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Qin Tang looked up to see Jiang Chuan standing in front of her. She glanced at him and said, “Wait for me a moment.”
Jiang Chuan smiled faintly and walked into the reception room with practiced ease.
After drinking two cups of coffee, Qin Tang entered with her iPad, sat down in front of him, and said, “I’ve secured a spot for you. But I don’t know how much you’re willing to spend, so let me tell you which items might be subject to inflated bids. Just avoid those.”
She opened her photo gallery.
Jiang Chuan’s attention wasn’t on the screen. Instead, he gazed at her serene profile, reached out, and tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear, revealing her delicate, pale earlobe. He gave it a gentle pinch.
Qin Tang shivered all over and immediately glared at him. “What are you doing?”
Jiang Chuan smirked, raising one corner of his mouth. “What do you think I’m doing?”
He had discovered that her ears were particularly sensitive; a simple pinch made them turn red.
Qin Tang bit her lip and whispered, “Don’t touch my ears.”
Jiang Chuan raised an eyebrow and turned his gaze to the iPad screen. On it was the image of a jade stone. Qin Tang said, “Don’t bid on this one. Many people will compete for it, and the price will definitely skyrocket. If no one follows through later, you’ll be stuck in a difficult position.”
But that was exactly what he wanted—to put himself in such a predicament.
Qin Tang went on to introduce a few other high-priced auction items, sharing her estimated values with him and urging him to proceed cautiously.
“Alright,” Qin Tang closed the gallery and looked at him. “You should head back early.”
Jiang Chuan arched an eyebrow slightly. “It’s dinner time. Let’s go out and eat.”
Qin Tang was about to decline when she met his deep, dark eyes. Suddenly, words failed her. Clutching her iPad, she hesitated for a few seconds before saying softly, “Okay, then wait for me a few minutes.”
Jiang Chuan stood up. “I’ll wait for you outside.”
She nodded, and he added as a reminder, “Don’t drive.”
They didn’t go far, choosing a nearby restaurant to sit down. After ordering the dishes, Qin Tang handed the menu to the waiter.
She asked him, “When are you going back to Yizhan?”
Jiang Chuan: “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“...No.” Qin Tang spoke softly. “I’m just asking.”
“I’ll return once things here are settled,” Jiang Chuan looked at her. “What about you? Will you come back with me?”
There were still a few places she hadn’t visited yet but had planned to.
Qin Tang lowered her head. “Maybe not anymore.”
Jiang Chuan’s brows gradually furrowed, a flicker of restrained dissatisfaction flashing in his eyes.
He didn’t understand what she was afraid of.
After dinner, Jiang Chuan drove her back.
Just as Qin Tang was about to get out of the car, Jiang Chuan grabbed her hand. His fingers naturally moved to pinch her ear again, watching with satisfaction as her earlobes turned pink.
“Qin Tang,” he said, “after the auction is over, give me an answer.”
“I can give you my answer now.”
“Now isn’t the time.”
Their eyes locked, but Qin Tang, still inexperienced, couldn’t withstand his intense gaze. She blinked, her expression softening with a hint of compromise.
…
The 20th anniversary of An Yi Foundation was set to host a charity auction and gala dinner on August 6th, a story that dominated the headlines of entertainment and social news sections across various media outlets.
Since June, He Cong’an had used the foundation’s website to launch an extensive promotional campaign. Both the An Yi Foundation and the auction garnered significant attention.
Early that morning, journalists from all over gathered outside the venue. Qin Tang appeared in a striking yellow off-the-shoulder gown, her skin as pale as snow, her figure slender and elegant. Her long hair was swept up, revealing a delicate and beautiful face.
Beautiful people always look good no matter how they dress.
Her appearance immediately caused a stir.
She had arrived alongside Jing Xin and Qin Sen. Standing next to Jing Xin, it was clear to everyone that this was An’an, the daughter of the legendary actress who had rarely been seen in public for years. Though Jing Xin was in her forties, she showed no signs of aging, remaining stunningly attractive.
