Auction Success

Li Rong watched the auction with great curiosity, his eyes darting from one thing to the next as the bidding heated up. Excitement permeated the air as each bid raised the bar higher than the last.

Li Rong awaited the unfolding of the bidding battle downstairs when his jar of foundation pills was brought forth. The crowd erupted in a frenzy as the auctioneer's voice boomed out, announcing the opening bid of 5,000 gold coins for each pill.

The first bidder exclaimed, "Five thousand five hundred!" and was soon joined by another. The prices skyrocketed, going up and up with every passing moment that went by, until all thirty pills were sold for an incredible three million gold coins.

Seeing that his pills were in high demand, Li Rong couldn't help but feel satisfied that his efforts had paid off handsomely. But he soon turned his focus to the next item up for bid, the wind-breaking fan.

Li Rong became captivated as the auctioneer showcased the wind-breaking fan and praised its qualities as an attacking and defensive tool. The fan appeared to be the ideal answer to his dilemma, as he had been without a suitable weapon for quite some time.

With a knowing smile in his eyes, Lin Fang stood beside him, watching Li Rong's rising interest in the fan. "That wind-breaking fan would be a valuable addition to your arsenal," he said nonchalantly, a tinge of humour showing in his voice.

The bidding started with Li Rong looking at the fan and nodding in agreement. But when the auctioneer revealed that the fan wouldn't go to the highest bidder but would instead be traded for goods of equal value, his excitement rapidly gave way to dismay.

As bidders enthusiastically offered up their treasures in exchange for the desired fan, a wave of excitement erupted over the gathering. An elderly gentleman got up from his chair and offered a recipe for a medium-grade pill, while Lin Fang stood up and offered a jade defence talisman with an enormous amount of power.

Li Rong's heart sank, he realized that he had nothing left to offer after exhausting the entirety of his dowry funds on the purchase of the bronze disc.

Glancing over at Lin Fang, who had just made his bid with the jade defense talisman, Li Rong felt a pang of envy mixed with admiration. He knew that Lin Fang had resources at his disposal that he did not.

Lin Fang noticed the disappointment in Li Rong's expression and offered him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry," he said softly. "I'll make the exchange for the fan. Consider it a gift from me to you."

Li Rong's eyes widened in surprise, touched by Lin Fang's generosity. "Are you sure?" he asked, hesitantly.

Lin Fang nodded, his smile warm and genuine. "Of course," he replied. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill between friends."

Gratitude swelled within Li Rong as he accepted Lin Fang's offer, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Though he had not been able to contribute to the exchange himself, he was grateful for Lin Fang's kindness and the newfound friendship that was blossoming between them.

The owner of the fan considered their offers carefully, weighing the merits of each before finally accepting Lin Fang's proposal. A triumphant smile graced Lin Fang's lips as he glanced at Li Rong, whose expression betrayed a mixture of envy and admiration.

Once the auction had concluded, Li Rong and Lin Fang made their way to collect the proceeds from the sale of the foundation pills and to exchange for the wind-breaking fan. As they left the auction house behind, they passed by the Immortal's Wish restaurant, its ornate facade bathed in the soft glow of lantern light.

Li Rong and Lin Fang decided to unwind and celebrate their successful acquisitions at the Immortal's Wish Restaurant, renowned for its tranquil ambiance and exquisite tea selection.

As they entered the restaurant, the aroma of freshly brewed tea enveloped them, mingling with the soft strains of traditional music playing in the background. The interior was adorned with elegant decor, featuring intricate tapestries and delicate porcelain teapots.

They found a secluded table by the window, overlooking a serene garden bathed in the soft glow of lanterns. Li Rong breathed in deeply, feeling the tension of the day melting away in the peaceful surroundings.

A waiter approached their table, bowing respectfully. "Welcome, esteemed guests," he greeted them with a warm smile. "What can I offer you today?"

Li Rong glanced at the menu, his eyes lighting up with interest. "I'll have the Emperor's Jasmine Tea, please," he requested, eager to indulge in the restaurant's finest selection.

Lin Fang nodded in agreement. "I'll join him," he said, turning to the waiter. "Two cups of Emperor's Jasmine Tea, please."

The waiter bowed once more before hurrying off to fulfill their order, leaving Li Rong and Lin Fang to enjoy the tranquility of the restaurant.

Lin Fang, sensing Li Rong's introspection, offered him a reassuring smile. "Today was quite eventful, wasn't it?" he remarked, breaking the silence between them.

Li Rong nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Indeed," he agreed. "But it was also rewarding. I never expected to make such valuable acquisitions at the auction."

Lin Fang chuckled softly. "You have a keen eye for opportunity," he observed. "And with the wind-breaking fan in your possession, you'll be well-equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead."

Li Rong's expression brightened at the mention of the wind-breaking fan. "Yes, thanks to you," he said gratefully, raising his cup of tea in a silent toast. "To new beginnings and lasting friendships."

Lin Fang raised his cup in return, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "To new beginnings," he echoed, clinking his cup against Li Rong's.