Chapter 14: The Annoying Fly
Xu Fang’s driving was as steady as ever, so smooth that Xu Youyou felt like she could read a book in the car without feeling the least bit uncomfortable.
Although Xu Fang was a female driver, today she was not wearing her usual casual attire. Instead, she had deliberately changed into a black suit.
“Sister Xu, you really didn’t need to change your clothes,” Xu Youyou remarked.
Xu Fang responded, “Boss, today’s auction is attended by elites from all walks of life. I can’t let anyone outshine you.”
Hearing this, Xu Youyou’s lips curled into a smile. She finally understood why there were so many “workaholics” in the corporate world—because the boss likes it.
She was quite satisfied with Xu Fang’s dedication.
After an hour of driving, the car finally came to a stop.
When Xu Fang said, “Boss, we’ve arrived,” she immediately got out of the car, walked around to the rear door, and opened it with a bow, inviting Xu Youyou to step out.
Seeing Xu Fang’s overly serious demeanor, Xu Youyou almost felt like they were in some sort of “heiress arrival” drama.
The auction was being held at a luxurious estate. As soon as her car entered, it immediately drew the attention of several people chatting at the entrance.
In Shanghai, a Rolls-Royce Phantom was not an uncommon sight, but her car was clearly different.
It didn’t take long for a sharp-eyed person to recognize that it was a bulletproof model—top-tier in terms of safety.
To be honest, in China—arguably the safest country in the world due to its strict gun control—most people wouldn’t bother with a bulletproof car.
Since the car was here, the owner was obviously wealthy.
As the car door opened, a delicate, fair-skinned hand emerged first.
Moments later, Xu Youyou’s face came into view.
She was already stunningly beautiful, and after taking the whitening pills, her once slightly darker complexion had lightened. Any remaining imperfections had been corrected.
The people at the auction entrance exchanged glances, all of them unfamiliar with her.
“Which family’s young lady is this? I’ve never seen her before,” Shen Yifan remarked, raising an eyebrow as he scrutinized Xu Youyou.
The woman on his arm chuckled and said, “Who knows if she’s a wealthy heiress or just some sugar baby kept by a big-shot?”
Shen Yifan shot his companion a cold look and said, “That dress you’re wearing is hideous—it doesn’t suit you at all. You’re not qualified to accompany me inside.”
The woman’s face flushed with embarrassment. She was wearing a pale pink designer gown, and Shen Yifan had praised her outfit when they left home. Now, she realized she had spoken out of turn and tried to defend herself.
But Shen Yifan’s gaze was icy. “Whether she’s an heiress or a sugar baby, the fact that she has her own invitation instead of riding on someone else’s means she’s not someone you can gossip about casually.”
The woman turned pale. Only she knew how much effort it had taken to secure a spot at this auction.
Because of the auction house’s aggressive promotion, the event had drawn nearly all of China’s top-tier elites. She had hoped to find an even richer patron inside—but now, her chances were ruined.
She wanted to resent Shen Yifan, but she didn’t dare. All she could do was glare at Xu Youyou behind his back.
Xu Youyou paid no attention to these minor details. She and Xu Fang approached the check-in desk, where Xu Fang presented her invitation.
“Honored guest, here is your seat number,” the staff member at the check-in desk said, respectfully offering a small golden card with both hands.
Xu Youyou took the card and glanced at the seat number, raising her eyebrows slightly.
The first row, right in the center—the best seat in the house.
What surprised her even more was that the golden card was made of solid gold and had a noticeable weight to it. She couldn’t help but marvel at the auction house’s extravagance.
Although she already had a seat number, a staff member still personally escorted her to her seat.
As Xu Fang was attending as Xu Youyou’s assistant, she could have sat beside her. However, she voluntarily chose a seat in the back.
Xu Youyou, unconcerned, simply nodded.
Just as she was about to reach her seat, a young man suddenly approached her.
He was decent-looking but had an oily, overconfident demeanor that instantly made Xu Youyou feel repulsed.
“Hello, my name is Shen Yifan. My father is Shen Feng,” he said with a self-assured smile, as if he expected her to be impressed.
Xu Youyou barely resisted the urge to gag.
Shen Yifan was the illegitimate son of Shen Feng and the half-brother of Shen Yiren. In her previous life, he had also tried to cozy up to her. She ignored him then—and she certainly wasn’t interested now.
When she didn’t respond, Shen Yifan showed no sign of discouragement and continued pestering her.
“I’ve met many beautiful women, but your beauty is truly striking. May I have the honor of knowing your name?”
To Xu Youyou, it felt like an annoying fly was buzzing around her ears. She quickened her pace.
Unfortunately, the “fly” matched her speed.
Shen Yifan didn’t know her real identity, but he wanted to take a chance. If she turned out to be the daughter of a powerful family, it could give him a significant advantage.
In the cutthroat competition among Shen Feng’s children, securing a wealthy and influential wife could ensure a luxurious lifestyle, even if he lost the family inheritance battle.
“This is your first time at this auction, right? I’ve been here several times representing my father. You’ve probably heard of him—he’s quite famous in Shanghai…”
Xu Youyou clenched her fists, itching to punch him in the mouth to shut him up.
“You two—what’s your relationship?”
A voice interrupted Shen Yifan’s relentless chatter.
Xu Youyou turned her head and saw Gu Fengchuan.
It had been about twenty days since their last meeting.
“Why are you hanging around someone like Shen Yifan?” Gu Fengchuan frowned, his tone accusatory as if she had done something wrong.
Xu Youyou felt a strange sense of déjà vu, as if she were reliving her past life.
Of course, Shen Yifan was a notorious playboy. Being seen with him was enough to damage anyone’s reputation.
But once again, Gu Fengchuan had judged her without even asking for an explanation—just like before.
And to make things worse, a sweet yet irritating voice chimed in from behind him:
“Big Brother, even if Sister is with Shen Yifan, it’s probably just because of the invitation. Don’t misunderstand her intentions.”
