My Wife Is Prettier

The auction hall was bustling with people, their chatter blending into a lively symphony.

The air carried the calming scent of sandalwood, and the surrounding walls were adorned with hollow-carved antique shelves displaying ceramics, calligraphy, and other treasures. Green potted plants added a touch of vitality to the space.

As Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi entered, the noise dropped for a brief two seconds.

This was Huo Xingzhou's first public appearance since his accident.

All eyes instinctively fell on his legs—some filled with disdain, others with pity or malice.

Everyone had heard the rumors. The once-revered golden boy was now a cripple, and supposedly infertile. The Huo family inheritance had all but officially passed to the main house.

Huo Xingzhou had become nothing more than a discarded pawn.

"What's the point of marrying a pretty wife if he's crippled? He's just dooming her to a life of loneliness."

"She's just a good-looking village girl. What's the big deal? Or do you wish to take his place as the groom?"

"Ha! The Huo family's future rests entirely on Huo Beiting!"

The sharp, mocking words made Huo Sixiao's face flush with anger, and her fists clenched tightly. Qiao Xi pressed her lips together, her expression cold and tense.

Reaching out, Qiao Xi covered Huo Xingzhou's ears with her pale hands.

"There's no need," Huo Xingzhou said, gently removing her hands. His voice was low but firm. "I'm not that fragile."

On the contrary, he needed to remember these faces and words. When Qiao Xi helped him rise again, he would make these people grovel and beg.

"But I care," Qiao Xi said, her brows furrowed. "I don't like how they talk about you. Clearly, Mr. Huo is an extraordinary man."

Huo Xingzhou gazed at her almond-shaped eyes, which sparkled with emotion. Any trace of irritation he had felt in the past few days melted away.

At that moment, he decided he was indeed willing to set up a clinic for Qiao Xi.

"This way, Mr. Huo," a staff member directed them to a seat in the first row, though it was in a slightly secluded corner. A small square table was set with refreshments and tea, and a reclining chair was provided nearby.

To their right, Huo Beiting and Su Weiwei sat with smug expressions, basking in the limelight. Zhao Yuzhen and Su Heng, meanwhile, were relegated to seats further back.

"Cousin, you should thank me," Huo Beiting said with a cold smirk. "If it weren't for my influence, you wouldn't be sitting in the front row."

Auctions like this valued power and status above all.

"Then thank you, Cousin," Huo Xingzhou replied, his tone composed and indifferent.

Huo Beiting's smirk turned bitter. He hated this calm, unyielding demeanor more than anything. "Don't mention it. After all, it's my duty to look after the disabled."

At precisely 2:00 PM, the lights dimmed, and the monthly auction officially began.

The auctioneer, dressed sharply, held a microphone and a small golden gavel. His voice echoed throughout the hall. "Welcome, esteemed guests, to Jiade Auction House's monthly auction. Today's items will all be open for live bidding."

"Please note that all items are sold under an 'as-is' policy, with immediate settlement upon purchase. The auctioneer and seller assume no responsibility for authenticity. Now, let's proceed…"

The disclaimer about authenticity was standard practice, and no one paid much attention. Jiade Auction House had a sterling reputation, and no counterfeits had ever surfaced here.

Except, in the shadows, Huo Xingzhou's eyes glinted darkly as he intertwined his fingers.

Beside him, Qiao Xi sat upright, her attention focused. She had never attended an auction before and found the experience novel and exciting.

A light tap on her shoulder drew her attention. Turning, she found Sun Weimeng grinning at her from the row behind.

"It's me," he whispered cheekily.

"Sun Shao," Qiao Xi greeted politely.

"What a coincidence," Sun Weimeng said, leaning closer. "By the way, I've been taking the herbal remedies you gave me, but they don't seem to be working. I'll keep at it for now, though—it's a kind of placebo, I guess."

"You need to take it for three months," Qiao Xi whispered back.

"Fine, but honestly, I've pretty much given up. My mom's even considering a second child despite her age. I'm exhausted from all this."

Qiao Xi hesitated, wanting to console him but unsure how. "Wait until Mr. Huo's treatment is complete," she said cryptically.

Sun Weimeng nodded knowingly. "You mean you'll introduce me to Dr. Zhuo? But he's focused entirely on treating Huo Xingzhou's legs and won't take on anyone else, right?"

Qiao Xi forced a smile, avoiding his probing gaze.

Huo Xingzhou turned to see them whispering. Reaching out, he pushed Sun Weimeng's head aside. "Sun Shao, it's best to maintain a proper distance from married women."

"So stingy," Sun Weimeng muttered. "You can't, I can't—what's the point of keeping a distance between two eunuchs?"

Qiao Xi's cheeks flushed, and she stammered, "Sun Shao, Mr. Huo is… not like you."

"I get it," Sun Weimeng sighed dramatically. "You're suffering too, Mrs. Huo. Always covering for him in public."

Huo Sixiao, watching nearby, couldn't help but laugh.

"Sun Shao," she teased, "stop sulking and look at the jade bangle being auctioned!"

The dazzling glassy green jade bangle was a masterpiece, boasting three intricate floral inclusions. The starting bid was 500,000 yuan.

"A village girl like her wouldn't know anything about jade," Su Weiwei sneered from the adjacent table. "She probably can't even tell the difference between glass and jade."

"I want it, Beiting," Su Weiwei cooed.

With a quick kiss on her cheek, Huo Beiting raised his paddle. "One million."

The crowd erupted with admiration.

"How generous!"

"Spending a fortune for his lady—Su Weiwei is so lucky!"

Su Weiwei smirked at Qiao Xi. "Would your husband spend that much on you? I doubt it."

Qiao Xi hesitated, licking her dry lips nervously. Huo Xingzhou reached for her wrist, a faint, confident smile playing on his lips.

"One million, going once! Twice! Sold!"

The bangle was quickly brought to Su Weiwei, who flaunted it proudly.

"Qiao Xi, this is what a real jade bangle looks like. Take a good look."

Before she could finish, Huo Xingzhou rolled up Qiao Xi's sleeve, revealing an even more exquisite jade bangle on her wrist—one with six floral inclusions, its craftsmanship unparalleled.

"How coincidental," Huo Xingzhou said coolly. "My wife also has a jade bangle. But hers is better."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Six inclusions! That's worth at least five million!"

"Who would've thought? She's been hiding this treasure all along!"

Qiao Xi's heart raced. The bangle had been a casual gift from Du Juan, but now she felt its immense value.

Huo Xingzhou chuckled lightly. "And my wife's hands make it look even better."

Su Weiwei's face burned with humiliation, while Huo Beiting's expression darkened.

Sun Weimeng clicked his tongue, adding fuel to the fire. "Su Weiwei, looks like you've been upstaged. Huo Da Shao, your ambitions are too small!"