Chapter 7: The First Buyer and the Sky-Lantern Ritual

He said, "Because I will never betray you in my entire life."

When he spoke those words, Jane Tang could see no abnormality in his expression.

Perhaps everyone who betrays in love is born an actor.

Two days later, Jane Tang was discharged from the hospital. The setting sun on the western horizon heralded the coming night.

Accompanied by Chen Bozhou, she returned to the old neighborhood.

The two men and one woman who had lived there were gone, and their belongings had been dealt with. The chaotic interior had been cleaned up.

Yet, it was nothing like the place Jane Tang remembered.

The house had long been transformed beyond recognition, just like the memories of the family of three that had long since been destroyed in her mind.

"Put it up for sale," she decided after measuring the house again with her footsteps.

Chen Bozhou gently placed his palm on her shoulder. "I'll get someone to handle it for you. The money will be transferred directly into your account—just in time to be your private stash."

Jane Tang did not respond. She looked toward an inconspicuous corner of the living room, where a graffiti drawing of the family of three she had made as a child remained.

Sensing her low spirits, Chen Bozhou bent down, his roguishly handsome face softening playfully to cheer her up.

"Besides your private money, we’ll also arrange the wedding gift money and my future salary card for you. From now on, Tang Tang, you'll be a bona fide little rich lady. Remember to take care of me, okay?"

His eyes sparkled with the most brilliant galaxy Jane Tang had ever seen.

Yet, this young man whose eyes were filled only with her was a traitor in love, whose heart and words did not align.

Even today, Jane Tang still felt regretful—regret that they had truly drifted apart.

Outside the window, spring was lush. Chen Bozhou noticed her gazing at him absentmindedly and, as if bewitched, pressed his handsome face close, intending to kiss her.

Jane Tang blinked rapidly twice, a vision of him kissing Shen Feiyu flashing through her mind. She barely turned her cheek away.

Chen Bozhou noticed her avoidance. His lips, which had missed her face, curled into a faint smile. "Don't be afraid, Tang Tang. I told you, I won't bully you before the wedding."

He just couldn’t resist her focused gaze and wanted to kiss her.

His warm, indulgent voice whispered in her ear, but Jane Tang distanced herself uncomfortably and asked casually, "Then will you go find someone else before the wedding because of this?"

Chen Bozhou paused, subconsciously studying her expression. Seeing nothing unusual, he said, "For my whole life, I will only be devoted to you, Tang Tang."

Jane Tang looked out at the spring scenery and smiled silently.

Chen Bozhou, you have truly taught me this: no direct answer is already an answer.

As Jane Tang walked home, the sky had darkened.

Chen Bozhou wanted to accompany her to the Jane family home, but she refused. Just now, she had received a message from her lawyer, requesting a call.

Chen Bozhou, never able to resist her, had no choice but to call a car for her.

"Make sure you call me when you get home. Don’t make me worry."

Jane Tang nodded. "Okay."

***

After the car had driven a few meters, Jane Tang picked up her phone and returned the lawyer’s call about handling her family’s estate.

Lawyer: "About an hour ago, while liquidating the preserved assets, we discovered that your mother’s favorite antique jewelry is scheduled for auction tomorrow. Miss Jane will need to be there in person."

Jane Tang nodded. "What about the other assets, especially the automation company and patented brands under my mother’s name? Any issues as we approach the final stage?"

Lawyer: "Those assets are proceeding steadily."

"Thank you for your hard work." Jane Tang’s mind suddenly flashed to Shen Suinian’s face.

It seemed he would be staying in Sifang City for a while again. "Has anyone been… investigating my handling of the estate recently?"

Lawyer: "Nothing detected so far. Has something happened on your side, Miss?"

Jane Tang: "Not yet, but… a troublesome and unpredictable person has appeared."

If Shen Suinian interfered with the estate matters, her efforts would surely be ruined.

Shen Suinian was known for his iron-fisted methods—his own cousins who crossed him met fatal ends.

