Chapter 80: Take It Off

From the very beginning, Qin Yu had never truly intended to donate that necklace. It was all just for show—he was certain from the start that he would win it back at the end. In his mind, whether Lin Xi wanted it or not, this piece already bore her name. There was no chance it would end up in anyone else’s hands.

Besides, if someone else actually managed to outbid him, Lin Xi would no doubt have plenty of sarcastic remarks ready. She was already critical enough when they were together, never missing a chance to poke at his weaknesses, her words always sharp and cutting. He could easily imagine that if someone else walked away with the necklace, she’d only become even more relentless.

Lin Xi said nothing.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to hide her unease. “It was Third Brother’s to begin with, so naturally it’s up to him to decide what to do with it. And it’s an auction after all—anyone has the right to bid. There’s nothing for me to overthink.” She paused, then added, “If anything, Third Brother, you’re the one overthinking things.”

Qin Yu didn’t call her out on her little act. Instead, he turned to her and asked, “If you don’t care for it, why did Bai Xu join in the bidding?”

“How should I know?” Lin Xi certainly couldn’t say Bai Xu only wanted to embarrass Song Ning. That would just open a whole new can of worms—far too complicated to explain, and she had no desire to do so. “He’s always been like that. Does whatever comes into his head, rarely thinks before acting. How could I possibly know what he’s thinking?”

This, at least, was the truth.

“In any case, thank you for helping with the painting today, Third Brother.” Lin Xi set down her teacup, clearly not planning to stay any longer. “I’ll head back now—there might be something else I like later.”

Qin Yu motioned for her to remain. “Bid from here—no one will compete with you.”

But Lin Xi’s words had only been an excuse. There was nothing else she wanted.

“No, that would be far too dull.” She stood, nudging the hem of her dress aside with her heel. “I’ll be going now, Third Brother.”

With that, she walked straight to the door, back straight, never looking back. The assistant glanced at Qin Yu, and, seeing his nod, hurried to help Lin Xi by opening the door and gesturing her out.

Sitting at the head of the table, Qin Yu watched her leave without betraying a hint of emotion.

From where he sat, he could see the graceful lines of her figure, the sway of her steps lending her a captivating allure. Curled hair, red lips—she truly was enchanting. He’d always thought of her as a delicate crabapple blossom in need of gentle care, but tonight, she was more like a rose with thorns.

—

Returning to her seat, Lin Xi saw Bai Xu flash her a knowing, ambiguous smile.

“What are you looking at?” She straightened, eyes fixed ahead, exuding a chill that warned strangers to keep their distance.

Bai Xu, unfazed as always by her indifference, never missed a chance to needle her. “Third Brother was willing to let you go so easily?”

Lin Xi frowned in confusion. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He didn’t explain, shifting topics instead. “Song Ning just left. I heard she’s recently gotten close to Young Master Wan from Chenglin.”

“Chenglin International?” Lin Xi had heard of them. The chairmen of Cheng An and Chenglin were brothers, both well-established in the capital. Old Man Wan of Chenglin had three sons; the Young Master Bai Xu mentioned was probably the youngest.

“Are you serious?” She seemed to recall that this young master was already married.

“Of course. They were sitting together just now.”

Lin Xi instinctively glanced around to spot them.

“They stepped out together and haven’t come back,” Bai Xu reminded her. “You have to admit, Song Ning is really something. She spent years by Third Brother’s side, with or without a proper title, and used his name to throw her weight around in the capital. She even had the nerve to mess with you back in the day.”

“And now? Barely separated from Third Brother and she’s already found someone new. Judging by how lavishly he spent earlier, he must treat her well—didn’t even blink at dropping millions.”

Ignoring his earlier remarks, Lin Xi asked, “Isn’t Young Master Wan married? Didn’t they already have children?”

“So what?” Bai Xu smirked at her naivety. “It’s just a marriage of convenience. The wife won’t bother with Song Ning—Song Ning poses no threat. It’s all just for fun; no one takes it seriously.”

Everyone turned a blind eye, because no matter what tricks Song Ning played, she’d never be able to secure her place at the top. All she could ever be was a secret lover, never to see the light of day.

Soon, the auction ended and the banquet began. The crowd filed into the adjoining ballroom.

Lin Xi and Bai Xu slipped in through a side door, avoiding most acquaintances.

Neither of them were fond of socializing—they’d come tonight purely out of curiosity. With Bai Xu’s cold demeanor, no one dared approach them, which saved a great deal of trouble.

They found a spot in the corner, and Lin Xi propped her head up on one hand, resting.

“They’re here,” Bai Xu murmured a few seconds later, nudging her arm. Lin Xi half-opened her eyes and lazily scanned the room, her gaze finally settling on a splash of red.

Expressionless, she stared for a few seconds, about to look away when Song Ning, as if searching for her, locked eyes with her across the room.

They exchanged a silent stare. Lin Xi’s eyes were calm and indifferent, her expression listless as she held Song Ning’s gaze.

After a few seconds, Song Ning was the first to look away, turning to chat with the man beside her, laughter on her lips. Whatever she said, the man soon glanced over at Lin Xi’s table.

Judging by his age—early thirties—Lin Xi guessed his identity: the youngest Wan son of Chenglin.

Noticing Lin Xi’s dress, the young master’s face flickered with surprise before he strode over.

“It’s been a while, Young Master Bai,” he greeted Bai Xu first, then turned to Lin Xi, extending a hand. “You must be Miss Lin. I’ve heard so much about you—finally, we meet.”

Lin Xi glanced at his outstretched hand but remained unmoved.

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, half joking and half serious. “Even I don’t dare touch her hand, but you do, Young Master Wan?”

The man quickly withdrew his hand, offering an awkward smile.

“I hadn’t realized Number Three was you earlier. My companion was out of line, so I brought her over to apologize to you and Miss Lin.”

He beckoned Song Ning to come over.

Lin Xi sipped her wine, not even bothering to lift her eyes.

Bai Xu’s eyes curved in a smile, as if he’d only just noticed. “Miss Song, your outfit is quite stunning tonight—though it does look rather familiar.”

Song Ning froze for a moment. Her dress had been chosen by her agent; she hadn’t expected to show up wearing the same thing as Lin Xi.

Bai Xu hadn’t lowered his voice, and at his words, several people glanced over, sizing up Song Ning.

“Sorry, I had no idea I’d be wearing the same dress as Miss Lin.”

Bai Xu replied, “Since you’re so embarrassed, why not… take it off?”