By the time Han Yue's music director got back to her, his voice was practically bursting with excitement.
"Ms. Han, I've searched every major music database globally. This song doesn't exist anywhere."
He paused, as though trying to contain his awe, then added, "This has to be an original composition that hasn't been released yet."
Even the typically critical music director couldn't resist praising it.
"Whoever wrote this is brilliant. If it were released, it would absolutely dominate the charts! And the singer? His voice is raw, emotional, and uniquely identifiable. If he's not signed to a label, we must sign him immediately!"
Han Yue leaned back in her seat, her thoughts spinning. Feng Xian, you truly are a mystery. How many more surprises do you have hidden up your sleeve?
Still caught up in the moment, Han Yue turned to Feng Xian as he returned to the table amidst thunderous applause.
"You can compose songs?" she asked, her eyes wide with admiration.
Feng Xian casually picked up his fork, his tone deliberately nonchalant. "What, that? Nah, I was just improvising."
But Han Yue wasn't fooled. She had already confirmed the song's originality. Her admiration for him only deepened as she misinterpreted his humility.
"I want to buy the copyright to this song," she pressed, her tone eager. "Name your price!"
Feng Xian smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Do I look like someone who's strapped for cash?"
Before Han Yue could argue, he leaned back leisurely and added, "Besides, that song's the theme for our company's new movie. How could I sell it?"
Her heart sank as realization hit her: Feng Group's resources, combined with such a powerful theme song, would make her own company's movie struggle in comparison.
As Han Yue mulled over her predicament, Feng Xian's phone buzzed with a new message. He glanced at the screen.
Gu Nanyuan: "Are you coming to the Sunny Coast Auction tonight?"
The Sunny Coast was a critical piece of land, central to a lucrative reclamation project. Winning the bid would bring immense profit through real estate development.
Feng Xian typed back a quick response: "Sure, I'll join you."
Meanwhile, across the table, Han Yue fumed quietly. How could he be so distracted in her presence? It was almost insulting.
"Hey!" she snapped, waving a hand in front of his face. "Can you at least pretend to focus when you're dining with me?"
Feng Xian looked up, raising an eyebrow. "What's left to talk about? You won't agree to let me buy shares in your company, so we're done here. I'm leaving."
He stood and began to walk away, but Han Yue grabbed his arm in desperation.
"Fine! I'll agree to your terms!"
A triumphant smirk spread across Feng Xian's face, though he kept it subtle. "Great. We'll finalize the contract tomorrow. I'll invest three million for a ten percent stake."
Han Yue started to protest that the offer seemed low, but before she could speak, Feng Xian waved dismissively and strolled out of the restaurant.
---
Later That Evening: The Auction
By 7:30 PM, luxury cars lined the streets outside the auction venue. The air buzzed with anticipation as high-profile businesspeople, draped in designer suits, mingled on the red carpet. Tonight's centerpiece was the Sunny Coast—a development opportunity everyone coveted.
A sleek, dark purple Cullinan pulled up, and Gu Nanyuan stepped out with effortless grace. Her tailored champagne suit skirt hugged her slender frame, her ink-black hair swept into an elegant bun. She exuded an aura of poise and command.
The murmurs began almost immediately.
"Who is she?" one young man whispered, captivated.
"That's Gu Nanyuan, the CEO of Nanyuan Group," an older gentleman explained. "She's sharp, savvy, and utterly untouchable. She's had countless admirers, but no one's ever won her over."
Among the crowd stood Chen Xiong, the privileged son of a real estate mogul. Muscular, with a decent enough face, Chen exuded the cocky confidence of someone used to getting what he wanted.
As Gu Nanyuan walked past, his eyes lit up, and he stepped forward with a wide grin.
"Ms. Gu, it's a pleasure to meet you. Would you allow me the honor of sitting with you tonight?" He extended his hand toward her with exaggerated politeness.
Gu Nanyuan didn't even blink. With a roll of her eyes, she sidestepped him entirely and walked toward the venue entrance.
Chen Xiong, unperturbed, chuckled to himself. "What a fiery woman. I like that!"
Inside, Gu Nanyuan found her seat in the front row. But Chen Xiong, persistent as ever, followed her and shamelessly plopped down beside her.
"Ms. Gu," he said smoothly, leaning in, "I noticed you didn't bring a date. Perhaps this is fate's way of giving us a chance to get to know each other?"
Without even sparing him a glance, Gu Nanyuan sighed and muttered, "Unbelievable."
As she prepared herself for what promised to be a long evening, she couldn't shake Li Li's earlier warning:
"That Feng Xian is dangerous. Be careful tonight. I overheard something... he might try to trap you at the auction."
Her sharp eyes scanned the room. Whatever Feng Xian's game was, she'd be ready.
###
The venue was already bustling when Feng Xian arrived, filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. Navigating through the crowd, his eyes quickly found Gu Nanyuan seated elegantly, her aloof demeanor making her stand out.
"I'm here," Feng greeted casually as he approached her.
To his surprise, Gu Nanyuan, known for her icy exterior, stood up, smiled sweetly, and looped her arm around his. Her tone turned unexpectedly playful.
"I've been waiting for you forever," she cooed, lightly tapping his chest.
