Chapter Thirty-Three: Encounters Along the Road of Life

Lin Wanting was dressed in a sheer nightgown, the delicate fabric half-concealing, half-revealing her chest, making one’s blood race. At that moment, as she buttoned up her gown while walking toward him, she exuded a deadly allure that could captivate the soul.

What’s more, she had taken special care with her appearance today, wearing light makeup that accentuated her flawless, dewy skin—radiant and tender, as if it would bruise at a breath, her beauty almost impossibly fresh.

“Good morning.”

Qin Feng paused for a moment, then a wry, playful smile curled on his lips.

“Hmph! Is that all the reaction I get? I made an effort to dress up, you know,” Lin Wanting teased, though she didn’t move any closer.

“When are we leaving?”

Half an hour later, Lin Wanting had changed into high heels and slung a bag over her arm, joining Qin Feng.

“Let’s go, Ah Hu is already there,” Qin Feng said.

They made their way to the parking lot, and soon, a black Mercedes sedan pulled out from the hotel.

...

The Jade Trading House was located in the eastern suburbs, occupying several main streets and forming a vast compound.

At this moment, a crowd of journalists, media, and business figures from all walks of life had gathered outside. Today was the day of bidding—the grand auction held once every three years, attracting jewelers and jade merchants from around the globe.

Such an event, naturally, drew the attention of the media and countless entrepreneurs.

As the black Mercedes slowly entered the exclusive parking lot of the Jade Trading House, Qin Feng and Lin Wanting stepped out side by side. Both were impeccably dressed, their presence commanding immediate attention from the crowd.

Lin Wanting wore a tailored suit that flattered her figure, her delicate makeup striking a perfect balance between professional poise and feminine grace. Qin Feng was in a custom-made suit, its sharp lines highlighting his tall build, his eyes steady and confident.

“Brother Qin, Director Lin, over here.”

Ah Hu was already waiting at the entrance. Spotting them, he quickly came forward to lead them through the bustling throng, heading straight for the VIP lounge inside.

All along the way, merchants and journalists cast curious and respectful glances their way. Occasionally, whispers would drift by, speculating about these two young yet formidable rising stars of the business world.

Inside the lounge, a gentle waft of sandalwood greeted them. The serene, elegant environment stood in stark contrast to the commotion outside. Several other important guests had already arrived, some conversing in low voices, others lost in quiet contemplation—each making final preparations for the impending auction.

No sooner had Qin Feng and Lin Wanting taken their seats than a server brought over steaming, fragrant tea.

“Wanting, what do you think are our chances at this auction?” Qin Feng asked quietly, his eyes thoughtful.

Lin Wanting smiled with quiet confidence. “As long as we have enough capital and a sound strategy, and with your discerning eye, I believe there’s nothing we can’t achieve. Still, I’ve noticed a few formidable competitors this time—especially those families from Southeast Asia. They’ve always had their sights set on the high-end jade market. We can’t underestimate them.”

Qin Feng nodded in agreement, then added, “True, but it’s precisely because of such rivals that this auction will be all the more interesting.”

As they spoke, a woman in a cheongsam entered the lounge. She carried herself with a gentle elegance, immediately drawing everyone’s attention. She was Li Wanru, the organizer of the Jade Trading House—a formidable figure in the jade industry, renowned for her capabilities.

“Mr. Qin, Director Lin, welcome,” Li Wanru greeted them with a warm smile, shaking their hands. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing what you accomplish at this auction.”

“You’re too kind, Ms. Li. It’s an honor for us to participate in such a grand event,” Qin Feng replied politely, though his mind was already turning over strategies for the bidding ahead.

As time passed, the auction finally commenced.

Inside the hall, the dazzling lights illuminated a tense and vibrant atmosphere. One by one, rare uncut jade stones were unveiled. Advisors from other jewelry houses and wealthy jade enthusiasts studied each piece up close.

Every raw jade stone here was worth tens of millions.

At that moment, Qin Feng’s gaze fell upon a familiar figure—it was none other than Wen Bin, whom he had met only once before.

“What’s he doing here?” Qin Feng muttered. Lin Wanting, catching his words, followed his gaze and spotted Wen Bin as well.

“Wen Bin?”

Lin Wanting was puzzled, unable to fathom why he would appear here. By rights, he should be overseeing the Jiang Hai development project, so what was he doing in Myanmar?

Could there be something fishy going on behind the scenes?

With that thought, she glanced at Qin Feng, her eyes questioning.

Qin Feng shook his head. He hadn’t sensed anything amiss, though it seemed Wen Bin recognized him as well. Dismissing the thought, he turned his attention back to the stones on display, searching for those with the greatest potential.

The auction set a high bar. The stones chosen were all of the finest quality, carefully curated. Qin Feng examined each one meticulously. In truth, every stone contained jade—the question was only of quantity and quality, since only those that passed strict screening made it to this stage.

Think of it this way: if you were the organizer, and people spent tens of millions bidding on stones that turned out to be worthless, they’d never return. This was the way to run the business—earn a profit, but don’t cheat your buyers, or you’d lose them for good.

“That should do it. Let’s head back.”

After making his selections, Qin Feng stood up, satisfied, and Lin Wanting followed suit, gathering her things to leave.

“Hey, where are you two off to?”

Just as they were about to step away, a disdainful and arrogant voice sounded from behind.

Qin Feng and Lin Wanting turned to see Wen Bin approaching, a hint of provocation in his eyes. Beside him stood several men in suits, each with a different expression—clearly his associates or business partners.

“Director Wen, what a coincidence,” Qin Feng replied calmly, his demeanor unchanged, though a glint of vigilance flickered in his eyes. He didn’t confront Wen Bin directly about why he was here, but his words carried a subtle undertone.

Wen Bin’s lips curled into a cold smile as his gaze shifted between Qin Feng and Lin Wanting, as if weighing something up.

“Director Lin, what a small world. It seems you two are quite determined to win at this jade auction.”