And Shen Chunmei had repeatedly mentioned in the Jane household how well Shen Suinian had treated her.

The car stopped at the Jane residence.

Shen Chunmei, seeing Jane Tang return safe and sound, clenched her teeth but still wore a smile.

"Tang Tang is back."

Jane Tang ignored her and went upstairs.

Shen Chunmei’s gaze turned cold as she watched her retreating figure.

Shen Feiyu, adorned in exquisite makeup, descended the stairs gracefully. "I have a date with Bozhou later. Do I look good? Bozhou must have been disgusted by Tang Tang’s affairs these past few days, so I thought…"

Shen Chunmei restrained her emotions. "Tang Tang returned unharmed. That prostitute and those two men had their hands and feet broken and were dumped in the wilderness. When they were taken to the hospital, they were already completely terrified…"

Shen Feiyu was stunned. "That can’t be. Wasn’t it supposed to be—"

Shen Chunmei pressed her hand down. "If you want to know what exactly happened, you can subtly ask Chen Bozhou."

Shen Feiyu stomped her foot, still unwilling to believe Tang Tang was so lucky to evade all that. "Got it."

Spring in Sifang City was often rainy. The next day, on her way to the auction house, Jane Tang watched the misty rain through the car window.

The rain was light but hazy.

The valet opened the car door, and Jane Tang took a uniform white mask from the usher.

As she complied and put on the mask, she saw the auction house’s director personally greeting a Bugatti that had just arrived.

Jane Tang’s original seat was in the third row, but as the usher led her in, she was taken to the front row.

She was surprised. "My invitation said…"

The usher spoke softly, "There was an issue with your original seat, so there was a last-minute change. Please forgive us."

Jane Tang nodded. "Okay."

She tidied her hair and glanced back casually, catching sight of Chen Bozhou and Shen Feiyu sitting to her left and behind.

***

Although everyone at the scene wore masks, Jane Tang immediately recognized the one she had loved for so long.

The Chen family collected many antiques and were major collectors. Whenever there was a heavyweight antique auction in Sifang City, the Chen family always received invitations.

Jane Tang was not surprised to see Chen Bozhou here.

As she was distracted, a tall and imposing figure took the seat beside her.

Shen Suinian looked at her lowered eyes, his long, deep gaze dark and inscrutable.

The auction was in full swing. The boss beside Shen Suinian quietly asked, "Mr. Shen, this seat was reserved as you requested. Are you satisfied?"

Shen Suinian sipped his tea indifferently and nodded.

The antique necklace, the highlight of the evening, caused a considerable stir as soon as it appeared on the stage.

The auctioneer spoke eloquently, elaborating with grandeur: "I believe everyone knows the origin of this antique necklace. Beyond its collectible value, its symbolism is even more romantic—representing a lifelong unwavering devotion…"

"Starting bid—seven million."

"Ten million!"

Chen Bozhou was the first to bid.

Jane Tang glanced sideways. She didn’t see Chen Bozhou’s expression but saw Shen Feiyu holding Chen Bozhou’s hand on her thigh.

Jane Tang’s eyelashes trembled as she quickly turned her head back.

In no time, the bid had reached thirty million.

Beyond what Jane Tang could afford, yet she raised her paddle to increase it to thirty-five million.

Chen Bozhou bid again: "Forty million!"

"Forty-one million!"

The price climbed relentlessly.

Chen Bozhou’s eyes darkened. Just as he was about to bid again, Shen Feiyu stopped him: "Bozhou, that price is enough."

Chen Bozhou pushed her hand away. "Price isn’t my concern. I’m here to defend everything Tang Tang wants."

Chen Bozhou: "Fifty million!"

The room erupted in shock.

No one else bid.

Jane Tang closed her eyes. Chen Bozhou, should I praise your… devotion?

Shen Suinian slowly raised one hand above his head, fingers spread—two fingers together—making a gesture at the stage.

The auctioneer immediately noticed and excitedly struck the gavel: "Buyer number one has lit the sky lantern!"