"Not unworthy of a wealthy family indeed—an empty semblance of a Griffin could fetch such a high price," Qu Shanling lamented with regret. "If it were a real Griffin, imagine what astronomical price it might fetch!"
"Yes, it’s quite a pity. Had we known earlier, we should have found a shill to drive the price even higher," Mu Hanyan said regretfully.
Qu Shanling stared blankly at Mu Hanyan, pondering seriously: Who is the real God-man? Is it me, or is it him?
The auction ended, and Zhu Yi and Wu Songxing excused themselves and left the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce. Zhu Yi, having successfully acquired the Griffin, was in high spirits, and generously paid two hundred thousand as a deposit before returning to the Capital. Originally, it was agreed to wait for the remainder of the payment to be delivered before taking the Griffin, but after consulting with Mu Nan, Mu Hanyan generously allowed him to take the Griffin in advance. Find the newest release on novel•fire.net
The status of the Zhu Family in the Capital was not much inferior to that of the Mu Family. Mu Hanyan wasn’t worried at all that they would default on the payment. Moreover, the Griffin wasn’t a real Exotic Beast and didn’t possess much vitality. If it died by accident, why should she trouble herself over it?
Zhu Yi was overjoyed, and his regard for the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce increased even more.
Wu Songxing from Nanxi County, despite failing in the auction, was not too disappointed.
His primary purpose for coming to Heishi City this time was to probe the reality of the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce, and he had duly fulfilled his mission. This Nanyan Chamber of Commerce seemed average in strength for now but acted logically and neither cringingly nor arrogantly, a rare generosity. And Qu Shanling seemed genuinely knowledgeable. Others did not notice Qu Shanling’s Gathering Qi Transmission to Mu Hanyan, but he had discerned the cues to know it was indeed Mu Hanyan who had suddenly changed the topic and bid an additional one thousand taels at the last moment to win the Griffin Egg, all at Qu Shanling’s suggestion.
With Qu Shanling in place, the contracts with Long Yan Academy, and the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce acting with integrity and tranquility, in time, they would surely carve out a niche for themselves.
Besides the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce, he had another significant discovery—Mu Hanyan.
Before coming to Heishi City, he had learned about the local customs and had heard of Mu Hanyan’s notorious reputation as a playboy. However, after coming here, he realized just how widely known this reputation was. Yet upon seeing Mu Hanyan’s actions, he realized that this Young Master of the City Lord seemed to significantly differ from the rumors.
His playboy manner had a certain degree, his actions were flamboyant and intense, yet somehow not detestable. To call him incompetent? Seeing him effortlessly manipulate Fourth Miss Zhao and her group, who would dare call him incompetent? The few words he exchanged with him and Zhu Yi were unusually slick—such a person could hardly be incompetent.
In short, he couldn’t understand what exactly Mu Hanyan was like, but one thing was certain; it was best not to offend this playboy if not necessary, with Fourth Miss Zhao and her group as a lesson—unless you have a penchant for streaking.
The auction concluded, and the other merchants and customers dispersed, still excitedly whispering, but not about the auction; they discussed Fourth Miss Zhao’s figure and fine skin, so voluptuous and memorable. The stout merchant listening to their discussion was animated, yet somewhat distracted, ponderously savoring whose figure.
"Hanyan gives her regards to the Third Elder," Mu Hanyan said as she stepped forward to greet the Third Elder.
She had seen him earlier when he instructed Zhou Qi to cover his face but knowing he had never been fond of her, Mu Hanyan wasn’t interested in warming up to him and had waited until now to greet him.
"Hmm, well done today, you didn’t disgrace our Mu Family," the Third Elder acknowledged with a nod, though still with an icy demeanor, his words were far more pleasant than before.