Marriage First, Love Later: The Soft and Obedient Little Wife of Mr. Lu - Chapter 67 The Battle for the Auction

Chapter 67 The Battle for the Auction

Every year, Haishi hosts a grand Sea Party that has become one of the most anticipated events.

The event attracts political and business elites from across the country, providing opportunities for networking and investment. The organizers spare no effort in creating engaging experiences for all attendees.

Lu Zhijin received an invitation this year. Though not particularly interested, he swallowed his refusal when he saw Song Shimu’s expectant gaze.

The two-day event took place on a massive luxury cruise ship with two entrances: a VIP Channel for distinguished guests and a general admission line.

Tickets were released one month in advance, with demand rivaling that of celebrity concerts. Many sought to broaden their horizons, flaunt their social status, or even change their fortunes.

Two years prior, a minor internet celebrity had caught a tycoon’s eye at the party and became a wealthy socialite.

The ship departed at dusk. The general admission line stretched like a winding mountain path.

Guests wore elaborate makeup and carefully selected formal attire, waiting excitedly in the cool summer evening breeze.

Their driver pulled up at a discreet entrance, far more spacious than the main gate. Only occasional guests arrived here – invariably portly middle-aged men with tall, beautiful women on their arms.

When Lu Zhijin helped Song Shimu out of the car, the event coordinator immediately rushed over, unlike his treatment of other guests.

“Young Master Lu, Madame Lu, welcome! Please come this way.”

The eight-story luxury ship was enormous, with red carpets lining the passages and each floor serving different purposes.

With departure scheduled for 8 PM, Lu Zhijin first took Song Shimu to their top-floor suite.

The VIP suites occupied the highest level, accessible only with special key cards. The hallway featured soft black-and-gold carpets, European masterpieces on the walls, and dedicated security guards.

Their spacious room came fully equipped, with thoughtful touches like romantic rose bouquets.

At 8 PM, a horn sounded as the ship slowly sailed seaward. The largest area on the first floor served as the main event space, where a popular host kicked off the festivities.

Amid cheerful background music, the event officially began. Young men and women moved through the brightly lit golden exhibition hall, cheering under the host’s direction.

“Aren’t we going downstairs?”

Song Shimu looked puzzled as Lu Zhijin led her to the seventh floor.

“We’re heading to the Auction first.”

Though somewhat harsh, reality reflected the ship’s social hierarchy – a microcosm of society. Floors five and above were inaccessible to ordinary guests.

The eighth floor housed only distinguished guests, while common attendees enjoyed basic entertainment on the first floor. Many didn’t even know about the Auction, let alone gain access to this level.

Staff escorted them to front-row seats near a table occupied by familiar faces.

“What a coincidence, Young Master Lu, Professor Song.”

Lin Xun curved the corner of his mouth, giving them a slight nod, his eyes still holding an unruly expression.

Lu Zhijin’s expression shifted slightly as he pulled Song Shimu closer to his side. He had good reason to suspect this guy had shown up here on purpose!

The auction began.

The first few items were relatively basic artifacts, followed by the auctioneer’s mysterious introduction of a ruby necklace!

Under the spotlight, the large gemstone emitted a mysterious glow, surrounded by jewels of various shapes and colors. This was an accessory once worn by European nobility in the last century.

The moment it was revealed, the entire venue erupted, everyone’s eyes gleaming with obvious desire.

Even Song Shimu had to admit that the necklace was truly beautiful.

“Do you like it?”

Lu Zhijin turned his head gently, gazing at the woman’s sparkling eyes.

Song Shimu hurriedly shook her head. While she did like it, there was no need to spend money on it—it was clearly expensive.

The ruby necklace started at five million, more than the total of all previously auctioned items combined.

Lu Zhijin leaned back in his chair, lazily raising his bidding paddle and directly raising the price to ten million!

The crowd gasped—truly, Young Master Lu!

“Are you crazy!”

Song Shimu whispered her reproach, gripping Lu Zhijin’s hand under the table. Ten million! Think of all the better ways to spend that money!

“Twelve million.”

A languid voice rang out, once again capturing everyone’s attention. Lu Zhijin turned with a stony face to see Lin Xun looking perfectly at ease, a smile playing on his lips.

“Fifteen million.”

“Sixteen million.”

“Eighteen million.”

…

The price continued to climb. Everyone watched the head-to-head competition with bated breath, the atmosphere tense and confrontational.

“Twenty-five million.”

Lin Xun’s eyes held a clear challenge as he looked leisurely at Lu Zhijin.

Just as Lu Zhijin was about to raise his paddle again, Song Shimu tightly pressed his hand down, whispering urgently.

“Stop bidding!”

“Indeed, stop bidding.”

Lin Xun looked at the other man, his tone amused. “After all, if I win this necklace, I’ll be giving it to Teacher Song.”

Lu Zhijin’s expression instantly turned icy, as if he had transformed into a sharp sword, his gaze fixed fiercely on the other man. His voice was low and sinister, yet audible to all.

“In Haishi, whatever Lu Zhijin wants, he gets.”

Lu Zhijin raised his bidding paddle, his eyes unwavering as he stared at Lin Xun, and slowly spoke.

“Thirty million.”

The auctioneer was quick-witted; who wouldn’t understand Lu Zhijin’s warning? He rapidly began the count, his speech so fast it was hard to follow.

“Thirty million once, thirty million twice, thirty million three times!”

With a “clang,” the gavel fell, signaling a successful bid.

“Congratulations to Young Master Lu for winning this gemstone necklace with a bid of thirty million!”

Lin Xun’s face was extremely unpleasant, pale with anger. His eyes glared darkly at Lu Zhijin, the veins on his hand gripping the table edge bulging as he suppressed his fury.

Lu Zhijin raised an eyebrow slightly at him, full of provocation, then took Song Shimu’s hand and left.

“Why did you spend so much money!”

Once outside, Song Shimu was hopping with anxiety. Thirty million! For just a necklace! She felt so pained she could hardly breathe.

“Beautiful things should belong to my wife.”

Lu Zhijin didn’t consider himself wasteful at all; on the contrary, beating Lin Xun had made him very happy.

“That’s so much money.”

Song Shimu pouted, her eyes filled with regret. Lu Zhijin chuckled softly, his large hand caressing the side of her face as he leaned down to kiss her smooth cheek.

“The money I earn is meant for you to spend.”

Lin Xun happened to come out and witnessed the scene, his face darkening as a faint, ambiguous smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“You’re truly devoted to your wife, Young Master Lu.”

Lu Zhijin pulled Song Shimu closer into his embrace, wrapping an arm around her waist, deliberately putting on an intimate display for the other man.

“Of course I cherish my own wife. President Lin should focus on managing his own affairs.”

“Hah! I hope this affection doesn’t turn sour.”

Lin Xun’s tone was eerie, his gaze obscure as he brushed past Lu Zhijin’s shoulder and left resolutely.