After Zhou Xue left, Lin Bingxuan hastily placed her hand over Xiao Tian’s hand, worried that Xiao Tian might feel upset because of it.

She had grown up with Zhou Xue, and their sisterly bond was strong. Lin Bingxuan wasn’t the type to ruin friendships over a man, although she was slightly displeased with Zhou Xue earlier.

Xiao Tian merely shook his head with a faint smile,

"Don’t worry, you’re underestimating your husband here."

In truth, he didn’t concern himself with Zhou Xue’s actions. Instead, his mind was occupied with thoughts about Raindrop. Ever since the last battle in Somalia, news about Raindrop had become scarce, and this mysterious organization seemed to have ceased its activities recently.

This eerie quietness made Xiao Tian somewhat cautious. Hopefully, it’s not the calm before the storm.

"Ladies and gentlemen——————"

At that moment, lights illuminated the stage at the front of the hall, and an aged voice filled the entire space. Its tone was calm yet resonant.

Hearing the strength in the old man’s voice, Xiao Tian was a bit surprised, "I didn’t expect such a master to be present at this auction..."

Lin Bingxuan, standing beside, nodded in agreement and explained, "Of course, there are countless treasures here. Some people have attempted to steal them before, hence the Imperial Diamond Auction has become smarter since then and invited several masters. I heard that one of these masters even took down a would-be thief."

Xiao Tian chuckled and rubbed his nose, staying silent as he patiently awaited the continuation of the auction.

As their conversation went on, the elderly man on stage presented a wooden box, straightforwardly announcing, "I typically dislike idle chatter, so let’s commence today’s auction directly———— The first item is an exquisite jade piece, seemingly quite old, starting at three million...."

With that, the auction officially began. Truly befitting the largest auction venue in Shanghai, a three-million-dollar jade piece was just an appetizer. Diamonds, jade, precious paintings, scroll fragments, and various rare medicinal materials were abundant. As the auction progressed, the items presented became increasingly valuable.

Xiao Tian was not particularly interested in the auction. Time swiftly passed, and just then, the old man on stage suddenly displayed a diamond necklace.

The necklace, adorned with several diamonds, shimmered under the light. Outside this venue, it might be considered a treasure, but in the presence of Shanghai’s elites, it was rather ordinary.

The necklace seemed too ordinary, prompting the old man to forgo a detailed introduction, "It’s just a diamond necklace. Two million."

"Two million two hundred thousand," Xiao Tian raised his bidding paddle, intending to buy it for Lin Bingxuan.

Zhongliang, who had been eyeing Xiao Tian for quite some time, rejoiced as Xiao Tian finally made a bid.

The venue was extremely quiet, clearly indicating that no one was interested in such an ordinary necklace. Just as the old man was about to call out the final bid, Zhongliang, who had remained silent for a long time, suddenly shouted, "Three million!"

After placing his bid, Zhongliang looked at Xiao Tian with a smug expression.

In Zhongliang’s estimation, Xiao Tian was not a wealthy man. However, to his surprise, Xiao Tian instantly counter-bid.

"Four million," Xiao Tian’s indifferent voice echoed through the venue.

"Five million!" Zhongliang had no real intention of buying the necklace; he simply wanted to oppose Xiao Tian.

"Ten million," Xiao Tian quickly counter-bid, showing a determined eagerness. This time, Xiao Tian doubled the bid, astonishing everyone present.

It’s known that the necklace’s market value was, at most, over a million. Yet, in the blink of an eye, its price was raised tenfold!

Zhongliang turned his head to see Xiao Tian gazing at him with a faint smile of disdain. Zhongliang gritted his teeth, "Twenty million!"

As a young master of the Zhong family, losing a bidding war to a local man was humiliating for him.

"Fifty million,"

Unexpectedly, Xiao Tian quickly countered again. His tone was urgent, as if he was desperate for the necklace. Yet his voice carried a sense of resoluteness, as if he was willing to forsake all for it.

Xiao Tian’s acting was so convincing that everyone began to believe this necklace held special significance for him, otherwise, he wouldn’t be so determined to get it.

After Xiao Tian’s bid, the place fell silent, including the old man.

Xiao Tian stood up and glanced casually at Zhongliang, smiling faintly, "Young Master Zhong is just like me, seems to enjoy playing big, huh? But sorry, this necklace is mine."

Xiao Tian’s gaze was one of complete disdain, as if a victorious duelist savoring the admiration of the whole auction.

"Why is this guy desperate to get this necklace? Could there be something special about it?" Zhongliang fumed at Xiao Tian’s smug demeanor and seethed internally.

"Fine, if you love playing big, I’ll make sure you lose everything!"

Seeing Zhongliang about to continue bidding, his aide urgently advised, "Young master, we’ve brought a limited amount of funds today. I think we should stop arguing with him?"

Zhongliang completely ignored his aide’s advice, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes as he boldly raised his paddle, showing an attitude of being ready to bid even higher, "T... ten million!"

Simultaneously, Zhongliang resolved that if Xiao Tian bid again, he would stop following; a necklace that started at two million had now surged to over a billion, enough to make Xiao Tian suffer financially.

A billion!

The entire audience’s gaze now burned with excitement, seeing this necklace, initially worth just a few million, had now climbed to such a price. Whoever took it would likely end up losing everything!

Zhongliang grinned at Xiao Tian, "Your turn."

"No, no, no, no," Xiao Tian responded, leaving Zhongliang stunned and trembling, waving his hand, "I must represent us weak and disadvantaged to thank Young Master Zhong for his generosity; it’s admirable to push a common necklace to such heights."

"I admire you!"

This statement of admiration made Zhongliang collapse onto his seat in disbelief. He angrily pounded on his chair, his lips twitching uncontrollably, "Common necklace?? Impossible!!"

Zhongliang groaned internally, wondering if Xiao Tian’s earnestness and determination were all an act.

Xiao Tian laughed and waved his hand, "Nothing’s impossible. Since Young Master Zhong is so enthusiastic, I just played along,"

"You!" Zhongliang felt a heaviness in his chest, almost enraged enough to vomit blood. His gaze toward Xiao Tian grew icier, but with important business at hand, he had to suppress his anger.

Xiao Tian merely chuckled, completely ignoring Zhongliang. Beside him, Lin Bingxuan couldn’t help but laugh out loud, pinching Xiao Tian, "You’re so bad, look at that guy, he’s about to explode."

"Brought it on himself," Xiao Tian said indifferently.