Chapter 47

Song Xi flinched at the words, his gaze dropping as he unconsciously grabbed at the exploded gold hair on his head.

Translation: Song Xi heard the words, startled, eyes drooping, unconsciously tugging at the exploded gold hair on his head.

We need to keep it concise but include all information. 'Exploded gold hair' could be translated as 'bursting gold hair'; we'll use 'exploded gold hair'.

He had been carrying it all along—what could it be? The host's remark sounded a bit too rash.

Translation: He had been carrying it all along—what could it be? The host's words sounded a bit too hasty.

He'd been carrying it all along—what could it be? The host's comment sounded a bit too rash.

To help, he used his family connections to invite the general manager of the Haiyue Auction, who has great authority and an even bigger temper; if the host's auction items aren't up to par, what should he do?

Translation: To help, he used family connections to invite the general manager of the Hai Yue Auction, who has great authority and an even bigger temper; if the host's auction items aren't up to par, what should he do?

great authority and an even bigger temper

His dim-witted head couldn't think of any solution; Song Xi felt stupid for the first time, tapped his head, and when he looked at Ling Yue he forced a laugh: 'Host, can I take a look at what you've prepared?'

Translation: His clueless brain couldn't think of any solution; Song Xi felt stupid for the first time, knocked his head, then, looking at Ling Yue, he gave an unnatural laugh: "Host, can I take a look at what you've prepared?"

dim-witted head

Ling Yue glanced at the youth, noticing his concealed worry, suddenly understood, and gave him a mysterious smile: 'No.'

Translation: Ling Yue glanced at the youth, noticing his concealed worry, suddenly understood, and gave him a mysterious smile: "No."

"I'm afraid seeing that thing will distract you, but I can assure you it's something good." After all, it's a treasure she carefully selected from among many valuables.

Translation: "I'm afraid seeing that thing would distract you, but I can confirm it's something good." After all, it's a treasure she carefully selected from among many valuables.

Song Xi fluttered his eyelashes: "……"

Translation: Song Xi fluttered his eyelashes: "……"

We need to keep the ellipsis as is.

Why did hearing the host say that make him even more panicked?

Translation: Why, upon hearing the host say that, did his heart panic even more?

Ling Yue locked the shop door; the circling crows overhead immediately flew over, brushed their tiny claws, then perched on her shoulder, excitedly shaking their feathers—they'd heard too, for this was the auction!

Translation: Ling Yue locked the shop door; the crow circling overhead immediately flew over, wiped its little claws, then perched on her shoulder, now excitedly shaking its feathers—it had also heard, that's an auction!

excitedly shaking its feathers

The crow pecked at its glossy black feathers, chattering in Ling Yue's ear: 'I've never been to a human auction before!'

Translation: The crow pecked at its glossy black feathers, chattering in Ling Yue's ear: "I've never been to a human auction before!"

"Master, master, are there lots of shiny, sparkly things?"

Translation: "Master, master, are there lots of shiny sparkles?"

Ling Yue nodded, exchanging a few thoughts with it in her mind; seeing their interaction, Song Xi, driving ahead, felt a pang of envy and couldn't help asking: 'Host, what kind of pet do you think someone like me could keep?'

Translation: Ling Yue nodded, exchanging a few thoughts with it in her mind; Song Xi, driving ahead, saw their interaction, felt envy, and couldn't help asking: "Host, what kind of pet could someone like me keep?"

"I also really want to keep a fluffy little thing to snuggle with."

Translation: "I also really want to keep a fluffy little thing to snuggle with."

Ling Yue looked at his shaking golden hair and said: 'A lion?'

Translation: Ling Yue looked at his head of shaking gold hair: "Lion?"

Song Xi's gaze stalled, then he reacted: 'Hahaha, host, you were just joking, right? Our country doesn't allow private lion ownership.'

Translation: Song Xi's gaze stalled, then he reacted: "Hahaha, host, you were just joking, right? Our country doesn't allow private lion-keeping."

Ling Yue: "……Right."

Translation: Ling Yue: "... Right."

She had promised to help Song Xi raise an animal, first ruling out cats because his family already kept a fish, and fish and cats are natural enemies; Ling Yue was about to speak when she caught sight of the young man's brows in the rearview mirror: 'Your pet has already been delivered.'

Translation: She had promised to help Song Xi raise an animal, first ruling out cats because his family already kept a fish—fish and cats are natural enemies—and Ling Yue was about to speak when, glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw the young man's brows and eyes: "Your pet has already been delivered."

Song Xi, in the passenger seat, couldn't help but look back upon hearing that: 'What? My pet has arrived?'

Translation: Song Xi, in the passenger seat, couldn't help but look back upon hearing that: "What? My pet has arrived?"

