Zhang Yuksheng’s loud voice drew the attention of everyone around, and the raw stone dealer’s face stiffened, as he said irritably, "What about my going back on my word? This raw stone is mine, I’ll sell it to whoever I want! Who do you think you are, without any money?"
"Exactly!" Guh Ruoyao chimed in sarcastically, "Miss An, if you don’t have the money, then give the opportunity to someone else. Don’t take up space for nothing and be an eyesore to others!"
An Yiqing looked at Guh Ruoyao indifferently, chuckled softly, her smile loaded with meaning.
"Miss An," Guh Siqing then spoke up, her gaze proudly fleeting over An Yiqing as she said disdainfully, "Buying raw stone is all about showing your financial muscle. If you don’t have the money, Siqing will make her move."
An Yiqing’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze cool as she looked at Guh Siqing and said, "Second Miss Guh, since you’re not playing by the rules, I see no reason to hold back either. Boss, six million; I’ll take this piece of raw stone!"
An Yiqing’s declaration took the raw stone dealer by surprise, prompting him to nod vigorously with a smile, "Alright! Six million! This piece of raw stone is yours!"
More and more onlookers gathered, with everyone gradually understanding the circumstances and course of events, and they couldn’t help but look down on the raw stone dealer’s greed and Guh Siqing’s covetous behavior.
"You—!" Guh Siqing, upon hearing An Yiqing’s bid, couldn’t help but rage, her eyebrows shooting up as she said with a face as cold as frost, "Miss An, are you deliberately trying to pick a fight with me?"
The corner of An Yiqing’s mouth curled into a sneer as she said softly, "Second Miss Guh, you were the one who snatched the raw stone from me first, so how can you say that I’m the one picking a fight with you? Let the highest bidder win, that’s the rule you set!"
Guh Siqing’s face went from red to white with the girl’s retort, and seeing the disdainful glances from the crowd, she said in frustration, "Seven million! Miss An, are you still set on going against the Guh Family?"
"Eight million!" An Yiqing did not respond, she just smiled faintly and said nonchalantly.
Guh Siqing felt exasperated by An Yiqing’s intransigence, and after glaring fiercely at the girl, she said haughtily, "Nine million! Miss An, you might as well give up! This piece of raw stone, I’m determined to have it!" Although Guh Siqing spoke with anger, she was indeed determined in her heart. Her perception of raw stones was strong, and although not one hundred percent accurate, the density of jade in this piece assured her that it was of exceptional quality.
For a moment, An Yiqing and Guh Siqing fell silent, their gazes locking, one indifferent, the other icy cold, as the air around them slowly began to intensify and spread to the surroundings.
The watching crowd felt the tension and unease in the air, instinctively stepping back.
Just then, a carefree voice shattered the tense atmosphere.
"What’s going on here? What’s everyone looking at?" Guh Siqi strolled in with his hands in his pockets, a mischievous smile on his face, followed by an old man in his fifties. The old man was dressed in black robes, and despite his greying hair, he looked well, especially his eyes that shone with a fierce glint, unsettling to those who met his gaze. The deep scar above his right eye added an ominous touch to the man’s appearance.
Without turning her head, Guh Siqing still coldly stared at An Yiqing. Guh Ruoyao, standing beside her, saw the old man following Guh Siqi and exclaimed in surprise, "Uncle Zhang!"
Upon hearing Guh Ruoyao’s cry, Guh Siqing’s eyes flickered, she slowly shifted her gaze, and respectfully called out to the old man in black robes, "Uncle Zhang."
"Second Miss," Uncle Zhang approached Guh Siqing, greeted her with respect.