Chapter 64: An Unexpected Bargain

“There’s no need to doubt the authenticity of this artifact—its life-extending properties have been verified repeatedly.”
“Its previous owner lived for a full two hundred years!”
Gu Qing’er first dispelled Ye Tian’s doubts, then continued,
“The auction process this time is quite unusual. Each family participating in the bidding for this treasure may send only one representative, who will compete in their stone-gambling contest!”
“The rules are as follows.”
“Each person may select five raw stones from the mine. The one whose jadeite is valued highest in the end is entitled to purchase the treasure.”
“What if two people want the same raw stone?” Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but ask.
“That’s simple—whoever’s fist is hardest, takes it!” Gu Tianzhen shrugged.
So, in the end, victory comes down to fighting.
These ancient martial families truly are as fierce as their reputation suggests…
“And you are the best candidate I’ve encountered in Zhongdu these past days!”
Gu Qing’er looked at Ye Tian, her eyes blazing. “I saw everything you did in the Antique Town. Your eye is keen—almost every item you picked could be resold.”
“As for fighting, don’t doubt yourself. My cousin and I together aren’t your match.”
“You must be joking, little sister.”
At Gu Qing’er’s lofty praise of Ye Tian, Gu Tianzhen was immediately displeased, and strode over to challenge him:
“Try fighting me!”
“Don’t embarrass yourself. He’s not even in the same league as you!” Gu Qing’er kicked her cousin with annoyance.
“Oh, fine then.”
Gu Tianzhen scratched his head, unbothered. “If Brother Ye Qiu is so formidable, I’m reassured.”
Just then, a thunderous bell rang out from the center of the auction hall.
Dong—
Dong-dong!
Three peals echoed, and the host stepped onto the stage, announcing, “The auction will begin in thirty minutes. If you wish to participate, please proceed!”
At once, the hall grew lively. The major families and top celebrities returned to their tables, waiting quietly for the auction to start.
“Come, the Gu family has its own table.”
Gu Qing’er led Ye Tian and the others to a round table set with premium wines.
Ye Tian, without ceremony, opened a bottle of sparkling wine, reclined on a sofa chair, and took a sip.
“Excellent wine.”
“By the way,” he suddenly remembered, “aside from that treasure, are there any other worthwhile items at this auction?”
He’d been away so long, he’d forgotten to bring a proper gift for his senior sister.

If he returned empty-handed, he’d surely be met with sarcasm…
Since he’d happened upon this auction, perhaps he could bid for something, if only to buy himself some peace.
“See for yourself,” Gu Qing’er replied coolly. “If you’re picking a gift for your girlfriend, you’ll need to put your heart into it.”
This woman…
Ye Tian shook his head helplessly, unable to explain the faint, inexplicable sourness in the air.
Soon, half an hour passed.
As gentle music began to play, the auction assistant carried a lot draped in red cloth onto the stage.
“Without further ado, let us unveil today’s first treasure!”
The host’s voice soared as he whisked the red cloth away.
A massive pendant of deep blue gemstone appeared, displayed for all to see on the projection screen.
“The Love of the Sea—starting off with the big prize!”
Someone gasped in surprise.
The Love of the Sea?
“It was once worn by the daughter of Sri Lanka’s president, and is said to be the purest sapphire pendant!” Jiang Cheng’s eyes gleamed as he eagerly explained.
“I recall the princess later gifted it to a mysterious merchant as a token of friendship with the Dragon Nation.”
“Who’d have thought it would end up in the hands of the Azure Dragon Society!”
In short, it was priceless, with extraordinary significance.
Ye Tian didn’t fully understand, but was deeply impressed.
“Clearly, everyone present is a connoisseur. This Love of the Sea is perfect for gifting to someone special. If any young gentleman wants to confess his love, this is your chance.”
The host smiled as he struck the gavel:
“Starting bid—three hundred million Dragon Nation coins!”
“Wow!”
An uproar swept the hall.
Sapphires are rare, but not so rare as to be unique. Furthermore, the largest sapphire in the world, the ‘Star of Adam,’ is three times heavier than this one.
In terms of rarity, that is unparalleled!
The Star of Adam’s original sale price was barely over a billion Dragon Nation coins.
Yet the Love of the Sea starts at three hundred million—
The final price would likely double, making it rather poor value for money.
Profit-seeking merchants would surely balk at bidding.
The only possible contenders would be the young masters and princesses of the ancient martial arts families.
“So, do you like it?” Gu Qing’er glanced sideways.

Ye Tian nodded,
“I’m thinking of buying it for someone, but it’s quite expensive, so I’m hesitating.”
But in the next moment, he was completely stunned by Gu Qing’er’s words:
She leaned closer, her expression serious:
“Why not let me buy it for you, in exchange for one thing—you must give me a child to take back to the Gu family.”
!!!
Three pairs of shocked eyes turned to Gu Qing’er.
Gu Tianzhen was furious:
“No way, little sister! If you have a child with him, I’ll be angry!”
“What use is your anger? With Ye Qiu’s genes so strong, the whole family will support me. If you’re unhappy, go talk to my father!”
Gu Qing’er said all this without even blushing.
She was speaking truthfully: as a legitimate daughter of the Gu family, Gu Qing’er was duty-bound to recruit suitable husbands for the clan. If she wished, she could even have several husbands at once.
Such boldness!
By comparison, her proposal to Ye Tian was remarkably lenient—just to have her bear his child, with no obligation or strings attached, certainly not to become a live-in son-in-law.
The family would have every reason to approve.
Hearing his cousin’s words, Gu Tianzhen snorted and sat down.
He knew he couldn’t sway Gu Qing’er’s decision, so he could only stew in his frustration.
“Master, to be honest, I’m tempted.”
Jiang Cheng said with a bitter smile, “If you’re hesitating, maybe I could take your place.”
For most men, such an enticing offer would be hard to resist.
After all, it was a sure-win deal:
One could receive a treasure worth hundreds of millions, and spend a night with a beautiful lady, all for free. It’s a bargain by any measure!
“You?” Gu Qing’er glanced at Jiang Cheng as if he were refuse. “I’d rather die than have a child with you.”
Jiang Cheng fell silent.
“So, what do you say?”
Gu Qing’er fixed her gaze on Ye Tian, pressing him for an answer.
“I know you have someone you care for, so returning home as my husband is unlikely. But if it’s just to have a child, with my looks, you won’t be shortchanged.”