Chapter 0027: If You’re Not Convinced, Come and Hit Me

“Smack.”
Zhang Xiaofan, without a word, slapped the woman across the face.
The slap finally provoked Nangong Haotian to speak. “Brother Zhang, isn’t this a bit disrespectful to me?”
“Oh? Why should I care about your feelings?”
Zhang Xiaofan knew Nangong Haotian could hardly restrain himself. Since he’d already struck, he wasn't afraid of this pretty boy.
“Brother, you must avenge me!” Yang Luo’er clutched her face, glaring at Zhang Xiaofan with hatred.
“Shut up. You can’t control your mouth, that’s your own fault.” Nangong Haotian barked. The woman dared not utter another word. She’d worked hard to get close to Nangong Haotian; she didn’t want to risk angering him again.
If he kicked her out, all her efforts would be wasted. She’d even given him her first time just to secure his favor.
“You’re really too arrogant.” Nangong Haotian’s face darkened as he looked at Zhang Xiaofan.
“I am arrogant. If you don’t like it, come hit me. Do you dare?” Zhang Xiaofan stared straight at him, his contempt evident.
One had to admit, Nangong Haotian was a deeply calculating man; even when provoked like this, he still refrained from making a move.
Suddenly, he smiled faintly. “Why get angry over a woman?”
Zhang Xiaofan truly admired this pretty boy’s patience. If it were him, he wouldn’t have been able to hold back.
“Luo’er, pour Brother Zhang a drink and apologize.” Nangong Haotian continued, “If Brother Zhang likes, I can give her to you.”
To Nangong Haotian, a woman was as trivial as a garment. If giving one away would help him win over Zhang Xiaofan, so be it.
“I’d rather die than be with this country bumpkin!” Yang Luo’er was nearly hysterical. She’d thought Nangong Haotian would stand up for her, but instead, he wanted her to apologize to that bumpkin and even offered to give her away.
“Ha, with your looks, I wouldn’t even glance at you if you stripped naked.” Zhang Xiaofan didn’t even look her way. No matter how beautiful she was, her soul was filthy. He found her so repulsive he didn’t even want to spare her a glance.
“You country bumpkin, you aren’t worthy to carry my shoes!” Yang Luo’er was truly beside herself.
“With looks like yours, Brother Fan wouldn’t be interested at all.”
At that moment, a cool, clear voice sounded. Ye Qingcheng strode over, immediately linking her arm with Zhang Xiaofan’s.
She turned to Yang Luo’er, “Brother Fan has a woman as beautiful as me. Do you think he’d be interested in you? You’re not even worthy to carry his shoes, gold-digger.”
Hahaha…
Zhang Xiaofan felt elated inside, thinking that Ye Qingcheng really knew how to play along.
Whether in looks, family background, or status, Yang Luo’er couldn’t compare to Ye Qingcheng.
The gold-digger had been thoroughly humiliated. Ashamed, she fled at once.
Nangong Haotian was a bit surprised. He hadn’t expected the Ye family’s beloved daughter to be so close to Zhang Xiaofan. It confirmed that the young man was indeed extraordinary, just as he'd suspected.
“Little girl, you say you’re my woman? Did I give you permission?” Zhang Xiaofan teased.
“Getting the benefit and still acting coy.” Ye Qingcheng rolled her eyes at him, then said sweetly, “Brother Fan, can I be your woman?”
“Hm, since you’re behaving well, I’ll consider it.” Zhang Xiaofan replied solemnly.
“Yeah right, keep pretending.” Ye Qingcheng scoffed.
“Haha, I thought it was just rumor, but Brother Zhang truly has the charm. Even Miss Ye throws herself at him. Impressive.” Nangong Haotian remarked.
“Pretty boy, there’s plenty for you to admire.” Zhang Xiaofan retorted.
Ye Qingcheng, watching Nangong Haotian struggle to contain himself, secretly smiled. Was this guy really a man? How could he endure such provocation?
“Enjoy yourself, Brother Zhang.”
Nangong Haotian realized if he stayed any longer, he might really lose control and make a move—something he didn’t want. If it wasn’t absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t act.
Besides, he wasn’t entirely sure he could beat Zhang Xiaofan.
He never did anything without absolute confidence.
“Little girl, come have a drink with me.”
After Nangong Haotian left, Zhang Xiaofan held out an elegant wine glass, pouring half a glass for Ye Qingcheng.
“Brother Fan, why are you here? Did you cure Grandpa Lin’s illness?” Ye Qingcheng sipped her wine as she spoke.
“Of course. When Brother Fan takes action, it’s easy.” Zhang Xiaofan replied. “Is this ball nothing special, just a gathering of wealthy businessmen?”
“Brother Fan, I forgot to tell you. Today’s ball is actually an auction. Once most people have arrived, it’ll begin.” Ye Qingcheng explained.
