"No need, thank you!" Qin Yue said icily. After speaking, she walked straight in with Ye Qian. Throughout the conversation, Wei Chenglong didn't even glance at Ye Qian. Obviously, in his eyes, Ye Qian, even in a suit, was just a lowly security guard who didn't belong in high society. Moreover, he believed that Qin Yue's current association with Ye Qian was just a fleeting interest and that sooner or later she would realize Ye Qian wasn't right for her, whereas he was the best choice.
Ye Qian wasn't a resentful youth, nor did he harbor any hatred for the wealthy. He didn't particularly dislike all the "second-generation" rich and officials' kids either. However, Ye Qian couldn't stand those who were arrogant and bullying due to their parents' status. Since Wei Chenglong looked down on him and didn't want to speak to him, Ye Qian couldn't be bothered to interact superficially with him. He knew what Wei Chenglong was thinking—it was nothing more than jealousy that he was with Qin Yue. Ye Qian didn't have a particularly good opinion of him, but he also didn't think it necessary to confront him.
Upon entering the hotel, the lobby had been temporarily transformed into a venue for a jewelry exhibition and auction. The T-shaped runway was topped with colorful neon lights, and the surrounding area was filled with seats. Clearly, the setup was temporary but not rudimentary.
Ye Qian didn't have much concept of jewelry; he didn't understand why women liked it so much. In his view, jewelry was just a profitable business.
The two found seats and sat down. Ye Qian looked around and saw many people continuously arriving at the hotel, mostly accompanied by women. He smiled slightly—it seemed that Mary had quite a reputation in China; he had been unaware.
"Today you bought me so many clothes, as a return, if you see any jewelry tonight that you like, just tell me," Ye Qian said with a slight smile.
Qin Yue was momentarily startled and looked at Ye Qian incredulously. "Are you joking? Mary is one of the world's top jewelry designers, and each of her pieces starts at least at one hundred thousand yuan. Plus, since it's a charity auction today, the prices might be even higher. Can you afford it?"
Ye Qian smiled lightly and responded, "Don't worry about it. Just let me know which piece you like, and I'll find a way to get it for you."
"Ye Qian, don't mess around. The security is going to be tight today, and even if you managed to steal something, you probably couldn't get it out," Qin Yue said, "Don't worry, I'm just here to look around tonight."
Ye Qian shook his head helplessly. "Where did you get the idea I would steal? Just relax, I have my ways. Just open your mouth when it's time. But don't be too greedy, just pick one thing."
Qin Yue nodded skeptically, not speaking. She didn't take Ye Qian's words very seriously, and moreover, she didn't like wearing expensive jewelry. To her, whether a piece of jewelry was beautiful did not depend on its price, much like those ten-yuan items from street stalls that she sometimes enjoyed.
Ye Qian sensed that Mary's arrival wasn't just a coincidence, wondering what those guys were up to. But since he was here, he might as well enjoy the rare jewelry exhibition. As for those guys, he'd deal with them after tonight.
Before long, the vast hotel lobby was packed. For many men, such exhibitions were more about viewing the models than the jewelry, unless it was for their women. Ye Qian was like that; he used to attend clothing and car shows just to see the sexy models. This top-tier jewelry exhibition probably wouldn't be short on beauties either.
Shortly after, the host took the stage and after a few introductory remarks, announced the start of the jewelry exhibition. All lights dimmed, and spotlights converged on the T-shaped runway. One by one, the sexy models emerged, showing off the jewelry they wore, though to Ye Qian, it seemed they were more about showing off their figures.
Yet, one couldn't deny that the jewelry was indeed dazzling. Some women could hardly conceal their excitement, coyly rubbing their chests against the arms of the men beside them while speaking in a coquettish tone about their favorite pieces. At such times, those men naturally boasted grandly, promising to bid on the pieces for them.
Ye Qian glanced at Qin Yue, hoping to discern from her eyes and expression which piece of jewelry she favored, but he was somewhat disappointed. Qin Yue seemed to show no interest at all in the jewelry, her cool demeanor untouched by excitement or joy.
"Spotted anything you like? I'll get it for you," a casual voice said near Ye Qian. He turned, startled, and saw a young man sucking on a lollipop and engrossed in a game on his laptop.
"Damn, trying to scare me to death?" Ye Qian glared at the youth.
The young man seemed not to hear Ye Qian, continuing his game, but soon a "game over" sound played. He then looked up, took another lick of his lollipop, and turned, asking, "This is your wife?" as his gaze shifted to Qin Yue beside Ye Qian.
"None of your business. When did you get here?" Ye Qian asked quietly.
"Just arrived this morning," the young man replied, then stood up politely and smiled at Qin Yue, saying in not very fluent Chinese, "Hello, big sister-in-law. My name is Jack, I'm Ye Qian's brother."
Qin Yue turned, surprised by the fair-haired, blue-eyed foreigner, but she shook his hand politely, saying, "You're mistaken, I'm just a friend of Ye Qian."
Jack sat back down, chuckling, "Understood, understood." But his teasing smile clearly conveyed his disbelief that they were merely friends. Qin Yue didn't bother to clarify, just looked at Ye Qian with a questioning gaze, clearly wondering how this foreign 'brother' had suddenly appeared.