After Marrying Bigshot Vegetable Boss - Chapter 39
When Yu Lan was pushing the wheelchair downstairs, Zhang Yan, who had been on the phone, turned her head and slightly opened her mouth in surprise.
Perhaps due to her prior knowledge of their complicated relationship, she couldn’t help but feel that the pair now looked extraordinarily well-matched.
Even though her boss was still sitting in the wheelchair with his eyes closed, seemingly unchanged from a year ago.
She promptly ended the call and approached them. “Mr. Yu, I’ll take you to the venue.”
On the way to the venue, perhaps because Zhang Yan was present, Yu Lan didn’t communicate much with Chu Wang.
He would occasionally glance over.
Fearing that Chu Wang’s spiritual form might disappear in the air, Yu Lan had kept holding Chu Wang’s hand since they got into the car.
Zhang Yan noticed this and suddenly felt her previous suspicions were quite ridiculous.
An hour later, they arrived at the venue. Even before they got out of the car, someone was already waiting at the entrance to escort them to their assigned seats.
Their area was a private balcony on the second floor of the venue, offering the best view of the guests and the auctioneer below.
Yu Lan didn’t want to flaunt Chu Wang too soon, so he moved his position a bit further back and wore a mask, hoping that people below could only see his eyes if they were curious.
The organizer was very polite, clearly surprised that Chu Wang was still attending despite the recent events.
“This must be Mr. Chu’s new spouse,” said the impeccably dressed organizer with a wide smile. “It’s nice to meet you for the first time. You two look very well-matched.”
Instead of calling him Mr. Yu or Mrs. Chu, the organizer used the long form of address, which Yu Lan found quite fitting and smiled subtly to express his thanks.
“We also appreciate your support this year,” the organizer bowed to Zhang Yan as well. Indeed, as Yu Lan had guessed, the Chu family had spent quite a sum on this event in previous years.
Yu Lan had not anticipated the costs, as he had come simply to enjoy the event.
Besides, both Xi Jun and Chu Wang had mentioned that they should enjoy themselves, and this time Chu Wang was genuinely accompanying him.
After Zhang Yan and the organizer left, Yu Lan hurriedly looked at Chu Wang.
Perhaps because they were out, Chu Wang’s spiritual form seemed even more transparent, giving Yu Lan the impression that a gust of wind could blow him away.
He called softly, “Mr. Chu?”
Chu Wang’s voice seemed quieter than usual. “Hmm.”
“Is it that the hug earlier was too short?” Yu Lan muttered to himself. “I’m afraid you might suddenly disappear later.”
Chu Wang wanted to assure him that he wouldn’t disappear but couldn’t guarantee it himself, so he finally said, “It’s okay. We’ll be fine once we get back.”
Perhaps due to being outside, his tone sounded particularly gentle.
Yu Lan forgot all the other things he had wanted to say.
Just like when they left in the afternoon.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before more guests arrived downstairs, and after a speech, the auction officially began.
Since most of the proceeds were donated and there were many types of items, Yu Lan, who was essentially an outsider, enjoyed the spectacle with great interest.
Chu Wang, on the other hand, asked more questions than usual. Whenever a new item was presented, he would inquire about it based on his discerning eye.
When a jade bracelet was brought up, Chu Wang asked, “The quality and clarity are perfect. Do you like it?”
A renowned painting was displayed on the big screen. Chu Wang asked, “His paintings are rare. Do you like it?”
An antique pocket watch studded with diamonds was presented by the auctioneer. Chu Wang asked, “It has significant collectible value. Do you like it?”
Yu Lan felt as if he was going all-in: “……”
“Mr. Chu, you don’t need to… buy so much,” Yu Lan couldn’t help but say.
“It’s alright. If you like it, bid for it,” Chu Wang responded decisively.
Yu Lan wanted to say more but suddenly saw the next item displayed on the screen.
It was a unique cinnabar bead.
Although he wasn’t knowledgeable about jade, the cinnabar powder from the master previously made Yu Lan pay special attention to related items.
Such ancient jade was extremely rare, causing some astonishment among the attendees.
“Mr. Chu, I want this.”
What if it’s useful for Chu Wang?
Chu Wang naturally had no objections.
However, those with an eye for such things knew it was a treasure, and bidding quickly began.
Yu Lan finally raised his paddle for the first time during the entire auction.
The price kept rising, and Yu Lan had the sensation that money no longer mattered, as he was wildly spending.
Meanwhile, the person beside him calmly urged him to increase the bid, explaining that people wouldn’t stop bidding until it reached a certain price.
When the price reached a figure Yu Lan could barely comprehend, the bidders finally stopped.
The frequent bidding from the young voice on the second floor caught the attention of those downstairs.
