Love in the Midst of Mistaken Identities

Du Jingtang rolled his eyes, “Lady, this is indoors, not the Sahara Desert. There is no sand here.”

Didn’t women like to gain sympathy from others by using their tears? Why did she want to keep on hiding it from his cousin? If it were him, his tears would have flowed like a waterfall.

Chu Lui put his hands down as his eyes turned more serious. He did not like her lying to him, and yet he did not have the heart to question her further.

“This next item is a piece of jewelry—a necklace strung with Akoya Pearls. Its refraction gives the pearls a rosy-white luster resulting in a beautiful surface. Akoya Pearls have the highest grading among pearls. They can be crafted into accessories with pure gold or blue diamond, and you will be delighted by the perfect match no matter which combination you choose. Also, you will be pleased to know that this series of pearls is flawless with the right density and a beautiful gloss.

“There are these quotes ‘you pay for what you get’ and ’round as pearls and smooth as jade’. The rounder a pearl, the more beautiful it is—which fits into aesthetic habits of Chinese. Big, round, and perfect pearls represent the aesthetic appearance of a full moon. Combined with the luster, it creates a dreamy and poetic beauty. This strand is made up of ninety-nine round natural pearls of the size. Each pearl is Grade A in quality with a bright reflection, a well-distributed sharpness, and a clear image.

“It was said that this is a strand of necklace which brings happiness and luck.”

The auctioneer held the strand of a gorgeous and white pearl necklace in his hand as he continued to speak from the stage. Xia Ruoxin gawked at the stage and wondered if it would really bring happiness and love to its owner.

Would it?

“The bidding starts now from 300,000, with an increment of 30,000 for each bid.”

Chu Lui narrowed his eyes.

He had not participated in the previous bids. This was his first.

“500,000.”

All attention was him, and the silence in the room was eerie. No one was willing to vie against him because he was a hard man to mess with. Besides, buying a strand of necklace with 500,000 dollars was too extravagant.

There was bound to have someone who refused to give in.

“510,000…” A man called out meekly. Everyone focused their attention on the man, who looked to be in his early twenties as beads of sweat started to appear on his forehead. A coquettish-looking woman sat beside him with her hand on his elbow. Her eyes became greedy as soon as she saw the pearl necklace. This was a man who was trying to impress his woman.

The auctioneer’s eyes twitched as he stood on the stage. “Pardon me, sir. Please pay attention to the rules. There is a 30,000 increment with each bid. Thus, the bidding price for each call is 530,000 or 560,000. You may also increase the bidding price if you wish.”

He smiled apologetically while the man sitting in the bidding zone gave a cough in embarrassment.

“530,000…” It was the same meekly voice. His audience couldn’t help but shudder as goosebumps appeared on their skin.

“Cousin, is there something wrong with this person’s brain?” Du Jingtang scratched his head. A man like this was competing against his cousin. It actually made him feel lowly.

“1 million.” Chu Lui smiled sarcastically then he pursed his lips tightly, indicating his ruthlessness.

After a while, the same meek voice came from the bidding zone again. The man sounded as though he was on the verge of crying, “1.03 million.”

“1.5 million.” Chu Lui’s eyes became more somber.

“1.53 million…” That voice sounded like he was crying.

Xia Ruoxin tilted her head in puzzlement as she listened to the exchange between the two men. She could not understand why Chu Lui was persistent.

“3 million.” Chu Lui looked up.

Three million was the highest bidding price in this auction. No one had come close to this price. Even now.

All eyes were focusing intensely on the other bidder. The female companion by his side muttered something to him which made him anxious. The woman then stood up angrily and walked away. Her hips swayed from one side to the other with each step. As her lips moved, one could vaguely make out her words.

“You are f***ing useful.”