Chapter 34: Don’t Recklessly Court Death

"Look, everyone! The girl sitting beside him—isn't she Mu Yiren, heiress of Yiren Group?"
"Yes, I think that's her! I even saw her on the news before!"

The voices of the crowd faded from Ling Xue’s ears. She murmured to herself,
"No wonder. No wonder he can sit there, in such a good seat—it’s because of her! I always overlooked this. Even without the Ling family, he still has Mu Yiren! With Yiren Group behind him, I am still no match for him. He can live the life of a wealthy young master, after all, Mu Yiren loves him so deeply!"

"Xue, what are you saying? I don’t understand."
Her companion asked in confusion, but Ling Xue only gave a bitter smile, shook her head, and replied,
"It’s nothing. Suddenly, I feel unwell. Please, keep watching—I’ll go home first."

The girls frowned in unison.
"What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly feeling unwell?"
"Didn’t we agree to attend this auction together?"

"No, I’m sorry. I can’t stay with you today. Enjoy yourselves, don’t worry about me—I’m heading back."

Without another word, Ling Xue ignored their pleas and quickly left the auction hall.

Ling Xiao sat in a place of honor while she had to stand in the back, gazing at his distant figure. The disparity was too much for her proud heart to bear.
So, she would rather go home than watch any longer.

...

On the other side, Ling Xiao and Mu Yiren had just settled into their seats when a figure strode in with arrogant confidence. Many of the business owners already seated promptly rose to their feet.

"Young Master Chen has arrived!"
"Which Young Master Chen?"
"You don’t know Young Master Chen? Are you really from Jiangzhou? He’s the eldest son and primary heir of the Jiangzhou Chen Group!"

"Hiss! Chen Group—isn’t that the one ranked among the top twenty in all of Jiangzhou? I heard their assets exceed six billion!"

"If it’s not him, who else could it be?"

Mu Yiren glanced over, unable to suppress a contemptuous snort.

Before Ling Xiao could speak, she addressed him herself,
"This Young Master Chen is Chen Lishi. The Chen family holds a good rank in Jiangzhou, and Chen Lishi has risen along with them, becoming one of Jiangzhou's Eight Handsome Men. In reality, he’s nothing but a scoundrel!"

Ling Xiao’s eyelids twitched.
"You seem to have a strong opinion of him."

Mu Yiren replied irritably,
"This lecher once tried to court me, but I rejected him firmly. Afterwards, he made things difficult for Yiren Group again and again, forcing me to spend a great deal of effort to keep the company afloat."

"Is that so?"
Ling Xiao’s eyes narrowed, casting a cold, sword-like glance at Chen Lishi.

Sensing Ling Xiao’s sharp gaze, Chen Lishi looked over, glanced at Ling Xiao with disdain, and spat lightly.
But then, his eyes settled on Mu Yiren beside Ling Xiao, and his gaze brightened.
He ignored the crowd and strolled over to Mu Yiren.

"Miss Mu, what a coincidence! Who would have expected you to attend the auction as well?"

Mu Yiren answered with annoyance,
"Why should you care whether I’m here or not? Mind your own business!"

Chen Lishi’s eyes narrowed, a hidden malice flickering deep within, but his face remained genial.
"Miss Mu, you’re still as fiery as ever! But we’re all businesspeople here—harmony brings fortune. There’s no need to be so hostile."

"Sorry, that’s just how I am. I don’t like talking to certain people—hearing your voice makes me sick! Please leave, before you make me uncomfortable!"

"You—!"

Chen Lishi’s eyes narrowed abruptly, murderous intent flashing.

He snorted coldly,
"Mu Yiren, be as reckless as you wish. Sooner or later, I’ll make you understand that Chen Lishi is not someone you can provoke so easily! Hmph!"

With that, he turned and left. The other business owners seized the opportunity, rushing forward to flatter him.

"Young Master Chen, please sit here—my seat is right in the center, the best spot."
"Young Master Chen, sit with me—I brought some good tea, I’ll have my secretary brew it for you."

...

Facing their enthusiastic invitations, Chen Lishi merely smiled coolly.

"Gentlemen, no need. I already have a seat."

"Oh?"
The crowd looked puzzled.

"But Young Master Chen, the front rows have already been chosen—how do you already have a seat?"

"Heh heh heh..."

Chen Lishi smiled arrogantly, placing one hand behind his back and pointing at the very front row,

"There, those seats are mine."

"Hiss!"
Everyone gasped, eyes wide, staring at Chen Lishi.

"Young Master Chen, does your account really have fifteen hundred million in liquid funds?"

Chen Lishi chuckled,
"Not quite so extravagant! I don’t have fifteen hundred million, but I do have a few hundred million. As for sitting in the front row, the main reason is that our Chen family sponsored the auction—so we were gifted two seats."

Upon hearing this, their shock diminished, but admiration remained,

"As expected of the Chen family—such wealth, even sponsoring a charity auction!"
"Now the Chen family sits in the front row thanks to sponsorship, how impressive! In a couple of years, Young Master Chen’s account will surely have fifteen hundred million, and he won’t need sponsorship to sit in the front!"

"Heh heh heh..."

Chen Lishi stood with both hands behind his back, smiling with pride.

"No need for too much praise. Though my family is prosperous, we’re not so exaggerated—always relying on your support and cooperation! In the future, we hope to work closely with all of you!"

The crowd quickly pledged their loyalty,

"Young Master Chen, you’re too polite! If you ever need anything, just ask! We’ll go through fire and water for you!"

Chen Lishi waved grandly,

"Well said! Then let’s all prosper together!"

"Thank you, Young Master Chen!"

"Enough talk—let me take my seat. The auction is about to begin; everyone, please sit!"

"Yes, yes!"

Everyone hurried to their seats. Chen Lishi glanced at Mu Yiren, his eyes full of smugness, as if to say:

Mu Yiren, you foolish girl, not choosing me—you must be blind!

Now, do you see the difference between us?

Losing me will be the most regrettable, the most foolish decision of your life!