Tomb raiding: A mere 20 is nothing!

The situation inside the venue was completely out of control. Even though the host strictly adhered to the rules, limiting each person's bid to no more than one million per increment, the bidding amount continued to soar, almost breaking the two billion mark in the blink of an eye.

"It's just a set of jewelry from the Ming Dynasty. You don't have to go to such lengths, do you? Why don't we just take down the lanterns and admit defeat, and let the other families fight it out? We don't need to be the ones who get taken advantage of," Li Cu earnestly advised.

"Yes, if this continues, there will be inflation." Su Wan counted on his fingers, but he couldn't count them all.

Yang Hao was completely dumbfounded, his mouth agape for a long time: "My God, I can hardly recognize the character 'ten thousand' anymore. I've never seen so much money in my life!"

The four families' bidding war was so intense it was practically bankrupting the bank. Anyone with eyes could see that this had deviated from the original purpose of an auction; it was purely a display of wealth by the rich in public.

No matter how powerful the Crescent Moon Hotel is, if it doesn't treat everyone fairly, it can easily get itself into trouble. It wouldn't be a problem if it were outsiders, but the problem is that the people who light the lamps all have complicated backgrounds, and it won't be so easy to make money off them.

So when the amount reached 20 billion, all the lights focused on the stage, and the female auctioneer, following Yin Nanfeng's instructions, took the microphone and said: "I regret to inform you that the seller of this item has suddenly decided to withdraw from the auction, therefore this auction has failed to sell. Please leave the venue in an orderly manner. This auction is now over."

A murmur of snickers immediately rose from the audience.

However, most people are just joining in the fun and don't necessarily want to see the result.

Soon, most of the casual patrons in the hall had left, leaving behind only familiar faces from the underworld.

Zhang Rishan slowly emerged from the shadows, his gaze sweeping over the crowd on the second floor, and said in a clear voice:

"Thank you all for patronizing the New Moon Hotel. On behalf of Mr. Yin, I would like to express my gratitude. However, as far as I know, you all know each other. Isn't it a case of 'the flood washing away the Dragon King's temple'?"

"Now that the item has failed to sell, would you do me the honor of offering a simple meal? My humble establishment has prepared a small feast; why don't we move in, have a drink and chat, and perhaps even become friends?"

As expected of an old man who has lived for a hundred years and worked in the government, his words are always watertight and very smooth.

Shen Mingchao slowly turned his gaze over. The man on the stage had broad shoulders and a thick back, which made the fabric of his clothes look neat and tidy. His black suit and vest barely cinched his waistline.

His black hair was neatly combed, his face was sculpted and deep, and his bright black eyes held an unfathomable depth when he looked at people. He exuded the noble temperament unique to mature men.

Shen Mingchao could roughly guess who this person was: Zhang Dafoye's adjutant, Zhang Rishan, also known as Baishui Mountain, the current president of the Nine Gates Association, who was temporarily staying at the New Moon Hotel.

These are his public identities. What impressed Shen Mingchao most was Shen Mingyue's righteous indignation.

It is said that Zhang Dafoye's tomb raiding operation at Mount Siguniang failed, and he pushed Zhang Qilan to take the blame in order to give an explanation to his superiors. This resulted in Zhang Qilan being imprisoned in the Golmud Sanatorium for 20 years.

As Zhang Qishan's adjutant, Zhang Rishan must have been aware of this matter.

Shen Mingchao was not a participant in these events and has no right to judge the actions of others. In such a chaotic situation, differing perspectives made it difficult to determine right and wrong.

But everyone has selfish desires, and her idol treated her well.

Although Zhang Qilu himself might not care much, she couldn't help but care. Personally, she simply couldn't remain calm about this person.

"Ming Dynasty, what's wrong with you?"

Standing next to Shen Mingchao, Li Cu was the first to catch that inexplicably cold aura.

He turned his head and saw that Shen Mingchao's face was sullen, completely unlike his lively self just now.

