There was a quiet hum in the air from small conversations that were filled with faux smiles, judging eyes, and competitive behavior. There were rumors that a newly uncovered painting from the medieval era was going to be auctioned here tonight. The painting was done by someone highly complimented by Van Gogh himself. The artist himself never signed his name on any of his paintings, but great art connoisseurs could spot his drawings from a mile away due to his style.

The Nings were making their rounds, champagne glasses in their hands. They mingled with the crowd, exchanging brief talks and ensuring everyone had their little bidding flag.

The banquet hall was a world of yellow and white with a stage in the far center where the items would be auctioned off. The thick and enormous yellow curtains were let down to ensure no one could see inside. It was a shame though, the wisteria outside was in full bloom today. The security here was top of the country, generously given by Madam Liang Yunxi's brother.

Many socialites were gathered around a stunning trio whose blindingly beautiful appearances looked straight out of a magazine's photoshoot. With Xia Mengxi's angelic features, it made Zheng Tianyi seem a lot less fearsome and unapproachable.

Standing next to the gorgeous woman was someone of equal, if not, more beauty than Xia Mengxi herself: Zhao Linhua. She held the flag with both hands tucked in front of her waist.

She was the epitome of grace and innocence, with her large dewy eyes inherited from her mother, an adorable button nose, and small lips resembling freshly watered roses. She had garnered attention ever since she stepped into the room with her modest pastel blue Yves Saint Lauren dress. Currently, she was the source of envy to other socialites.

With her prodigious and world-renowned piano skills, she was constantly mingling with the right crowd. Being the closest friend of Xia Mengxi also helped. Speaking of which, Zhao Linhua received a strange message from Xia Mengxi the other day in regards to some bank transaction. After a brief talk, she understood the Queen had sent out the text to the wrong person.

When the door opened again, every pair of eyes discreetly turned towards it, ready to judge the competitors.

The pieces sold at Ning Annual Auction were always the top of the line items that were highly sought out by everyone. From the jewelry to the rugs, everything here was too valuable to slip out of their hands. People always wondered how well connected the Nings were to come into possession of such items.

Everyone sucked in a breath when Zhao Moyao, dressed in a steel-cut grey three-piece suit, strolled in like he owned the place and everyone here was his servant.

A soft gasp could be heard throughout the room when a woman strolled in after him, and instantly, her attractive features garnered the attention of people. Every woman here was in a dress of some sort to enhance their features, but here she was, in white trousers tailored perfectly for her long legs. She paired it with a navy blue silk top and a dangling earring that had a single teardrop pearl.

Zhao Linhua's eyes widened upon seeing her elder sister who has been ignoring all of her mother's phone calls. She watched as Zhao Lifei walked in proudly, like an untouchable goddess, and perhaps she truly was, because there were at least twenty bodyguards that trailed in after her, all on high-alert.

Sporting matching black-suits, equally burly and muscular bodies, the guards looked like something that walked out of a cliche movie about a spoiled and self-centered heiress. 'Which is exactly what she is,' Zhao Linhua bitterly thought to herself. What kind of daughter would choose to ignore their mother's dire phone calls? Especially when their father has been missing for weeks now!

Zhao Linhua attempted to contact Zhao Moyao in hopes that he had news on the whereabouts of his son, but as usual, he sent his assistants to let her know that she was to never step foot in his house. She despised him with a burning passion. All she did was cry once in her childhood and because of her silly tears, he did not like her.

Children cry all the time!

'Zhao Lifei was a crybaby in her childhood too! Why was she accepted and I wasn't?!' Zhao Linhua screamed inside her head, her fingers tightly grasping the thin glass stem of her champagne cup.

"It's so good to see you again, Mr. Zhao.

" Ning Yijun warmly greeted the elderly man with a welcoming smile on his gracefully-aged face. His pepper and salt hair was neatly combed back with the help of a little gel.

'Wish I can say the same.' Zhao Moyao muttered inside of his head. Instead, he amicably replied with a brief,

"Likewise.

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He was not a big fan of events like these, especially when they were held on Monday nights when people like him had to work the next day. Then again, he could always stay home and finally take a day off, but he preferred to do things that would keep him occupied. When he was alone for too long, he would think too much of the painful past.

Madam Liang Yunxi's eyes lit up at the presence of Zhao Lifei who was quietly observing everything around her. A smile graced her lips but slipped a bit when she saw the number of bodyguards around the young woman. There were ten people on each side of her, and when Liang Yunxi was close enough to Zhao Lifei, their interactions would be hidden from the public's prying eyes.

"It's such a pleasure that you've also come to this auction.

" She pulled Zhao Lifei closer for a quick hug.

Zhao Lifei nodded her head.

"Yes, thank you for extending the invitation out to me.

" She leaned in closer and whispered,

"Yang Ruqin is currently very single. I'm ready for the blind date as soon as William is ready.

"

Liang Yunxi's smile deepened drastically,

"If you give me your business card, I can have it settled very quickly.

"

She was originally unhappy that Zhao Lifei had not contacted her ever since Yang Mujian's banquet but seeing as Zhao Lifei was so eager to bring up the topic, Liang Yunxi's perspective of her improved a bit.

Zhao Lifei took out a business card from her pants pocket and handed it to Liang Yunxi. She had a discreet smile on her face.

"Yang Ruqin will be in the city for a while now, so virtually, any time works for her.

"

Liang Yunxi gave a small nod of her head.

"I will get in contact as soon as possible.

"

Zhao Moyao saw the entire exchange, his face brightening up in amusement. This granddaughter of his was really petty… Something she inherited from him and he could not be more proud of it.

"If I remember correctly, Miss Zhao, you're currently the CEO of the rising investment firm, Feili.

" Ning Yijun was quick to jump boats and direct his attention to Zhao Lifei. He would much rather prefer if his son, William Ning, was introduced to her, instead of Yang Ruqin. With Yang Feng roaming so close to her, ready to destroy any man that looks at her for longer than a second, Ning Yijun knew that would be a gamble too dangerous to even fathom.

Zhao Lifei gently nodded her head. 'Huh, in the end, it seems I do not need a debuting banquet… Not that I mind, I didn't want to go through the hassle anyway.' She glanced at her grandfather whose stern stares were making her think otherwise.

Ning Yijun pulled out his business card.

"The construction for my new project has finally finished and the red-ribbon ceremony is beginning soon. However, one of our agreements with another company fell through and we are short on investments. If you'd like to discuss in private, please contact me.

" He handed it to her with a pleasant smile on his face.

Zhao Lifei found his words a bit suspicious. Nonetheless, she took the card with a gracious smile.

"I will get back to you very soon.

" She planned on having Huo Qiudong investigate why the agreements fell through before signing anything with him. Though, she did recall Ning Trading Inc. always had a very good reputation and had never done any shady deals. But it was always better to be safe than sorry.