Chapter 215: The Finale Piece
Xiao Ye put down his chopsticks. "You don't like it here?"
"It's nice, but... I just don't feel like I fit in."
"Is it because you bought too many things today?" Xiao Ye had already learned everything about Lin Chuyue's day from the maid, including her reaction to the shopping spree.
"Yes, far too much." Lin Chuyue looked at Xiao Ye, her expression serious. "I know you're not the same Xiao Ye you used to be."
"You're the Patriarch of the Xiao Family, and I... I can't compare."
"But I don't want to be your appendage, and I certainly don't want to be kept by you. I have the Lin Family, and I have my own career I want to pursue."
She didn't want to be a trophy wife in a powerful clan, nor did she want to use the title of Lady of the House to manage the family.
Right now, she just wanted to build up the Lin Family's business.
Lin Chuyue's dream wasn't to marry into a powerful family, but to become one herself!
Xiao Ye chuckled. Of course he wouldn't lock Lin Chuyue away and let her become a casualty of a wealthy, powerful clan.
Besides, the woman destined to be his couldn't possibly be so simple!
"Don't worry, I'll let you go back in a few days. But I need to finish up a few things on my end first."
"When the time comes, you can focus on your Lin Family. If you need my help, just ask. If you don't, I won't overstep my bounds."
"Let's eat. I won't interfere with your freedom."
With Xiao Ye's promise, Lin Chuyue felt much better.
After dinner, they spent another night in each other's arms.
The next day, Xiao Ye wasn't in a hurry to leave.
Instead, he had breakfast with Lin Chuyue. "There's an auction today," he said. "It will also be my first public appearance as the Patriarch."
"I've already called a team over. You'll be attending with me."
Lin Chuyue knew that if she truly wanted to be with Xiao Ye, there would be no shortage of events like this.
Even if she could avoid this one, she couldn't avoid the next.
She had to get used to it.
Lin Chuyue was mentally strong. Though she was a little nervous, she quickly composed herself.
With the help of the team, she changed into a white, strapless mermaid gown.
With every step, the hem of the gown rippled like waves, a picture of effortless grace.
Her long hair was swept up and secured with a very simple jade hairpin.
Her earrings and necklace were also of a simple, elegant style.
On her wrist, she wore a diamond watch with a slender band—the kind that was almost useless for telling time and served mainly as a decoration.
Xiao Ye had also changed into a white suit. Standing together, they were a match made in heaven, an unparalleled pair.
Even the worldly maid couldn't help but be stunned by the sight.
"Patriarch, Miss Lin, you two look truly perfect together today."
After speaking, she produced an invitation. "This is for the auction."
Xiao Ye took it, and he and Lin Chuyue got into the Xiao Family's car.
「An hour later.」
In front of the country's largest international auction house.
As Xiao Ye stepped out of the car, the surrounding media immediately began taking pictures nonstop.
"That's the new Patriarch of the Xiao Family!"
"How do you know? He's so young, he can't be the Patriarch, can he?"
"Didn't you see the car? That license plate—only the Patriarch of the Xiao Family is allowed to ride in a car with that plate!"
Xiao Ye extended a hand like a true gentleman, and Lin Chuyue took it as she stepped out of the car.
The two walked arm-in-arm down the red carpet.
The countless camera flashes made Lin Chuyue a little nervous.
Xiao Ye comforted her in a low voice, "Don't be afraid. It's a necessary formality."
"Don't worry, it's just this stretch of the path. Once we're inside, it'll stop."
"Mm..." Lin Chuyue took a deep breath, straightened her back, held her head high, and put on a perfect smile.
She was already breathtakingly beautiful with a wonderful air about her.
Now that she was showing it off, she naturally drew the attention of countless reporters.
She even drew more reporters than the Ouyang Clan members and others who followed behind them.
The two walked the length of the red carpet, and it wasn't until they entered the auction hall that Lin Chuyue was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
"This is my first time in a situation like this."
Even in Jiangcheng, she had never seen a scene of this magnitude.
There were only a handful of media outlets there, nothing compared to the swarm here in the Imperial City.
Besides, aside from them, there were also many genuine A-list celebrities on the red carpet.
Lin Chuyue had only ever seen them on television.
She never thought that in just a few short months, she would now be on equal footing with such people.
As a Hidden Clan, the Xiao Family naturally had an excellent position in the auction hall.
Not long after they sat down, someone immediately served them sparkling water and an assortment of expensive snacks.
Lin Chuyue maintained her composure, looking around curiously.
"This is my first time at such a high-end auction. The items must be very expensive, right?"
Xiao Ye thought for a moment and nodded. "The cheapest is probably around eight million."
Xiao Ye had come this time not only to make an appearance but also for one particular item up for auction.
The guests gradually filled the hall.
The auction began.
Xiao Ye leaned close to Lin Chuyue's ear. "If you want anything, just say the word."
Lin Chuyue quickly shook her head. "I don't want anything. I'm already happy just to be here and experience this."
After this experience, even if she had to represent the Xiao Family at an auction by herself in the future, she wouldn't make a fool of herself.
One by one, the auction items were sold.
Just as Xiao Ye had said, the cheapest item at this auction was over eight million.
The few that had appeared so far were basically all in the tens of millions.
"Everyone, we are now coming to our finale piece of the day!"
The auctioneer on stage was stunningly beautiful, dressed in a blue-green qipao that made her look like a classic beauty from Jiangnan.
Her voice carried to every corner of the auction hall.
"And that is the Heart of the Angel!"
As her voice fell, a photograph appeared on the large screen.
It was a pink diamond, crystal clear and translucent.
It was now set in a ring, conservatively estimated to be at least eight carats—an absolute pigeon's egg.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you have all heard of the famous Heart of the Angel, but allow me to say a few more words and give a brief introduction."
"This Heart of the Angel once belonged to a former queen of Country A's Royal Family. It was a gift from the only lover the queen ever publicly acknowledged."
"Unfortunately, the Sovereign of Country A was very displeased that his wife wore an item from another man every day, so he sold the ring."
"After changing hands several times, it has now arrived at this auction. It is said that whoever obtains the Heart of the Angel will be able to stay with their one true love forever!"
Naturally, the people in the audience scoffed at such a claim.
To them, love was the most worthless thing of all.
This so-called love story was merely a ploy to increase the value of the Heart of the Angel.
"Just get on with the auction."
"We don't have time to listen to love stories."
"Just name the price! I came here today specifically for that!"
Someone had already spoken up impatiently.
There were many families in the Imperial City who hadn't made their fortunes through conventional means.
They didn't care much for appearances; they just wanted to get their hands on it as quickly as possible!