Falling into the Capital's Radiance - Chapter 49

Chapter 49

For the sake of tonight’s auction items, Shen Jingni chose to believe him for the time being.

Zhao Zonglan turned out to be a man of his word; he simply held her and didn’t try anything untoward.

Furthermore, almost every item she took a fancy to was secured immediately.

Although neither of them showed their faces, Shen Jingni had the time of her life tonight.

She acquired many exquisite treasures.

A painting from the Southern Song Dynasty, a Western Han nephrite jade pendant set, a sapphire tassel necklace weighing over two hundred carats… Among them was a pair of pigeon-blood ruby earrings that she adored. They were also the most expensive, costing Zhao Zonglan two hundred million for that single piece.

As the auction neared its end, the highly anticipated diamond and pearl pendant finally appeared.

The pendant featured a bow design popular in the eighteenth century, with an oval diamond set at the top. Below it hung a rare pear-shaped natural saltwater pearl, its shape as perfect as a water droplet. Its preciousness far outshone the brilliance of the diamonds.

The starting price was three hundred million.

Shen Jingni’s eyes lit up. Grabbing Zhao Zonglan’s hand, she made no effort to hide her delight. “It’s so beautiful!”

“Zhao Zonglan, I want this.”

If she wanted it, Zhao Zonglan would naturally give it to her.

He had intended to win it for her anyway.

But…

He was a capitalist, after all.

“What did you call me?”

“Brother.”

At this moment, Shen Jingni was incredibly well-behaved. Holding his hand, her bright eyes sparkled as she acted coquettishly toward him. “Brother, please, I’m begging you.”

Zhao Zonglan’s Adam’s apple rolled slightly.

But it wasn’t enough.

He leaned back lazily against the sofa, his gaze calm as he looked at her. “Give me a kiss.”

Seeing that people below were already bidding, Shen Jingni didn’t care if he was teasing her. She leaned in and kissed his lips.

His little kitten was so soft and obedient.

It would probably feel amazing to make her cry right here.

Zhao Zonglan was burning with agitation, desire surging in his eyes, but he knew the timing was wrong. He could only suppress the base urges deep in his bones.

He instructed Chang An to perform Lighting the Sky Lantern.

However, it seemed the VIP box opposite them had also performed Lighting the Sky Lantern.

In an auction, when two buyers simultaneously initiate Lighting the Sky Lantern, the auction house usually resolves it through priority rights, deposit verification, or an automatic price-increase mechanism.

But tonight’s situation was a bit special.

Because the other person Lighting the Sky Lantern was Song Yanting.

The organizers could not afford to offend Mr. Zhao or Mr. Song, nor did they want to. Being caught in the middle was quite a predicament.

Song Yanting was a refined gentleman and easy to talk to-at least, that was how he appeared to outsiders.

So, the organizers subtly hinted to him that he should discuss it with Mr. Zhao for the sake of harmony.

However, Zhao Zonglan sent Chang An over to deliver a message.

“Our master says that Miss Shen likes this diamond and pearl pendant very much, and he is determined to have it. Therefore, please consider your options carefully, Young Master Song.”

That meant there was no room for negotiation.

On the surface, it sounded open and polite, but it contained a veiled warning and threat.

If he tried to fight for it, he naturally wouldn’t be able to outbid Zhao Zonglan.

Song Yanting sighed helplessly.

Look at that-a total infatuated tyrant.

To please a woman, Zhao Zonglan didn’t even care about their brotherhood.

But Song Yanting forgot that he himself had intended to bid on it to please his own girlfriend.

It could only be said that they were two of a kind.

Song Qiyu, who was playing on his phone nearby, heard the name ‘Miss Shen’ and looked up. “Is my little sister-in-law here too?”

Chang An replied, “Yes.”

“Well, that’s perfect. We can all have dinner together tonight.”

–

In the end, the diamond and pearl pendant was sold for 1.5 billion.

Having obtained such a beautiful and precious treasure, Shen Jingni was full of joy, and her words became much sweeter. “Thank you, Brother.”

“Zhao Zonglan, you’re so good to me.”

Not only did she call out to him in a delicate voice, but she also rubbed her head against the crook of his neck.

Others might have felt the need to act reserved or feel unworthy of such a gift, but she didn’t.

If she wanted something, she said so; if she got it, she should be happy.

Zhao Zonglan found her frankness and directness adorable.

If spending money could keep her this cute and happy, it didn’t matter. Besides, those things weren’t worth much to him anyway.

Chang An waited outside the screen and said, “Sir, Young Master Song has invited you and Miss Shen to have dinner together. The second young master is also there.”

Zhao Zonglan felt that Song Yanting was simply asking for trouble.
Why did people love interrupting others so much?

