Chapter Forty-Six: How Will You Compensate Me

Lin Wanting nodded gently and said, “Everything went smoothly.” After speaking, she addressed everyone present.

“Ladies and gentlemen, what just happened was merely a minor incident—there’s no need to dwell on it. Up next, we will present a jade pendant personally carved by Master Yan, one of the most renowned artisans in the jade world!”

At her words, the crowd, which had been somewhat unsettled by Liu Yuanhang’s arrest, fell instantly silent. All eyes turned to Lin Wanting, then shifted eagerly to the auction stage, anticipation shining in their gaze for the upcoming masterpiece by Master Yan.

Qin Feng, observing this, nodded to himself. Lin Wanting’s ability to handle unexpected situations was truly impressive; few could stabilize the atmosphere so swiftly. He gently patted her shoulder in encouragement, then walked toward the stage to resume hosting the auction.

“Distinguished guests, thank you for your patience.” Qin Feng’s voice resonated through the hall via the microphone. “As Miss Wanting just announced, our next lot is the grand finale of today’s auction—a jade pendant hand-carved by the eminent Master Yan, a titan in the jade world.”

As his words fell, several staff members carefully carried a delicate wooden box onto the stage, setting it reverently on the display table. Qin Feng stepped forward and opened the box slowly. Instantly, a gentle, lustrous glow of jade spilled out.

Inside the box lay several pendants of green and white jade, each one unique. The carvings depicted dragons and phoenixes in harmonious dance, landscapes rendered in poetic strokes, and vivid birds, flowers, fish, and insects—each one lifelike and breathtaking.

“These jade pendants are not only crafted from the finest materials; they are also the fruit of Master Yan’s decades of dedication,” Qin Feng announced with reverence. “Each piece embodies his profound understanding of jade and his relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. I have no doubt they will become treasured heirlooms, cherished by collectors for generations to come.”

Exclamations of admiration rippled through the crowd. Many eyes glimmered with desire—they knew that to possess a work by Master Yan was not merely a testament to their taste, but a symbol of status.

The auction began in earnest. Qin Feng introduced each pendant in turn, and every fall of the gavel was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers. Bids soared higher and higher, far exceeding even Qin Feng’s expectations.

Yet just as the auction was drawing to a close, an unexpected figure strode into the hall.

He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his features severe, his gaze radiating an undeniable authority. It was none other than Wen Hao, the representative of the Wen family from the capital.

His arrival immediately drew every eye; the entire room seemed to turn toward him.

Qin Feng’s heart tightened. He knew Wen Hao’s appearance was no coincidence—most likely, he had come because of Wen Bin.

“Qin Feng, I have a few words for you,” Wen Hao said, walking directly to the stage.

Qin Feng was momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. He signaled the auctioneer to continue, then stepped down and led Wen Hao to the backstage lounge.

“Mr. Wen, what brings you here?” Qin Feng asked calmly.

Wen Hao’s gaze was piercing as he stared straight into Qin Feng’s eyes. “I’ve heard that my brother Wen Bin’s death is connected to you?”

A chill ran through Qin Feng, but outwardly he remained unruffled. “Mr. Wen, I don’t know where such rumors originated, but I can state plainly—Wen Bin’s death has nothing to do with me.”

Wen Hao sneered. “Rumors? Qin Feng, do you think I’d believe you so easily? The Wen family may be based in the capital, but we’re not without eyes and ears here in Jianghai. We know exactly what you’ve been up to.”

Qin Feng’s brows drew together. “Mr. Wen, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I have a clear conscience. If I truly had anything to do with Wen Bin’s death, I am willing to accept any investigation.”

Wen Hao scrutinized him for a while, as if weighing the truth of his words. After a long silence, he suddenly smiled coldly.

“Heh…Qin Feng, you really are a hypocrite! My brother is dead, and yet you can still negotiate with me as if nothing happened?”

At this, Qin Feng’s lips twitched, but he remained silent. Wen Hao’s words, though harsh, were not without merit, leaving him little room for rebuttal.

After a moment’s thought, Qin Feng raised his head and spoke. “Mr. Wen, I doubt you came here today solely to seek justice for Wen Bin.”

Wen Hao’s eyes blazed as he stared at Qin Feng, making no effort to conceal his intentions. “Of course not. I also expect a satisfactory explanation from you.”

Qin Feng shook his head, his tone distant. “Mr. Wen, I’m not sure what you mean. If you’re truly looking for the culprit, the Liu family is right there.”

“And allow me to give you some advice—I, Qin Feng, do not seek trouble, but that doesn’t mean I fear it.”

“Oh?” Wen Hao arched a brow, his interest piqued.

“If you insist on being unreasonable, don’t blame me for showing no mercy,” Qin Feng replied coldly.

A shadow flickered in Wen Hao’s eyes. He snorted. “Who do you think you are? You dare to threaten me? So, there’s nothing left to discuss?”

A chill flashed in Qin Feng’s eyes; his patience was at its limit. “What, you want to resort to violence? Fine. I’m not afraid of you. Rest assured, I’ll investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it!”

With a final cold laugh, Wen Hao turned on his heel and left with his entourage, not sparing Qin Feng another glance.

Qin Feng stood motionless, his face dark with suppressed anger, forcing himself to calm down before returning to the stage.

The auction was still underway. Qin Feng scanned the crowd and, seeing that nothing else was amiss, took his seat and resumed hosting, though his mood was far from serene.

Wen Hao’s sudden appearance had thrown his plans into disarray and nearly ruined the auction.

By the time the event concluded, dusk had already fallen. After everyone had left, Qin Feng made his way to Lin Wanting’s office.

“Qin Feng, what took you so long? I’ve been waiting ages for you!” Lin Wanting pouted, her tone full of playful complaint.

Qin Feng forced a bitter smile. “I got held up dealing with some trouble—it took a while to resolve.”

“Really?” Lin Wanting blinked, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “So, how do you plan to make it up to me?”

Qin Feng paused, somewhat confused. “Make it up to you?”

She giggled, her eyes dancing with light. “I’m just teasing. But you don’t look well—did something difficult happen?”

Qin Feng sighed and briefly recounted Wen Hao’s visit.

After hearing him out, Lin Wanting’s delicate brows knitted in concern. After a moment’s thought, she said, “The Wen family is powerful and not easy to deal with. But we’re not without our own resources now—the business at Jade Pavilion is steadily improving, and our strength is growing day by day.”