Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Deal

“A-grade,” the old man said, voice careful, reverent. “Grandmother green gemstone.”

He looked at Qiao Qing Yan as if afraid she might change her mind. “Miss, you’re sure you want to donate this necklace? Its value is probably…”

Qiao Qing Yan smiled gently. “I’ve long heard the Ji family has always been devoted to charity. Now that I have this chance, I naturally want to do my small part.”

Her tone stayed soft, almost light. “Besides, no matter how beautiful jewelry is, it’s still a dead object.”

She glanced once at the gemstone, her expression serene. “If it can find a master suited to it, that’s its good fortune.”

The old man stared at her as if something inside him had been shaken loose. It was a strange feeling—like dust falling away, like a sudden glimpse through worldly fog.

As if the woman in front of him shouldn’t be stained by the mortal world at all.

“My surname is Shang,” he said quickly, composing himself. “I’m the Vice Chairperson of the Capital Appraisal Association. In the future, if Miss Qiao comes to the Capital and needs something, you can come find me. I can still say a word or two there.”

He took out a business card and offered it with both hands.

Qiao Qing Yan accepted it.

The old man’s face brightened with genuine pleasure. Then he turned, carefully lifted the tray, and left as if carrying something sacred.

—

When they returned to their seats, Si Jin Nan finally allowed himself to truly look at the woman beside him.

At first, he’d only wanted to test her.

To see how she would face the wolves and tigers of the banquet without his company.

More honestly—ever since he’d learned about Xu Zhong Qin’s arrangements, he’d been unhappy. He’d deliberately wanted Qiao Qing Yan to embarrass herself.

But whether it had been the trouble at the entrance or the mockery inside the hall, she’d remained calm.

Too calm.

It was as if she had expected everything. No matter what accident happened, she could seize the initiative and keep it in her hands.

“Qiao Qing Yan,” he said at last, voice low, “who exactly are you?”

His mind flashed back to the necklace.

The Ji family had an Old Ancestor nearly a hundred years old, and she’d loved grandmother green her entire life.

Next month would be that Old Ancestor’s birthday.

The Ji family held this charity gala early because they hoped they might run into a suitable gift.

Their love of collecting gemstones was no secret.

But not many people knew the Old Ancestor especially loved grandmother green.

Si Jin Nan felt a chill creep up his spine as his thoughts deepened.

If—from the moment Qiao Qing Yan left home—she had planned everything…

Then at the banquet entrance, she’d timed it so Ji Chang An would notice her.

No—

So he would notice the grandmother green at her throat.

Then came Su Luo Yu’s provocation. Madam Ji’s appearance.

Step by step.

If his suspicion was true, then everyone had been nothing more than pieces placed neatly on her board.

And she was merely—

Si Jin Nan drew in a slow breath, gaze fixed on Qiao Qing Yan, trying to find confirmation in her face.

But she was too steady. Too calm.

So calm it almost made him doubt himself.

Almost.

And yet he knew he wasn’t imagining it.

Qiao Qing Yan turned her head toward him. “Young Master Si,” she said, “let’s make a deal.”

Her smile was gentle, her voice light. “A deal where both sides win.”

Si Jin Nan’s palm twitched.

How could he not be tempted? Of course he was.

But what right did he have to trust a single sentence from her?

She was nothing more than a washed-up celebrity. What about her was worth risking for?

“Miss Qiao,” he said, careful now, “do you know what you’re saying?”

Qiao Qing Yan didn’t argue. “Young Master Si can think it over.”

Then, as if she were discussing something trivial, she added, “Give me your answer after the auction ends.”

Her eyes held the same quiet arrogance as before. “I said it before—I don’t wait for people.”

She tipped her glass slightly, almost like a salute. “Young Master Si is honored to be the first.”

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I hope Young Master Si won’t disappoint me.”

After that, she stopped speaking. She didn’t look at him again. She simply turned back, flipped through the auction brochure with idle grace—

And on the paper, the business card from the Vice Chairperson of the Capital Appraisal Association stood out like a sharp blade against silk.