Ling Yue said: 'When you get home you'll find out—first you'll meet your destined big cutie, perfectly meeting all your demands, flawless in appearance, off-the-charts in power, though with a stubborn temperament; you'll have to endure some hardship at first, but once tamed it will be utterly clingy.'

Translation: Ling Yue: "You'll find out when you get home later; the first thing you'll see is your destined big cutie, perfectly meeting all your demands, flawless appearance, off-the-chart combat power—just a stubborn temperament; you'll have to endure some hardship first, but once tamed, it'll be utterly clingy!"

Song Xi frowned, doubtful: 'No way, our family only has a feng shui fish and no other animals——'

Translation: Song Xi frowned, puzzled: "No way, our family only has a feng shui fish, no other animals——"

He suddenly stopped talking, gave a hehe silly laugh: 'I get it—my parents must have secretly bought me a pet.'

Translation: He suddenly stopped talking, hehe gave a silly laugh: "I get it—my parents must have secretly bought me a pet."

Song Xi turned his head back, his eager eyes drifting toward Ling Yue: 'Host, this is what you said—if it weren't for having to go to the auction later, I'd fly home right now!'

Translation: Song Xi turned his head back, his eager little gaze drifting toward Ling Yue: "Host, this is what you said—if it weren't for having to go to the auction house later, I'd fly home right now!"

Fluffy one, just wait a moment, young master!

Translation: Fluffy one, wait a bit more, young master!

Song Xi was lost in thought, his head topped with a fluffy explosion of gold hair swaying back and forth like a 500‑watt mini‑sun, making Ling Yue unable to hold back her laughter.

Translation: Song Xi was lost in thought, his head topped with a fluffy explosion of gold hair swaying back and forth like a 500-watt mini sun, making Ling Yue unable to hold back her laughter.

At the same time, in front of the closed pet consultation shop, a white compact car pulled up; a woman in a khaki trench coat with a gentle demeanor stepped out, followed by a woman in a burgundy trench coat—one soft and tranquil, the other alluring—and they walked one after another to the door.

Translation: At the same time, in front of the closed pet consultation shop, a white compact car pulled up; a woman in a khaki trench coat with a gentle visage stepped out, followed closely by a woman in a burgundy trench coat—one gentle and serene, the other alluring—and they walked one after another to the door.

Seeing the tightly shut door, the khaki‑coated woman's expression froze, a hint of worry coloring her lovely brows: 'Pet consultation shop…… how could it be closed?'

Translation: Seeing the shut door, the khaki-clad woman's expression froze, a hint of worry coloring her lovely brows: "Pet consultation shop… how could it be closed?"

The attractive woman slightly parted her lips, instinctively lifted her hand, and glanced at her wristwatch—the mechanical watch from 'I Can Hear Animal Voices 【Live】', whose website she recalled as m. 1, its airy, spontaneous design making the displayed time all the more surprising.

Translation: The gorgeous woman slightly opened her lips, instinctively raised her hand, glanced at her wristwatch— the mechanical watch from "I Can Hear Animal Voices 【Live】"—its casual style, and the time shown above surprised her even more.

"It's not even ten in the morning yet—how could this shop already be closed?"

I Can Hear Animal Voices 【Live】

Translation: "It's not even ten in the morning yet—how could this shop already be closed?"

The gentle woman felt disappointed but had no intention of giving up; she asked the nearby shop owners.

Translation: The gentle woman felt disappointed but didn't intend to give up, she asked the nearby shop owners.

"Boss, why is the pet consultation shop closed? Is the owner occupied? When will she reopen?"

Translation: "Boss, why is the pet consultation shop closed? Is the owner busy? When will she reopen?"

Old Wu was playing with a new batch of small fish when, hearing the voices, he looked up—there stood two striking beauties, their attire either rich or noble, eyes fixed on his neighboring shop, faces full of doubt.

Translation: Wu Lao Ban was playing with a new batch of small fish; hearing the voice, he looked over—whoa, two great beauties, dressed in attire that screamed either rich or noble, their eyes fixed on his neighboring shop, faces full of doubt.

He immediately understood, chuckling as he explained: "It's not that she's busy—you didn't notice the little blackboard outside the shop, did you? It bears Boss Ling's rule: she only takes ten orders a day, then closes the shop right after finishing them; today she's already gone home after completing her orders."

Translation: He immediately understood, chuckling as he explained: "It's not that she's busy—you didn't notice the little blackboard outside the shop? It says Boss Ling's rule: only ten orders a day; after finishing them, she closes the shop directly. Today she's already done and gone home."

The lovely woman covered her mouth in surprise: "There's such a rule? This boss is so willful!"

Translation: The gorgeous woman covered her mouth in surprise: "There's such a rule? This boss is so willful!"

