Chapter 28

A few days later, the matter concerning Xu Rongfei gradually subsided, with only a few people still secretly waiting for a laugh.

Si Yingxia also became more diligent than before. He studied hard day and night, practiced basketball, and honed his taekwondo skills, as if he wanted to prove himself to Xu Rongfei by becoming the best.

On Friday noon, Chen Fan was thinking about whether he should go back to Sishui County this week. He had been away from home for over half a month and hadn't seen his father or his childhood friends since he was reborn.

At this moment, his phone rang. It was Wei Ziqing, whom he hadn't seen for a long time.

"Hello, Mr. Chen? There's an antique auction tonight. Would you like to join?" Chen Fan was taken aback by the words.

"Yes, this auction is actually a self-service cocktail party, mainly for people to exchange ideas and expand their social circles. The antiques being auctioned mostly have a mysterious aura, like the Hope Diamond, which is famous for its curse," Wei Ziqing said with a hint of respect.

"Moreover, it's said that there will be a mysterious ritual object auction. Since Mr. Chen is a practitioner, I believe you would be interested in this aspect."

Since Old Wei explained to her, she finally understood what kind of important person she was facing.

"Ritual object?" Chen Fan frowned.

Is it the kind of ritual object like a flying sword or a magical treasure?

"Indeed, it's said that this ritual object has the magical effects of stabilizing a home, adjusting feng shui, warding off evil, and even protecting its owner. Of course, whether it's true or not is unknown," Wei Ziqing patiently explained.

"Okay, you've piqued my interest," Chen Fan said.

"Alright, shall I pick you up tonight?" Wei Ziqing asked cautiously.

"No need," Chen Fan shook his head.

He knew Wei Ziqing's appearance. If she were to wait for him at the school gate in a luxury car, it would probably spread throughout the school by tomorrow, saying that he, Chen Fan, had fallen in love with someone else!

He had already been in the spotlight at the welcome party and didn't want to be the center of attention again.

"Tell me the address, and I'll take a taxi there."

"Alright, just mention my name when you arrive," Wei Ziqing nodded.

After the call, Jiang Tanqiu, who was sitting opposite, asked curiously, "Who was that?"

"Just a friend inviting me out tonight," Chen Fan replied, then called Sister Ying to take a leave, which she agreed to understandingly.

After the afternoon classes, Chen Fan left the school.

After he left, Chang Wen sneered, "Yingxia, don't be sad over that woman. She chose a thug over you, which only proves she's blind."

"I got three tickets for tonight's antique auction cocktail party from my uncle. I'll go with Xingyu to help you relax," she said.

Ji Xingyu, sitting opposite, quickly added, "Boss Si, I've heard of this cocktail party."

"It's a high-end gathering organized by 'Fangsheng International,' a major company in Chuzhou. Only those with assets over 50 million can get an entry ticket. It's said that there will be very mysterious antiques auctioned, and it would be good for us to broaden our horizons."

"Indeed, if it weren't for my uncle's influence, I wouldn't have gotten three tickets. Someone like Chen Fan probably wouldn't have a chance to enter such a high-end cocktail party in his lifetime," Chang Wen said with a smug smile.

Si Yingxia nodded.

After his recent intense studies, his confidence had gradually returned, and he indeed needed to relax.

......

The cocktail party was held at a high-end club called 'Qianlong Mountain Resort' near Chuzhou's Yunwu Mountain, far in the suburbs, with a very quiet environment.

Chen Fan went home, changed his clothes, and took a taxi to Qianlong Mountain Resort. He saw many luxury cars parked on the square.

BMW and Audi were the lowest tier, and Mercedes-Benz was only considered mid-range. There were many luxury sports cars like Lamborghini and Porsche, and he even saw a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a license plate number of 88888888. This car was priced at over 60 million in 2007, and there were only a few in Chuzhou.

"Seems like there are quite a few rich people in Chuzhou," he thought.

After reporting Wei Ziqing's name to the security guard, the receptionist politely escorted him in.

