Chapter 12

Xu Ting had been eyeing that piece of land in Donglin for quite some time. He was the type who quickly tired of old interests, which was evident from the way he changed bed partners every few days. Since the buffet business had stabilized and franchises had nearly reached saturation, he started seeking new ventures. Eventually, he discovered a plot of about a thousand acres in Donglin Town. With mountains and rivers, it had a scenic view and was just a three-hour drive from K City. He thought of acquiring it to build a high-end resort.

There were two main reasons for wanting to partner with Song Huayian. First, Xu Ting had no experience in building resorts, while Song already owned several established ventures. Second, the Donglin area was somewhat sensitive. Over the years, as urbanization intensified, surrounding land resources had become increasingly scarce. Donglin had a prime piece of land that many were eyeing greedily. The fact that it remained untouched and unclaimed was not without reason.

Donglin, Donglin.

If not for Chu Guangyue, it would have been just an ordinary town to the east of the city.

Chu Guangyue was born in Donglin, leaving the small town at twenty-five to make his mark in K City. Bold and meticulous, he caught the attention of a hall leader from the Watersnake Gang and began collecting debts for them. At the time, the Watersnake Gang dominated K City's underworld, controlling money laundering, drugs, and the sex trade. Through ruthless tactics, Chu Guangyue quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the position of the gang's second-in-command in just eight years. For two years, he outwardly obeyed the gang leader's orders until, on a stormy night, he turned the entire organization upside down. After that night, the name Watersnake Gang disappeared, replaced by a new emblem—a black eagle.

There are many versions of why Chu Guangyue betrayed his boss, but the most widely told one is that he did it to avenge a man.

That man had left Donglin with Chu Guangyue, taking hits and bullets for him, following him for eight long years. Later, he died in an accident, hit by a stray bullet. The hit had been orchestrated by the gang leader, all because a mistress whispered that the man had assaulted her. It was said that Chu Guangyue dismembered them both—her and the leader—with his own hands. The scene was so gory that even seasoned gang members were left trembling.

The Black Eagle Association continued in the underworld for a few more years before transitioning to more respectable ventures, gradually laundering their money. Now, over twenty years later, the Black Eagle Association has transformed into the prominent and reputable Jin Ying Group, and the Chu family has become a respected name in both business and politics.

The reason Donglin remains unchanged is that Chu Guangyue forbids anyone from altering it.

This is why Xu Ting wants to work with Song Huayian. Song has ties with Chu Guangyue. He was once a senior officer in the Black Eagle Association.

Xu Ting lives by the principle of making the most of every resource, including his own son. He's subtly maneuvered Xu Ye into meeting Song Huayian, hoping for a match with his daughter. Xu Ting's familiar with using marriage as a means for strategic alliances—he did the same with Zhou Jia back in the day. He thinks that as long as things work out, feelings don't matter; they're just a bonus, not a necessity.

Xu Ye despises this about him, yet he's helpless to change it.

The charity auction was held in a grand ballroom on the 36th floor of the Jinmao Building. Elegantly dressed men and women exchanged smiles and polite conversation. Xu Ye found the sight of bare shoulders, slim waists, and suits somewhat nauseating.

He glanced over at Xu Ting and Zhou Jia, holding hands and putting on a show for the crowd, and felt even more disgusted. Even the champagne tasted bitter. He moved to a quiet spot by the window, looking down at the city's brilliant lights and bustling traffic.

"Why are you hiding over here?" Zhou Jia approached with a glass in hand, speaking softly. "You should go to your father's side." When he didn't move, she sighed, "Even if you don't like it, you should at least greet her. The girl isn't much to look at, but she seems to have a good temperament. Don't make a scene."

Xu Ye glanced at her. "A girl who can help us get that land and also has a good personality? Quite a deal. I wonder if Dad got a similar buy-one-get-one-free deal when he married you?"

"You brat…" Zhou Jia swallowed her anger, saying, "Fine, do as you please."

"As if you've ever cared about me," Xu Ye retorted, brushing past her and heading toward the crowd.

Xu Ting was talking with Song Huayian, while a young woman in a magenta evening dress stood beside them, smiling. Song Huayian was the first to notice Xu Ye's approach and remarked, "We were just talking about you."

"Good to see you, Uncle Song. It's been a while," Xu Ye said with a slight nod, positioning himself next to Xu Ting. He turned to the woman and said, "This must be your daughter? Hello, I'm Xu Ye," and extended his hand.

"Hello, I'm Song Yueran." She smiled, her eyebrows arching. She wasn't particularly striking, but her smile was sweet.

Song Huayian patted Xu Ye on the shoulder and said, "She just came back from Canada. She doesn't have many friends around, so if you're free, keep her company."

Xu Ye smiled. "Aren't you afraid I'll steal her away, Uncle?"

Xu Ting pretended to be angry. "Watch your mouth."