The gentle woman's eyes flickered with surprise; though she could understand, hearing the boss's explanation only increased her anticipation for this trip, and she smiled: "Then let's come back tomorrow—thanks, boss."

Translation: The gentle woman's eyes flickered with surprise; though she could understand, hearing the boss's explanation actually made her look forward to this trip even more, she smiled: "Then we'll come back tomorrow, thanks, boss."

Old Wu waved a hand: "No need to thank me—it's just a matter of a sentence."

Translation: Wu Lao Ban waved his hand: "Nothing to thank for—just a sentence."

"By the way, big sis, what brings you here? Are you also coming for a pet consultation?"

Translation: "By the way, big sis, what are you here for? Also coming for a pet consultation?"

The woman repeatedly denied it, shaking her head: "No, no—I'm here to pick up a family member."

Translation: The woman repeatedly denied, shaking her head: "No, no, I'm here to pick up a family member."

She spoke with a darkened expression, unconsciously lowering her gaze, her voice growing hoarse: "Because of some earlier matters, I lost it; now, having finally gotten word, someone told me it's here, and I've come to bring it home."

Translation: She spoke with a darkened gaze, unconsciously lowering her eyes, her voice growing hoarse: "Earlier, because of some things, I lost it; now, after great difficulty, I've gotten word—someone told me it's here—I've come to bring it home."

Old Wu blinked, bewildered: "Family, lost? When did Boss Ling stop consulting animals and pick up a whole person?"

Translation: Wu Lao Ban blinked, bewildered: "Family, lost? When did Boss Ling stop giving pet consultations and pick up a big living person?"

Seeing his doubtful expression, the woman smiled but offered no explanation.

Translation: Seeing his doubtful expression, the woman smiled and offered no explanation.

Leaving the door, she swept away her earlier anxiety, looked at her companion, and said: 'Yan, I plan to come again tomorrow morning.'

Translation: Stepping out, she swept away her earlier anxiety, looked at her companion, and stated her plan: "Yuyan, I intend to come again tomorrow morning."

Wang Yanyan stared, then linked her arm with hers, speaking in a sweet, clingy tone: 'What about me? Gege, we're best friends—you can't leave me behind; I'm coming with you!'

Translation: Wang Yuyan startled, then linked her arm with hers, murmuring clingily: "What about me? Gege, we're best friends—you can't abandon me, I'm coming with you!"

Gege

Jin Ge smiled brightly: 'Let's go together!'

Translation: Jin Ge beamed: "Let's come together!"

A few days ago, someone suddenly told her that Gua Gua might have news; at the time she was cooking in the kitchen, the knife nearly slipped from her hand.

Translation: A few days ago, someone suddenly told her that Gua Gua might have news; at the time she was cooking in the kitchen, the knife almost slipped from her hand.

Those who have never owned a pet could never understand that feeling; she had never regarded Gua Gua as a pet, but as family. From the time Gua Gua was a newborn puppy, she had raised it bit by bit, and then, later, something like this happened……

Translation: Those who have never kept a pet could never understand that feeling; she had never regarded Gua Gua as a pet, but as family. From the puppy just a few days old, she had raised Gua Gua bit by bit—then later, such a thing happened……

So when she heard the news about Gua Gua, she instantly believed it.

Translation: So when she heard the news about Gua Gua, she instantly believed it.

The woman furrowed her brow, her embrace tightening unconsciously: 'Yan, I don't know…… will Gua Gua forgive me, forgive me this incapable owner……'

Translation: The woman's brows knotted tight, her embrace unconsciously tightening: "Yuyan, I don't know…… will Gua Gua forgive me, forgive me this incompetent owner……"

Her voice dropped to a whisper, and her companion's brows jumped at the words: 'That's not your fault—it's those people, who neither understand nor care about what Gua Gua means to you!'

Translation: Her voice gradually lowered; hearing this, her companion's brow twitched: "That's not your fault—it's those people, they neither understand nor care what Gua Gua means to you!"

She patted the woman's back, soothing softly: 'Besides, you've been searching for it all these years, and now you have the ability—more than enough to be Gua Gua's eternal stronghold.'

Translation: She patted the woman's back, soothing softly: "Besides, you've been searching for it all these years, and now you also have the ability—more than enough to be Gua Gua's eternal strong backing!"

"You are Gua Gua's mother; you've never given up on it, Gua Gua knows your hardships, and it will surely forgive you."

Translation: "You are Gua Gua's mother; you've never given up on it, Gua Gua knows your hardship, and will surely forgive you."

The woman shook her head, not knowing what to say, her eyes red as her companion helped her into the car.

Translation: The woman shook her head, not knowing what to say, eyes reddened as her companion helped her into the car.

