Chapter 13

Xu Ting, furious, exclaimed, "Your head might as well be a decoration!"

At that moment, Song Huannian finished his call. Song Yueran leaned over and asked, "Dad, what's going on?" He gave her a reassuring smile, patting her shoulder. "Nothing to worry about. It's getting late; let the driver take you home first."

"If there's nothing, why are you rushing me out?" Girls have a natural sensitivity. She glanced at her father, then at Xu Ting, and asked, "Uncle Xu, can Xu Ye take me home instead?"

Before Xu Ting could respond, Song Huannian lightly tapped her head. "You, young lady, have no sense of decorum. Xiao Ye and I have something important to discuss. You should head back first."

Xu Ye saw her wink at him, understanding she was trying to help him escape a reprimand. He smiled and said, "If you're free, feel free to call me anytime to hang out."

Song Yueran nodded and left.

"How is it? Did you hear anything from them?" Xu Ting asked anxiously. "I've already arranged for the money. If they're willing to let it go, we'll cover it all."

Song Huannian shook his head. "I spoke with the auction house. The check's been paid, and the painting's already been taken. There's no chance to fix things now. I think it's best if I go with you to explain and apologize sincerely; that would be more reliable."

"Is Number 6 with the Golden Eagle?" Xu Ye suddenly asked. Judging from the looks on Xu Ting's and Song Huannian's faces, he knew he had guessed right.

Only the Golden Eagle could silence these influential figures with a simple paddle raise. They had a reputation for getting whatever they wanted without anyone daring to interfere, which explained the auctioneer's shocked expression earlier. Unaware of all this, he had repeatedly driven up the bid, forcing the other party to pay an astronomical sum. This behavior was a blatant challenge and provocation, and Golden Eagle would never let it slide. The stories of their ruthless methods weren't just fiction; they were the deep, dark shadows under their wings.

It's the classic case of "if you court trouble, it will find you." Xu Ye now understood the enormity of the mess he had caused. If this wasn't handled carefully, everything the Xu family had built over the years could be obliterated by Golden Eagle.

But there was no running from this now. He had to face the consequences. Xu Ye forced himself to stay calm and said, "Uncle Song, I'll go with you to apologize."

Xu Ting snapped, "Now's not the time for bravado!"

Song Huannian, though, appreciated the boy's courage. After a moment, he patted Xu Ye on the shoulder and said, "All right. Since you raised the paddle, it's better if you go."

The banquet was still in full swing, with the ballroom brightly lit. Xu Ye followed Song Huannian upstairs and stopped outside a suite. Four men in black suits stood guard, their broad frames and sharp eyes indicating they weren't just ordinary security.

"Mr. Song." One of the men on the left gave Song Huannian a slight bow.

"Blackie, long time no see," Song Huannian greeted with a smile. "Is the Third Young Master inside?"

"Yes, please go in." The bodyguard, called Blackie, wasted no words and opened the door.

Xu Ye knew the Third Young Master referred to Chu Guangyue's third son, Chu Xuan. Three years ago, Chu Guangyue had started handing over control to his three sons, stepping into the background as a figurehead. Although Chu Xuan was only twenty-five, he had been stirring up the business world for years. He controlled a considerable portfolio, mostly in the arts, including entertainment companies and animation studios. Rumors painted him as the shrewdest of the three brothers, with a penchant for antiques and art. It seemed he had come specifically for the *Water Lilies*.

Xu Ye took a deep breath before entering.

The suite was large and lavishly decorated, with a massive chandelier above, its crystal droplets lighting the room as if it were daylight. The floor was covered in a subtly patterned, light gray carpet. Although many people were in the room, it was eerily silent. The only person seated was a man in the center of the sofa.

Xu Ye's eyes fell on him.

Chu Xuan looked different from the images in business magazines. He had a distinctly classical face, reminiscent of a refined gentleman from the Wei or Jin Dynasty. His slightly upturned peach-blossom eyes held a cold, detached glint, though his lips curled slightly as if in a smile. He wore a deep blue jacket draped over his shoulders, reclining comfortably on the sofa, with the top two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a bit of collarbone.

"Uncle Song, it's been a while. You're looking younger than ever," Chu Xuan said, raising his hand in a warm gesture. "Please, have a seat."

Song Huannian took a seat on the sofa to the side, smiling. "Young Master Chu, is that a compliment or a tease?"

