful bidders in the booths, intending to finalize the subsequent payment contracts.

He Guan said briefly, “You go first. I’ll handle the signing.”

Nearly in tears, Ren Ning responded, “No, this isn’t right. Why are you so self-sacrificing, Guan-zi? I misjudged you. When those haters accused you of being cold and indifferent, I should have defended you fiercely. Who would spend half a billion to buy a man, and now bear the responsibility alone? How many years will you need to work off this debt at the auction house? No, I can’t leave. If we can't pay, will we go to jail? You were about to debut, and now you might end up in prison over an auction..."

He Guan sighed, “I have my considerations. Wait for me in the cabin.”

A distressed Ren Ning said, “I was relying on your debut to make money. At this rate, it’s good news if you don’t end up at sea...”

It was only upon hearing the word “distrust” that He Guan raised an eyebrow.

Someone actually doubted him.

He flashed a sharp-toothed grin and said, “Then watch, and see how I make the payment.”

He Guan gestured to the tea cabinet behind him, originally used for storing tea sets, and said, "Get in and stay quiet."

Ren Ning: "???"

Before Ren Ning could react, he was swiftly thrown into a cabinet by the mischievous He Guan, mask and all, and firmly locked inside.

Ren Ning, with his petite frame and fair complexion, looked like a high schooler. Surprisingly, he fit perfectly inside this tea cabinet.

Peeking out through the cotton curtain of the tea cabinet, all he could see were vague shadows.

He Guan settled back down on the sofa.

Only after Ren Ning had waited inside the cabinet long enough to drool did he hear someone knocking from the outside, asking, "Sir?"

He Guan replied, "Come in."

Rising from the sofa, He Guan looked at the manager who entered with empty hands and chuckled, "What's the matter? Is it time to make the payment? I can't wait to sign the purchase agreement."

The manager gave a sincere smile to the young millionaire in front of him. Hearing He Guan's eagerness, a weight lifted from his heart, fearing someone might ditch the bill.

He said, "Sir, we're still checking the items. Please wait a moment."

He Guan seemed to ignore the word "items", nodded impatiently, and said, "After signing the agreement, can you send it directly to my room?"

Manager: "Of course. I came to tell you someone wishes to see you."

He Guan's interest piqued, "Who?"

The manager hesitated, "The one who was bidding against you earlier..."

In the auction house, everyone's identity was confidential.

The manager dared not offend the eldest son of the Lou family, a dominant force in Nan Yuan Province. But he was equally cautious not to offend the young man who just spent half a billion.

So young, he was taken aback when he entered.

It indicated that behind this young man was a family so wealthy that spending a billion was just a trifle.

He Guan exuded natural disdain, mixed with the defiance of youth, and declined, "Impossible."

The manager, sweating profusely, "You must know... he is... he's from the Lou family..."

Only then did He Guan raise an eyebrow, casually saying, "Lou Jun Duo?"

A notorious name.

Seeing He Guan accurately stating Lou Jun Duo's name, the manager became even more convinced of his superior status, "Yes, yes, Mr. Lou."

He Guan laughed.

His laugh was a mix of amusement and affection.

The manager's head spun, feeling as if his brain was a teapot on the verge of whistling. He couldn't fathom what sort of status He Guan held to deal with Lou Jun Duo in such a manner.

He Guan: "Let him come to see me."

He pondered for a moment: "Convey a message for me: he can come if he wishes."

The manager, wiping his sweat with a handkerchief: "Yes, what would you like to say?"

He Guan: "Tell him my surname is He, as in 'he' in 'celebrate.' Let him come personally."

Manager: "Is... is that all?"

He Guan displayed that familiar casual demeanor.

Realizing He Guan was growing impatient, the manager quickly nodded.

He rushed to Lou Jun Duo's private room and knocked.

An assistant, having removed his mask and now wearing glasses, exuding an elite and indifferent demeanor, opened the door.

The manager dutifully relayed: "Mr. Yan, the gentleman in suite 28 is unwilling to meet Mr. Lou."

Sensing there was more, the assistant adjusted his glasses: "Did he add anything else?"

Manager: "He mentioned his surname is He, 'he' as in 'celebrate'. He wants Mr. Lou to see him alone."

Assistant: "I'll inform the president. Please wait."

Two minutes later, the manager witnessed a disheveled man in a coat burst through the door.

It was Lou Jun Duo.

With handsome features and an intimidating presence, tall in stature, he abruptly approached, grabbing the manager by the collar incredulously: "What did you say his surname was?! He?! How old is he?!"

The manager, choking, grasped his wrist: "Yes, yes... His surname is He... About your age..."

Lou Jun Duo released his grip and stormed out.

The manager massaged his sore throat for a while, swallowing hard, wondering.

