"I’m not used to wearing formal clothes, but Miss Xiao insisted that I wear them. There was no way out; she had already bought them, and the total value of this outfit would last a long ti in food and drink, so I couldn’t waste it," Lin Tian said, spreading his hands nonchalantly.
"Damn, it was Miss Xiao who gave it to you, wasn’t it? Does she want to date you? Brother Lin, you are amazing, truly my idol. There are people who could circle Xikou City several tis just to pursue Miss Xiao, but instead, she’s the one chasing you," Zhou Botong praised with admiration, clicking his tongue.
"Don’t talk nonsense; the lady is still a virgin. Apart from my ex-girlfriend, so far, no other woman has chased after . I think I lack ’Peach Blossom Luck’ in my life, which is why I’m still single," Lin Tian said innocently.
Zhou Botong looked at Lin Tian skeptically and said, "That makes no sense. A man as brilliant and valiant as you should have won queuing up to circle Xikou City several tis, and every woman around you is exceptionally beautiful. Don’t you feel anything for them?"
"My life is cursed by the Heavenly Slaughter Star, dood to be lonely forever. Isn’t that a strong enough reason?" Lin Tian said helplessly to such a gossipy person. "But, you ntioned many people pursue Miss Xiao; why is it only Mr. Bai from the Bai Family who is bothering her?"
"Hmph, Bai Yuze is nothing special. The Bai family is just slightly richer than us, re local tycoons of Xikou City. When it cos to money, there are many who are wealthier than him. Furthermore, there are plenty of young n from other families who are better than Bai Yuze; they don’t even queue up for him. He’s just taking advantage of his proximity since everyone is in Xikou City and he’s persistently bothering Miss Xiao," Zhou Botong said dismissively.
He paused and then said, "Just think about it. With Miss Xiao’s stunning beauty and talent, she surpasses many n. Such an outstanding woman naturally has many excellent n pursuing her. There are so things you’ll co to know with ti. However, Brother Lin, I still think you are incredible, and I support you in winning Miss Xiao’s heart."
"Really? Many excellent suitors?" Lin Tian smiled lightly and said, "I would like to et them if I have the chance. Alright, let’s head out."
Not to ntion Miss Xiao, even the eighteen-year-old Xiao Manxuan has no shortage of suitors. Initially, Sun Decai, who wanted to have a foot in two boats, and Bai Yufeng, the second young master of the Bai family, were involved, but unfortunately, they were all trampled under his feet. As for Miss Xiao’s suitors, so far, he had only seen Bai Yuze.
Without dwelling much on it, Lin Tian and Zhou Botong left the house and drove to Heavenly Mansion Restaurant.
The Heavenly Mansion Restaurant was originally built in traditional Huaxia architecture, surrounded by a rather serene environnt, but today, due to the opening ceremony of Tianxue Jewelry, it was exceptionally lively.
Even from a distance, Lin Tian could see two red lanterns hanging at the front gate of the restaurant, and red silk cloth was also hung on the gate, adding a festive touch.
The decorations here didn’t feel luxurious or as flashy as other companies’ front-facing golden splendor, but integrated with the surrounding buildings, they exuded an antique charm.
Outside the restaurant, there was a different sight; several security guards were maintaining order, directing vehicles neatly into the parking lot.
And these arriving vehicles indicated that this was no small ceremony.
Among the vehicles Lin Tian saw, the least expensive were luxury cars like BMWs and rcedes worth hundreds of thousands, not to ntion the flashy sports cars.
"I didn’t expect so many people to show up abroad, but why are there so many sports cars today? Could it be that it’s only the young ones?" Lin Tian wondered aloud.
Zhou Botong looked at him even more curiously and said, "Brother Lin, do you genuinely not know or are you pretending? This morning is just the opening ceremony; the main event, the auction, is in the afternoon. That’s why there are more younger family mbers here this morning, while the old folks will only show up in the afternoon."
"So that’s how it is. I heard about the auction, but I really had no idea what it was exactly like. Miss didn’t ntion it to ," Lin Tian also expressed his confusion.
"You’re really hands-off as the major shareholder of Tianxue Jewelry," Zhou Botong said helplessly.
"However, you were right about the crowd, as there is a saying, ’Where the sun rises, there are always Chinese.’ Thus, it’s normal for many people to show up, not just locals but also jewelers and families from back ho who are in the jewelry business; they’re all here today. Brother Lin, all this is your doing," Zhou Botong sincerely complinted.
"My doing?" Lin Tian asked, puzzled.
Zhou Botong said, "Absolutely, your performance at the Zhonghai City Gambling Stone Festival has beco legendary in the Jewelry and Gemstone Industry, and you shouldn’t underestimate the allure of top-quality jade."
"However..." Zhou Botong shifted tone, "there are also drawbacks—more people an more with hidden agendas. Take the auction this afternoon, for instance. It will primarily feature jade from Tianxue Jewelry, but the Bai Family and so other jewelers have also suggested, they will provide a piece of jade jewelry for auction too. The pieces will be ranked based on the auction price to determine the finest jade in the world."
Lin Tian was taken aback—he genuinely didn’t know. He had always trusted Miss Xiao with the affairs of Tianxue Jewelry, so he hardly intervened, unaware of such complexities.
Clearly, it was a plot by the Bai Family. With Tianxue Jewelry having acquired so many premium jades at the Zhonghai City Gambling Stone Festival and stealing the lilight, it was obvious that the Bai Family was collaborating with so jewelers to suppress Tianxue Jewelry at the auction.
"It seems the Bai Family isn’t giving up. Their recent compliance was just a facade; they’ve been orchestrating this behind the scenes," Lin Tian remarked coldly with a sneer.
"That’s right. The foundation of the Bai Family is in jewelry. Previously, the Xiao Family had to depend on the Bai Family in this respect, and things were peaceful. But lately, as the Xiao Family has been making significant moves and Tianxue Jewelry starts posing a threat to Bai’s Jewelry, it’s no wonder they are worried," Zhou Botong analyzed.
He might appear inattentive usually, but he saw things very clearly. However, he was wrong about one thing—the Bai Family and the Xiao Family had never been at peace. The Bai Family had always been plotting to take over the Xiao Family; they just hadn’t succeeded yet.
Lin Tian did not bring up the past with Zhou Botong, instead, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Brother Tian, we’ll arrive in Capital City by seven. Any instructions?"
"Rossi, notify Ghost to lead all the brothers to Heavenly Mansion Restaurant near Chinese Street to take charge of security there," Lin Tian said calmly.
"Alright, Brother Tian," Rossi agreed without asking any questions, then hung up the phone.
Zhou Botong looked at Lin Tian with surprise, remarking curiously, "Brother Lin, from what you’ve said, it sounds like you have your own forces hidden away?"
"Just a few good brothers for now; you’ll find out more later. Let’s go inside," Lin Tian didn’t explain further, knowing they would eventually et and learn everything.
"Heh, no rush, we’re still waiting for one more person," Zhou Botong didn’t probe further, understanding that brothers will share what they can when ready; pushing too hard could put them in an awkward position.
"Look at you with that shaless grin; it must be your wife, ngng, who is coming," Lin Tian teased.
Just as his words ended, a deep rumble of a car engine ca from afar. The sound was rich and resonant, like ancient war drums signaling a charge, stirring up one’s blood.
A red Bugatti Veyron erged among the traffic, its proud and unrestrained appearance making it stand out like a crane among chickens, making the sports cars nearby seed inferior as they all gave way, almost as if ashad in its presence.
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