Chapter 34: First Marriage, Then Love, and a Side of Villain-Bashing 12
The auctioneer said, “400,000, twice!”
Shen Zhiqian reacted and bid again.
Behind him, Gu Youchen almost immediately raised his bid after him.
Shen Zhiqian didn’t know why he was competing with Gu Youchen, or rather, he wanted to see if Gu Youchen would spend a lot of money on something not worth it for Ning Qingqing.
If not, could Ning Qingqing see Gu Youchen’s true feelings?
Soon, everyone present saw this tug-of-war.
A jade vase valued at around 300,000 was continuously bid up.
Guests had three cards, representing one thousand, ten thousand, and one hundred thousand.
Later, both directly used the hundred-thousand cards.
Seeing the price exceed two million, Ning Qingqing pulled Gu Youchen, “No need.”
Gu Youchen turned to look at her, “It’s rare that you like something.”
Ning Qingqing had genuinely liked it, but for some reason, she no longer felt interested in the vase.
She said, “I don’t like it anymore.”
Gu Youchen saw she was serious and nodded, “Okay, I won’t bid anymore, but—”
He said, and raised his card again.
Shen Zhiqian was already desperate.
Was Gu Youchen truly fond of Ning Qingqing, or was he just competing with him? After all, over two million wasn’t much for Gu Youchen.
Shen Zhiqian bid again.
He pinched his brow, unable to hide the powerlessness in his heart.
But at that moment, the auctioneer said, “2.5 million, once!”
Shen Zhiqian frowned slightly.
He realized that Gu Youchen hadn’t bid like before.
So Gu Youchen had given up? Heh, his persistence was nothing!
The auctioneer said again, “2.5 million, twice!”
Silence fell, and clearly, no one else was competing.
The auctioneer called out for the final time, “2.5 million, thrice!”
He dropped the gavel, “Congratulations to the gentleman at table 7!”
Shen Zhiqian’s expression froze. He realized—
Gu Youchen had done it on purpose. They had been competing, but he had suddenly stopped here to give him a 2.5 million gift!
But it was done.
Beside him, Shen Yeyuan turned to his son, “You didn’t need to compete with Gu Youchen.”
Shen Zhiqian suppressed his emotions, “I lost my composure.”
Shen Yeyuan said, “You’ve been acting strange lately. I heard Ning Qingqing quit her job and broke up with you?”
Shen Zhiqian didn’t answer.
Shen Yeyuan’s tone was slightly reproachful, “I told you before that dating is fine, but don’t let it affect your judgment and mood. Zhiqian, I thought you were doing well.”
Shen Zhiqian’s assistant had already gone backstage to complete the procedures, and the vase was delivered to Shen Zhiqian.
He held the vase, the veins on his hand bulging, “Dad, I really like her.”
Shen Yeyuan sighed, “I hope you find a wife who’s a good match for you, after all, you know what your mother is like.”
Shen Zhiqian lowered his head and caressed the vase, “Qingqing is different. When she was with me, she liked me, not my family background.”
“Some women hide their true selves well,” Shen Yeyuan thought of Xue Wenlan, his eyes filled with disgust, “By the time you find out, you might regret it.”
“Dad, I told you she’s not like that!” Shen Zhiqian argued in a low voice.
“I’ll stick to my opinion,” Shen Yeyuan said, changing the subject, “But if you insist, you can marry her. Ultimately, your life is your responsibility. My only requirement for you is to manage Shen Corporation well. You must protect the empire built by generations of our ancestors!”
Shen Zhiqian turned his eyes, his eyes lighting up, “Dad, you agree?”
Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Shen Yeyuan said calmly, “Look at yourself. I just don’t want you to continue like this. If you insist, why not give you a chance to learn from your mistakes?”
Shen Zhiqian carefully placed the vase in its box. His gaze remained fixed on it, “I’ll prove to you that she’s different from my mother.”
Having said that, he carefully put away the box.
Whether Gu Youchen had intentionally tricked him was irrelevant; he just wanted to give Ning Qingqing the vase she liked.
For the next few items, the competition was fierce, but almost all were within a reasonable price range.
Ning Ruoyun wasn’t here for those items; she had her eyes on the final item, a calligraphy piece.
She never hesitated to spend money; in her dictionary, spending money leads to making money.
So when she learned that Gu Heng and Li Lan liked calligraphy, Ning Ruoyun decided to get it no matter the cost!
Finally, the last item appeared. After the auctioneer introduced the masterpiece, he said, “Starting price, 8 million.”
This starting price immediately deterred most of the guests present.
Of course, there were many who came for this painting. A smaller piece by the same artist had been auctioned before, and the final price was 12 million.
So for this one, 15 million should be reasonable.
At first, Ning Ruoyun didn’t participate in the bidding. She sat quietly, her gaze unwavering.
Soon, the price reached 11 million, and only two or three people were left bidding.
At 13 million, two people remained.
Then, Shen Yeyuan raised his card, adding 500,000.
Many people present noticed that Shen Yeyuan hadn’t participated before, so he clearly came for this painting.
After a few more bids, the remaining two competitors realized they couldn’t compete and gave up.