At the same time, Haiyue Auction House.

Translation: At the same moment, Hai Yue Auction House.

Located in the central tower of Jing City, the entrance greets you with a stunning long‑legged hostess; as she arrived, staff were bustling upstairs and downstairs preparing for the auction in a few days, gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers tied and releasing a natural fragrance, the atmosphere luxurious and elegant.

Translation: Located in the central building of Jing Shi's city district, upon entering one is greeted by a beautiful long-legged hostess; she had arrived while everyone was bustling about preparing for the auction in a few days, gorgeous flowers bundled together, exuding natural fragrance, the tone luxurious and elegant.

In a short span, Ling Yue had already spotted several cameras—this was only the visible ones; who knows how many were hidden privately.

Translation: In a short span, Ling Yue had already spotted several cameras—this is just the surface; who knows how many are hidden privately.

After they entered, Song Xi took on the role of attendant, giving a slight bow: 'Lovely, captivating princess, I invite you to tour.'

Translation: After they entered, Song Xi directly took on the role of a waiter, slightly bowing: "Lovely, moving princess, I invite you to tour."

Ling Yue lifted her eyes slightly, already sensing the surprised glances around her, then looked at Song Xi with his exploding gold hair and asked softly: 'This is an auction house; if you do this, won't others throw you out?'

Translation: Ling Yue's eyes lifted slightly, already sensing the surprised gazes around her; then she looked at Song Xi with his exploding gold hair and asked softly: "This is an auction house—if you do this, won't others throw you out?"

Song Xi gave a light, carefree smile: 'No.'

Translation: Song Xi gave a slight smile, very carefree: "No."

Then he added quietly: 'The owner of the auction house is a close friend of my father.'

Translation: Then he added quietly: "The owner of this auction house is a good friend of my dad."

Ling Yue understood, striding forward with confidence; she felt no embarrassment—it was everyone else who was awkward.

Translation: Ling Yue understood, strode forward with an open demeanor—she wasn't embarrassed; it was others who were.

At this moment, the auction items at the auction had already been completely transported backstage, Ya Ya stood on Ling Yue's shoulder, high up and able to see far. The mung‑bean‑sized little eyes were instantly drawn to the diamond bracelet sparkling in the distance——

The light shone from top to bottom, slightly tilted; the colored diamond's fire deep, extremely beautiful, making people unable to look away instantly.

Compared to it, the other bottles and jars are not particularly eye-catching, but they won't serve as mere foil; instead, they embody another kind of restrained, understated beauty.

Ya Ya really opened one's eyes, Ling Yue likewise; these items are visibly valuable, each piece not cheap, and now they are all gathered together, showing that Hai Yue Auction House is powerful; Ling Yue felt relieved instantly, knowing that the items she puts up for sale will surely fetch a good price.

Just then, a faint sound reached the ears.

"Buzzzz~"

It was the sound of wings vibrating, accompanied by extremely faint conversation, as if there were tiny guests nearby.

Ling Yue followed the sound and saw, in the bunch of flowers nearest her, several Xiao Mi Feng diligently collecting nectar, while a large bunch of full blossoms bloomed.

Ling Yue looked around; the entire venue was decorated with large expanses of flowers, a faint fragrance wafting to the nose.

Song Xi thought she was interested in these flowers and explained: "These flowers are changed daily, specially picked by personnel from the flower manor; for this auction, my father's friend made the most thorough preparations."

Ling Yue nodded, with most of her attention falling on the bees.

"What place is this? When can we go back?"

"I don't know, but there are really a lot of people here, enough to make my eyes dizzy."

"Hehehe, you have a pair of compound eyes and three simple eyes—are they really all blind?"

"Exaggerate a bit, just like these humans—who let them talk big every day, claiming the most advanced defense protection system, not even knowing it's been swapped out, and I heard they still have to prepare for the auction the day after tomorrow."

Ling Yue's gaze sharpened, her deep eyes falling on the Xiao Mi Feng; she lowered her voice, wanting to make sure they could hear.

"Is what you're saying true? The defense protection system has been swapped out?"

A few Xiao Mi Feng were startled, hastily darting into the flower's core.

"Humans?!"

"Are humans talking to us?" said a slower-reacting Xiao Mi Feng.

Ling Yue could hear the bees' extremely faint discussion inside; she couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile, and Song Xi beside her noticed her movement, immediately understanding.

He didn't rashly interfere; instead, he stepped closer a few paces, ensuring no one would suddenly rush out to disturb Ling Yue.

Ling Yue's conversation with the Xiao Mi Feng was brief; she promised to send them back to their original flower manor and offered honey as an enticement; the Xiao Mi Feng sipped the sweet honey, and their trust in her instantly surged.

