Chapter 29: The Auction (1)

Xue An looked at Qin Yu with a calm expression, remaining silent.

This silence caused Qin Yu’s face to grow increasingly unsightly. Finally, she could no longer hold back and turned around, snapping, "The two of you, pack your things and get out! You are never to set foot in the Longtai Group again."

This decision left Sun Bo and Zhao Feng looking utterly devastated. In Beijiang, being able to join the Longtai Group was something many envied. Sun Bo, in particular, had finally climbed his way to the position of Security Department Chief, earning a handsome annual salary. Now, because of this man, he was being cast out by the young mistress.

Sun Bo looked as if he had lost his world. He collapsed to his knees, begging for mercy. "Young Mistress, I beg you, please give me another chance! I won't dare do it again! It was all because of that woman’s instigation that I was foolish enough to offend Mr. Xue. Please, I beg you, give me one more chance!"

As Sun Bo spoke, he began kowtowing repeatedly. Soon, blood began to seep from his forehead. As for Cao Qian, she had shrunk into a corner, too terrified to even breathe.

Qin Yu remained expressionless. She loathed these two fools who caused more trouble than they were worth. If not for the fear of escalating the situation, she wouldn't have bothered interceding on their behalf.

Just then, Xue An stood up and said indifferently, "Face is something you earn, and every time you use it, you have less of it. So, I hope in the future, it is best not to make me look at your face."

With that, Xue An picked up Xue Xiang and Xue Nian and left first.

Qin Yu glared fiercely at Sun Bo. "Get out, now!"

Sun Bo shuddered, his face filled with despair. Qin Yu turned to the stunned salesclerk and said, "Pack up all the clothes we selected."

"Yes!"

Once they were out of the Yinlong Shopping Mall, Xue Xiang leaned over and whispered in Xue An’s ear, "Daddy, are our new clothes pretty?"

Xue Xiang and Xue Nian were dressed in pink princess dresses, looking absolutely adorable. Xue An’s expression softened into one of pure doting as he looked at his two daughters. "They are beautiful, just like two little princesses."

At this moment, Qin Yu ran out, looking apologetic as if she wanted to say something. Xue An said coolly, "Drive."

The auction was not held in the city, but at a villa on a mountaintop in the suburbs of Beijiang. By the time Qin Yu pulled up, the area outside the villa was already crowded with luxury cars. However, when Qin Yu's car arrived, it still drew the attention of many.

"Isn't that the Qin family's car?"

"Yes! It looks like it's the young mistress's car, too!"

"Wait, why is Qin Yu driving herself?"

As people whispered, Qin Yu stepped out of the car. Instead of walking into the venue, she walked to the door and opened it with great respect.

Many onlookers widened their eyes. The dignified young mistress of the Longtai Group was personally opening the door for someone? Just who was this person?

Fan Mengxue was the first to step out. Many recognized her and let out low gasps of surprise. "Fan Mengxue! Has she come to Beijiang too?"

But after stepping out, Fan Mengxue did not enter the venue either, choosing instead to stand to one side, as if she were waiting for an important guest. This drew even more curious eyes. Who exactly was in the car to command such a grand reception?

The next moment, two little girls stepped out. They wore their hair in buns and were dressed in princess gowns. They looked identical, like little fairies stepped out of a painting.

Finally, Xue An stepped out slowly. As soon as he appeared, the crowd began to murmur.

"Who is this man?"

"I don't know! But he clearly has a significant background!"

"Look at the way Qin Yu is acting—she’s treating him with such respect!"

Xue An scanned the area and walked forward with a calm demeanor. Just then, Qin Yuan came running out from the villa. To the astonishment of everyone present, he rushed to Xue An and bowed deeply with great reverence. "Mr. Xue, you've arrived!"

Xue An nodded. He did not realize that Qin Yuan's gesture had caused a massive stir in the hearts of those watching.

What was Qin Yuan’s status? He was the actual controller of the Longtai Group, a titan in Beijiang who could decide the fate of others with a single word. Even though he had been sidelined by Qin Tian over the past year, he was still a figure not to be underestimated. Yet, even a man like him had to show such deference to this young man. Just who was he?

Just as the crowd was lost in shock, a voice filled with mockery rang out.

"I thought it was some great figure, but it turns out to be just a wet-behind-the-ears brat!"

Following the voice, an old man dressed in a traditional Tang suit, holding two large iron balls, walked slowly into the venue. His appearance caused many to rise to their feet.

"Greetings, Master Tan!"

"Greetings, Director Tan!"

The old man nodded expressionlessly and walked up to Qin Yuan, grinning. "Old Qin, long time no see. You're looking quite spirited!"

Seeing him, Qin Yuan cupped his hands respectfully. "Director Tan, you've come!"

"Of course I had to. We’ve known each other for so many years. Knowing you're in trouble, how could I not come to help?" the old man said indifferently.

This old man was Tan Dong, the former director of the Zhenbei Martial Arts Hall, the largest in Beijiang, and a close friend of Qin Yuan. He had come specifically to help after hearing about Qin Yuan’s recent predicament. However, upon arriving, he had seen Qin Yuan showing such respect to a mere youth, which left Tan Dong quite dissatisfied. In his view, someone like Qin Tian was not worth mentioning; he could handle him easily. But seeing Qin Yuan show such deference to an unknown man made him feel that his own strength was being overlooked.

He eyed Xue An provocatively, looking him up and down. Finding Xue An’s frame slender and lacking the build of a martial artist, he felt even more disdain.

"Where is this young man from?" Tan Dong asked.

Xue An paid him no mind, simply holding his daughters' hands and strolling past Tan Dong.

Tan Dong’s face stiffened. *What an arrogant brat! Hmph, I’ll show you soon enough that ginger gets spicier the older it gets.*

Given Qin Yuan’s status, he naturally had a private booth. Xue An and the others entered the booth, sipping tea while waiting for the auction to begin.

However, during the wait, a commotion broke out outside. Qin Tian had arrived, leading a gaunt, thin old man into the hall. The moment he saw this old man, Xue An raised an eyebrow slightly.

This man carried the scent of a ghost cultivator. Ghost cultivators were a major faction in the cultivation world, known for their powerful experts, such as the Ten Kings of Hell from the Netherworld.

*However, the cultivation of this man is far too shallow.*

Yet, Xue An was now certain: the ghost haunting Qin Yuan was undoubtedly the work of this man.