Shen Yeyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. He bought the painting to give to his father.
His father’s 70th birthday was in three months. He didn’t lack anything, but this painting appealed to him, so he decided to use it as a gift.
But just as the auctioneer announced “13.8 million, once,” Ning Ruoyun behind him wrote a number on her card—
15 million.
Ning Ruoyun never liked wasting time, especially in this back-and-forth bidding; she felt it was a waste of life.
She added over a million in one go to show her determination.
This made Shen Yeyuan wonder if anyone else was competing with him?
He hadn’t turned his head, but now he couldn’t help but look.
He first saw Ning Qingqing and Gu Youchen.
Why were they sitting together?
Shen Yeyuan almost forgot about bidding.
Then he saw the woman next to Ning Qingqing.
Ning Ruoyun. Shen Yeyuan had met her in Haicheng before, exchanged business cards, and had dinner at someone else’s gathering, but they weren’t close.
But two months ago, Shen Corporation received news that Ningchuang Capital was planning to move to the imperial city.
Shen Yeyuan had verified this; Ningchuang had indeed moved, and he planned to find Ning Ruoyun’s contact information to invite her to dinner.
After all, in the business world, more friends mean more opportunities.
Especially someone like Ning Ruoyun, who was both powerful and capable, almost synonymous with a Midas touch in the southern financial world in recent years!
Just then, Shen Yeyuan saw Ning Ruoyun looking at him.
So, he nodded slightly to her and smiled.
Shen Yeyuan gave up on bidding.
He would find another gift for his father’s birthday.
And there was no need to create animosity with someone who had just arrived.
Thus, the fierce competition everyone expected ended with Ning Ruoyun’s single bid.
The painting, after the procedures were completed, was handed to her.
Although the auction was over, there was a reception afterward. Many people present had business dealings, so most of them stayed to drink and chat.
Someone recognized Gu Youchen and came over. Seeing Ning Ruoyun, they became enthusiastic.
Ning Qingqing stood among them, feeling the allure of this money-driven world.
Then a familiar voice came—
Shen Yeyuan and Shen Zhiqian came over, and Shen Yeyuan spoke to Ning Ruoyun first, “Ms. Ning.”
Ning Ruoyun turned her head, smiling at Shen Yeyuan, “Thank you, Mr. Shen, for letting me have the painting!”
Shen Yeyuan smiled, “Ms. Ning, I haven’t been a good host! I’ve been wanting to visit Ms. Ning, but I didn’t expect to meet you first!”
Ning Ruoyun knew Shen Yeyuan was Shen Zhiqian’s father, but she always kept business and personal matters separate. Regardless of her daughter’s relationship with Shen Zhiqian, Ningchuang wouldn’t rule out cooperation with Shen Corporation if there was a need.
So she shook hands with him, “I’m here for personal matters. My people have already moved to the company, and I still have some finishing touches to do. I plan to officially move here next month!”
Shen Yeyuan nodded, “Then we’ll visit Ms. Ning after you officially move here!”
Having said that, he turned to Shen Zhiqian.
Shen Zhiqian’s gaze remained on Ning Qingqing, but Gu Youchen deliberately blocked his view, so he could only see Ning Qingqing’s hem.
“Zhiqian—” Shen Yeyuan frowned slightly, emphasizing his tone.
Shen Zhiqian could only withdraw his gaze, quickly getting into character and extending his hand to Ning Ruoyun, “Ms. Ning, hello, I’m Shen Zhiqian.”
Shen Yeyuan smiled, “My son’s grown up. Most of the company’s affairs are handled by him. He’ll inevitably cooperate with Ms. Ning in the future. I hope Ms. Ning will give him some guidance!”
Ning Ruoyun smiled, “Mr. Shen is too modest. Your son looks outstanding and is a capable manager!”
She changed the subject, “It’s my daughter who has learned a lot from you both at Shen Corporation these past two years and is finally willing to come back to help me!”
Hearing this, Shen Zhiqian and Shen Yeyuan were both stunned.
Ning Ruoyun turned to Ning Qingqing behind her, “Qingqing, come and meet the Shens!”
Ning Qingqing stepped forward.
Shen Zhiqian and Shen Yeyuan still had polite smiles on their faces, but a tsunami of shock surged in their eyes!
Ning Ruoyun smiled, “This is my daughter, Ning Qingqing. I sent her to the imperial city for school, and after graduating, she refused to return south. This child has been at Shen Corporation for two years. You haven’t been troubled by her, have you?”
Shen Zhiqian didn’t speak. He heard the wind whistling in his ears.
He felt like he was in an icy wasteland, and all the sounds and images seemed to be distant.
His pupils reflected Ning Qingqing and Ning Ruoyun, as well as the sparkling lights in the hall, but his eyes were filled with desolation.
He found it absurd, even like a bizarre dream.
Certain scenes flashed before his eyes—
A girl fresh out of college, carrying a backpack, walking beside him, saying, “Zhiqian, my mom is coming to the imperial city tomorrow; let’s have dinner together!”
Upon hearing the word “mom,” Shen Zhiqian subconsciously felt a bit of aversion.
He even imagined Ning Qingqing’s mother turning into Xue Wenlan.