Song Xi, who had been running around looking for honey, stopped, shocked to see the fluffy little honey bees obediently lying in the glass cup; he thanked his parents again for their recent training, realizing the streamer truly is capable.

He admired her more and more; if he didn't improve himself, he feared he wouldn't even be worthy of being the streamer's lackey.

On this side, Ling Yue carefully questioned them about what they had heard, obtaining a definite confirmation from the honey bees.

Besides that Xiao Mi Feng just now, its companions also chimed in one after another.

"I heard it too—it was that uniformed human who said, holding his phone and hiding behind the flowers, planning a big job."

"I even saw it! He said he had already swapped out the protection system, called something like the An Dun system; I can't remember all those messy human names, but he said action would be taken the day after tomorrow."

Ling Yue raised her eyebrows; still, it's bold to do this on the auction day itself. Then she thought of herself: if she hadn't paid attention today, hadn't noticed the Xiao Mi Feng's discussion, she might only learn the day after tomorrow that the auction items had been lost.

Feeling relieved, she immediately realized the issue and asked: "If I give you the chance, can you identify that person?"

"Of course we can!"

"I have five eyes; I can remember every human face clearly."

"I have a very keen sense of smell; I can detect each person's scent, and his is certainly no exception!"

Ling Yue could see that when the Xiao Mi Feng boasted about their abilities, they proudly straightened their bodies, their fluffy little tails also wiggling, utterly adorable.

"All right, if you need anything, I'll come find you."

Ling Yue processed the information she already knew; hearing Song Xi's words, she realized the auction house attached great importance to this auction, and felt she needed to give a reminder.

After thanking the few Xiao Mi Feng, Ling Yue summoned a waiter: "Can you help set the glass cup upright? Don't move the little ones inside; I'll come back later to take them."

The waiter nodded, saw clearly the few Xiao Mi Feng in the cup, and was startled: "Where did these bees come from? What if they fly off? They can't sting the guests."

However, this was entirely unnecessary worry; the Xiao Mi Feng had already promised Ling Yue, and now they have honey to drink without needing to laboriously collect nectar, so they have no intention of flying away.

Each one lay beside the honey, snoring loudly.

After seeing off the Xiao Mi Feng, Song Xi immediately came over; Ling Yue saw curiosity flickering in his eyes, but he forced himself to hold back, making his expression look rather comical.

Ling Yue couldn't hold back, she curled the corner of her mouth, about to speak, when a voice came from behind.

"Young Master Song, sorry for not welcoming you properly."

In a firm tone, a middle-aged man in an iron-gray suit approached, speaking as he walked; he wore gold-rimmed glasses, very low-key, only his eyes constantly flashing with sharpness, not worldly yet giving a sense of safety and reliability.

Behind him followed a pretty girl holding a white crocodile-skin tote bag, paired with an xiang-fei-colored short skirt, her tone somewhat sticky: "Uncle Zhang, I said I couldn't find you, turns out you're——"

Before she finished speaking, the girl turned her gaze; upon seeing Ling Yue in that instant, her expression twisted for a moment, hatred almost bursting from her eyes.

Ling Yue pretended not to have seen her, feeling a slight surprise; it was still an acquaintance—Qin Xin Xin, or rather Qin Jun Xin's scoundrel boyfriend's little princess, also relying on family background to act willfully, repeatedly tripping her up.

Ling Yue hadn't expected to meet her here, and evidently the other hadn't either.

The atmosphere instantly fell silent.

Mainly, the little princess was pushy; without letting Song Xi speak, she stepped forward first, pointing at Ling Yue: "This person is——"

Song Xi frowned; at his own coming-of-age ceremony years ago, he had met the Tang family's only daughter, whose name was something like Qing Qing Lü Lü; this time it wasn't that he couldn't see her, but rather that the other's family background in the circle was truly not outstanding—just an ordinary second-rate clan that does cosmetic medicine for pets.

A bit impolite, and not very bright.

Even someone who usually respects and flatters the streamer, the other dares to bluntly ask like this—what else could it be but an offense?

Song Xi lightly coughed and said directly: "This is Miss Ling, a guest I invited."

Manager Zhang's gaze suddenly sank—not a friend, but a client. The old slick who mingles in high society could tell from one ear that Song Xi was deliberately lowering himself, just to elevate the other's status.

Moreover, the name sounded somewhat familiar.

Ling Yue introduced herself briefly: "My name is Ling Yue, owner of a pet consulting shop."

Tang Qing Qing beside her heard this, her eyes nearly bursting.

To be frank, they previously had no deep grudge, but this Tang Miss has a bad temper and a small mind; after several mishaps, and because her pretty-boy boyfriend lost face badly in the circle, she instantly took out her hatred on Ling Yue.

