Translator: Dj22031
Editor: Dj22031
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The group worked quickly, and Si Huang was led to a new room by Ivan Jasper.
Although it was prepared hastily, the decor was still luxurious, the furniture was complete, and the style was similar to the previous room.
“Please wait a moment, Miss.” Ivan Jasper prepared a three-tiered shelf of snacks for her and placed several books on the table. Making sure his young mistress wouldn’t be bored while waiting, he turned to personally make the bed and tidy her wardrobe.
Si Huang didn’t read; instead she found a laptop in the room and went online.
She researched Jasper and the Pierce family online. Although there weren’t many obvious clues online, they were still somewhat helpful.
For example, from the information mentioned online, she knew that both families were nobles in Country Y. Ivan Jasper was deeply trusted by the current Queen Elizabeth of Country Y, and was called Count not only because of his demeanor and temperament, but also because Queen Elizabeth had actually bestowed upon him the title and power of a count.
The Pierce family was ostensibly in the entertainment industry, a relative newcomer to the Y country’s entertainment scene. However, their immense wealth had allowed them to carve out a niche for themselves and become one of the industry’s giants.
Their entertainment company, named after their surname, focused on the singing industry. Currently, Y country’s highest-earning singer was a product of their company, often compared to Arthur Stoker.
Ten minutes later, Ivan Jasper returned to Si Huang’s side and whispered, “The bed is made. Would you like to rest, Miss?”
Si Huang glanced at the time on the computer and turned to Ivan Jasper. “Do you have anything to do later?”
“No, I’ll stay by your side until you fall asleep,” Ivan Jasper smiled.
This wasn’t good news.
Although based on Si Huang’s understanding of Ivan Jasper from her diary, she was certain this man wouldn’t do anything to her while she slept.
In an unfamiliar environment and in front of a strange and dangerous man, Si Huang didn’t think she could fall asleep peacefully unless it was absolutely necessary.
“I don’t want to sleep yet,” Si Huang said, closing her laptop.
Ivan Jasper reached out and helped her lift the laptop and place it on the table.
Si Huang asked, “What fun things are happening on the ship?”
Ivan Jasper said, “There’s an auction today, a masquerade ball tomorrow, and a boxing match the day after… According to the travel plan, we’ll be at sea for a week.”
Si Huang remembered what Duan Qizhou had said during their chance encounter, “Let’s go check out the auction.”
“If Miss wants anything, I can get it for you,” Ivan Jasper said, intentionally opening the laptop he had just placed on the table. “The items for this auction are all described inside.”
“Snap!” Si Huang reached out and pressed down the laptop, which was only a few centimeters open. “I want to see it live.”
Ivan Jasper met her assertive gaze and said helplessly, “I’m just worried about Miss’s safety. There are many guests with ulterior motives at the event.”
“I believe you, Ivan,” Si Huang said.
Ivan Jasper sighed softly, then smiled and nodded to her. “It’s an honor to have your trust.”
“Help me choose a mask,” Si Huang said, averting her gaze and seemingly taking a step back for him.
Ivan Jasper didn’t know she was merely concealing her identity. His deep blue eyes, like the deep sea, gleamed brightly as he smiled and turned to prepare for her.
Meanwhile, at the auction.
After two ship explosions and the subsequent shaking, the long silence led the guests to believe that Ivan Jasper had caught his prey, and the auction continued as scheduled.
The early bidding was primarily done by wealthy individuals; Qin Fan, Dou Wenqing, and others remained inactive. Duan Qizhou, unaware of their ultimate goal, idly noticed a small pendant knife and immediately joined the bidding.
This was a necklace that looked exquisitely crafted and luxurious. Although it was a necklace, the small knife inside was actually a murder weapon. The scabbard was inlaid with small crystal gemstones, colorful yet elegant, making it look like a beautiful work of art.
“Why are you bidding on this?” Guo Chengxiong teased with a smile. “Not to give it to your girlfriend, right? It’s pretty, but it’s not really suitable for most girls.”
Duan Qizhou gave him a ‘you don’t know anything’ look. Seeing the price constantly rising and several people eyeing the item, he turned to Qin Fan for help, feeling short of money. “Brother, I don’t have enough money. Can you lend me some?”
He usually had a fair amount of pocket money and some business investments, but it was only enough for his daily expenses. Competing with a group of truly wealthy people, he really wouldn’t have enough without family support.
Compared to him, Qin Fan, although a soldier, was different from ordinary soldiers in the Blood Flag Special Agent Group. They received rewards based on missions. A single S-level mission could earn them at least several million, making them all wealthy based on the number of people involved. Moreover, Duan Qizhou knew that his cousin wasn’t as serious and rigid as he appeared. He had already run a business in his youth and secretly invested in countless industries.
