Chapter 23: Panic

The handbag resting on her lap slipped to the ground, and Mr. Yu picked it up and placed it back on her legs, his palm brushing against her snow-white shoulder. Liang Shu was oblivious to whatever Mr. Yu said, only sensing the escalating emotions of anger and disdain in the pair of eyes glaring at her.

Meanwhile, the host had already taken the stage to begin his address, and on the enormous crystal screen flashed frames of the items to be auctioned tonight.

Liang Shu gritted her teeth, struggling inwardly. She whispered to Mr. Yu beside her, "Mr. Yu, I apologize, but I'm afraid I can't continue as your companion tonight. I suddenly have some urgent matters to attend to, my mistake entirely. You need not pay me for my services."

As she spoke, she was about to rise but was stopped by Mr. Yu's hand on her shoulder. "Miss Liang, we had an agreement. If you tell me halfway through that you have other matters, it's not merely about me not paying you."

That devouring gaze seemed to still cling tightly to her, and Liang Shu just wanted to leave this place. But this Mr. Yu...

She gripped the sharp corners of her handbag tightly. "I do have urgent matters. Do you intend to take advantage of the situation and demand compensation from me? I have nothing to compensate you with. After all, if I had money, I wouldn't be here."

Pausing for a moment, Liang Shu took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Clearly, Mr. Yu, with your ability to attend such gatherings, your status is self-evident, and you naturally wouldn't stoop to argue with a mere woman like me."

The man choked back his response, feeling a surge of frustration but restraining himself from acting out.

After two seconds, unable to bear it any longer, Liang Shu stood up. Mr. Yu grabbed her wrist and whispered in a low voice, "I'll give you half an hour at most. You must return before the auction ends."

Glancing in a certain direction, Liang Shu clenched her teeth and nodded. "Alright."

As the host enlivened the atmosphere on stage and the emcee displayed the first item on a tray, Liang Shu, stooped slightly, turned her head to glance hastily. It seemed to be a painting.

With so many people present, she discreetly lifted her skirt and slipped away from the other side, unnoticed by anyone except that person.

She had barely left the hall when she reached a relatively quiet spot, leaning against the cold wall. Before she could catch her breath, her bag suddenly vibrated with an incoming call.

Startled once again, she took a moment to compose herself before taking out her phone, and the name Lu Jinsheng appeared on the screen.

Although it was quieter outside than inside, there was still a steady stream of people passing by.

Liang Shu took out her phone, covering her lips with her hand, and glanced around before speaking softly, "Brother, do you need something?"

The voice on the other end, short and mocking, chuckled, "Brother?"

The next moment, the call was disconnected.

Liang Shu breathed a sigh of relief and sat on the sofa in the rest area for a while before finally gathering her skirt and heading towards the exit.

But she had underestimated the level of security at this event. The guards and security personnel at the door stopped her, asking her to show relevant credentials or an invitation before allowing her to leave.

Liang Shu suddenly realized why Mr. Yu could trust her to leave. Without whatever he had in his possession, she couldn't leave this place at all.

Helpless, she could only turn back.

She definitely couldn't stay in the hall. If caught by Lu Jinsheng, she would be in serious trouble.

It was better to delay as much as possible and see if she could slip away when the crowd dispersed.

By now, twenty minutes had passed since the auction began.

Liang Shu went to the restroom to pass the time, but inadvertently overheard a conversation between two women in the stall next to hers.

"Gu Han Sheng is here, did you see him?"

"Who?" A casual female voice. 

"Gu Han Sheng."