Everyone knew that those sitting on the second floor must have extraordinary status, possibly being important figures.
“This price… is definitely the highest transaction of the night.”
“I also wanted it, but it’s indeed beyond my budget. A ten-eyed bead from two years ago didn’t even reach this price.”
“Things like this can no longer be measured by money. If someone likes it, that’s what matters—the key is the connection.”
“But who could it be?”
“I can only think of one name… It’s a pity that person had an accident and is probably still lying in the hospital. They couldn’t possibly be here.”
Yu Lan didn’t hear this and focused intently on bidding. When no one else bid, and after the third call, he won the item.
“I hope it’s useful,” Yu Lan said, having little concept of the treasure. “If not, we can always resell it later.”
Chu Wang was amused by his comment and chuckled lightly. “Yu Lan.”
“It’s not that I’m short of money.”
“It’s not about the money!” Yu Lan said. “It’s about budgeting and proper planning.”
Chu Wang agreed; whatever Yu Lan said was fine with him.
Having won the first item, Yu Lan began to look at the remaining lots with his own preferences.
As the auction was nearing its end, a pair of beautiful platinum and yellow diamond cufflinks was presented. With unparalleled cutting and brilliance, they caught Yu Lan’s eye.
“Mr. Chu, what do you think of these?”
Chu Wang was about to speak when Yu Lan continued, “They would look great on you, especially with that suit in the back of the closet.”
So, Yu Lan was asking if Chu Wang liked them.
Chu Wang didn’t expect that Yu Lan was picking them out for him. “You remember so clearly?”
Yu Lan proudly said, “Of course.”
“They’re quite nice,” Chu Wang sincerely replied.
So, Yu Lan eagerly raised his paddle again.
Perhaps the previous bid for the cinnabar bead had attracted some attention, as Yu Lan noticed more gazes on him this time.
The auction continued normally, with only two or three people competing with him for this item.
Since Yu Lan had no budget constraints, the remaining competitors soon backed out, leaving only one.
However, this person seemed to be bidding increasingly slowly, adding small amounts just before the gavel came down.
While the bidding continued, someone appeared on the second floor and walked over to Yu Lan.
It was a staff member from earlier, with a polite smile. “Mr. Yu, there is a gentleman downstairs who also wants this item.”
Yu Lan frowned in suspicion. “Isn’t he bidding? Why come to see me?”
Doesn’t that break the rules?
The staff member’s expression showed a hint of apology. “Not exactly. He is one of our clients and asked me to check if you would be willing to let it go.”
“He said he wants to buy it as a gift for a precious person he hasn’t seen for many years.”
Yu Lan found it odd. “But I’m buying it as a gift… for someone too.”
He stumbled slightly on the word “gift” because he was only buying it for Chu Wang, who was paying.
Yu Lan asked, “Is it really necessary to give it up? What’s their relationship to make it so important?”
He kept raising his paddle while speaking.
Yu Lan thought if the item truly had sentimental value for the other person, he could be considerate.
Curious, he leaned forward and looked to see who was competing with him.
It seemed the other person had the same thought, and they locked eyes for a moment—
It was actually a familiar face?
Yu Lan was surprised to see the protagonist, Song Si Jue.
He wasn’t too shocked, just quickly shifted his gaze away.
Song Si Jue downstairs was also stunned.
He recognized those eyes, feeling like he had seen them somewhere.
A face flashed through his mind, someone he saw in the security corridor and the restaurant.
But he quickly dismissed the idea—he laughed to himself, thinking he must be imagining things. How could someone without even a ring on their finger be here?
However, Yu Lan had already shifted his attention back to the staff member.
So, the person they wanted to give the item to was Yu Ling?
The staff member continued to smile. “Of course, if you’re unwilling to let it go, that’s fine. I’m just here to ask on his behalf, so he can cut his losses in time.”
“No price is acceptable.” Yu Lan’s mask covered half his face, but his eyes had already crinkled into a smile—Chu Wang recognized this as his sign of happiness or a clever thought.
“But it’s not entirely without flexibility,” Yu Lan said.
“Flexibility in what way?”
“He wants to give it to a precious person,” Yu Lan smiled. “If he could bring that friend to speak, then…”
“Then it might be worth considering.”
This was the uncompleted part of the previous chapter—finally, a bonus update to catch up!
I also read the comments. I initially intended to release this after the opening scene, but worried it might delay too much, so I published the previous chapter first.
I may not have written this type of scene before, so some parts might not be well-executed, resulting in less information. However, there was no intention to drag out the pace; it’s a matter of my writing skill. I appreciate everyone’s feedback and will pay more attention to it! Bowing deeply!
Here’s a red envelope for everyone in the comments! Thank you for your understanding!