Duan Qizhou felt proud just thinking about it. He knew his brother hadn’t just subdued the unruly kids in the compound with his fists. After all, the kids born in the compound were all privileged princes, inherently proud, and you couldn’t just beat them into submission.
“Okay,” Qin Fan agreed.
He was generally accommodating to his younger brother’s requests. With Qin Fan’s approval, Duan Qizhou felt even more confident, but he didn’t get carried away. He meant he would repay his brother; he absolutely didn’t want to appear like a spoiled brat in front of Qin Fan.
After two rounds of bidding, the other bidders gradually quieted down. Duan Qizhou felt his chances of winning the auction item were high and said to Qin Fan in a good mood, “Brother, do you think this is suitable for Si Huang?”
“…” Qin Fan.
“Cough cough!” Guo Chengxiong choked on his drink, drooling awkwardly from his nostrils.
Qing Tianwa, standing beside him, gave him a disgusted look, though she understood him somewhat.
Duan Qizhou noticed their strange reaction and his heart skipped a beat. “You guys know Si Huang too?”
“Haha, of course we know her. After all, she’s a student personally trained by the boss.” Yangzi chimed in.
This time, his words earned the unspoken praise of the others; at least he didn’t foolishly reveal the truth again.
Duan Qizhou thought about it and agreed that the reason made sense. So far, besides the Blood Flag Special Agents, only Si Huang had been personally trained by Qin Fan.
Even he was a little jealous of this. If it weren’t Si Huang, he would deliberately try to cause trouble for that person out of jealousy.
“Xiao Qi, when did you and Young Master Si get so close? You even bought him a gift? This isn’t cheap.” Guo Chengxiong asked, feigning curiosity after catching his breath, his eyes constantly glancing at Qin Fan.
Wow! Boss, you’re really good at holding back! But your face is as cold as ice!
Duan Qizhou pouted, “I haven’t actually given it to him yet, I just thought it suited him.” Mentioning Si Huang, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of resentment. “Don’t you think he’s being incredibly inconsiderate? I’ve been here so long, I’ve texted him more than once, and he didn’t even pick me up from the airport, let alone reply to my messages. I don’t know what he’s up to. But I’m older than him, so I’ll be magnanimous and let it go. I bought him a small gift to cheer him up, so he won’t be so temperamental.”
“Hehe,” Guo Chengxiong replied with two syllables.
Duan Qizhou magnanimous? Bullshit! A small gift? Bullshit! This is something he had to borrow money from the boss to buy, and the price tag is five million! A small gift?!
Qin Fan’s expression softened slightly upon hearing the words, “He didn’t pick me up from the airport and didn’t even reply to my messages.” However, Duan Qizhou’s subsequent words made him turn to look at his cousin with displeasure, his gaze darkening.
Qin Fan suddenly regretted his earlier words to Si Huang, telling her to get closer to Duan Qizhou, that the kid wasn’t bad at heart, etc. He really needed to be disciplined! She wasn’t even talking to him, so why was he still clinging on?
“Hey! I almost forgot to bid while talking to you.” Duan Qizhou was about to bid when he heard Qin Fan’s deep, authoritative voice, “Six million.”
Duan Qizhou looked at him in surprise, while his only competitor hesitated, only bidding one hundred thousand.
Qin Fan spoke again, “Seven million.”
Perhaps sensing his determination, the other party glanced in their direction and didn’t raise the price further.
The auction item ultimately ended up in Qin Fan’s hands. After confirming the successful bid, Duan Qizhou said to Qin Fan with a bitter face, “Brother! You tricked me!”
“What?” Qin Fan glanced at him, exuding the aloof and cold demeanor of a king.
Duan Qizhou said, “I planned to get it for six million. Did you bid like that because you think I’ve been too idle lately?”
This added a million to his debt!
Qin Fan replied calmly, “You don’t have to pay it back.”
“Huh? Really?” Duan Qizhou was surprised. Although his brother was willing to lend him money, he absolutely couldn’t stand people who were waited on hand and foot. So, he could take as much as he wanted, but he had to repay it with his own ability. Duan Qizhou thought he understood Qin Fan well enough to not expect him to say such a thing. He was stunned for a moment, thinking that his brother might be testing him. He immediately shook his head and said, “No, since I bought the item, I definitely have to pay it back.”
“I bought it,” Qin Fan said.
Duan Qizhou was stunned. “What?”
Qin Fan stared straight ahead, his face indifferent. “I’ve won this item.”
“…” Duan Qizhou was stunned for two or three seconds before he understood. Damn it! This is hijacking! Snatching food from a tiger’s mouth! Dude! Is this how you do things!? Why?!
At this moment, the auctioneer in charge of explaining at the auction venue received an order, smiled and paused the auction, and said to everyone: “Please wait a moment, everyone. The Count will personally come to preside over the rest of the auction.”
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