Qin Yao stood by the window, a subtle chill in her eyes. The night outside was deep and dark, the streetlights casting long shadows of her figure. Her fingers lightly tapped on the windowsill, but the unease in her heart was imperceptible to anyone else. The auction was just a day away. She knew that this event was not merely a transaction involving jade; it felt more like a test of fate—she had to succeed, or everything she had would turn to dust.
“Qin Yao, are you ready?” A familiar voice called from behind her.
Qin Yao turned slightly, surprised to see Song Nanshi standing at the door, his black suit accentuating his tall figure. His calm gaze made it impossible to read his thoughts. She couldn't help but smile slightly, responding with a hint of teasing, “You ask me this question because you want to know if I can surprise you, right?”
Song Nanshi took a few steps closer, leaning against her desk, a barely noticeable smile in his eyes. “You're right.” He paused for a moment, as if weighing his next words. “Don’t you think this auction is… too complicated?”
“Complicated?” Qin Yao chuckled lightly. “Are you warning me that someone will do everything they can to suppress me tomorrow?”
Song Nanshi didn’t answer directly; instead, he turned his gaze to the window. “Sometimes, the situation is more complex than we imagine, especially when you think you have everything under control.”
Qin Yao fell silent for a moment, her eyes shifting as she whispered, “I know the auction isn’t just about bidding for jade. We all understand that behind it lies a struggle for power and interests. Whoever it is will choose to exploit this auction.”
Song Nanshi remained silent, simply watching her with an inscrutable expression in his eyes. Qin Yao understood that this man was deeper than she had imagined. Song Nanshi always seemed to see through everything about her, but she also knew he would never easily reveal his own thoughts.
“Do you believe I can succeed tomorrow?” Qin Yao suddenly asked, her tone laced with challenge.
“You won’t fail,” Song Nanshi replied calmly, “but you also know this isn’t just about your success or failure.”
Qin Yao nodded; she understood what he meant. Tomorrow’s auction was not only about whether she could obtain that piece of jade but also about the power struggle between the the Qin Family and other forces. It was a treacherous game where every decision could alter her fate.
“Tomorrow, I will be the first to step forward,” Qin Yao declared firmly. “No matter how many hidden currents lie beneath this auction, I will forge ahead without hesitation.”
Looking at her, Song Nanshi's lips curled slightly. "I admire your determination," he said, his tone carrying a hint of approval, but it quickly shifted to a more serious note. "However, sometimes determination alone cannot solve all problems, especially when you are facing a true enemy."
"Enemy?" Qin Yao raised an eyebrow. "Are you referring to Qin Lianxin?"
Song Nanshi chuckled lightly. "She is just one of them. The real enemies are far more complicated than you can imagine."
"What do you intend to help me with?" Qin Yao turned and walked to her desk, picking up a document before looking back at Song Nanshi. She understood that he was not just an outsider; there were deeper complexities behind him.
"I will help you, of course," Song Nanshi replied with a slight smile. "But whether I can truly assist you depends on whether you are worth it."
Qin Yao said nothing more. She knew that Song Nanshi's help came with conditions, and she had never intended to rely on him too much. Her goal was clear: she sought control, not merely a victory gained through external forces.
"You can leave now," Qin Yao said calmly. "I have some matters to sort out; tomorrow's auction will not be simple."
Song Nanshi nodded and paused at the door. "Tomorrow, I will give you a little reminder at the auction. Remember, you are not fighting alone."
Qin Yao did not respond; she simply watched his retreating figure, feeling a vague sense of unease. She was uncertain whether Song Nanshi's "reminder" was meant to help her or if he had ulterior motives.
On the eve of the auction, Qin Yao did not fully relax. She pulled out the appraisal report for the jadeite and meticulously studied each piece of data on it. The value of the jadeite lay not only in its appearance but also in what it represented—this jadeite symbolized the future of the the Qin Family, representing power and status within the clan. As a member of the the Qin Family, she was destined to bear the weight of this turmoil.
Suddenly, she thought of Qin Lianxin, the woman who had been pampered since childhood and had always been her greatest rival. Qin Lianxin shared the same background and even had advantages over Qin Yao in certain aspects. Unfortunately, Qin Lianxin had never truly realized that in this family feud, anyone could be just a pawn on the board, and who would ultimately prevail remained uncertain.
As night fell, Qin Yao closed the document in her hands and walked to her bed, lying down and closing her eyes. She knew that tomorrow's battle could change her life forever.
The next day, the auction began as scheduled. The venue was bustling with voices, everyone appeared tense, their gazes fixed on the piece of jade. Qin Yao entered the hall elegantly in a blue evening gown, her eyes scanning the crowd while her mind replayed Song Nanshi's words from the previous night. She understood that today was not just about winning or losing the jade; it was crucial for her to escape the whirlpool of her family.
As the auction commenced, the host's enthusiastic introduction heightened the tension in the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will begin bidding for this piece of jade today. It is not only priceless but also involves the collaboration between the the Qin Family and other powers."
Hearing these words, Qin Yao felt a slight tremor in her heart. She knew this was more than just an auction; behind this struggle lay countless secrets yet to be revealed.
She raised her hand, signaling with a small gesture. With each step she took, an undeniable confidence radiated from her. Every subtle movement was like a silent declaration: she was ready to face this challenge of power.
"I bid fifty million," Qin Yao's voice rang clear and firm, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
She was acutely aware that this was not merely a transaction; it was a gamble for her life.
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