After the auction ended, the enthusiasm of the crowd did not wane, continuing to discuss the final events.
An item starting at five million was auctioned for one billion, a topic that was not easily cooled down, and many people enthusiastically discussed it non-stop.
Ning Fan followed Xu Ruolan out of the venue, his face expressionless as he surveyed the surroundings. Xu Ruolan glanced at him, then stopped.
Realizing that Ning Fan had something on his mind, Xu Ruolan said softly, "I can go back alone, if you have other things to do, just go ahead, don't worry about me."
Ning Fan was stunned, the usually aloof President was actually so understanding, a rare occurrence; Xu Ruolan's demeanor was no longer just cold, but also somewhat domesticated.
Ning Fan felt a warmth from Xu Ruolan, he slightly smiled, moved, and glanced at Xu Ruolan.
"Be careful on your way back alone," Ning Fan left her with these words before he left alone.
Xu Ruolan watched until Ning Fan's figure disappeared into the crowd before turning and leaving. She ignored those who wanted to curry favor and got into a car to leave the hotel.
Elsewhere, Ning Fan had already put on a black trench coat completely enveloping his form, his face also covered with a black mask, and he let his bangs fall over, hiding his eyes.
The mysterious person who bid on the Nine Souls Jade left the hotel through the back door with bodyguards. Once Ning Fan traced his whereabouts, he followed him.
Ning Fan quietly trailed behind them, ultimately arriving outside a building.
Seeing that the group entered, Ning Fan looked around and did not rush to follow immediately.
Ning Fan looked around and sensed an eerie atmosphere. Although he was well-hidden and confident in his skills, he still felt something was off about this group.
But with the Nine Souls Jade right in front of him, Ning Fan had no time for further thought and quietly snuck into the building.
He pressed his ear against the wall and a burst of footsteps entered his ears; after confirming the group's location, Ning Fan moved towards the second floor.
The hallway on the second floor was long, rhythmic footsteps coming from a distance; the group must be ahead.
Ning Fan stuck to the edge and quickly caught up, continuing until the hallway's end where he saw a door.
A bright light pierced through the gap under the door, the inside unusually quiet.
Ning Fan gently pushed the door open, bright light pouring out from inside, and outside was an extremely luxurious private room, resplendent with ornamental designs.
Instantly, Ning Fan furrowed his brows, his gaze landing on the distinguished man seated at the center.
Ning Fan immediately recognized the man's identity, and also the Four King Kongs around him.
Chen Fengnan was holding a teacup, his face bearing a signature smile. When he saw the figure at the door, there was no surprise as if he had anticipated Ning Fan's return.
Ning Fan instantly understood what was going on—this was a setup!
Glancing at the four men beside Chen Fengnan, Ning Fan hesitated about whether or not to take action.
Of course, making a move was not about escaping, but rather, he planned to capture Chen Fengnan again, extorting them to hand over the Nine Souls Jade. After all, he had already kidnapped Chen Fengnan once before, so doing it again didn't matter.
However, when Ning Fan noticed Chen Fengnan's confident expression, he discarded the idea, fearing that he would fall into the opponent's trap if he took action himself.
"How about finding another opportunity?" Ning Fan hesitated for a moment, seemingly preparing to leave the area.
Just then, Chen Fengnan stood up, smiling amiably as he asked Ning Fan, "Have you come for the Nine Souls Jade again?"
The use of "again" was very clever, Chen Fengnan had recognized Ning Fan's disguise.
There was hardly any difference in Ning Fan's two disguises, and Chen Fengnan had an impression of them; he wouldn't find it strange that he remembered Ning Fan.
"It seems you have been waiting for me for a long time? Yes, I am here for the Nine Souls Jade."
A husky, deep voice came through Ning Fan's mask, making Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning suddenly become alert.
Ning Fan believed that if it weren't for Chen Fengnan's order, these four would probably have already made their move.
Chen Fengnan scrutinized Ning Fan, then smiled again, "Since Mr. Ning desires the Nine Souls Jade, why not reveal your true identity? As long as Mr. Ning speaks up, what could this little Nine Souls Jade possibly amount to?"
At these words, Ning Fan also smiled, confirming that all this was indeed a trap set by Chen Fengnan.
The appearance of the Nine Souls Jade at the auction was probably not a coincidence, whether it was the Nine Souls Jade itself, the mysterious bidder increasing the price, or the ultimate importance of the Nine Souls Jade which led him to this place, it might all have been arranged by Chen Fengnan from the start.
Having been called out on his real identity, Ning Fan felt there was no need to hide anymore, so he took off the mask from his face, smiling at Chen Fengnan.
"Mr. Chen is truly the Family Head of the Chen Financial Conglomerate; I admire such thoughtfulness!"
Ning Fan looked into Chen Fengnan's eyes, appearing very carefree, not at all like someone who had come to snatch the Nine Souls Jade.
Chen Fengnan smiled and gestured invitingly, "Mr. Ning, please have a seat. I think we can have a talk."
Ning Fan, not making any fuss, directly sat opposite Chen Fengnan.
The expressions of Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning were fundamentally the same, all maintaining a stern look, except for Thunder, who was still somewhat resentful due to the previous engagement with Ning Fan; the others showed no emotion.
Ning Fan glanced at the dishes prepared on the table and could not help laughing, "If it were someone else, I might have considered this to be a trap laid at a banquet."
"Mr. Ning really has a sense of humor, can I take that as your trust in my character?"
"I naturally trust Mr. Chen's character, but what exactly are your intentions regarding the Nine Souls Jade?"
Ning Fan, propping his chin with his hand, looked at Chen Fengnan with a smile. Not having to fight to obtain the Nine Souls Jade seemed like a very good thing to him.
However, if like last time, the other party wanted to enlist him, then Ning Fan could only apologize, as he had absolutely no intention of functioning under someone else's roof.
"The legend of the Nine Souls Jade is somewhat illusory to Mr. Chen, and my focus isn't on that either. If Mr. Ning truly desires the Nine Souls Jade, I am willing to give it to you, as long as you are willing to cooperate with me.
Note, I said 'cooperate'! Not to make Mr. Ning become my subordinate. I admire your abilities and wish to make a friend of you!"
Chen Fengnan gave a faint smile, yet his tone was very sincere, making Ning Fan start to consider it seriously.