The interior of Qianlong Mountain Resort was luxuriously decorated, with a high-end atmosphere in Chuzhou. The hall was brightly lit, filled with well-dressed upper-class individuals.

There were also many children around Chen Fan's age, probably brought by their parents to broaden their horizons. They mostly knew each other, forming small circles and engaging in lively conversations.

Chen Fan, dressed in casual clothes, seemed to be the only one, attracting many curious glances.

Since the cocktail party was self-service, Chen Fan saw that the auction hadn't started yet, and Wei Ziqing hadn't arrived. He went to the buffet and took a plate, looking for food. As he was about to grab a huge Australian lobster, a surprised voice came from beside him.

"Chen Fan?"

Such a soft and sweet voice was unique.

Chen Fan turned to see Xu Rongfei, who looked surprised, and couldn't help but smile.

"Why, you can come, but I can't?"

Seeing Chen Fan, Xu Rongfei remembered the scene at the welcome party and blushed slightly. She quickly changed the subject.

"I came with Mengmeng. It's said that the items being auctioned tonight are very interesting, with many magical items, so we came to take a look."

She blinked her big eyes at Chen Fan, "Big Brother Chen Fan, who did you come with? Are you planning to bid?"

"Hmph, with his money, he can't even afford this Australian lobster, let alone bid," Jiang Churan, with a cold expression, walked over, eyeing Chen Fan warily.

Looking at this elegant and proud girl, Chen Fan's smile faded, and he said coolly, "Ruran is right. I don't have the money to bid. I'm just here for the food. By the way, the food here is quite good, with many delicious desserts. Do you want to try some?"

"Really?" Xu Rongfei smiled, seemingly tempted.

Seeing Chen Fan and Xu Rongfei chatting happily, Jiang Churan coldly snorted, her eyes filled with warning.

......

A few girls nearby gathered together, watching them.

"Is that Rongfei's friend? Why didn't she introduce us?"

The oldest girl, wearing a black low-cut evening gown and a noblewoman's hairstyle, asked curiously.

"That boy looks unfamiliar. Rongfei seems so excited to see him. Could he be her boyfriend?"

"He doesn't look that great. Is his family very rich?"

These girls had grown up with Xu Rongfei and Jiang Churan. Today was a rare gathering, but Xu Rongfei immediately left them when she saw Chen Fan, which couldn't help but make them curious.

Zhang Yumeng, dressed in a designer outfit, sneered, "What boyfriend? He's just a small-town boy who's good at fighting and works part-time at a bar to earn tuition."

She added with a sour tone, "I don't know how Rongfei could fall for him, now she's completely infatuated."

"Really her boyfriend?" Everyone looked shocked.

Xu Rongfei's high standards were well-known in their circle. No one expected her to choose such an ordinary boy, which was quite a surprise.

Some of them began to shake their heads and sigh.

"Rongfei is still naive. She's been deceived by someone like him. She won't have a good future."

These girls came from families with at least a few million in assets. Several of them had been sent abroad for middle school and only recently returned. How could they look favorably upon a part-time worker?

The woman in the low-cut evening gown frowned, "As the oldest in the circle, I should go and advise her."

"Playing with such a boy in high school is fine, but don't fall in love. Your family background and social circle make it too difficult for you to be together. He will hold you back."

The other girls were silent.

This woman was named Han Yun, the oldest in the circle, already a university graduate. She had once liked a boy from a poor family, which caused a huge conflict with her family. After university, the boy broke up with her and ran off with a girl from Beijing. Since then, she became a cautionary tale in their circle.

At this moment, outside Qianlong Mountain Resort, a military jeep parked at the entrance, and a young man in casual clothes got out.

"Is Xu Rongfei definitely coming tonight?"

He turned to his companion.

"Relax, Brother Chu. Xiao Xiao's information is always accurate," the young man with a buzz cut said.

"Alright, let's go in," the young man said decisively after a moment of silence.

PS: Thanks to Fengye Xia's 688, Wang Zong's 1120, Jin Junhe, Wang Hunqu, and Afan for their support. I'm still seeking recommendations to stay on the list. O(∩_∩)O

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