Chapter Sixty-Six: Appearing When You Need It Most

Chapter Sixty-Six: "Appearing When You Need It Most"

For the sake of ratings, the Alliance had scheduled Nalan Sheng’s match for the evening prime time, so under her elders’ guidance, she attended this auction without worrying about her assessment. Yet, her mood was anything but relaxed; on the contrary, she was even more tense and fearful.

Ever since Xia Zheng had clearly refused to marry into the Nalan family, her grandfather and father’s attitudes had grown acerbic, to the point that they no longer allowed her to meet with Xia Zheng alone. Worse yet, they had arranged a marriage for her in secret.

Her intended was from the Delansol family—a noble house even wealthier and more powerful than the Nalans, located in the western reaches of the Federation and counted among the old aristocracy. In fact, other ancient families had considered alliances with the Nalans before, but their demand for a husband to marry into the Nalan line had driven most away. This time, however, the Delansol family was willing to let a direct descendant marry into the Nalan family in exchange for an alliance, which was why rumors had spread—but as to who started them, no one could say.

At this moment, Dick Hoffman was escorting Nalan Sheng, who wore a moon-white and blue long-sleeved gown. Hoffman was in fact handsome and tall, and in his aristocratic military attire, he appeared all the more gallant and charming.

Yet Nalan Sheng felt no affection for him; her expression was wooden, radiating a deliberate distance, as if she were keeping him thousands of miles away.

“Miss Sheng, you are truly radiant tonight,” Hoffman remarked, casting her a glance and offering praise. It could not be denied that she, not yet twenty, matched him in every way—her beauty and bearing alone exuded the grace of nobility.

Nalan Sheng replied coolly, “You flatter me, Mr. Hoffman.”

Hoffman’s expression grew awkward. He had addressed her by her given name, hoping to show closeness, but her response with his surname was a pointed reminder to keep his distance. Why did this woman always reject him so thoroughly?

“There are plenty of women in the west who wish to be my wife, and plenty elsewhere too—so why does this girl treat me with such disdain?” The thought that he had to humble himself to marry into the Nalan family made Hoffman’s heart burn with resentment.

But he dared not rebel. His grandfather, the current head of Delansol, had given him strict orders to marry into the Nalan family at any cost. Should he oppose and cause the alliance to fail, he would face the harshest punishment.

Hoffman did not know his grandfather’s true motivation—whether it was purely economic interest or something more between the families—but the matter had gone too far to turn back. At critical moments, the scions of noble houses must make sacrifices, or how else could their houses endure?

The seats in the auction hall were gradually filling. Newcomers arrived in a steady stream. Nalan Sheng did not see the person she longed to meet, and was instantly struck by a wave of disappointment. Her feelings for Xia Zheng had grown from gratitude, to dependence, to true love. He had become an indelible part of her life. If…if Xia Zheng withdrew because of this and refused to see her again, her world would become meaningless; she feared she would go back to her old self, existing only for victory, utterly alone.

The Nalan family hoped she would become head of both the main and branch lines. She had no choice but to accept this inheritance. Perhaps when she finally became the family head, that would be the day she fulfilled her mission. Yet it seemed she had never lived for herself at all. What a tiresome existence!

The auction hall gradually dimmed. Hoffman sat beside Nalan Sheng, while in the rows ahead sat his father, uncles, and brother—Delansol’s key members. Her own family was also present: her grandfather Nalan Zheng had come in person, ostensibly to congratulate her on officially becoming an Esper, but in truth most likely to negotiate family interests with Delansol. Her father, uncles, and several outstanding sisters were there. She had no brothers; in her generation, the Nalans had no male heirs.

“It is my honor to serve as tonight’s auctioneer. I am Gu Cunyi, a three-star auctioneer, and I sincerely thank you all for coming.” Under the projection lights, a slender, scholarly man with an ancient manner appeared before the audience, as if he had stepped out of antiquity. Many guests felt as though they had been transported back to a bygone era.

The highest rank for an auctioneer was five stars; a three-star auctioneer appearing in a small place like Dannute City was truly rare.

Aside from the Nalan and Delansol families, there seemed to be other powerful guests present. Could it be that tonight’s auction featured some rare and priceless treasures?

Xia Zheng was the last to enter. By then, the auction hall was already dark, so no one noticed his arrival, and he was not a well-known figure in any case. He took the last seat in the hall, listening to Gu Cunyi with growing curiosity.

Those in the front rows could view the auction items directly, while those in the middle and rear seats could examine holographic projections of the treasures from their seats.

The first lot was a magical artifact said to aid sleep and calm the spirit, with a starting price of one million Federation credits. Xia Zheng was surprised that something so simple could fetch such a price.

Bidding quickly began, with increments of no less than half a million. The price soon climbed to three million, and was ultimately sold for three and a half million.