Shen Mingchao snapped out of his reverie, met Li Cu's worried gaze, shook his head, and murmured softly:

"Now that the show is over, it's time for the spectators to leave."

The past cannot be retrieved, and she did not want to seek revenge, but she inevitably developed some prejudice, so it was best to avoid it.

Moreover, this place is full of people from the Nine Gates and the Zhang family, so it would be somewhat incongruous for an outsider like her to stay here.

Just as she turned around, a hurried, unfamiliar female voice called out: "Please wait, esteemed guest."

Shen Mingchao paused for a moment, then turned around and looked in the direction of the sound. He saw a woman in a black dress standing beside Zhang Rishan.

With fair skin, red lips, and a cold, beautiful face, the mole at the corner of her eye is particularly eye-catching, adding a touch of softness and charm, yet the aura she exudes is one of competence and decisiveness.

She's a true ice queen.

People are always a little soft-hearted when faced with a beautiful woman.

With such beauty before him, Shen Mingchao's displeasure eased somewhat, his tense expression relaxed, and he softened his voice to ask, "What is it, Boss Yin?"

Yin Nanfeng, who was about to introduce herself, knew that the other party already knew her identity when she heard this form of address.

She spoke up to stop him, partly because she sensed he intended to leave, and partly because she was also curious about Shen Mingchao.

She never beat around the bush and cut straight to the point: "Since you can afford to light a sky lantern, you are a distinguished guest of my Crescent Moon Hotel. It's getting late outside, and there's no reason for such a distinguished guest to leave on an empty stomach. Miss Shen, would you do me the honor of staying for a few drinks?"

As soon as Yin Nanfeng finished speaking, the response she received wasn't from Shen Mingchao, but from the aluminum triangle all saying in unison, "No way!"

Now everyone's attention was focused on this, and even Shen Mingchao himself couldn't help but glance at it.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

The three of them exchanged glances, and some painful memories flooded their minds. Li Cu met everyone's gaze and offered an awkward explanation.

My sister... can't hold her liquor.

Yin Nanfeng was extremely smooth-talking: "It's alright, our shop also has many other drinks."

Having said that, Shen Mingchao, not wanting to embarrass the beauty, readily agreed, "Since it is Boss Yin who has extended such a warm invitation, then I will gladly accept."

Such a clear change in attitude was noticed by everyone present, who were all quick-witted. After a little thought, they keenly realized that Shen Mingchao might not like Zhang Rishan.

Why?

They clearly don't know each other.

The only reasonable explanation is that we just didn't click.

Zhang Rishan also wanted to know the answer to this question. He could sense a hint of coldness emanating from the other party, though it was very subtle, he still managed to catch it.

So, while Shen Mingchao left to go to the restroom, he also found an excuse to quietly leave, actually blocking Shen Mingchao's way.

"Miss Shen."

Shen Mingchao was taken aback, not expecting to run into Zhang Rishan. Out of politeness, he replied, "Chairman Zhang."

Having no intention of exchanging any more words with this person, Shen Mingchao turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Zhang Rishan called out to him.

"I don't know if it's just my imagination, but I have a feeling that Miss Shen doesn't really like me. Why is that? We shouldn't have had any interaction before."

Hearing this, Shen Mingchao sighed inwardly, thinking to himself: "As expected, the old fox is shrewd. However, it's easy to make a mistake when talking to an old fox."

"President Zhang, you're overthinking it."

After giving a casual reply, Shen Mingchao lifted her foot and walked straight ahead. Just as the two brushed past each other, her wrist was suddenly grabbed by a large hand.

Shen Mingchao was startled and was about to break free, but before she could move, the large hand suddenly released her.

A quick glance out of the corner of my eye sent another jolt through me.

The man who had been as steady as a mountain just moments before was now filled with astonishment and doubt, and he couldn't help but back away.

Huh? What happened? Did you sprain your ankle?