Jewelry Auction (Part 5)

Hu Ke didn't react as dramatically as Zhao Ya to Ye Qian's earlier rudeness, seemingly unbothered by it. She just smiled lightly as she watched Ye Qian and Zhao Ya banter.

"Alright, the auction is about to start, let's go inside," Qin Yue interjected, stopping Ye Qian and Zhao Ya.

The hall was almost full, and Qin Yue, seemingly in sync with Ye Qian, deliberately chose a corner seat. This choice was wise, making it easier for Ye Qian to protect them.

Ye Qian gave Qin Yue an approving look, but she merely glanced at him dismissively. Feeling slighted, Ye Qian closed his mouth obediently.

The seating arrangement had Zhao Ya in the innermost seat against the wall, followed by Hu Ke, Qin Yue, and then Ye Qian.

"Darling, I like that bracelet. You must buy it for me later," a heavily made-up young woman in the row in front of them cooed, clinging to an older man, who appeared to be in his fifties.

"Sure, sure, as long as you like it, I'll definitely get it," the older man replied, enjoying the feel of her against him, his eyes gleaming despite his calm demeanor. He was the epitome of a hypocrite, trying to act nonchalant.

"You're so sweet, darling. Mwah!" The young woman kissed the older man's cheek enthusiastically.

It was obvious that these two were not in a genuine relationship; the woman was likely a mistress. Ye Qian found it hard to believe in such an age-gap romance, where a woman in her twenties marries a man in his seventies for love.

Qin Yue's expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn't heard their conversation. Hu Ke just smiled slightly without saying anything. Zhao Ya, however, expressed her disgust with a snort and called them "dogs and bitches."

Zhao Ya's voice wasn't suppressed, so the couple in front heard it clearly. The old man turned around, initially intending to scold Zhao Ya, but he was stunned by the sight of the three beautiful women. Lust gleamed in his eyes as he admired them, thinking his mistress looked like an ugly duckling in comparison. He fantasized about how wonderful it would be to have any one of these women, even at the cost of ten years of his life. However, noticing their upscale clothing, he quickly dismissed the idea; they were not women who needed to sell their bodies for money. Still, he fancied himself charming enough to attract them, as he had managed to seduce his current mistress. He politely extended his hand, saying, "My name is Zheng. May I know your names?"

Qin Yue maintained her cold demeanor, not even looking at him. Hu Ke kept her gentle smile, while Zhao Ya glared at him disdainfully.

Ye Qian casually glanced at the old man, a sly smile forming on his lips. "Mr. Zheng! It's been a long time. I can't believe we ran into each other here—what a coincidence!" Ye Qian laughed, shaking the old man's hand enthusiastically.

Qin Yue and Zhao Ya looked surprised, not expecting Ye Qian to know the old man, let alone be so familiar with him. Zhao Ya quickly shifted to a look of contempt, seemingly equating Ye Qian with the old man as a pair of lechers.

The old man looked equally surprised and confused, staring at the excited Ye Qian. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met?"

"Oh, Mr. Zheng, you have a selective memory," Ye Qian said. "Don't you remember? Last year in the capital, at Vice Chairman Cen's birthday banquet?"

The old man paused before pretending to remember, saying, "Oh, yes, yes, I remember now. My bad, my bad. I guess my memory isn't what it used to be." He played along, although he had no idea who Ye Qian was and had certainly never attended such a prestigious event. But Ye Qian's mention of it was an opportunity to brag and perhaps impress the three women. After all, being associated with high-ranking officials could be alluring to them.

The young woman beside him was shocked. "Darling, you know Vice Chairman Cen? How come I didn't know?"

The old man shot her a disapproving look, annoyed at her lack of tact. "There are many things you don't know," he replied coolly. "Do you expect me to boast about all the important people I know?"

"It's been a long time, Mr. Zheng. You're still looking sharp," Ye Qian complimented.

"Not at all," the old man responded modestly.

"Hehe, Mr. Zheng, no need for false modesty. I remember after the banquet that night, you left with a woman. Who was she?" Ye Qian asked, grinning.

The old man was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled, saying, "You must be mistaken. I went straight back to the hotel and slept after the banquet."

Ye Qian laughed, patting the old man on the shoulder knowingly. "Mr. Zheng, you're being modest. Why didn't you introduce me to her? Afraid the wife might find out?"

The old man wiped sweat from his forehead nervously. He knew his mistress could be jealous and didn't want her to misunderstand. Seeing her expression darken, he quickly said, "Brother, you must be mistaken. I really just went back to the hotel and slept."

"I couldn't have been mistaken. I recall the police busting the hotel that night; it was in all the papers the next day. Didn't we go to the hospital together? You were even diagnosed with AIDS, weren't you? Mr. Zheng, we men can have fun, but we need to be safe about it," Ye Qian said, with a knowing look.