'Going on a spontaneous trip and will be back soon. Don't miss me.' <br><br> <br>As Ren Ziling skimmed through the message on her phone while reviewing manuscripts, she froze for a moment. Then, slamming both hands on the desk, she shot up in anger. "That brat! Pulling this stunt again! Does he think he's grown wings?!" <br><br> <br>She quickly dialed his number. <br><br> <br>“Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable…” <br><br> <br>"I...!!!!!" <br><br> <br>Utterly helpless, Ren Ziling finally sat back down. Having worked in this industry for many years, her temper had tempered with time, and she refrained from uttering expletives like 'Go to hell!' or 'Damn it!' <br><br> <br>… <br><br> <br>Guided by the flight attendant, Xavi settled into his seat. Naturally, by his side was You Ye. <br><br> <br>You Ye had changed out of the maid outfit she usually wore in the club. She now donned a light, sun-protective white inner shirt layered with a pale green knit cardigan. Pairing it with white casual jeans and silver perforated flat shoes, she exuded a completely different charm. <br><br> <br>Though Xavi had never expressed a desire to look inside You Ye’s room, he could imagine her wardrobe must be packed. <br><br> <br>With You Ye accompanying him, the flight attendant showed no enthusiasm beyond professional courtesy. However, the business class seats separated by curtains from the economy section were evidently more refined. <br><br> <br>The catalog brought back from Gu Yue Studio indicated that the auction venue was not in the city where Xavi resided. Rather, it was several cities away—across provincial boundaries, in fact. <br><br> <br>This exceeded Xavi’s usual range of movement. If he wanted to attend, he had to rely on transport. To ensure he could make a round trip within a day and still get plenty of rest, considering the club’s financial standings and Ethan Zhong’s quickest travel method, Xavi had decisively chosen air travel. <br><br> <br>The arrangements had been entrusted to You Ye. Considering her many years of social interactions, she must have handled such tasks numerous times. <br><br> <br>In the end, when Xavi sat in his first-class seat, he didn’t concern himself with the details. <br><br> <br>“Xavi?” <br><br> <br>Just as Xavi was about to close his eyes for a quick nap, a familiar voice called his name unexpectedly. Embarrassed, he realized he had bumped into an acquaintance at such a time. <br><br> <br>It was the young lady of Gu Yue Studio. <br><br> <br>Cherry Zhang stood there alone, holding her handbag, phone, and plane ticket. Curiously, she glanced over, frowned slightly, and asked, “Are you heading to the auction?” <br><br> <br>He wasn’t too surprised she guessed it. <br><br> <br>After all, he had just received the catalog from Gu Yue Studio yesterday and was now seated on a flight headed toward the venue. Naturally, Cherry Zhang, who shared the same purpose, would arrive at this conclusion. <br><br> <br>Xavi could only nod. <br><br> <br>Perhaps due to her merchant-family upbringing, Cherry Zhang maintained basic politeness. “And this… is your companion?” <br><br> <br>“You Ye…” Xavi introduced before adding, “She’ll be my companion for a long time.” <br><br> <br>“What a beautiful person,” Cherry Zhang remarked with a slight smile. <br><br> <br>Women, to varying degrees, often harbor a sense of comparison—whether strong or weak, intentional or subconscious. It’s always there. However, Cherry Zhang was genuinely amazed by You Ye, whose beauty seemed to encompass the best of both Eastern and Western women. <br><br> <br>Like The Untouchable Rose on a high peak, she exuded an extraordinary allure that drew Cherry Zhang to take another look. After hearing Xavi’s peculiar explanation, Cherry Zhang, accustomed to interpreting both direct and indirect meanings, smiled knowingly. “In that case, I won’t intrude. But Xavi, if you’re attending the auction, why not let me accompany you? Since I’m one of the co-hosts, traveling together can save you some trouble.” <br><br> <br>She didn’t question his purchasing power. After all, many people attended auctions to watch rather than bid, some just to join the excitement. Moreover, as a former classmate, Cherry Zhang didn’t want to leave an impression of arrogance. <br><br> <br>Xavi thought for a moment before agreeing. “Alright.” <br><br> <br>Cherry Zhang returned to her seat. <br><br> <br>Leaning close to Xavi, You Ye whispered, “Master, this lady’s soul is of True Beauty.” <br><br> <br>Xavi was momentarily taken aback but didn’t respond. You Ye was hinting that Cherry Zhang could potentially become a client of the club. But he wasn’t leaning that way for now. <br><br> <br>The world wasn’t short of individuals with A Soul of True Beauty. However, among his limited circle of acquaintances, especially those connected to Ren Ziling, Cherry Zhang was a rare link. Thus, he wasn’t keen on approaching her as the club owner. <br><br> <br>"Maybe later." <br><br> <br>Closing his eyes again, Xavi resumed resting. <br><br> <br>However, the intimate act of whispering didn’t go unnoticed by the flight attendant or Cherry Zhang. Both marveling at You Ye’s ethereal beauty, they harbored their respective speculations. <br><br> <br>The flight attendant, dreaming of a beautiful encounter in the affluent world, felt overshadowed by her mediocrity. Meanwhile, Cherry Zhang, curious about someone finding Xavi—a seemingly aloof figure—so appealing, pondered if it could actually be true love. <br><br> <br>A woman with her own romantic fantasies silently extended her blessings. <br><br> <br>The flight landed smoothly at their destination without further conversation. Accompanied by Cherry Zhang, Xavi boarded the host’s transfer car heading to the auction venue. <br><br> <br>As this car departed, another arrived at its destination—a completely different place at the same time. <br><br> <br>The bustling capital city stood miles away. Before them lay a luxurious estate—not just a mansion but more fittingly described as a manor. <br><br> <br>It was a property under the Zhong family’s name, housing their direct descendants. <br><br> <br>“Cheng Yun, prepare everything here and wait for me,” Ethan Zhong instructed hurriedly before heading toward the manor. <br><br> <br>Cheng Yun didn’t dare delay. While making phone arrangements, he glanced enviously toward the manor’s interior. Even now, he lacked the privilege to enter. <br><br> <br>Rumors suggested the elderly master’s condition had worsened, prompting Ethan Zhong’s rushed return. <br><br> <br>Within the manor, turmoil brewed. A change loomed ominously. <br><br> <br>Cheng Yun couldn’t help but feel uneasy. While infighting wasn’t rampant in the Zhong family, undercurrents ran deep. With the elderly master yet to designate an heir, the three heirs of this generation—two young masters and a young lady—were all highly capable. If the master failed to overcome this crisis, tumult was inevitable. <br><br> <br>Moreover, Ethan Zhong had ordered return tickets already—not just one or two seats but an entire first-class section. This puzzled Cheng Yun. <br><br> <br>At that moment, another vehicle sped into the manor. Cheng Yun recognized it as a car belonging to another Zhong young master. <br><br> <br>Now, aside from the young lady who had stayed behind, all three heirs of this generation had gathered. <br><br> <br>Of course, several key figures within the Zhong family had already arrived. <br><br> <br>“Could it… really be the end of an era?” Cheng Yun glanced at the sky, muttering under his breath with unease. “Damn this smog!” )