So he said, “My grandpa hasn’t been feeling well these past few days; we have to go see him, I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it.”
Ning Qingqing nodded, “It’s fine, next time.”
Then the next time, Ning Qingqing asked him, “Zhiqian, do you want to go to Qingtang Town? My grandma’s pastries are delicious, and my mother will be there these days.”
Shen Zhiqian responded, “En, I’ll see if I have anything at the company.”
But when the time came, he apologized to Ning Qingqing, “Qingqing, I can’t go with you. My dad suddenly sent me on a business trip. I just joined the company, and the board of directors isn’t convinced; I have to achieve something.”
Ning Qingqing could only respond, “Okay, I’ll go for a few days. If you’re free, come find me.”
Then, a year later, Ning Qingqing mentioned again, “Zhiqian, my mom wants to meet you. Shall we have dinner together?”
Shen Zhiqian couldn’t remember the excuses he used.
He never went.
Only when he saw Ning Qingqing with Gu Youchen and heard Ning Qingqing say she was married did Shen Zhiqian think, is it still possible to meet Ning Qingqing’s mother?
Reality didn’t give him an answer but made him feel indescribable regret and despair!
What if…what if he had just visited her once all these years?
His heart trembled, inexplicably.
Beside him, Shen Yeyuan, after a moment of shock, quickly reacted and smiled, “So Qingqing is Ms. Ning’s daughter? She never mentioned it. This child is always serious about her work and never used her connections!”
Then, he smiled at Ning Qingqing, “Qingqing, when you’re free, come to uncle’s house with Ms. Ning. My daughter is a few years younger than you, but you’re about the same age, and girls will have things to talk about!”
He didn’t know if his son still had a chance with Ning Qingqing, so Shen Yeyuan didn’t mention Shen Zhiqian.
Ning Qingqing smiled, as if nothing had happened between them in the past two years, as if Shen Yeyuan had never given her a cold shoulder, as if they had never looked down on her family background.
She simply responded calmly, “En, I will definitely visit with my mother when I have the chance! Thank you, Mr. Shen, for your care over the past two years!”
Shen Yeyuan nodded. Although he was still shocked, he quickly shifted the conversation to Ning Ruoyun, “Ms. Ning, how many days will you be here this time?”
Ning Ruoyun said, “Two days, I’m having dinner with my in-laws tomorrow.”
Having said that, she turned to Gu Youchen, her tone amiable, “I haven’t formally introduced you to Mr. Shen. This is my son-in-law, Youchen. Mr. Shen should know him?”
Shen Yeyuan’s pupils constricted!
“Son-in-law?” He couldn’t help but repeat, this time he couldn’t control the shock on his face.
He looked at Gu Youchen, “Youchen, you’re married to Qingqing?”
After asking, he felt absurd.
Just a week ago, he had seen Ning Qingqing at Shen Corporation; she was still his son’s girlfriend.
He knew how much his son liked Ning Qingqing. Over the years, many people had hinted at him to introduce girlfriends to Shen Zhiqian.
But no matter what methods were used, he refused after understanding the situation.
Shen Yeyuan thought, young couples quarreling, cooling off, and breaking up was normal; they’d get back together soon.
He never thought Ning Qingqing would really leave Shen Zhiqian.
He also never thought Ning Qingqing might come from a wealthy family and could easily marry Shen Zhiqian!
Just now, when Ning Ruoyun introduced her daughter, Shen Yeyuan was shocked but also happy.
His son liked this girl so much, and her family was also a good match, so he naturally welcomed their relationship!
But his happiness was shattered within minutes!
Ning Qingqing and Gu Youchen were married, married, not dating.
And since Ning Ruoyun had approved, it wouldn’t be easy to separate them!
Gu Heng and his wife liked calligraphy; Li Lan was an oil painter. It was clear who Ning Ruoyun had bought the calligraphy for.
Shen Yeyuan found his fake smile faltering.
He began to empathize with Shen Zhiqian.
Ning Ruoyun clearly didn’t care about their feelings. She nodded, “Yes, Little Gu and Qingqing have gotten their marriage license. The time was a bit rushed, and we haven’t prepared anything. So we’ll sit down together tomorrow to discuss the wedding details.”
Hearing this, Shen Yeyuan knew it was over.
There were many suitable girls, but his son only liked this one. But she was already married, and to the Gu family.
They were also a good match for the Gu family and wouldn’t easily break up!
A marriage of convenience was often the most reliable!
So even though he felt sorry for Shen Zhiqian, Shen Yeyuan quickly changed his approach and smiled, “When you set the wedding date, Ms. Ning, you must send us an invitation!”
Ning Ruoyun nodded, “Then I’ll have to shamelessly accept Mr. Shen’s red envelope!”
They seemed to be chatting happily.
Shen Zhiqian listened to their conversation and slowly turned to Ning Qingqing, “Qingqing, you’re planning the wedding?”
Ning Qingqing nodded.
Gu Youchen said calmly, “Mr. Shen seems very eager to attend my wedding with Qingqing. Don’t worry, I will send Mr. Shen an invitation as soon as we set the date and time!”
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