Chapter 18: An Unexpected Revenge
The Gu siblings had just embarrassed themselves before the auction started, and Gu Fengchuan was desperate to do something to restore the Gu family’s reputation.
This first auction item was clearly a stage to showcase financial power.
The pink diamond necklace, which started at a reserve price of two million yuan, had risen to three million yuan after a few rounds of moderate bidding.
Without any hesitation, Gu Fengchuan raised his paddle and said, “Five million.”
The auctioneer’s eyes lit up at these words. The estimated final price for this pink diamond necklace was only four million yuan, and now it had already exceeded expectations.
But what the auctioneer didn’t expect was yet to come.
As soon as Gu Fengchuan placed his bid, someone else from the front row—who had been quiet until now—suddenly raised their paddle.
“Six million.”
Gu Fengchuan immediately turned to look at Xu Youyou. He still hadn’t cooled off from his earlier anger and felt she was being ungrateful.
Beside him, Gu Xueying was more than happy to see Xu Youyou antagonize her brother, hoping their relationship would deteriorate further.
“It’s such a beautiful necklace. Since you like it, why not let her have it? But… can you really afford that much money?” Gu Xueying deliberately provoked her.
Gu Fengchuan sneered, “She’s just an orphan—being able to attend this auction is already a miracle. Where would she get that kind of money?”
Convinced that Xu Youyou was nothing but a broke outsider, Gu Fengchuan confidently called out a new bid: “Seven million.”
Xu Youyou wasn’t particularly interested in the pink diamond necklace. But if she had the chance to irritate the Gu siblings, she wouldn’t let it slip away.
“Eight million.” She cast a taunting glance at them after placing her bid.
Enraged, Gu Fengchuan shouted, “Nine million!”
By this point, the auction hall had quieted down, and only the two of them were bidding. Although the necklace was beautiful, its price had far exceeded its value.
Just as Gu Fengchuan was sure he would win the item, Xu Youyou’s calm voice rang out again: “Ten million.”
Gu Fengchuan glared at her, his voice sharp: “If you place a bid but can’t pay, you’ll have to cover the difference, the deposit, and even the commission fee—it’s no small amount. Think carefully before bidding. This isn’t a game.”
Xu Youyou shot back without hesitation, “What’s the matter? Is ten million too much for the Gu family?”
Even though Gu Fengchuan knew she was goading him, the Gu family’s pride was on the line. He had no choice but to continue.
“Eleven million.”
“Twelve million,” Xu Youyou countered immediately.
Their back-and-forth quickly drove the necklace’s price up to fifteen million.
The auctioneer could hardly contain his excitement—after all, the higher the final price, the greater the auction house’s commission.
“Sixteen million. If you’re willing to go higher, I’ll stop,” Gu Fengchuan said coldly.
Xu Youyou decided to stop. The price had already far exceeded the necklace’s actual value, and Gu Fengchuan seemed serious.
Just when he thought he had secured the necklace, another unexpected bid came in.
“Seventeen million.”
The bidder wasn’t Xu Youyou—it was Lu Jingyao, sitting calmly in the front row.
His sudden involvement caused a ripple of whispers throughout the auction hall.
Seated in the second row, Gu Fengchuan felt trapped. If he continued bidding, he would look like a fool overspending; if he stopped, Lu Jingyao might think the Gu family lacked financial strength—potentially jeopardizing future collaborations.
“This could be a great opportunity! Maybe Mr. Lu is paying attention to you,” Gu Xueying whispered excitedly.
Blinded by his affection for his sister, Gu Fengchuan easily believed her suggestion.
“Eighteen million,” he called out again.
Lu Jingyao remained composed. “Nineteen million.”
Gritting his teeth, Gu Fengchuan raised it to “Twenty million!”
Lu Jingyao didn’t continue bidding—he didn’t even glance at the Gu siblings. Instead, he cast another fleeting look at Xu Youyou.
For a moment, Xu Youyou felt an odd sensation—was he doing this to help her?
She quickly brushed aside the ridiculous thought. They had only met once, and she was no alluring enchantress who could capture his heart so easily.
“Twenty million, going once… going twice… sold! Congratulations to bidder number 15!”
With the auctioneer’s hammer falling, the pink diamond necklace—originally priced at two million—was sold for ten times that amount to the hapless Gu Fengchuan.
While Gu Fengchuan had successfully demonstrated the Gu family’s financial prowess, his smile quickly faded.
He overheard someone snickering, “The Gu family sure has money. Only a true wastrel could spend like that.”
Thinking of how he could have secured the necklace for just four million but ended up paying five times more because of Xu Youyou, his resentment toward her deepened.
Xu Youyou, however, couldn’t care less. She had more important things on her mind.
A golden prompt suddenly flashed before her eyes.
[Treasure Sniping Task Activated: Seize the Opportunity!]
The golden system pointer now pointed toward the auction stage.
While the first auction item had caused a stir, the next few lots were auctioned off quickly without much excitement.
Now, the auctioneer was introducing the fifth item—a yellow jade qilin pendant with a starting price of three million yuan.
“According to our experts, this piece likely dates back to the Ming dynasty. In Chinese culture, the qilin symbolizes auspiciousness, authority, and nobility. Only high-ranking officials or aristocrats could wear such pendants…”
Several bidders began raising their paddles as the auctioneer continued his introduction.
For antiques, value depends not only on rarity but also on the status of their original owners—the more prestigious, the more valuable.
Wealthy attendees showed considerable interest, and the bidding quickly reached eight million.
“Eight million, going once… going twice…”
Just before the hammer fell, Xu Youyou raised her paddle: “Ten million.”
Her aggressive bid was intended to shut down the competition.
But then, unexpectedly, someone else raised their paddle.
Seizing the chance to get back at her, Gu Fengchuan sneered and called out, “Eleven million!”