Zhao Zonglan didn’t bother to entertain the idea. “Refuse them,” he said coldly.

Shen Jingni, however, wanted to go. She tugged at his hand, acting cute to coax him. “Let’s go. It’ll be fun with more people.”

Her main reason was that eating alone with Zhao Zonglan felt a bit too high-pressure.

Last time at Zijing Sandalwood Court, he had spent the entire meal supervising her eating.

He had even been a little fierce about it.

Zhao Zonglan pinched the soft flesh of her cheek, his burning gaze seemingly trying to see right through her. “You really like it when it’s lively?”

Feeling a bit guilty, she shifted her gaze away, not daring to meet his eyes. She simply grabbed the man’s hand and started pulling him toward the exit.

“Oh, come on, let’s go!”

His palm was broad and large, his skin pale, and his fingers long. The veins on the back of his hand were prominent, possessing the unique sex appeal of a mature man.

In contrast, Shen Jingni’s hand was much smaller.

She couldn’t wrap her hand around his entire palm, so she could only tightly grip two or three of his fingers. With her limited strength, she walked ahead of him in what appeared to be a bossy and forceful manner.

Zhao Zonglan was momentarily dazed. His deep gaze moved from her slender, white fingertips to her exquisite profile, his brow furrowing slightly.

He was used to being in control of everything. Most people treated him with respect, wariness, or even fear; they never dared to overstep.

This was the first time someone had ever led him around like this.

It was completely out of his control.

But the feeling… didn’t seem too bad.

A flicker of helpless yet indulgent laughter flashed in his eyes. He allowed that small, soft force to lead him, following behind her almost submissively.

However, Zhao Zonglan was tall with long legs, and Shen Jingni wasn’t walking very fast. Consequently, he had to slow his pace, following her into the quiet corridor with unhurried steps.

Shen Jingni hadn’t expected Zhao Zonglan to be so cooperative, and a sense of pride surged within her.

Feeling playful, she used her fingertip to lightly scratch his palm.

Zhao Zonglan wasn’t about to let her keep messing around.

He abruptly stopped in his tracks. The hand she was holding suddenly reversed the roles, pulling her into his embrace.

“Are you teasing me?”

He looked down at her, his dark pupils hiding an undeniable desire.

“I didn’t… mmm…”

Before she could even get her explanation out, her words were blocked by his burning kiss.

Zhao Zonglan pinned her against the wall. His hot palm cupped the back of her neck, his fingers sinking into her soft hair. He ground his lips against hers, and after her pained whimper, his invasion became even more forceful, his tongue tangling with hers.

“Not here, there are people…”

Shen Jingni tried to push him away, but he was too strong; she couldn’t budge him an inch.

This was a public place.

The old man had gone mad.

What she didn’t know was that this was an exclusive VIP passage. Very few people were authorized to pass through here.

Zhao Zonglan seemed truly stirred.

Beneath that habitually cold and ascetic exterior, a terrifying soul, nourished by unbridled desire, was beginning to stir.

His warm, large palm stroked her snowy-white neck, sending what felt like an electric current through her.

His kiss was both fierce and lustful.

Shen Jingni’s breathing became ragged, and she was forced to cling to his shoulders for support.

Chang An wouldn’t dare watch such a scene. He could only lead his subordinates to guard both ends of the corridor, silently turning his back.

Song Qiyu had waited for a long time without seeing Zhao Zonglan and Shen Jingni come down.

He eventually went to the second floor to look for them.

Seeing Chang An at the end of the corridor, he asked, “Where are Fifth Brother and my sister-in-law? Why are you standing here?”

Chang An stammered, “The Master… is busy.”

Busy?

What could he be busy with in a corridor?

How strange.

Song Qiyu was a simple soul. He didn’t think too much of it and walked straight past, and Chang An failed to stop him.

Looking from a distance, he spotted the two people at the corner.

Zhao Zonglan’s tall frame almost completely enveloped the other person in his arms, shielding her from view.

Song Qiyu didn’t see clearly. Lacking a bit of common sense, he called out, “Fifth Brother!”

Hearing the voice, Shen Jingni’s teeth chattered in nervousness, and she accidentally bit the man’s tongue.

Zhao Zonglan’s brow furrowed slightly. He glanced sideways at Song Qiyu, his voice low and cold. “Get lost.”

Realization finally dawned on Song Qiyu. His ears turned bright red, and he hurriedly turned and bolted.

He was doomed; he had ruined everything.

Shen Jingni was so embarrassed she was close to tears. She pushed Zhao Zonglan away, her cheeks flushed crimson as she scolded him furiously, “You old rogue!”

“I’m really angry now!”