Chapter 74

Chapter 74: Give Up the Bid?

The man in the gray suit watched the second-floor window, breath held, mind racing.

No one stood there now. Only the lit glass proved people were still inside.

—

Second-floor private room.

“Young Lord…” The subordinate’s patience snapped. “I’ll go see whose nerve is that big.”

He took a step toward the window.

But the man at the Go board had already paused, a stone caught between his fingers.

That voice.

Gentle, clear—yet it pierced the noise of the entire hall and struck straight into the ear, making every syllable undeniable.

He pressed his fingers together, grip tightening around the stone, then placed it on the board with maddening calm.

“Let’s go.”

His voice was low, hoarse at the edge.

For a moment, the two subordinates thought they’d misheard.

Then the man stood.

He walked into the elevator without another word.

Unwillingness flared in the room—but no one dared disobey. They followed.

Downstairs, the auctioneer waited, eyes fixed on the second floor.

“180 million,” he called. “Any other bids?”

“If not—”

The gavel lifted.

“180 million, once…”

Every face turned toward the lit window.

Silence.

A soft click sounded overhead.

The lights went out.

The private room returned to total darkness, like a lid dropped on a secret.

The hall stared in disbelief.

They gave up?

“180 million, twice…”

Sensing something was wrong, Ji Chang An and Madam Ji both stiffened. Their paddles were already rising—

“Aunt. Uncle.”

Su Luo Yu’s voice slipped between them, soft and urgent.

They hesitated for a fraction of a second.

On the stage, the auctioneer’s voice fell like a blade.

“180 million, third time—”

Bang.

“Congratulations to Honored Guest No. 28 for winning Clear-Heart Dew.”

The Ji couple missed it.

Trouble tightened their expressions. They turned sharply to Su Luo Yu, displeasure plain.

“What is it?” Ji Chang An asked, voice clipped.

Su Luo Yu’s throat tightened. She had always been intimidated by this uncle—especially now, when he looked like he could freeze a room with his gaze.

But if she could make Qiao Qing Yan embarrass herself, it would be worth it.

She swallowed and forced the words out.