Chapter Nineteen: Madness

Inside the private box, everything was already prepared. Fresh fruit was arranged on the table; anyone who could enter such a box was either wealthy or distinguished, their status unassailable.

“Prince Xiao, I’ve already checked—your auction item is set to go up right after lot number twelve,” Chiron reported, handing over a catalog. Images of the items up for auction were printed clearly within. Item thirteen, which Xiao Ye was selling, was a simple ox-horn comb, its only ornamentation a delicate golden trim. It was a keepsake left behind by his mother.

Now, seeing the image of the ox-horn comb again after so long, Xiao Ye couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. After all these years, he was finally able to see this comb again.

“Oh come on, Jin, why did you have to drag me here? What’s so great about squeezing into an auction like this?” Just then, a woman’s voice echoed outside the box’s still-open door.

A young couple made their way toward Xiao Ye. The man wore an ostentatious gold chain around his neck, his clothes exuding extravagance—he was the very image of a playboy scion. His hand roamed brazenly over his companion, a scantily clad girl who showed not a hint of shyness.

Xiao Ye glanced at them only once before withdrawing his gaze.

The rich young man, holding his girlfriend close, laughed. “Sweetheart, don’t worry! We’re just here to have a look. If there’s anything you fancy, just tell me—I’ll make sure you get it!”

His girlfriend’s smile bloomed. “That’s more like it. Thank you, Jin!”

With that, the couple sat beside Xiao Ye, completely ignoring the others as they indulged in bold displays of affection.

Xiao Ye’s eyes darkened for a moment, but since these two had nothing to do with him, he turned his attention back to his own purpose.

...

The auction commenced in earnest. One item after another was presented as the host introduced each lot.

Xiao Ye had no interest in any of them. In contrast, the young heir in the neighboring box bid without hesitation on anything his girlfriend wanted. Most of the items were sent directly to his box, and the comings and goings at his door were endless.

Such lavish spending made his identity immediately obvious, though Xiao Ye did not recognize him. Curious, Xiao Ye signaled Chiron with a glance. Chiron understood and quietly left the hall.

Not long after, Chiron returned to Xiao Ye’s side, whispering in his ear.

“Prince Xiao, I’ve found out—the wealthy young man is Lu Sanjin, eldest son of the Lu family from Pingrong City. Their family even has business with the Xiao Corporation.”

Xiao Ye’s eyes lit up. So this fellow had dealings with the Xiao family business as well?

“Shall I have him removed?” Chiron asked coldly.

“No need—let them be,” Xiao Ye replied with a dismissive wave. It wasn’t his concern; all that mattered was reacquiring the ox-horn comb.

At that moment, the thirteenth lot was brought to the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, next up for auction—a horn comb with considerable history!” the host announced. “According to the current owner, this comb was itself acquired at auction years ago, and is believed to be at least two hundred years old!”

The introduction immediately drew the attention of many in the audience.

Even Lu Sanjin’s girlfriend’s eyes lit up. She pointed at the comb and pouted, “Jin, it’s so pretty! Can you buy it for me?”

“It’s just a horn comb—how expensive could it be? I’ll buy it!” Lu Sanjin laughed grandly, not taking the matter seriously at all.

When the host announced the starting bid of thirty thousand, Lu Sanjin immediately raised his hand. “Fifty thousand!”

All eyes turned his way. The room fell silent. Fifty thousand for a little comb? Even the wealthiest couldn’t be so cavalier.

“You’re the best, Jin! Anything I want, you buy for me!” his girlfriend cooed, clinging to his arm as if glued to his side.

Hearing his bid, the other guests fell silent. Having already won several items, everyone knew by now the depth of Lu Sanjin’s pockets. Challenging such a rich young man was blatant provocation.

But just as Lu Sanjin thought the comb was his, a cold voice sounded beside him.

“Five hundred thousand.”

All at once, every gaze turned toward Xiao Ye’s box.

Who would dare offend Lu Sanjin so openly?

People began whispering, speculating about the identity of the bidder in that box.

“Five hundred thousand?” Lu Sanjin’s face darkened instantly. He hadn’t expected anyone to challenge him. He had only bid fifty thousand—yet Xiao Ye had raised the price tenfold!

While the crowd reeled in shock, Xiao Ye’s expression remained unchanged. This comb was something he had to reclaim, no matter what price Lu Sanjin offered.

“Jin, he’s clearly disrespecting you—he’s snatching what you want!” his girlfriend urged.

“Hmph! Let’s see how much money you really have!” Lu Sanjin snarled. “Six hundred thousand!”

He grinned maliciously. In Pingrong City, aside from the four great families, there was no one he feared.

Yet as soon as he spoke, Xiao Ye countered without hesitation.

“Six million.”

“What!” The astronomical bid sent Lu Sanjin leaping from his seat in shock. Xiao Ye had raised the price tenfold once more!

Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief. Who would pay six million for a simple horn comb?

“Who is this man, willing to spend six million on a comb?”

“No matter how precious, it can’t possibly be worth that much!”

Backstage, the auction organizers grew tense at Xiao Ye’s bid. “Amin, quickly check the identity of that gentleman. If he’s here to cause trouble, throw him out immediately!”

To them, spending six million on a horn comb bordered on insanity.

Yet Xiao Ye remained calm amid the astonishment swirling around him. Lu Sanjin’s face, meanwhile, turned fierce with anger.

He sent a message to Xiao Ye. “I’ve set my sights on that comb—I won’t let anyone else have it. I suggest you back off!”

Lu Sanjin had never seen Xiao Ye before in Pingrong City. He felt he was being slighted—how dare this outsider challenge him twice in a row?

But Xiao Ye treated the warning like a joke. “If he has the money, he’s welcome to outbid me.”

His reply was relayed to Lu Sanjin, igniting his temper like a powder keg.

“Fine! You want to compete? Let’s see who has deeper pockets!” Lu Sanjin shouted, then made a new, outrageous bid.

“Eight million!”