"Oh, come now." Chu Xuan smiled with a hint of amusement. "Even if I am the worst of the lot, I'd never make fun of you." He paused, his gaze settling on Xu Ye standing behind Song Huannian. "If we're talking about jokes, it seems I was the one put on display tonight."

Xu Ye's heart sank, sensing the storm to come.

Song Huannian, the seasoned veteran, replied evenly, "Now, there's no need for that. Word outside is that you're widely respected and known for your generosity. You've made such a large donation for the underprivileged kids; it's truly moving." His words subtly shifted the narrative, making it seem as though everything had been part of a plan, offering Chu Xuan a way out.

Chu Xuan chuckled, his eyes glinting with something darker. "Ah, Uncle Song, you're good. You make it sound as if I took a silent loss and can't even complain. I suppose that's why you're the veteran here."

"Master Chu, this was truly a misunderstanding," Song Huannian said, finally broaching the reason for their visit. "The boy here is attending an event like this for the first time. He didn't realize that Number 6 was your number and bid repeatedly, thinking he was donating to the cause. Would you consider giving him a chance?" He laid out the purpose of their visit, hoping that if Chu Xuan was willing to let Xu Ye off, the Xu family would bear the financial burden in full.

Chu Xuan's tone took on a mocking lilt as he snapped his fingers. "Asking him to pay for the painting—people might think Golden Eagle is going bankrupt." At his signal, two men in black brought out the *Water Lilies* painting, displaying it before the three of them. Chu Xuan, with a faint, sardonic smile, looked at Xu Ye. "They say it's rare to find a kindred spirit. It seems that Mr. Xu here is quite the art connoisseur. Care to share your thoughts on this piece?"

Xu Ye froze, realizing the question was directed at him. Song Huannian could only sit in silence, not wanting to interrupt. Xu Ye knew that Chu Xuan was well-versed in art, and with his own limited knowledge, trying to show off would be ridiculous. He decided to be honest. "I don't know much about oil paintings. I just thought this one looked beautiful."

"Oh?" Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. "So, Mr. Xu, which did you find more beautiful—the painting or the thrill of bidding?" He lounged there like a patterned snake in the grass, lazy yet deadly, with fangs that could kill in an instant.

Xu Ye stood still, his palms sweating. Sensing the tension, Song Huannian tried to intervene, "Third Young Master…"

"It's just a joke to lighten the mood," Chu Xuan cut him off, his peach blossom eyes gleaming with amusement. "Life's full of surprises. It's not every day I meet a philanthropist like you. I'd love to share a drink and chat with such a gentleman. Surely, Uncle Song wouldn't deny me the pleasure?"

Song Huannian's brow twitched, sensing trouble but keeping a calm smile. "Of course not. But this young man has a low tolerance for alcohol and isn't much of a talker. If he happens to offend you, I hope you'll overlook it for my sake."

"You give me too much credit," Chu Xuan replied, smiling.

With a light pat on Xu Ye's shoulder, Song Huannian rose, saying, "I'll leave you two to it," and left. Now alone in the tense atmosphere of the suite, Xu Ye felt a chill in his hands and feet.

"Sit," Chu Xuan commanded, leaning against the armrest of the sofa, propping his head on his arm.

Xu Ye sat as instructed, listening as Chu Xuan spoke slowly, "I'm quite a generous person, actually." He waved a finger, and a bodyguard brought over a crystal vase with an ice-crack pattern, placing it before him. Without hesitation, the guard uncorked all the bottles on the table—various wines, as well as vodka and brandy.

Chu Xuan picked up two bottles and poured them into the vase, switching bottles and pouring until the vase was full. He then smiled at Xu Ye, saying, "I always serve the best drinks to my guests."

The guard placed the vase in front of Xu Ye. Under the lights, the liquid inside took on a murky hue. Xu Ye knew it wouldn't taste pleasant, especially with the vase holding over three liters. Drinking it all at once…

Xu Ye's gaze flickered, and he forced a bitter smile. He was in for a stay in the hospital. Picking up the vase, he asked, "If I finish this, will the Third Young Master overlook what happened at the auction today?"

"Are you trying to negotiate?" Chu Xuan's eyes glinted coldly. "I suggest you drink it all obediently. I don't often offer drinks in such a friendly manner, and my patience is limited."

There was no escape.