The second lot was information regarding forbidden magic ore, which immediately drew intense interest. After all, the uses for such ore were vast. This time, bidding started at five million, with increments of no less than one million.

In the end, an elder secured it for fifteen million. Who would have thought a piece of intelligence could fetch so much? But, considering the potential profits from forbidden magic ore, it was worth it—of course, if the information proved useless, it would be a waste.

At that moment, through his psychic senses, Xia Zheng overheard some whispered conversations nearby.

“That old fox from Delansol is so eager for a rumor with no hard evidence—it seems he’s after something major…”

“Heh, that’s nothing. When the real treasure comes up, you’ll see how crazy they get.”

“What is it?”

“An antique, actually. It’s not really useful—just symbolic, auspicious. Perfect for that Delansol brat to profess his love to the Nalan girl.”

“Tsk tsk…I’ve heard that in recent years, Delansol hasn’t done well in the west…”

“More than not well—they’ve been suppressed by the other old families and now are only a noble house in name.”

“No wonder they’re so desperate to ally with the Nalans—one has status but no strength, the other has strength but lacks legitimacy. Ha! A match made in heaven!”

“Exactly, exactly. It’s just a shame—the Nalan girl is truly lovely. What a pity.”

“They say that Delansol brat is notorious for his debauchery in the west—practically a shell of a man.”

“Old Nalan is truly ruthless, sacrificing his granddaughter to boost the family’s prestige.”

“Well, it’s the way of great families, isn’t it? We’re no different ourselves…”

“Hahaha…well said, my friend…”

After hearing this, Xia Zheng’s eyes flashed coldly in the darkness, like blades gleaming in the night.

One treasure after another was brought out, each fetching higher prices. After about an hour, Gu Cunyi finally paused, then unfolded a folding fan and said, “The next treasure is rather special. To some, it is priceless; to others, it has no value whatsoever.”

He then accepted an item from an assistant, shrouded in red silk—reminiscent of the red veils brides wore in ancient times.

Nalan Sheng was intrigued by Gu Cunyi’s words, not understanding why the value of this treasure would be so subjective, and focused her gaze on his hands.

All eyes in the hall turned to the item. When Gu Cunyi lifted the red veil, an exquisite piece of jewelry was revealed.

Nalan Sheng was instantly mesmerized. It was a pair of earrings—yet their details magnified their beauty, making them seem more a work of art than mere adornment. They glimmered with a subtle radiance, irresistibly drawing the gaze of every woman present; many found themselves breathless.

“The Bright Moon Pendants—first appearing in the ancient era, over six thousand years ago. Among their owners were empresses who wielded power over the world, enchanting princesses, clever scholars, and beauties who captivated entire cities. Each was a woman of extraordinary talent and fortune, who found love and destiny, their stories celebrated for generations. Women throughout history have considered it an honor to possess this treasure, believing it brings lifelong happiness. What is the most precious thing in this world? Only sentiment and loyalty—for such things are beyond price. Now, this heirloom has wandered through the ages and come to us. As an auctioneer, I hope it finds a home with a woman who cherishes love, family, and marriage. That is its true destiny. Of course, to some it is just an antique, and only those with discerning eyes will understand its true worth.” Gu Cunyi covered the Bright Moon Pendants again, as if giving his daughter away in marriage, treating the treasure with utmost respect.

A three-star auctioneer is more than just a salesman; he is a man of culture. Gu Cunyi’s profound affection for the Bright Moon Pendants was palpable, raising the entire room’s regard for the treasure. This was the influence of a three-star auctioneer—his words alone could elevate the value of an item.

“Starting price: twenty million. Each increment no less than ten million. Bidding begins now!” No sooner had Gu Cunyi spoken than a young man stood tall, the lights illuminating him. It was Dick Hoffman, who had sat silently beside Nalan Sheng all evening.

“Fifty million!” Dick called out, his bid instantly silencing the hall. Many had planned to bid, but their psychological limit was fifty million at most. No one expected him to open with such a sum, and while many of the older guests were displeased, few were willing to openly compete.

Nalan Sheng trembled—not with joy, but with fear. She suddenly understood Dick’s intention: he would win the Bright Moon Pendants and propose to her on the spot.

Unconsciously, the spotlight swung to Nalan Sheng as well. She and Dick became the center of attention. Everyone realized that the Delansol family was willing to pay any price to secure this alliance, and the Bright Moon Pendants were to be the betrothal gift.

Nalan Zheng and Nalan Yun also sensed the Delansol’s intent. Their eyes met, and finally Nalan Zheng nodded. Nalan Yun then turned to his daughter, his gaze nearly coercive.

Nalan Sheng bit her lip, her body still trembling, her hands clenched tight. Her thoughts were with only one person—the one she truly loved. Yet now, she could only weather the storm alone.

Just as everyone believed the Bright Moon Pendants were destined for Delansol, a man’s voice, clear and distinct, rang out—

“One hundred million!”