Song Huayian laughed heartily. "If you can win her over, all the better. Go ahead, you young people have fun. No need to stay with us old-timers; we'd just bore you."

"Miss Song, shall we take a seat over there?" Xu Ye invited her. Dressed in a silver-gray tailored suit and white shoes, he looked quite refined.

Song Yueran followed him gladly.

"You can call me Yueran or Amy. 'Miss Song' sounds too formal," she said as they sat by the window. Xu Ye handed her a glass of juice, but she blinked and said, "That's for kids." She switched to a cocktail and downed it in one go. When she noticed Xu Ye watching her, she stuck out her tongue. "Don't tell my dad; he doesn't let me drink."

Xu Ye laughed. "If you go home tipsy, I'll be the one in trouble."

"I can hold my liquor. I don't even blush, so he'll never know." She tried two more cocktails from a server's tray, wrinkling her nose at the taste. "These taste weird."

"That one has vodka in it. It's strong."

"I liked the first one better," she concluded. She looked at him and asked, "Are you bored?"

"No. You're quite interesting."

This was true. Xu Ye knew how to put on a fake smile and play the social game, but Yueran was different from the pretentious socialites he was used to—she was genuinely easy to be around.

"I'm not used to these events. The dress is so tight, and I have to pretend to be ladylike. It's boring." She lifted her leg slightly, showing her sore ankle. "My heels are killing me."

"Take your shoes off and relax," Xu Ye suggested.

She hesitated. "It'd look strange to go barefoot with so many people around."

Xu Ye took off his jacket, draping it over her lap to cover her feet. "Now no one will see."

She paused, then murmured, a little embarrassed, "Your jacket's dragging on the floor."

"It's just clothing. It's fine," he replied with a smile. "Next time, wear a long dress. At least you can cover your feet when you sit."

"Noted," she replied softly, with a gentle smile.

The main event of the charity gala was raising funds through donations. Several well-known painters had brought their works to be auctioned off, with the proceeds going toward building elementary schools in underprivileged areas.

Both Xu Ye and Song Yueran had received paddle numbers. However, they were just there to make an appearance. First, neither of them had much appreciation for the paintings, and second, their spending power was fairly limited; if a big purchase was to be made, it would be up to their fathers.

At exactly seven o'clock, the event formally began. The lights focused on the stage at the front of the hall. The host, with his silver tongue, made a long speech, even bringing a few underprivileged children on stage to tug at the heartstrings of the wealthy guests. The auction started, and bids were flying up left and right, with many of the paintings fetching high prices.

The final piece was a work titled Water Lilies by a deceased artist, donated by his children. It was the last item, so it was bound to be something special. Xu Ye quickly looked it up on his phone and saw that it was a rare piece and quite valuable. Oddly, however, the bidding was low, and when it reached 1.5 million, no one else raised their paddle. It was considerably lower than the previous paintings.

Song Yueran noticed as well and whispered, "What's going on? Even if the painting isn't that great, the price shouldn't be this low." Plenty of businesspeople were eager to flaunt their generosity.

Xu Ye frowned. With the gavel about to fall, he raised his paddle and gave it a little wave.

"Number 87."

The auctioneer appeared taken aback, but he quickly announced, "Number 87 bids 1.8 million. Is there any higher bid? If not, this beautiful Water Lilies will go to our 87th bidder."

A hand went up in the very center of the room.

"Number 6 has bid 2.1 million."

Xu Ye's intent had simply been to drive up the price a little, ensuring more donations for the children. Seeing someone immediately counter his bid, he realized someone else was interested and decided to raise it again.

"Number 87 bids 2.4 million… and Number 6 bids 2.7 million. 2.7 million! Any further bids?" The auctioneer glanced back toward Xu Ye.

He hesitated, noticing that only he and the number 6 bidder were left. The other person seemed dead set on winning, following his bids each time without fail. He smirked, figuring the other party would pay no matter the cost.

"Number 87 bids 3 million! And Number 6 bids 3.3 million!..." The bidding continued to escalate until it reached 6.9 million, at which point Song Yueran grabbed his arm before he could raise his paddle again.

He paused, only for her to whisper anxiously in his ear, "My father said to tell you not to bid again… And your phone's been buzzing nonstop." She pointed to his pocket, where his phone was flashing.

It was a call from Xu Ting, who wasted no time shouting, "Are you out of your mind, you little punk?!"

At that very moment, the auctioneer hammered down three times and, after wiping his brow, announced that number 6 had won with a bid of 6.9 million.

As soon as they exited the hall, Xu Ting, visibly furious, pulled Xu Ye into a corner, while Song Millionaire was on the phone, looking grave.

"What's this all about?" Xu Ye asked, frowning.

"Who told you to bid? Do you even know who number 6 is?" Xu Ting struggled to contain his anger. "You've got some nerve, huh? Everyone else knows better, but you just had to play the fool. I really did a great job raising you, didn't I?"

"So, who exactly is number 6?" Xu Ye asked, his brow furrowed.