The innocent Ling Yue, caught in the crossfire: _(: з)∠)_

Fortunately Tang Qingqing still had her wits; she could detect Song Xi's respect, and she felt both puzzled and secretly annoyed—how could that Song family heir, whom she couldn't catch up to even after fluttering for eight hundred years, know Ling Yue?

How could her luck be so good?

Since losing face, she has been keeping tabs on Ling Yue's news—knowing she quit the zoo, opened a pet consultancy, and later became a big internet celebrity with millions of online fans; her targeting didn't burden Ling Yue, but instead became a stepping stone for the other's continual progress.

Tang Qingqing's face grew ever darker; she gave Ling Yue a gloomy look and immediately looked away.

The atmosphere was dry and awkward; Manager Zhang initiated the topic: "Miss Ling, I heard you have an auction item—may I—?"

Ling Yue hadn't spoken yet; Tang Qingqing couldn't bear being ignored and spoke up: "Uncle Zhang, I have something here—you and my dad had agreed on this..."

Everyone understood the implication of her words.

Manager Zhang's expression shifted slightly; he hadn't expected her to be so oblivious to propriety—if he remembered correctly, that was a private conversation between him and Old Tang, and how could she bring it out into the open!

But he still replied with a calm face: "Sorry, Miss Ling, I still have another client here."

Ling Yue smiled: "No problem, you can show her first—I'm not in a hurry." Not at all in a hurry.

Tang Qingqing felt she had gained an advantage; although she warned herself not to be too targeted, she couldn't help it, convincing herself inwardly that Ling Yue was just an orphan—even if she hooked up with the Song family's young master, what of it? People like them might just be indulging in a fleeting pleasure.

The auction house had a prepared inner room, simply and comfortably furnished, with a few single sofas placed to one side, opposite a long jujube-wood table; the floor-to-ceiling windows were open, sunlight pouring onto the floor.

"Miss Tang, please."

Tang Qingqing proudly took out the prepared jewelry box; with a click, the wooden case opened, revealing a pair of glass-type jadeite bangles before everyone's eyes.

That vivid, clear green made one think involuntarily of the tender leaves on a branch.

Manager Tang picked it up, examining it carefully in the sunlight; as an appraiser of his caliber, he could judge with the naked eye: "Sixty, the color is rich; although it's not old pit material, this pair of jadeite bangles is absolutely top-grade glass-type, showing that Mr. Tang put thought into it."

Tang Qingqing laughed modestly twice, but her proudly raised chin said otherwise.

Tang Qingqing looked at Ling Yue with contempt, wanting to see what this woman had—surely not some tacky "family heirloom".

To everyone's surprise, Ling Yue merely pulled out a jewelry box. Only then did they notice she had been carrying a plain cheap paper bag, whereas Tang Qingqing had deliberately used an albino crocodile-skin satchel to show off—her manner was utterly casual by comparison.

Tang Qingqing could barely keep from laughing—how could there be such a shabby person!

She fanned the air, and even the air seemed to take on the poor person's miserable aura.

When Ling Yue opened it, everyone was stunned.

It was a crown, placed in a black velvet box.

A blue sapphire the size of a pigeon's egg hung in the center, swaying to reveal a deep sea‑blue; beside it hung uniformly lovely pure blue sapphires cut into soft teardrop shapes, surrounded by a circle of tiny diamonds set into an expensive metal frame.

The silver was carved into elaborate, luxurious branches and leaves, with ruby flowers dotted below, fine yet exquisitely detailed; when it appeared, no one in the room could move their gaze an inch.

This is a typical Rococo-style crown—and—

Manager Zhang saw at a glance: "It's detachable! It can be worn as a crown or as a necklace!"

He said this, then suddenly sucked in a breath of cold air—such a design and level of luxury would certainly leave a famous mark in Western history, and according to his knowledge, only one crown perfectly matches it.

"Praised as the European emperor Charles III, he gifted his only wife, Queen Marie‑Dietrich, this wedding commemorative—the Sky‑Eye Blue Sapphire Crown. It is said to have taken three years, masterfully crafted by a master, and only saw the light of day a second before the queen's death."

"She died wearing this treasure."

"Later, when that once‑flourishing dynasty collapsed, the crown that appeared at the dynasty's turning point from prosperity to decline also vanished completely. It is indeed a witness to history."

His gloved fingers trembled as he examined the crown closely; the gems and diamonds set above were the utmost in luxury, while the laurel leaves and roses were exquisitely fine, as if a breeze would make those silver leaves tremble.

Tang Qingqing's face turned deathly pale; just by value she had already lost, and in terms of fame, her glass‑type jadeite bangles—bought by her father at a lucky gamble on the stone market—could not compare to a crown that was a beloved object of a queen and of great historical significance.

