"One million two hundred thousand for the first time, one million two hundred thousand for the second time," the auctioneer took another careful look at the audience below, no one spoke again, the hammer fell, "One million two hundred thousand for the third time! Congratulations, sir, Mrs. Shen and Miss Tan’s Mountain Spring Painting is now yours, and we also thank you for your contribution and love for disabled children."
With a pot-bellied man taking the stage to claim the painting, the room erupted into thunderous applause, the atmosphere was spirited. Shen Xuepei watched as the painting was taken away, sighing softly, "A piece of Xuan Paper, a few strokes of black ink, mere pennies’ worth, yet here it becomes one million two hundred thousand. Tell me, is it the painting that earned, or him?"
Shen Xuepei was always unhurried and composed. Zuo Zhengyang knew his wife enjoyed Beijing Opera, particularly a piece about Emperor Tang—a pastime requiring patience. One cannot appreciate it without a calm mind. Shen Xuepei has sung Beijing Opera for five years and listened for fifty. The hardships endured by those with deep, seasoned patience are unmatched by others.
"Each to their own," Zuo Zhengyang remarked, as he observed the clapping crowd around him.
"What preference, you still try to fool me. These showcase projects, I think it’s better to send things directly over. With this money trickling down, who knows how much will actually reach those children. Maybe not a single dime. Look at these dishes, barely touched; even if not, they’re probably going straight to the trash."
"If you don’t wish to, we can take it to go."
"Mm. Zhengyang, make sure the money from this goes where it should."
Zuo Zhengyang replied with a wry smile, shaking his head, "You, you always have a Bodhisattva’s heart towards others, but towards me, you’re like King Yanluo. Are you even my wife?"
"Buddha’s compassion, it’s good to have a kind heart. You’ll just have to bear with it."
It was rare to see Shen Xuepei smile. Zuo Zhengyang’s frown turned to a smile as he nodded, "Alright, we will do as you say, Buddha’s compassion indeed. Li."
Zuo Zhengyang’s secretary approached, bending over to hear Zuo Zhengyang’s instructions whispered in his ear, nodding repeatedly before leaving the scene.
"This must have offended quite a few people," Shen Xuepei’s words may suggest so, but her eyes disclosed not an ounce of embarrassment.
Zuo Zhengyang simply laughed without a word, watching the auction that continued. A faint smile curled on Shen Xuepei’s lips, thinking the old man, even at his age, still played dumb so childishly.
The charity auction ended normally at eleven at night, the hotel had arranged rooms for the guests, of course free of charge, but most didn’t stay, including Ye Tian, Zhang Houtu, and Tang Su.
Ye Tian pulled Tang Su by the hand out of the hotel’s front door, with Zhang Houtu following behind. Tang Guoqing watched her get into Ye Tian’s Audi without saying a word, disappearing into the night after exchanging pleasantries and saying goodbye to everyone. This daughter of his, he truly could do without!
Returning to the lakeside of Fengyue Lake was out of question. It was fine for himself, but with Tang Su involved, they couldn’t possibly stay with four men.
Zhang Houtu was driving in front, with Ye Tian and Tang Su in the back seat. Zhang Houtu asked with a smile, "Sister-in-law, almost home, any thoughts?"
Despite being a strong woman, faced with such a question, Tang Su’s cheeks instantly reddened, thankful that the car lights were off, avoiding being seen.
"Shut up, when did you learn to be so slick?"
Ye Tian pretended to "glare" at Zhang Houtu, but internally he commended the lad’s quick learning.
Hiss! Ye Tian drew a sharp breath, his hand resting on Tang Su’s waist, attempting to playfully take advantage, but was caught by her alert gaze, leaving a fingernail imprint behind—a stinging reminder.
Tang Su’s delicate eyebrows rose, eyes filled with unmistakable shyness.
"Ye Tian, that car behind us is following us, right?"
While in the car, Chen Pingrui had told Ye Tian that the Audi had been specially modified: bulletproof glass and reinforced chassis to withstand landmines. Ye Tian wasn’t sure whether he was telling the truth, but at least the glass was genuinely bulletproof, not afraid of ordinary handguns.
And now it came in handy.
Without need for Zhang Houtu’s reminder, three minutes after leaving the hotel, cars began to tail them. The tracking skill was highly professional; every six minutes they would switch cars, and they weren’t the same model either. Moreover, the timing and locations of their exchanges were rather clever, often occurring at supermarkets or gas stations—ordinary yet deceptive locations.
"Very professional, shaking them off will require a great effort," remarked Zhang Houtu, neither accelerating nor deviating, continuing to drive normally. "This is Tianhe, if something happens, it won’t be a good scene to deal with. If there’s an accident, it’ll give those with ulterior motives more troubles."
"Let’s loop around first. Give me a moment to think."
Zhang Houtu’s large frame in the driver’s seat almost blocked half the windshield, his shadow engulfing Tang Su in the corner.
Why would someone ? I’m just a security guard. Could it be her?
Ye Tian thought of Tang Su, but at the same time internally dismissed the thought. Tang Guoqing was the city’s Secretary after all. Logically speaking, even if he wanted to deal with Ye Tian brazenly, it wouldn’t be difficult. Besides, his own daughter was in the car. What could he do?
Too many uncertainties quickly ruled Tang Guoqing out.
The vehicle entered the highway, slowly moving along the bustling traffic which effectively hindered the pursuing cars. A seasoned driver, Zhang Houtu navigated with a calm and grand technique that seemed unflappable even as Mount Tai crumbled before him. Within the flowing traffic, he managed the perfect timing to overtake or block other cars, quickly leaving the tailing car far behind. However, suddenly, a red Ferrari emerged at the front junction, moving slowly with a loud roar, the brake lights flashing continuously, sending signals to the cars behind.
"This guy wants us to stop."
"Not to stop us, but for us to follow him."
Tang Su’s palms sweated as she had seen Ye Tian’s driving; she knew of his recklessness and boldness, but she also didn’t want him to risk it time and again. Understanding Tang Su’s concern, Ye Tian’s hand covered hers, whispering, "Don’t worry, it’ll be fine with me here. Old Zhang, stop up ahead."