Ren Jifeng

The next day, Rong Ci and Chu Zilan dressed up and headed to the auction. Neither of them was dressed too extravagantly, but both of them were exceptionally beautiful, attracting the attention of many as they entered the auction hall.

Chu Zilan had attended several auctions before and was somewhat well-known in the circle, with many people recognizing her. But for Rong Ci, this was her first time at such an event.

As they settled into their seats in the middle-back rows, the auction was about to begin. Just then, there was a sudden stir in the front rows. Rong Ci and Chu Zilan glanced over and learned what had happened.

"It's Feng Tingchen and Lin Wu... They're here too," Chu Zilan said, surprised. "Did you know they were coming?"

Rong Ci shook her head. "No, I didn't. I didn't expect him to attend."

After the last banquet and tech exhibition, Lin Wu had gained considerable recognition in high society. When she and Feng Tingchen appeared, many people's attention was drawn to her.

"Last time, when President Feng brought her to the banquet, her outfit cost over thirty million, and now, her outfit is no less impressive," someone was saying nearby. "Forget about the diamond jewelry; the dress she's wearing is a piece from the world-renowned designer, Immes. Everyone knows Immes only creates three pieces a year, each costing over ten million—"

"Over thirty million last time, and tens of millions this time. In just two events, President Feng must've spent over fifty million on her. He's really quite generous toward her."

Everyone could see that Lin Wu, wearing a shimmering blue satin dress, and adorned with eye-catching jewels, was undoubtedly the most captivating woman at the auction tonight. 

The front row was a symbol of status, and seeing them sit in the most central seats, surrounded by admiring discussions, only further highlighted their status.

"The front row center... must feel incredible to sit there. The fact they're sitting there means they're likely to spend big tonight. Oh my god."

"Stop, you're making me even more envious. People really do make me feel inferior."

Chu Zilan, feeling a little bitter, leaned in close to Rong Ci, lowering her voice. "Feng Tingchen and Lin Wu are sitting in the first row, while we got stuck in the back rows..." 

She wasn't surprised by Feng Tingchen's favoritism towards Lin Wu anymore.

Rong Ci had already gotten used to it and didn't care. Besides, her reason for attending the auction was to buy a birthday gift for her grandmother, so the seat didn't matter much to her.

Chu Zilan added, "Doesn't Feng Tingchen know our seats? How come he hasn't even glanced in our direction?"

It was likely that Feng Tingchen had someone arrange the tickets for them, and he probably didn't care about their seat arrangements. As for the lack of attention from him, well, she had already gotten used to it. After all, during the previous banquet and tech exhibition, he had ignored her completely.

At that moment, the auction host took the stage, and the crowd quieted down. 

Rong Ci had already gone through the auction list carefully. She was interested in a set of emerald jewelry and a famous embroidered painting. Whether she would bid on them depended on the situation.

The auction soon began. Rong Ci was focused and only raised her paddle for the items she truly desired.

Feng Tingchen and Lin Wu hadn't raised their paddles yet.

After a while, both Rong Ci and Chu Zilan noticed that Lin Wu was starting to bid. She was interested in a diamond bracelet, a piece from a foreign designer. It was clear that the bracelet was something Feng Tingchen might buy for her. The starting price was 1.5 million, and Lin Wu quickly raised the bid to 3 million. Other people followed with bids of 4 million.

At this point, Rong Ci noticed that Lin Wu and Feng Tingchen whispered to each other, and Lin Wu raised her paddle again, saying clearly, "Eight million."

As soon as her voice rang out, the hall stirred.

The bracelet had a nice design, but considering its value, 8 million was excessive. Even 4 million was already high. It seemed that Lin Wu really liked the bracelet, and Feng Tingchen didn't want anyone else to compete for it, so he directly offered 8 million.

People were shocked by how Feng Tingchen spent money like it was nothing, and his obvious indulgence of Lin Wu became a topic of discussion.

As expected, no one else bid, and Lin Wu successfully acquired the bracelet.

Chu Zilan gritted her teeth and muttered, "I'm so jealous."

Before Rong Ci could respond, the next round of bidding began.

After a while, an antique vase was displayed. Lin Wu raised her paddle again. The starting price was 5 million, and while others made small bids, Lin Wu raised the price to 10 million with just one bid.

Noticing the shift, someone else entered the bidding war, "15 million," said a male voice.

Rong Ci looked over and saw a very young and handsome man. 

"That's Ren Jifeng," Chu Zilan whispered to Rong Ci.

Rong Ci nodded.

Lin Wu hesitated, glancing at Feng Tingchen. It was clear to both Rong Ci and Chu Zilan that Lin Wu wanted the vase for herself.

At that moment, Rong Ci realized that Lin Wu's grandmother, Lin Laotai, was a well-known antique collector. It made sense now—Lin Wu must have wanted this vase for her grandmother.

Feng Tingchen gave a slight nod, and Lin Wu raised her paddle again, "25 million."

Ren Jifeng smiled and responded, "30 million."

Lin Wu hesitated again, then leaned towards Feng Tingchen, seemingly suggesting that she didn't want to continue.

But Feng Tingchen shook his head, and Lin Wu once again raised her paddle, "40 million."

Ren Jifeng's voice rang out again, "50 million."

At this point, Lin Wu frowned and whispered to Feng Tingchen, "Should we… forget it?" 

50 million was simply too much.