Humiliation, disgrace.

Yet when she looked at Ling Yue again, the other gave not even a hint of a glance; she wanted to leave straight away, but held back because of Song Xi, not daring to move a step.

Tang Qingqing shrank her shoulders, timid and embarrassed, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the ground—anything would be better than hearing Manager Zhang's flustered appraisal, every word of which crushed her.

As for Song Xi, he was completely dumbfounded.

Looking at the priceless crown and then at the few‑dollar or even free paper bag, had he just been running half the city with this thing?

Cold sweat poured down; indeed, the broadcaster's skill and boldness were great—if he had this, he'd hate to nest insurance boxes inside insurance boxes, stash them under the bed and never sell!

When old, he'd tremble as he told his grandchildren: "Listen, grandchildren, this is the family heirloom Grandpa left for you!"

If one had to say who was calmest in the room, it was actually Ling Yue.

She had seen enough, didn't want to look further, and was thinking about what came next—everything needed money.

Setting up the new facilities for the stray‑animal base required money, buying the bankrupt zoo needed money, plus constructing a new factory and various other things; to ensure everything was foolproof, Ling Yue thought of auctioning.

The thirty million in her account would last a while, but only a while.

She would rely on this crown to generate income.

But now, hearing Manager Zhang's eager inquiry, Ling Yue hesitated. As the ancients said, a gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall.

She knew the auction's security system had a glitch—how could she just hand it over? At least she needed to fix it first; otherwise, if something went wrong, today she'd send it over and tomorrow hear the news that the auction item had been stolen, which would truly be a laughingstock.

Her hesitation was noticed by Manager Zhang; having reached his position by leaning on a big tree, many bosses had to show him some respect, but his temper was actually not good.

But now he inquired cautiously: "You may raise any concerns, and we will immediately designate this exhibit as the auction's finale piece."

As he spoke, his mind had already turned over a hundred‑and‑eighty marketing tactics; the country's rich, or rather most wealthy people, subconsciously want to use one or two luxury items to boost their taste and refinement.

A few years ago, that famous painter's work sold for five hundred million; this crown, possessing both value and story, deserves to be called an artwork fit for a queen, and is already enough to be moved into a history museum.

Once the deal is settled, he'll immediately have them swap the promotional brochure, replacing the top‑grade imperial‑green jade bangle with this Sky‑Eye Blue Sapphire Crown!

Everything is ready, only the east wind is missing.

Song Xi stared wide‑eyed at this elder of his, that look—was it pitiful?

A chill ran through him; looking again at Ling Yue, she shook her head: "I'm a bit dissatisfied with your company's terms."

Manager Zhang: "I'll reduce the five percent fee to four percent!" That was the most he could offer.

Ling Yue shook her head, half‑laughing, half‑crying: "I think you misunderstood my meaning; because of my profession, I know some things that could very well affect your company's upcoming auction."

In her mind she said, it's not just some impact—it could be a huge loss, possibly even a total rout.

Manager Zhang's breath caught; he looked at her hesitantly: "You mean——"

"I've heard some little folks talking about your company's security system having some minor problems."

Ling Yue paused, then said: "Your company is using the Peace Shield Defense Protection System."

Tang Qingqing, who heard this on the side, pursed her lips and muttered: "What do you mean, just saying a name makes people believe you, and the security system has problems—too pretentious."

The next moment, the General Manager looked at Ling Yue, eyes wide with shock: "How could you know?"

If it were before, he wouldn't have taken Ling Yue's words seriously at all; this time is different—their company is cooperating with the other side's senior leadership, and the Peace Shield Defense Protection System is a new trial.

They heavily promoted this auction: first to promote the company and firmly establish a foothold in Jing Shi; second, for the new defense protection system. While other auction houses fear accidental incidents, they actually look forward to them. Of course, it's best if none occur.

Moreover, Manager Zhang personally saw a demonstration of the system; its functions are powerful, its effects astonishing—whether accidental or human-caused, it provides 100% perfect protection for the artifacts.

However, to achieve a stunning debut, so far only a few people know.

Manager Zhang is the chairman's confidant, and happens to be among those few.

Ling Yue is merely a client consigning auction items—how could she know?

Song Xi lightly coughed, seeing everyone look over, he touched his throat: "Miss Ling said she heard some little guys discussing it; I roughly know what it is."

"Manager Zhang, why don't you come with us for a trip?"

Manager Zhang solemnly agreed; meanwhile, Tang Qingqing finally found a chance to slip away, covering her swollen face from the beating, silently shedding tears in her heart—she must have had her brain caught in a door, wanting to try again after failing to frame someone.

What she didn't know was, this isn't the end yet.

