741 The Auction

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The world was full of wonders.
Shen Xi smiled. “I’m interested to see it myself If a snow lotus of that age really exists.”

She had acquired one of several centuries of age to formulate the medication for Li Yuan. Despite pulling all his connections, Situ Zhangyou came back empty on
his quest for a millennial snow lotus.

However, it was unsurprising for a millennial snow lotus to exist somewhere in a vast country like China.
“Shen Xi, do you want to go?” Having heard Shen Xi, a bespectacled boy in front turned and asked her.

Although Shen Xi recognized him, they had never really shared a conversation since she was barely at school. She did remember his name though — Lu Ning. Shen
Xi smiled and nodded at him. “I’m interested to take a look. Where is it previewed?”

“It’s said that the Qing family kept the snow lotus safe for a thousand years. It will be auctioned at Treasure Trove today. I’m going there, so I can take you there
without an invitation if you want and don’t mind.” Lu Ning was a friendly guy.

He knew that with Shen Xi’s status, she could simply request an invitation and go. Still, Lu Ning offered in passing since he heard her mentioning it.
“Thank you.” Shen Xi gladly took up the offer. However, she was surprised that he possessed the invitation to Treasure Trove.

Treasure Trove was China’s finest auction house, known to appraise and auction artifacts equivalent to national treasures. The auction house rarely came into
session unless there was an item worth opening its doors for.

“Do you want that snow lotus?” Lu Ning was taken back by her straightforward reply.

Everyone was aware that Shen Xi was the young lady of the Fu family. The Fu family was at the forefront of the world’s most affluent families. Money was no issue if
she intended to put in a bid.

Shen Xi smiled. “Just a look-see.”

The snow lotus was a rare herb that only came once in a lifetime. There were bound to be people fighting over it. Shen Xi believed she was not in the capacity to
compete for the snow lotus.

Taking a glance at her, Lu Ning did not continue the conversation. However, an ominous glint flashed past his eyes.

Ever since his family found out that Lu Ning was in the same class with Shen Xi, they had been putting ideas in his head to take advantage of the proximity and go
after Shen Xi’s heart. The Lu family would be put on the pedestal if he were to win her favor.

Lu Ning knew himself best to understand that he was not good enough for Shen Xi.

Although he had a clear understanding of himself, his family failed to see that fact. The Lu family had nothing on the Fu family, so who were they to suck up to the
Fu family?

Fond of gossip, Yan Xiaoxiao and Jiang Xuanxuan whispered between themselves about Lu Ning.
Lu Ning was a rich kid. His family was made of money. The Lu family in the capital might not be a household name, but they did amass a bit of wealth.
The handsome, brilliant, and humble Lu Ning was their class president and pride.

Last month, Lu Ning defeated the juniors and sophomores by a thousand votes for the position as president of the student council. It was much talked about how
he was able to secure the seat despite being a freshman.

Lu Ning was now the big man on campus. His popularity would have soared to an all-time high had Yu Qiubai not stolen the crown as the school hunk.
“What business does Lu Ning’s family engage in?” Out of curiosity, Shen Xi directed the question to her nosey roommates.
“He’s part of the Lu family.” Yan Xiaoxiao jumped in to answer with what she knew. “His family is loaded. Of course, no one beats yours.”

Shen Xi was rendered speechless. How many families in China, or the world at it, could compare to the Fu family? Nevertheless, the Lu family did leave a lasting
impression on Shen Xi as Lu Li was from that family.

She wondered if Lu Ning’s Lu family and Lu Li’s Lu family belonged to the same family.
Still, it did not take up much of her thoughts. Once their afternoon class was over, Lu Ning approached Shen Xi. “We should get going.”
Although intrigued to learn the ins and outs of China’s finest auction house, Yan Xiaoxiao and Jiang Xuanxuan knew better than to invite themselves.

Shen Xi followed Lu Ning to the car park. Lu Ning drove a rather inconspicuous car. Judging by his clean-cut mien and sunny personality without the bad habits of
a typical rich kid, it seemed he had a good upbringing.

However, Lu Li’s family was clearly bad news from the way they treated Lu Li. They must not be from the same Lu family Lu Ning belonged to.
There were probably more families of equal wealth and power to the Lu family than she could count on her fingers.
Exercising the gentleman’s code in keeping a distance, Lu Ning, together with Shen Xi, ventured to Treasure Trove without initiating any talk.

It was a bustling scene at Treasure Trove. They took their seats as groups of twos and threes engaged in a heated discussion of the prized possession to be
auctioned today.

Lu Ning’s seats were in the far back on the left. Perturbed, he observed Shen Xi’s facial expression and felt at ease to find no signs of disdain.

It had been on his mind the whole ride here. Lu Ning said that he would take her to Treasure Trove, but they ended up without good seats. Would she hold it
against him and get angry?

Shen Xi took her seat and looked around the room. Those present were either wealthy or influential while the best seats in the house were taken by the hot shots in
the business.

Her eyes met someone who happened to look over. It was Situ Zhangyou. Situ Zhangyou was surprised to see her and quickly nodded with a smile before leaving
his seat.

Soon, he drew near to Shen Xi. Having heard that Lu Ning brought her in, he took another look at Lu Ning and courteously said with a grin, “Mr. Lu, do you mind
switching seats with me? I’m sitting in the first row, numbered 10. My name is on it.”

God forbid if Boss found out that the young missus came with a boy to an auction. As a competent subordinate, Situ Zhangyou must always have his master’s best
interest in mind. He could not allow anyone the opportunity to steal Boss’ woman!

Lu Ning nodded indifferently and gave his seat up. After letting Shen Xi know, he went forth to take Situ Zhangyou’s seat.
Situ Zhangyou then asked, “Do you want the millennial snow lotus?”

He had not informed her about the snow lotus because Kun Lun warned him that Boss and the young missus were busy catching up on love. No one was to disturb
them.

Shen Xi smiled. “I just came for a look-see to satisfy my curiosity. I’m sure there are a lot of people here today, ready to splurge on the snow lotus.”
Situ Zhangyou pointed at everyone in the auction house. “Ninety percent of them.”

The millennial snow lotus was rumored to be a kiss of life that could bring back the dead. Even if the herb could not grant immortality, its benefit guaranteed
longevity.

With Shen Xi’s gaze sweeping to the last row on the right, she locked eyes with another who nodded and smiled at her.
Lu Li.

She recognized her..