Qin Tang’s beauty, however, was understated—elegant, serene, and exuding the aura of a cold beauty.
The reporters snapped photos nonstop, their cameras flashing as murmurs filled the air.
After finally entering the venue, some uninvited media personnel were blocked by security outside, left to lament their exclusion.
Guests began filing in to sign the attendance register.
Qin Tang stood to the side, glancing outside. Jiang Chuan, tall and noticeable, caught her eye the moment he walked in. She froze for a few seconds upon seeing him.
Jiang Chuan usually dressed casually in dark T-shirts and black pants, simple yet stylish. His good looks and physique made anything he wore look great.
But today, he was impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt, the top button undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his Adam’s apple. The shirt was neatly tucked into his tailored black suit pants, which accentuated his long, strong legs. Whether it was his physique, face, complexion, or demeanor, he stood out effortlessly in the crowd.
Qin Tang had to admit—he had a striking appearance.
If he weren’t so mysterious, if he were just a simple volunteer organization leader, and if she hadn’t gone through several life-and-death adventures with him, she might have said yes.
As if sensing her gaze, Jiang Chuan turned his head and looked at her, his eyes darkening.
Just as he was about to approach her, someone called out from behind him.
“Jiang Chuan.”
Jiang Chuan narrowed his eyes slightly, turned around, and smiled faintly. “Mr. Jiang, it’s been a while.”
Jiang Kun chuckled. “Indeed. It’s not easy to meet you. I didn’t expect you to be in Beijing.”
“I’m here on behalf of someone for the auction.”
Jiang Kun, in his forties, wasn’t particularly tall, but his sharp, piercing eyes made him intimidating when he focused on someone. “Oh? What a coincidence.”
“Quite the coincidence,” Jiang Chuan replied smoothly, his tone calm. “There are many journalists here today. This is the first time I’ve seen you make an appearance.”
Jiang Kun’s sharp gaze lingered on him before he burst into laughter. “I’ve chosen a good time to step into the spotlight, haven’t I?”
Jiang Chuan, hands in his pockets, slowly curved his lips into a smile. “Indeed.”
After today, everyone would remember Jiang Kun for one thing—his image as a charitable entrepreneur.
…
Buyers sat inside the venue as staff distributed bidding paddles. Everything was ready.
Jiang Chuan flipped his paddle idly, his gaze fixed on the stage.
After Qin Tang introduced herself, whispers rippled through the audience:
“So that photographer Qin Tang is her! I didn’t know she was Jing Xin’s daughter.”
“She’s so beautiful—it’s a pity she didn’t enter the entertainment industry.”
“What’s there to pity? Not everyone wants to be in showbiz. Being a photographer has its own prestige. Do you know how many people want to book her for shoots? But she’s very selective. Every so often, she disappears, and most of the photos she posts on Weibo are from mountainous regions.”
“Her studio posted an official announcement. She’ll be hosting a charity photography exhibition later this year.”
…
Jiang Chuan pressed his lips together tightly as he watched her speak on stage about the children in the mountains and the teenagers who had dropped out of school.
He suddenly felt that the distance between them wasn’t as vast as he’d thought.
…
The auction officially began.
Auctioneer Lu Sha took the stage, introducing each item up for bidding.
Every piece had its own backstory. Aside from the high-priced items, the others started with no reserve price, allowing buyers to bid freely.
Jiang Chuan lounged in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, occasionally raising his paddle but never overextending himself.
Every time he raised his paddle, Lu Sha’s eyes lingered on him, her gaze fixated.
The final three items: Jiang Kun’s jade stone, a famous oil painting, and a Qing dynasty porcelain vase.
From the start until now, Jiang Kun hadn’t raised his paddle once. If Jiang Chuan’s guess was correct, his target was the porcelain vase. His intentions were clear—he wanted to become the center of attention.
Jiang Chuan sent a text to Cao Sheng.