“An auction?”
Zhang Xiaofan’s interest was piqued. “What kinds of things are up for auction?”
Seeing his curiosity, Ye Qingcheng wore a proud smile. “There are antiques, calligraphy, and rare treasures. I heard Treasure Pavilion will auction a truly extraordinary item tonight.”
“That sounds promising.”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded. Treasure Pavilion was the name on the plaque outside the hall.
“By the way, do you know what background Nangong Haotian has?” Zhang Xiaofan asked. Even though Nangong Haotian tried to conceal his aura, Zhang Xiaofan sensed he was unusual.
“I’m not sure. I only know he’s not a local of Jinghai.” Ye Qingcheng answered. “Are you worried he’ll seek revenge?”
“I’m not afraid. I just think he’s extremely calculating. If he wants to plot against someone, he’d make their life miserable.” Zhang Xiaofan said.
“Brother Fan, Grandpa Lin is the commander of Jinghai’s garrison. You saved him, so you can walk freely in Jinghai. Anyone who tries to mess with you is asking for trouble. Plus, my grandfather will protect you, unless someone is blind enough to cause you problems.”
Zhang Xiaofan smiled but said nothing. External power is always external; true strength comes from within.
…
“Hey, Mr. Hu.”
Liu Xiao gulped down his wine, unable to quell his rage.
“What is it?”
“I’ll add another ten million. Tonight, that brat must die.” Liu Xiao growled.
“Deal.”
Hu Yitian agreed immediately. He’d planned to make a move tonight anyway—Zhang Xiaofan had ruined the Hu family’s future by breaking his leg. Zhang Xiaofan had to die.
Even with the extra ten million, Hu Yitian felt no joy.
“Tonight is your death! Let’s see how arrogant you’ll be after this!”
After hanging up, Liu Xiao’s eyes glinted with icy menace.
…
The music in the hall stopped. A middle-aged woman in classical attire stepped onto the central platform, rising into the air.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Treasure Pavilion.”
The amplified voice rang clear through the hall. Everyone listened attentively; at this moment, nearly all faces grew serious.
“As you all know, tonight’s auction is unlike any before. There are treasures on offer you never imagined.”
“Let’s not waste words. We’ll proceed to the auction now.”
“The first item is a five-hundred-year wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain. I don’t need to explain its value. Starting price: one million. Let the bidding begin.”
“Two million!”
“Three million!”
…
“Ten million!”
As the auctioneer’s voice faded, the atmosphere ignited. In this era, five-hundred-year wild ginseng was indeed a rare treasure. For the wealthy, money was just a number—if spending it meant a few more years of life, why not?
Such ginseng was a powerful tonic. With the right doctor and regimen, living another ten years was entirely possible.
…
“Thirty million!”
The price quickly soared, far exceeding the ginseng’s intrinsic value.
But for such rare items, every tycoon wanted the chance.
“Fifty million!”
Everyone present had a device; they simply pressed numbers to bid.
Fifty million was enough to deter many. Even among Jinghai’s elite, only a few had assets exceeding a hundred million.
…
“Seventy million!”
The bid soon reached seventy million, and the bidding quieted.
“Seventy million, once!”
“Seventy million, twice!”
“Seventy million, thrice!”
“Congratulations to Old Master Ye of the Ye family for acquiring the treasure.”
Zhang Xiaofan wasn't particularly surprised. The Ye family was wealthy; this sum meant little to them.
“Hmph, Grandpa won’t buy me a Lamborghini, says he has no money, but spends seventy million on a ginseng!” Ye Qingcheng pouted.
“If I had money, I’d pay a hundred million. Five-hundred-year ginseng can save lives in critical moments.” Zhang Xiaofan replied. “You’re too young for a Lamborghini. Flaunting wealth is a bad habit.”
“I was just saying.” Ye Qingcheng immediately acted coy, clinging to his arm.
“The second auction item is truly remarkable…”
The auctioneer’s voice continued.
“The second item is a Seven-Colored Snow Lotus!”
At that moment, Zhang Xiaofan’s gaze sharpened. A Seven-Colored Snow Lotus! This was a medicinal herb found only in remote, spiritual, frigid places.
It had seven petals, each of which could be consumed directly to prolong life—and more importantly, cure all diseases. As long as one had a breath left, a petal could cure any cancer, restoring health.
Records referred to the Seven-Colored Snow Lotus as the Seven-Life Immortal Lotus, meaning possessing it was like having seven extra lives.
Zhang Xiaofan hadn’t expected such a peerless treasure to appear in Jinghai’s Treasure Pavilion.
Of course, most people didn’t understand what the Seven-Colored Snow Lotus was.
The auctioneer explained, matching exactly what Zhang Xiaofan knew.
At once, tycoons and influential figures grew excited; even Lin Haonan’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.