Falling into the Capital's Radiance - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Nancheng’s winter auction was an annual event, primarily featuring calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and jewelry.

In previous years, there hadn’t been anything particularly extraordinary.

This time, however, a pearl and diamond pendant once belonging to a French queen had drawn numerous ambitious collectors and a swarm of media outlets lying in wait.

The crowd was massive, and the scale was grand.

The organizers hadn’t expected Zhao Zonglan to attend in person, let alone bring a young woman with him.

She possessed an ethereal beauty and an extraordinary temperament, leading many to assume she was a socialite from a prominent family.

However, they didn’t dare indulge in too much gossip.

The auction house manager led the way with great deference. “Mr. Zhao, we have reserved the private box on the second floor with the best view of the auction for you. No one will disturb you. We hope you enjoy the evening.”

Everyone in the industry knew that Zhao Zonglan was extremely low-key, preferred quiet, and placed a high value on his privacy.

The entrance to the independent VIP box on the second floor was guarded by dedicated staff. The windows were made of one-way glass, and the interior was meticulously furnished with comfortable sofas, a viewing balcony, cigars, wine, and refreshments.

Zhao Zonglan led Shen Jingni into the box.

Chang An, ever observant, remained waiting outside the screen.

Finding herself in a new environment, Shen Jingni was curious. She took off her overcoat and began looking around, eventually leaning against the glass window to look down at the seating area below.

Downstairs, collectors from all over the world were taking their seats.

In the media section, cameras had already been set up.

Zhao Zonglan sat relaxedly on the sofa. He took a cigarette from his case, but just as he was about to light it, he saw her turn around and walk quickly toward him, naturally throwing herself into his arms.

Acting sweet and coquettish, she looped her arms around his neck and made a demand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Zhao Zonglan, I don’t want to be caught by the media.”

Legitimate media outlets were fine.

But nowadays, many outlets would create sensationalist gimmicks just to grab attention-stories about wealthy family feuds, cheating scandals, and the like. She didn’t want to see herself in the gossip news tomorrow.

Zhao Zonglan hadn’t seen her for two days.

This little thing had been throwing a tantrum and acting moody with him, even being perfunctory when replying to his messages.

Yet now, here she was, throwing herself into his arms so obediently and acting spoiled. Zhao Zonglan’s heart, which had always been cold and hard, melted into a complete mess in an instant.

“You won’t be,” he said, stroking her head soothingly.

No media outlet dared to report news about him without permission.

This was why, for so many years, Zhao Zonglan’s private life had remained a mystery to the outside world.

No one dared to pry into Mr. Zhao’s personal affairs.

Satisfied with his answer, Shen Jingni cheered up again.

She moved to get up and grab the tablet on the small table. It had been provided by the organizers and contained the electronic catalog and detailed information for all the auction items.

Zhao Zonglan, however, didn’t let her have her way.

He tossed the unlit cigarette onto the side table and gripped her soft, slender waist, pulling her to sit on his lap.

Shen Jingni protested, “I want to see the auction items. Let go of me first.”

Zhao Zonglan didn’t let her go.

His warm, large palm pressed against the back of her neck as his heated kiss descended.

He nibbled and bit at her lips before his tongue swept inside. His long fingers pressed gently against the delicate small of her back through her thin dress, causing her to let out a restless moan as her body grew even softer.

She could only let herself be bullied in his embrace.

It was very warm inside the box. Zhao Zonglan wore only a dark gray silk shirt on his upper body, with no tie. His trousers were neat and well-pressed. At first glance, he looked noble and composed, yet he also exuded a certain air of casual indifference.
The sofa faced the floor-to-ceiling window directly.

Everything in the auction hall was visible at a glance.

The professional voice of the auctioneer carried over, briefly introducing the first lot.

Shen Jingni pushed against him, turning her head to dodge his kiss. “Zhao Zonglan, it’s starting.”

She still had to perform Lighting the Sky Lantern.

“Don’t move.”

Zhao Zonglan tightened his grip, pulling her firmly into his embrace.

The sweet, fresh scent on her body was incredibly alluring, and her lips were so soft and sweet that he couldn’t get enough.

Just holding her like this nearly made him lose control.

Two days had been far too long.

Zhao Zonglan’s eyes darkened as he took her crimson earlobe into his mouth, whispering in her ear, “Let me kiss you a little longer.”

His voice was deep, and his hot breath teased the nerves of her ear, making the skin behind it flush with heat.

Shen Jingni shrank into his arms, her eyelashes trembling. As if sensing something, her watery eyes widened slightly.

He was hard.

How terrifying. Even in a setting like this, he could actually…

“Mmph… you said you’d let me… let me do Lighting the Sky Lantern. You liar.”

While being kissed lightly by him, Shen Jingni swung her fists to hit him.

Her eyes were like autumn ripples, and her voice carried a soft, lingering lilt. Even when she was scolding him, it made one’s heart itch with desire.

Zhao Zonglan leaned back against the sofa and pulled her back into his chest, coaxing her while he kissed her: “I’ll let you do it in a moment.”

Only then did Shen Jingni feel a bit better.

She stopped struggling.

She just hoped the old man would calm down quickly and let her go.

But this brief intimacy wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy Zhao Zonglan.

Instead, the restless fire in his lower belly burned hotter and hotter.

Shen Jingni started to panic.

Her eyes darted around as she leaned over him, taking the initiative to lean in and mouth his protruding Adam’s apple. Then, taking advantage of his momentary distraction, she slipped out of his arms like a flash and ran behind the screen.

Zhao Zonglan didn’t chase her. His tall frame sank lazily into the sofa as he picked up a cigarette from the table and lit it. He took a deep drag with downcast eyes, exhaling a smoke ring at a leisurely pace.

Little brat.

She certainly knew how to torment someone.

After a moment, he spoke in a low voice: “Chang An, let her back in.”

Without his permission, she couldn’t possibly leave this private box.

Silly kitten.

Outside the screen, Chang An didn’t know what was happening inside. He only saw Shen Jingni suddenly run out, looking as if she were about to cry.

She wanted to leave, but the men at the door wouldn’t let her pass.

Shen Jingni gritted her teeth in anger.

That dog of a man.

Go back in? Go back in just to be bullied by him again? No way.

Seeing her standing there motionless, Chang An relayed the message with neither arrogance nor humility: “Miss Shen, the Master asks that you go back inside.”

“I heard you, I heard you!” Shen Jingni was both embarrassed and annoyed, shouting huffily, “I’m not deaf!”

Chang An: “…”

Pouting unhappily, she walked back around the screen, muttering curses under her breath.

“Liar, old bastard, all he does is bully people…”

Zhao Zonglan glanced over sideways, meeting her angry, peach-blossom eyes. He said calmly, “Don’t want to do Lighting the Sky Lantern?”

Shen Jingni stopped cursing.

But she still had enough backbone to warn him: “You aren’t allowed to kiss me again tonight.”

Zhao Zonglan didn’t respond as he smoked.

Her lip curled, and she decided to stay far away from him. She didn’t go over, instead leaning her thin frame against the wall in a tense, defensive posture that was both hilarious and pitiful.

She was a bit cute.

He wanted to fuck her.

“I’ll try.”

His voice was calm yet forceful. “Come here.”