Chapter Twenty-One: The Auction Begins

During this period, the internet and television were relentlessly bombarded by a certain advertisement. Even if one clicked open a video on Youku, the ad would play at the beginning and in the middle. Some people noticed that the once garish, intrusive ads on various websites had shifted from those third-rate web games to this very same commercial.

What was it advertising? It proclaimed the emergence of the legendary Night-Pearl, vividly narrating its origins, analyzing the existence of sea-dwelling merfolk with all the seriousness of a scientific report, and even drawing far-fetched connections to dragons. In essence, it told you that this Night-Pearl was extraordinary, far superior to the common fluorite, imbued with myth and uniqueness, and that it would be auctioned at the special Wanli Auction on Saturday, July 8th, held at the Wanli Auction House in the X District branch of Wanli, Qiantang.

Qiantang, a city steeped in history, has always been shrouded in legends—from the poetic misty south of the Yangtze to the romantic tale of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian—adding layers of mystery to its renowned past.

Starting Friday, private jets began landing at Xiaoshan International Airport in Qiantang, arriving from cities across the country and all corners of the globe. The airport staff had only seen such scenes during major international expos, yet, as far as they knew, Qiantang had no significant conferences or projects scheduled recently.

The presidential suites and deluxe rooms of several five-star hotels in Qiantang were nearly fully booked, their occupants all illustrious figures. Wanli’s Qiantang branch had to move the venue for this auction to the main exhibition hall of the Qiantang Convention Center, for the original auction room could not accommodate the numbers.

Neither Zhou Peng nor Zhou Wannian had anticipated that, even after estimating the scale as generously as possible, the turnout would far exceed expectations. The Night-Pearl had attracted unprecedented attention.

This was largely due to the startling nature of the circulated news and video. In previous gemstone auctions—even those featuring large diamonds—only jewelry manufacturers and a handful of financial titans would bid. But the Night-Pearl was different; it was as if a treasure from legend. Everyone wanted to possess it.

For those with enough status, personal attendance was unnecessary, yet they still wished to witness the marvel firsthand. The competition was fierce; nothing was guaranteed.

...

In a suite atop Qiantang Grand Hotel, Yang Zhangcheng frowned as he hung up the phone.

“What’s wrong?” Yang Yun asked her father.

Yang Zhangcheng placed his phone on the table. “Prince Mohammed’s private jet has landed at Xiaoshan Airport.”

Yang Yun fell silent. They had been certain they would win the Night-Pearl, but the situation was far more daunting than anticipated.

If the Saudi prince decided to throw money at it, not even ten Yang families could compete.

...

Finally, Saturday, July 8th arrived.

Wu You, accompanied by Bai Yanxi and Garuru, entered the Qiantang Convention Center. After the security guards checked their special invitation, they passed without hindrance into the exhibition hall.

Security was tight throughout the venue, with even the police stationed outside to maintain order. Without an invitation, entry was impossible.

The hall had been prepared with high-end carpets, wooden tables and chairs, and beverage stations. Fluent attendants moved among the CEOs and foreign guests. Due to the large numbers and the last-minute change of venue, there was no backstage VIP lounge; the hall resembled a grand cocktail party, where prominent figures mingled and exchanged pleasantries.

Many attendees brought bodyguards, like Wu You. In fact, those without an escort were the minority. Garuru’s fierce appearance drew strong attention, causing many to take notice.

Bai Yanxi, freshly washed and dressed, was equally striking. His silver hair was styled neatly; his white beard was smooth, his complexion ruddy. Dressed in white silk Tai Chi attire, he exuded vitality and spirit—a sage-like air, childlike yet ageless. All who saw him agreed: he was the very image of an immortal.

Naturally, Wu You, walking a step ahead, was elevated by their presence. Though clad in simple casual attire, his confident, radiant smile deterred all from underestimating him.

A few corpulent businessmen hesitated nearby, wondering whether to introduce themselves to Wu You.

...

Zhou Peng was in high spirits today; his old anxieties had vanished, replaced by the pride that now surfaced in his demeanor. Senior staff and key managers sought his favor.

After today, he would surely inherit the mighty Wanli empire.

Wanli Auction House shouldn't be underestimated; its strength lay not only in its vast capital, but also in the formidable network it cultivated among its clients.

Spotting Wu You entering, Zhou Peng, who was chatting with several imposing figures, excused himself and hurried over.

“Brother Wu, you’re here! The auction will begin soon, and there are plenty of heavyweights present today.”

Zhou Peng warmly greeted Wu You; originally intending to pat him on the shoulder, he switched to a handshake upon seeing Garuru.

Wu You shrugged, relaxed. “Peng, go ahead and entertain your clients; I’m not here to buy anything, just to watch the excitement.”

Seeing Garuru remain impassive, Zhou Peng was reassured and patted Wu You’s shoulder.

“Hahaha, well, you can’t miss my moment of glory! Today, I’ll finally sweep away my old grievances.”

“Come, let me introduce you to some people—the ones I mentioned on the phone last time.”

Wu You followed Zhou Peng to the group he had just been talking with, unconcerned.

Everyone knew Zhou Peng; even those who hadn’t met him before made sure to now. Seeing his enthusiastic welcome of Wu You, they speculated on Wu You’s identity.

...

Yang Yun and Fan Tiantian chatted nearby. This was the most unusual auction they had ever attended.

“Tiantian, didn’t you say you wanted to teach Liu Weiliang a lesson last time? Are you planning to do it?” Yang Yun asked, smiling.

Fan Tiantian couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Liu Weiliang in the hospital.

“No need. He’s suffered enough. Yun, did you know? He’s mysteriously paralyzed head to toe; the doctors can’t find the cause. So I won’t pursue the rest of his misdeeds.”

“Yes, yes, our Tiantian is ever so magnanimous,” Yang Yun teased.

Fan Tiantian spotted Wu You walking with Zhou Peng.

“Yun, look—who is that? He seems unfamiliar. Do you know him?”

Yang Yun followed her gesture and saw Zhou Peng and Wu You, with Garuru and Bai Yanxi behind them.

“I don’t know him either, but since he’s so friendly with Zhou Peng, he must be from a prominent family.”

...

Wu You actually disliked making small talk with crowds, but today, Zhou Peng was introducing him to people of remarkable stature—some he’d only seen on national news.

Such as Prince Mohammed of Saudi Arabia.

Curiously, Prince Mohammed found Wu You’s bodyguard incredibly impressive. Luckily, Wu You spun a classic tale of saving a life and receiving gratitude to deflect the prince’s request to help him recruit bodyguards.

When these luminaries learned the Night-Pearl had come from Wu You, they all extended goodwill, probing for its origins and whether there might be a second pearl.

But even if he were to release another Night-Pearl, it would be after the auction. Wu You understood the value of a unique treasure.

...

A dozen minutes later, in this most unconventional auction venue, an electronic voice rang out:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the special Night-Pearl auction is about to begin. Please take your seats according to your nameplates!”