Chapter 22: Auction
Liang Xiaoluo felt her heart pounding in her chest as she stood before the man who seemed more like a devil than a human. Her stubbornness had pushed her to demand the promised five million, even knowing she was playing with fire. Yet, how could she retreat now? That money wasn't just for her; it was her father's lifeline.
A Dangerous Negotiation
Ye Tianlin's grip on her wrist was punishing, his dark eyes piercing into her like icy daggers. "Liang Xiaoluo," he said, his voice dangerously low, "you think you can order me around?"
His tone sent shivers down her spine, but she refused to back down. "I'm not ordering you," she said through gritted teeth. "I'm just reminding you of your promise. You said you'd give me five million. Well, I'm here to collect."
Tianlin's lips curled into a cold smile. "And if I decide to change my mind?"
Her pulse raced. The threat in his words was palpable, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "Then you're nothing more than a liar."
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. His grip loosened slightly, and he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "You're brave," he murmured, "or perhaps just foolish."
A Test of Resolve
Tianlin released her abruptly, stepping back and raking a hand through his hair in frustration. "You want your five million?" he asked, his voice now laced with mockery. "Fine. Let's see if you're willing to earn it."
"What do you mean?" she asked warily.
"Tonight, there's an event," he said, his gaze narrowing. "A private auction. If you truly want that money, you'll accompany me as my date."
Liang Xiaoluo's stomach twisted. "An auction? What kind of auction?"
Tianlin's smirk deepened. "You'll see. It's the kind of place where people pay a lot of money for things—or people—they desire."
Her eyes widened as the implication sank in. "You're not seriously suggesting—"
"Oh, relax," he interrupted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You won't be the one on the auction block. But if you want the five million, you'll play your role perfectly."
She clenched her fists. The idea of being paraded around as his arm candy made her skin crawl, but she had no other options. If this was the price she had to pay to save her father, so be it.
"Fine," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "I'll do it."
Preparing for the Night
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Liang Xiaoluo found herself in a whirlwind of preparations. A stylist arrived at the mansion with racks of designer gowns, a makeup artist worked to enhance her natural beauty, and a hairstylist carefully crafted an elegant updo.
Standing before the mirror, Liang Xiaoluo barely recognized herself. The reflection staring back at her was that of a sophisticated woman, her simple features transformed into something striking. Yet, despite the outward transformation, she felt no different—just a desperate girl trapped in a dangerous game.
"You clean up well," Tianlin remarked as he entered the room. His gaze swept over her, lingering a moment too long. "Let's go."
The Auction
The venue was an opulent estate, its grandeur rivaling that of Tianlin's mansion. Inside, the air buzzed with whispered conversations and clinking glasses as the elite mingled. Liang Xiaoluo felt out of place, like an imposter among the wealthy and powerful.
"Stick close to me," Tianlin instructed, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back as they navigated the crowd.
She nodded, too overwhelmed to argue. Every glance cast their way felt like a spotlight, every whispered word a judgment. She wanted nothing more than to escape, but she reminded herself of why she was there.
The auction began, and the items on display ranged from rare artifacts to luxury experiences. Yet, as the night wore on, the atmosphere shifted. The next lot wasn't a painting or a piece of jewelry—it was a woman.
Liang Xiaoluo's breath caught. The beautiful, poised woman on stage was introduced as a "companion" for the evening, and the bids came fast and high. The crowd's enthusiasm was unsettling, and she realized with a sinking feeling that this was the true nature of the auction.
A Tense Encounter
"Disgusting, isn't it?" Tianlin's voice broke through her thoughts. He was watching her closely, gauging her reaction. "This is the world you've stepped into, Liang Xiaoluo. A place where money buys everything—even people."
She turned to him, her voice barely a whisper. "Why did you bring me here?"
"Consider it a lesson," he said, his tone unreadable. "In this world, survival requires strength. You think five million is a lot? To these people, it's pocket change. But to you, it's everything."
His words stung because they were true. Before she could respond, an announcement drew their attention.
"The final lot of the evening," the auctioneer declared, "is something truly special. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
A hush fell over the room as the curtains parted to reveal a man—a mysterious figure shrouded in shadow. His identity was concealed, but the room buzzed with speculation.
Liang Xiaoluo felt Tianlin tense beside her, his jaw tightening. Whoever this man was, he clearly posed a threat.
"What's going on?" she whispered.
"Nothing you need to worry about," Tianlin replied curtly. But his eyes never left the stage, and she could sense the storm brewing within him.
As the bidding began, Liang Xiaoluo realized she was caught in a web far more intricate—and dangerous—than she could have ever imagined.