Who exactly is this young man with the surname He, causing even Lou Jun Duo such distress?

And to casually spend half a billion...

Truly, some people are just exceptional, sigh.

The tea in He Guan's hand grew lukewarm. Just as he took a sip, urgent knocking echoed from outside.

He stood up and kicked the tea cabinet, rousing the slumbering Ren Ning.

Ren Ning tapped on the cabinet door, signaling that he was awake.

Always ready to enjoy the spectacle. jpg

He Guan put on his mask again and stood to open the door.

As the visitor entered and their eyes met, he reached out to embrace He Guan, who skillfully stepped back to avoid the gesture.

Dodged it.

Lou Jun Duo's hand hung suspended in mid-air.

He Guan cleared his throat, his voice still raspy, "Who are you?"

That was close.

Why would two men embrace in such a manner?

Lou Jun Duo halted, subtly retracting his hand. His gaze, gentle and nostalgic, shifted to He Guan's throat, "What happened to your voice?"

How had his beloved young man's voice turned so hoarse, making him unrecognizable?

He Guan gestured to his throat, "Tonsillitis. Sir, I believe we're not acquainted?"

With a hurt expression, Lou Jun Duo said, "You don't recognize me? I am..."

He Guan, his mask revealing only his eyes, blinked and interrupted, "Should I know you?"

Self-blame evident in his eyes, which were now teary, Lou Jun Duo replied, "It's my fault for not being with you all these years. You can't even take care of yourself..."

His gaze was evidently affectionate, yet it made He Guan's skin crawl.

That greedy look made He Guan feel like he had been licked by a toad, so repulsive that he wanted to sever his senses.

In old BL tales of torment, there's always a domineering character with countless conquests, regardless of gender, who falls head over heels for someone at first sight. It's commonly called "being smitten by the face."

Some scoundrels are ignorant, denying their flaws. Others are malicious, fully aware of their transgressions against human kindness and moral order, yet they persist.

Lou Jun Duo belongs to the latter.

While he thought of He Guan, his actions proved otherwise, distinctively separating the desires of his mind and body.

A one-after-the-other kind of romance was unusual for him. Whenever he appeared, he was always accompanied by at least two people, of either gender, lovers galore, with a rather hedonistic demeanor.

The reason he attended today's auction alone was due to whispers of a premium item being up for bidding.

Upon seeing the item, he was initially captivated by its beauty, and then he thought of He Guan.

Yet, he hadn't anticipated being outbid by He Guan.

What a coincidence.

Today, he intended to apprehend both of them.

Seeing He Guan remain silent, Lou Junduo took a step closer, "Little Guan, don't you recognize me anymore? Look at me, won't you?"

"Even with a mask on, I'd recognize you in an instant. You haven't changed much from when we were kids. You've grown taller and even more handsome, like a graceful prince. Just by your eyes and the lower half of your face, I can tell you're still as dashing as ever."

"Do you remember when you took me in, letting me stay at your rental place? Seeing you today brought back all those memories. I haven't changed; I missed you. Why have you become so indifferent?"

"Think carefully, alright? I just want you to remember me. Don't be afraid."

He Guan found this mildly amusing.

Having inherited the memories of his former self, He Guan was aware neither he nor the antagonist were saints. Their reconnection now was a match of two equally flawed individuals.

Referring to them as two of a kind was apt because when Lou Junduo mentioned being sheltered, it was merely for a watch the latter possessed at the time.

A few sets of new clothes and a month's rent in exchange for a Patek Philippe worth eight million at that time.

Who wouldn't take the deal?

But back then, Lou Junduo was young and had been pampered by his family. After running away from home and being taken in, he hadn't paid much attention to where the watch had gone.

With a significant step back, He Guan exclaimed, "Lou Junduo, don't touch me!"

Lou Junduo's eyes brightened at the sound of his name, "I knew it, I knew you still remember me, right? Little Guan, I've missed you so much—"

He Guan shrugged off his approaching hand and lowered his gaze, "You've crossed a line."

Lou Junduo paused, "I only touched..."

He Guan lifted his eyes. The mask hid the upper half of his face, revealing eyes that were red from crying.

Treading lightly, Lou Junduo asked, "Little Guan?"

He Guan's thick, curly lashes, now dampened by tears and sticking to his lower eyelids, portrayed a desolate look, "Then why did you buy him?"

Lou Junduo stammered, "What, what do you mean?"

The flames of He Guan's anger ignited fiercely, "How can he look so much like me?!"

The light in his eyes dimmed a few notches, and with a trembling lip he bitterly remarked, "You say I don't recognize you?"

The pauses between his words made his lips pale, intensifying the sense of desolation.

Slowly, He Guan crouched down.

