章節 9: Chapter 9-Resentment VI
At 5 p.m., Ke Yixing and Cheng Linghua underwent multiple security checks before entering the auction house. A staff member guided them to a private room and closed the door.
Now alone, they removed their masks.
This auction house had strict entry rules, allowing only members and their guests. Security was thorough, prohibiting weapons, recording devices, and personal bodyguards. Participants were required to wear masks covering half their faces, making many unrecognizable. However, some high-profile individuals remained easily identifiable even behind a mask.
The auction featured priceless treasures, extraordinary goods, and possibly even illegal items, making it a unique marketplace for those seeking something special.
To successfully bid on an item, one needed to be the highest bidder and able to meet the seller's requirements, if any. Items were categorized into classes A, B, or C based on the seller's preference.
Class A only allowed bidding to individuals on the 3rd floor, class B to those on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and class C allowed bids from everyone. However, the classification didn't necessarily correlate with the quality of the merchandise. For instance, a unique painting could be categorized as class C.
These rules existed for three primary reasons: the auction house benefited from competitive bidders who would spend more money to sit on the higher floors, sellers could exclude individuals deemed unworthy to own the item, and it added an element of entertainment for the upper circle, as luck determined whether the chosen floor was qualified to bid on the desired item.
Ke Yixing occupied a private room on the 2nd floor reserved by the Li Corporation. Despite being eligible to sit on the 3rd floor due to his status and membership, he attended the auction as a 'friend' to adhere to business social etiquette and foster current and future collaborations.
As Cheng Linghua scanned the crowd on the 1st floor, Ke Yixing remained engrossed in his phone. To an observer, it might seem like he was engaged in work-related matters. Cheng Linghua, familiar with his habits, couldn't resist asking, "Are you still playing that RPG game?"
"You should give it a try as well," Ke Yixing replied.
While Ke Yixing had the capabilities to lead the Ke Group, being 21 years old meant he had to mature quickly in his high-ranking position. However, he still retained some youthful traits, one of which was a fondness for playing games.
Ke Yixing halted his gaming when the auctioneer's voice filled the room, "Welcome to the Boundless Auction House. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining us tonight. Without further ado, let's proceed with the first item, which is..."
The president of the Li corporation apologized for the delay and also presented rare herbs as a gesture of apology. They engaged in business discussions, paying close attention to the auctioneer when items of interest were announced. Shortly thereafter, both the conversation and the auction concluded.
Ke Yixing acquired a pink diamond teardrop necklace and a vintage watch, anticipating that two individuals would appreciate them.
In the front passenger seat, Cheng Linghua ended the call, tapped his phone a few times, and turned to the person in the back seat. "The information you requested yesterday has just been sent to your email. Why are you interested in them?"
Ke Yixing opened his laptop and reviewed the files containing information about Lu Xiyun, Zhao Bojing, and Zhang Tongtong. "Well, isn't the sudden disappearance of someone who was in front of you a while ago intriguing?" His youthful curiosity was evident.
"...A little bit. Anyway, do you have time to pay attention to it?"
"There is always time if you want it. Besides, life would be boring without a bit of thrill."
Cheng Linghua's eyebrows raised. "Your life now isn't thrilling enough?"
The corners of Ke Yixing's mouth curled up. Cheng Linghua ignored the captivating smile and turned his gaze back to the front.
In addition to piquing one's curiosity, encountering two missing people cases in a short amount of time wasn't a typical occurrence. There were always people scheming around him, using various tactics. It was better to be proactive than passive.
Ke Yixing didn't think Lu Xiyun and Zhao Bojing were malicious. Zhao Bojing's concern for Lu Xiyun appeared genuine. As for Lu Xiyun, Ke Yixing couldn't fathom such a seemingly clueless person, who didn't even know how to install apps on his phone, being cunning.
Yesterday, when he visited the cafe with Ke Ruiyue, Ke Yixing waved his hand in front of Lu Xiyun, who only briefly glanced before shifting his eyes away. Aware he wouldn't get a response, they sat near the counter. Ke Yixing observed Yang Jiahui teaching Lu Xiyun how to install an app, finding it odd for a teenager to be clueless about technology in this day and age.
Ke Yixing's expression remained unchanged after reading the information about Zhao Bojing and Zhang Tongtong because there was nothing unusual.
On the other hand, there was something unusual about Lu Xiyun's information. The teenager's history only covered a few months, starting from when he worked at the noodle restaurant until now. What about the years before that? The file did include the police's conclusion regarding why Lu Xiyun was not a registered citizen, but so far, they haven't been able to find any information about the specific location of Lu Xiyun's remote area.
The person Cheng Linghua had entrusted with the task was an expert. Typically, he could uncover many things unless the person had connections in the upper circle, was an undercover agent, part of a Witness Protection Program, or was entangled in something so intricate that couldn't be revealed using normal means.
"Follow up on the missing case of Lu Xiyun. If necessary, assist the police with it."
Cheng Linghua didn't question the decision because he also read the files.
Something or someone powerful enough to erase a person's history wasn't a good sign sometimes. The teenager might just caught up in something complex.
He wasn't a saint who rescued everyone he saw, but he couldn't ignore the vulnerability in those brown eyes, prompting a genuine concern. And if he had the ability to lend a hand, why wouldn't he? Moreover, he couldn't allow something potentially harmful to continue expanding its influence in his territory, especially given what he and his family had been through.
---
After Lu Xiyun observed the room, it reminded him of that darkroom, which led him to believe he was back. Unconsciously, he crawled toward a corner, trying to make himself as small as possible. Cold sweat formed all over his body.
He remained in this condition until a man walked in to give them food and left. Initially, Lu Xiyun ignored the food. When it turned cold, he took a glimpse, immediately doubting if he was really back.
It was a simple meal, yet a huge difference from what Lu Xiyun had previously eaten.
As time passed, Lu Xiyun realized it wasn't the same group. Besides the food, he saw the men didn't have the tattoo on their wrists. Once he knew it, he was much calmer.
For someone who had suffered in agony for a long time, other things paled in comparison. Lu Xiyun was one of them.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票