Being led by Ho You to one of the more prestigious private auction rooms, the atmosphere that Fan Zhu Xia left in her wake at the main hall of the Thousand Treasures Pavillion was complicated to say the least.
The crowd was divided into people with varying emotions, mainly disbelief, shock, surprise and awe. No one could really doubt the authenticity of the card because the moment Fan Zhu Xia showed it, all the attendants and workers immediately recognized as the Essence Spirit Card and if anyone doubted the card's authenticity, then why would Fan Zhu Xia be able to anger the Spirit Valor Country princess; Ning Yan Mei so much that she spat out blood before fainting in anger.
The last thing on Fan Zhu Xia's mind was what the people's thoughts were, instead, she was filled with excitement and anticipation as Ho You gave her a brief narration on what kind of items will be auctioned today by the Thousand Treasures Pavillion.
Although Ho You didn't tell her the specific items, he did confirm that there should be quite a few rare medicinal herbs that were being shown today and that was more than she could have asked for.
Finally, they arrived at the third floor before stopping in front of a black door which Ho You gently opened with a flourish as he gestured for them to go inside.
Murmuring her thanks, Fan Zhu Xia passed Ho You, stepping inside gracefully and looking around, examining the room.
A sound of appreciation sounded from the back of her throat as Fan Zhu Xia nodded approvingly after examining the room.
"Brother Ho, your Thousand Treasures Pavillion really does live up to its name. Your auction room is exquisite!" Fan Zhu Xia exclaimed happily as she flounced over to the wall that was made out of glass that overlooked the auction stage before giving Ho You a beaming smile.
"It's good that Young Miss likes it." Ho You respectfully replied with a slight smile as he watched Fan Zhu Xia go from the glass wall to inspect the various furnishings in the room.
With a tinkiling laugh, Fan Zhu Xia said, "How could this miss not like it? Everything in this room is of top quality! Really superb."
"Then that is good! If Miss Xia'er would excuse me, Ho You still has to help out with the auction's preparations. If the Young Miss should need anything, there will be a servants just outside the door, feel free to tell them what you need."
"Xia'er understands. Thank you for all your help today Brother Ho." Fan Zhu Xia acknowledged sincerely.
With a respectful bow and a smile goodbye, Ho You then quietly left the room, leaving only Fan Zhu Xia and her two companions; Min Sheng and Chun Hua.
Letting out another appreciative sigh, Fan Zhu Xia glanced around the room before settling in one of the large sofas located right at the front, near the glass wall since it was the perfect place to sit down and watch the auction.
Realizing that only she had taken a seat, Fan Zhu Xia looked behind her and saw Min Sheng and Chun Hua standing respectfully behind her making her surprised.
"Why don't the two of you take a seat? We still have to wait until the auction starts and there's no use for the both of you to be standing when there's a lot of seats available for you to use."
"Please do not worry about us Young Miss. Standing here is better for us so that we can immediately react if something happens." Min Sheng replied seriously.
Sighing, Fan Zhu Xia turned to her new maid, Chun Hua with an expentant look but Chun Hua quickly shook her head with a smile and replied, "We appreciate your concern but that isn't necessary Young Miss, we are not at Lei Palace and as your servants, we should know our place."
"There isn't even anyone here besides us! What are you both so worried about?"
Just as Min Sheng and Chun Hua were about to reply, a soft knocking sounded on the door, drawing all of their attention.
Placing one hand on top of his sword's hilt that was tied around his waist, Min Sheng went to the door and cautiously opened it to reveal a couple of attendants of Thousand Treasures Pavillion carrying several covered trays.
With a slight raise of his brows, Min Sheng coldy eyed the attendants before questioning them.
"What are you doing here? We haven't called for any of you yet."
"To answer this esteemed guest, we were sent over by the branch manager to bring tea and refreshments and to make sure that you had everything you needed before the auction starts."
Without even acknowledging their words, Min Sheng instead looked towards Fan Zhu Xia who just gave a smile and nodded in assent.
"Very well, you may serve them."
"We thank you, my lord."
Without another word, Min Sheng stepped back and opened the door wider and let the attendants in.
With fast and practiced movements, the attendants uncovered the trays to reveal different snacks and delicate pastries which were all emiting a fragrant and delicious smell as they quickly served them, placing them on a small table in front of Fan Zhu Xia that was easily within reach while another quickly set up a a small tray with several delicate porcelain cups and a small built-in stove that had an inscription which was activated as soon as the teapot was placed on top of it.
After everything was served, the attendants didn't dally any longer and quickly excused themselves while telling them that if they needed anything, to just call before leaving the room in an orderly fashion.
Eyeing the spread in front of her, Fan Zhu Xia reached up to remove her veil and hand it over to Chun Hua, exposing her breathtaking features and gorgeous countenance before she stretched out her hand to gently pick up one of the pastries to nibble on it happily while Chun Hua poured her tea and Min Sheng stood behind the sofa she sat in to assume his position again.
Looking out the glass wall, Fan Zhu Xia noticed how the seats at the lower floor were gradually filling up as people were led to their respective rooms and seats in a quiet and orderly fashion.
This made Fan Zhu Xia realize something before she excitedly said, "The auction's about to start!"
Meanwhile, in another room, much larger and more exquisite than the one where Fan Zhu Xia is, Ho You was standing respectfully to one side of an elaborately carved sofa as he waited for the man sitting on it to speak.
"Has everything been taken cared of?"
Without delay, Ho You promptly replied, "Yes Young Master. Everything was done according to your instructions."
"You led her to the best room her card could get?"
"Yes sir."
"How about tea and refreshments I told you?"
"Has already been served."
"How about the guards?"
"I've already notified them to keep watch and make sure no one disturbs them."
"The attendants?"
"They are waiting just outside the room in the hallway just in case they need something."
Finally satisfied, the young man leaned back and placed his arm on top of the armrest before lifting his hand and resting his chin on it as he nodded in approval.
"Good."
Letting out in inaudible sigh in relief, Ho You then asked, "Is there anything else the Young Master would like for me to do?"
Not answering Ho You immediately, the young man had pondering look on his face, before a light glittered from his black obsidian eyes as he thought of something, making his already handsome features all the more appealing and eye-catching, especially when the corner of his reddish lips tilted up to form a small mischievous grin, giving him an air of alluring devillish mystery.
"Hmm...There is one more thing I'd like for you to take care of. Come here."
Coming closer, Ho You leaned down slightly, enough to hear the young man's quiet words of instruction.
As Ho You listened, his eyes widened slightly in surprised before he straightened up and gave an affirmative nod as he carefully took the jade box that the young man materialized from his spatial ring.
"I'll go and take care of it right away."
With a wave of his hand, the young man dismissed Ho You before directing his attention to the auction stage below before letting out a small laugh filled with anticipation before sighing wistfully as he shook his head with a smile on his face.
"Oh how I wish I could see your face when you see the surprise I prepared for you, my little phoenix."