Clutching his own hair, he murmured, "Lou Junduo, do you have any idea how thrilled I was when I saw your assistant today? I knew you had one, and I even recognized his habit of pushing up his glasses. I knew he was sitting beside you."

"But what did you do?"

"You're bidding against me."

"Someone who once confessed their feelings to me is now buying someone who looks eerily like me!"

"How do you expect me to know you? How should I say I know you?"

"Should I mention that I spent a billion just to dampen your mood?"

As he spoke, his voice cracked, he wrapped his arms around himself, curling up, refusing to communicate with Lou Jun.

Lou Jun paused.

He wasn’t angry; on the contrary, he was secretly pleased to hear He Guan's words.

It showed that He Guan still cared about him.

His He Guan was so innocent when he was young, and even now he dreams of a lifelong bond, caring about his feelings for other things.

That’s why he was so upset.

Realizing this, Lou Jun felt rejuvenated and softly cooed, "Won't you forgive me? It was just half a billion after all. If you want it, it's yours."

"I’ll offer him to you as well. Why not have him as an assistant? Didn’t you come alone today? Isn’t it perfect? I’ll gift him to you, alright? I don’t want him, okay?"

He Guan sobbed, "Will you keep your word?"

Lou Jun laughed heartily and reached out to grab He Guan's arm.

This time, He Guan didn’t avoid him. He stood up following Lou Jun’s pull and remained silent for a while.

Lou Jun gently inquired, "What's wrong?"

He Guan hesitated, "My... my legs feel a bit weak."

Due to his emotional outburst, sweat dripped from his forehead. Lou Jun tried to wipe it off, but He Guan dodged him for the second time.

Frustration flashed across Lou Jun's face when he saw He Guan puff out his cheeks.

His "white rose" puffed up his cheeks defiantly and muttered, "I'm still upset."

Yet he made no demands.

Lou Jun immediately realized it was an opportunity.

Adorably irresistible.

With a teasing smile, Lou Jun coaxed, "Then stand still and remove your mask, okay? It's uncomfortable with tears getting inside."

He Guan pointed at the door, "Leave and I'll remove it. I've cried too much; I don't want you to see."

Lou Jun responded, "Alright, but Little Guan, you have to tell me where you live so we can keep in touch. Just let me know, and I'll immediately get my manager to sign off on the payment."

Parting with half a billion out of the blue, it would be a lie to say it doesn't sting.

Lou Jun must first secure one for himself.

As for the other, once He Guan is wrapped around his finger, would he care if something He Guan bought rebels?

Wiping his eyes, He Guan recited a precise address: "Hongyang District, Huaiyin City, Nanyuan Province, No. 300."

The address sounded familiar to Lou Jun, but he didn't dwell on it, replying, "Alright, Little Guan, are you sure you're not deceiving me? If I find out, there will be consequences, you know?"

With his resources, verifying the truth isn't difficult, just a matter of time. Yet, he only voiced the threat after He Guan disclosed the address.

If He Guan had lied, Lou Jun would have leverage for "blackmail." But if He Guan showed no reaction, his words would be undoubtedly true.

He Guan remained unfazed.

Lou Jun's smile grew wider.

After speaking, a weary He Guan sank back onto the sofa, saying, "You handle things with the auction house then. Don't bother me for the remainder of our day aboard."

Lou Jun nodded in agreement.

He was quite busy himself.

By midnight, the cruise would make a brief stop in the neighboring province to Nanyuan. He has a business deal there that, if successful, could net him hundreds of billions in profit.

This was the reason he didn't bring any company, except for his assistant Yan, onboard.

Running into He Guan was an unexpected delight.

Seeing the pure-hearted and tender white rose from his childhood, Lou Jun left with a smile, stopping the manager who was about to get He Guan's signature.

The manager greeted, "Hello, what can I..."

A triumphant Lou Jun interrupted, "Leave it to me. I've already covered Mr. He's expenses."

The manager responded with flattery, "Is this a match made in heaven then?"

With a smile, Lou Jun neither confirmed nor denied, simply saying, "Thank you."

Ren Ning, having overheard the entire conversation, emerged from behind a tea cabinet, left speechless except for a thumbs-up.

He Guan used a wet wipe to dry his tears, and in the same motion, wiped off his mask, remarking, "Let's go, it's time to head back."

Ren Ning asked, "Do you need my help? Guan, I'm worried you might not handle that one on your own..."

That beauty.

He Guan looked up.

His eyelids were delicate; when he lifted his gaze, the double eyelid lines deepened, their curvature more pronounced. Having just cried, there was a peach-like blush to them, adding a touch of allure to his classically handsome features.

The last hint of vulnerability in He Guan's eyes vanished as the performance ended. At the remark, he chuckled and replied, "No."

"I'll see for myself. You go rest."

He'd have to go with that raspy voice of his.