[Jiang Kun will bid on the highest-priced item. Should we compete?]
[No, higher-ups won’t allow it.]
Jiang Chuan put away his phone and stopped raising his paddle.
Sure enough, Jiang Kun placed a direct bid of ten million yuan for the porcelain vase. After deducting the base price, the remainder was donated to the An Yi Foundation as a scholarship fund for impoverished mountainous areas.
Lu Sha skillfully flattered him: “Mr. Jiang’s generosity is truly remarkable. Seven million yuan is enough to build a Hope Primary School. On behalf of those children, thank you.”
Jiang Kun stood up and smiled. “No need to thank me. I grew up poor and understand the hardships. Now that I have the means, I naturally wish to help those children in poverty. It’s been my lifelong aspiration.”
Thunderous applause erupted in the room.
Jiang Kun became the largest donor at the event.
After the auction ended, he was immediately surrounded by reporters.
Qin Tang’s family stood alongside Jiang Kun for photos and interviews. Not only that, but many buyers and celebrities present eagerly sought to connect with him. Single women openly flaunted their charm.
It was rumored that Jiang Kun was unmarried.
But even if he were married, what difference would it make? A man who spent so generously would always attract countless admirers.
…
Jiang Chuan stood at the end of the corridor, smoking.
The sound of high heels clicking against the marble floor grew louder as they approached.
He exhaled a ring of smoke, squinting slightly as he turned to look at the alluring and mature woman beside him. Lu Sha smiled faintly. “What, don’t you recognize me?”
“I do,” Jiang Chuan replied, flicking ash from his cigarette without much expression. “Is there something you want?”
“Can’t I just come to see you?” Lu Sha gazed at him, her red lips curved into a smile, her eyes roaming over him. “You look great in that outfit—like a real corporate elite. You know, you could consider staying in Beijing.”
“You said it yourself—it’s just an act,” he said with a faint smile.
Lu Sha stared directly at him, her smile softening. “You’re still as stubborn as ever. What’s the point of constantly running off to those mountainous areas? Back when you were with Zhao Qianhe, you were the most dedicated. I thought you were just putting on a show, but it turns out… you were serious.”
Jiang Chuan turned his head, calmly looking down at her. “That’s none of your business.”
“How is it not my business?” She stepped closer, pressing her body against his arm, feeling the strong, defined muscles beneath. Unable to resist, she reached out, her slender fingers painted with red nail polish lightly tracing his lower back.
It was an incredibly seductive gesture.
But Jiang Chuan showed no reaction, neither pushing her away nor responding.
Finishing his cigarette, he held the last puff in his chest before leaning down and slowly exhaling it toward her face.
The smoke was harsh, thick, and choking.
Lu Sha furrowed her brows but didn’t move away. Once the smoke cleared, she smiled faintly, her hands boldly wrapping around his waist. She took a couple of steps, moving behind him.
Jiang Chuan grabbed her wrist, his expression remaining indifferent. “What do you want?”
Lu Sha chuckled softly, her hand sliding across his abdomen. “What else could I possibly want? Don’t you understand?”
Jiang Chuan tightened his grip on her wrist.
...
At the other end of the corridor, Qin Tang watched him with cold, distant eyes.
Catching sight of her from the corner of his eye, Jiang Chuan slightly turned his head.
Their gazes met.
There was restraint in Jiang Chuan’s eyes, and he unconsciously took a step forward. Lu Sha followed, shifting to the side.
Qin Tang’s gaze grew colder by the second. After a few moments, she slowly averted her eyes and turned to leave.
Perhaps it was his imagination, but her eyes seemed to have reddened.
Lu Sha pressed closer again, her hands climbing up his back, her chest brushing against him. “Jiang Ge, let’s start over.”
In the next instant, her wrist was seized and yanked away forcefully. Lu Sha winced in pain.
Jiang Chuan looked at her, his gaze turning icy. “No need.”
“Why?”
“I can’t get hard for you.”
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