Feng froze, eyes wide with disbelief. He was about to ask what had gotten into her when he felt a sharp pinch on his arm. Gu Nanyuan's warning glare left no room for misunderstanding. Before he could respond, she turned her cold gaze to Chen Xiong, who had been hovering nearby.
"Who says I don't have a male partner? Here he is! Now, get lost," she declared, her tone dripping with disdain.
Chen Xiong's eyes narrowed as he sized up Feng Xian, recognition flashing across his face.
"Ah, Feng Xian of the infamous Feng Group," he sneered. "And here I thought the Gu family had standards. You'll regret this decision."
Feng's expression darkened, his voice cutting. "Do yourself a favor and walk away before you embarrass yourself."
The sharpness in Feng's tone made Chen Xiong hesitate. Though his pride flared, he backed off reluctantly, taking a seat nearby but throwing venomous glares in their direction.
At precisely eight o'clock, the host took the stage to announce the start of the auction. While the proceedings began, neither Feng Xian nor Gu Nanyuan paid much attention to the initial items. Instead, they leaned in close, their hushed conversation drawing a few curious glances.
Gu Nanyuan finally broke the surface of her thoughts, lowering her voice.
"What's the deal with you and Han Yue?" she asked, feigning nonchalance but clearly fishing for answers.
Feng smirked, his tone deliberately teasing.
"The relationship you think it is."
Her chest tightened, a strange mixture of sourness and bitterness bubbling up. Though she didn't recognize it as jealousy, her annoyance was palpable.
"Since you're so close to her, why do you keep acting this way with me? You're such a scumbag!" she snapped.
Feng chuckled, thoroughly enjoying her reaction.
"I'm not a scumbag; I just want to give every girl a place to call home."
The shameless remark earned him a sharp pinch.
"Disgusting!" she hissed.
Grabbing her hand to stop her assault, Feng grinned.
"Relax. Han Yue and I are working on a new film together. That's all you saw that day—an audition."
"Really?" Her suspicion lingered, but there was a flicker of relief in her eyes.
"If you don't believe me, ask her yourself," Feng replied confidently. His composed demeanor calmed her doubts.
A mischievous glint returned to his eyes.
"And for the record, Han Yue isn't even my type."
"Oh?" Gu Nanyuan's curiosity was piqued. "Then what is your type?"
Leaning closer, Feng's voice dipped into a teasing whisper.
"Someone who looks suspiciously like you."
Caught off guard, Gu Nanyuan's cheeks flushed. She turned to him, flustered, but their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the lively chatter of the room seemed to fade away. Her heart skipped a beat as emotions she couldn't quite name swirled within her.
Chen Xiong, who had been watching, clenched his fists in frustration. How could Feng Xian, a notorious playboy, steal the attention of someone like Gu Nanyuan? His jealousy simmered dangerously.
Next to him, Shen Real Estate's representative noticed Chen's growing agitation and leaned in with a sly suggestion.
"Mr. Chen, Gu Nanyuan is clearly here for the Sunny Coast project. Win it, and you'll show her who's truly worth her attention."
Chen Xiong's eyes lit up with renewed determination.
Meanwhile, Gu Nanyuan lowered her voice, guilt creeping into her tone.
"Feng, I'm sorry. Chen Xiong isn't the type to let things go easily. You've made yourself a target."
Feng Xian waved off her concern with a confident smirk.
"Chen Xiong? Please. He's just a clown. I could crush him without breaking a sweat."
"Don't underestimate him," she warned. "The Chen family is just as powerful as yours."
Their conversation was interrupted as the auction reached its main event: the bidding for the development rights to Sunny Coast.
"The starting bid is 2 million!" announced the host.
Gu Nanyuan wasted no time, raising her paddle.
"Three million!"
The bids climbed rapidly.
"Four million!"
"Four and a half!" shouted Shen's representative.
Gu Nanyuan raised her paddle again, her voice steady.
"Four point eight."
"Five million!" she countered moments later, pushing her limit.
Beside her, Shen's representative nudged Chen Xiong, who eagerly jumped in.
"Five point two million!"
Gu Nanyuan froze. Her budget had reached its breaking point. She clutched her paddle, torn between backing down and taking a reckless gamble.
Seeing her hesitation, Feng Xian seized the moment. He calmly raised his paddle, his voice ringing clear.
"Eight million."
Gasps rippled through the room.
"Eight million? Is he insane?"
"The Feng Group must be swimming in cash!"
The host, stunned but professional, began the countdown.
"Three, two, one... Sold! The Sunny Coast rights go to the Feng Group for eight million!"
Thunderous applause erupted as all eyes turned to Feng Xian. Some were impressed, others envious. Chen Xiong, however, was humiliated. His face darkened, his anger barely contained.
Feng approached him with a triumphant smirk.
"Sorry, Chen. You might be a second-generation heir, but I'm the chairman of the Feng Group."
Without waiting for a response, Feng took Gu Nanyuan's hand and led her out of the venue. Shen's representative, unwilling to admit defeat, leaned toward Chen with a final jab.
"If you let Feng Xian walk out of here unchallenged, you'll never win Gu Nanyuan back."