She, relying on her family's wealth, went out and casually kept a pretty boy, and also provoked Ling Yue, whom the Song family treats as an honored guest; the whole incident of her being slapped in the face repeatedly became known to her parents.

The anxious couple apologized on one hand and had her drop out of school on the other, imposing strict discipline at home; they fed her the broken and mangled rules of the marketplace, determined to straighten out this wayward daughter.

How pitiful are parents' hearts everywhere.

Back to the subject.

The employee stared in shock at his direct superior, then, after reacting, immediately lowered his head respectfully: "Is this the glass cup stored by this Miss?"

He immediately took it out, under the superior's gaze, and hurriedly said: "Here, here it is."

Ling Yue picked up the cup and saw that several little bees were already asleep; she tapped the cup wall, and the bees, having eaten their fill, slowly woke up.

"You're back?"

"Sniffle, waking up to sweet honey to eat—this life is great."

"I've never slept so comfortably before; thank you, human!"

Ling Yue curled the corner of her lips and nodded slightly, then began to whisper to them.

Manager Zhang beside her stared in astonishment, then slapped his forehead and suddenly realized: "I remember now—you're the recently popular orca streamer."

He's busy with work and doesn't play much on his phone; his wife and kids at home follow him closely, sometimes making him tear up, sometimes making him rage and curse, to the point he even thought his family had been cursed.

Later he found out they were just watching the livestream.

At the time he merely glanced; that face was more outstanding than any star he'd seen, and he'd always thought it was just a beauty filter—now seeing it, Manager Zhang fell silent.

"The clown is actually me. JPG"

He's no fool; he immediately understood Ling Yue's meaning, his frown deep enough to trap a fly, and said: "You mean those little guys—could they be them?"

"A few bees?"

"Really… I can't make people believe it."

Ling Yue nodded, seeing his doubt; even the netizens in the original livestream only believed after some time, let alone that, to Manager Zhang she is merely a stranger they met for the first time.

"Little Autumn, Little Spring, Little Snow, fly up and let Manager Zhang see."

As soon as the words fell, the few lazy, plump little bees that looked like they couldn't even roll over vibrated their wings and, in the man's incredulous gaze, took flight.

Manager Zhang instinctively retorted: "But that's the new system developed by Everwise Technology—how could it possibly have problems."

Ling Yue smiled faintly and reminded him: "The system might not fail, but what about the people using it?"

Manager Zhang immediately sank his face; still not understanding Ling Yue's meaning, he's probably already been tripped and kicked off his position by someone.

But this matter is indeed important; he broke into a cold sweat in anxiety: "I'll immediately request from the chairman—since the security system has problems, we'll conduct an experiment right away to see if it's really the case."

Speaking, he furtively glanced at Ling Yue.

Song Xi pulled out his phone: "No need for all this trouble; I'll just call Uncle Wang."

Manager Zhang looked at him, momentarily forgetting, wiped his sweat, took the phone, heard the familiar voice on the other end, and kept nodding in agreement.

After hanging up, Manager Zhang's shining eyes almost stuck to Ling Yue as he smiled: "The chairman agreed; I now have the authority to conduct a drill, personally testing whether the system has been sabotaged."

"In a moment it'll get chaotic outside—do you want to go inside first?"

Ling Yue held the glass cup and shook her head; the confidence from her top-tier martial arts made her stay, and Song Xi naturally stayed too, even suggesting: "Manager Zhang, I know some extras brothers—why not have them pose as thugs to test the security system?"

"Their acting is especially good!" On this point, Song Xi dares to guarantee it.

Manager Zhang fell silent—since they didn't even need to look for people, it was convenient; he nodded in agreement, his peripheral vision unconsciously glancing at the quiet Ling Yue.

Privately, he didn't believe Ling Yue's words.

Those in charge of this auction are all veteran staff transferred from headquarters, and the company treats them well—how could there be a traitor?

Several burly extras arrived, changed into bandit outfits, revealing only a pair of eyes; their honest demeanor instantly turned fierce and vicious.

Song Xi grinned and patted the extra with a tiger back and wolf waist, his eyes full of envy, then looked at Manager Zhang and said: "Just wait and see—it'll be completely realistic in a moment."

The extra simplemindedly replied: "Don't worry, I and my brothers have done this dozens of times; we could perform it with our eyes closed—absolutely no mistakes."

Hearing this, Manager Zhang's heart lurched—this bunch of fake bandits looked scarier than real robbers! If he didn't know Song Xi, and instead faced a stranger, he'd surely think he'd been scammed, running into a honey trap.

Manager Zhang's facial muscles twitched as he forced a smile: "I believe, I believe you."

Just then, Ling Yue suddenly spoke: "There's one more thing—that mole mixed in among the guards—"

She said, looking at Manager Zhang: "Do you want to find out?"