Chapter 102: The Jade Exquisite (Part Five)

Fang Xu truly did not expect that this banquet would have such an underlying purpose!

“An auction? Quite entertaining?” Fang Xu rubbed the fading slap mark on his face and looked at Zhuge Jun beside him with curiosity.

“Entertainment is hardly the point; it’s more about networking and building connections,” Zhuge Jun said with a gentle smile as he lifted his teacup.

“Networking?” Fang Xu couldn’t help but recall the banquets from his previous life—essentially the same in nature. They were merely occasions to forge alliances beneficial to oneself, or more importantly, to find powerful patrons.

Fang Xu chuckled quietly to himself, his gaze flickering to the many guests behind him clutching their teacups, looking somewhat lost.

It was clear these people intended to ingratiate themselves with Zhuge Jun. Yet, there was a hint of fear or reverence in their demeanor. Why? Didn’t they know Zhuge Jun was just a playful rascal?

“Seems like these folks are here to cozy up to you,” Fang Xu said, turning to look at the crowd behind them, then smiling at the quietly drinking Zhuge Jun.

“I know,” Zhuge Jun replied calmly. Of course, he was well aware of their intentions.

But did anyone have the privilege to truly connect with him? How could that be possible? In Zhuge Jun’s eyes, none of them even warranted his attention.

“They’re not worthy of making connections with me,” he said lightly, though to Fang Xu, it came across as a bit of posturing.

No, at this moment, Zhuge Jun was definitely putting on airs.

“The auction is about to begin,” Zhuge Jun remarked, glancing at the massive stage before them, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Is there something you want?” Fang Xu asked, crossing his legs leisurely as the attendant poured them fine wine.

“Why else would I come?” Zhuge Jun replied with a knowing smile, piquing Fang Xu’s curiosity.

What could possibly entice the eldest son of the Zhuge family to attend such an event? Whatever it was, it must be no ordinary item to capture Zhuge Jun’s attention.

***

Fang Xu mostly regarded the event as a spectacle; after all, he had no intention of truly participating in the banquet, let alone the auction.

His purpose had already been fulfilled—more than fulfilled, in fact.

He had solidified the relationship between himself, Zhuge Jun, and Shangguan Lian. It was no longer a problem to stand alongside them.

After all, since he had already crossed Murong Fu, it was tantamount to offending the entire Murong family. Given that, why not accept the overtures from the Zhuge and Shangguan families?

More importantly, both families were among Qin Suwen’s staunchest allies.

If they were allies of Qin Suwen, it would be unwise for Fang Xu not to accept their support.

The auction began in earnest, resembling the ones Fang Xu had attended in his previous life, except everything was exchanged through barter.

Ultimately, the owner of the item being auctioned had the final say, a decision that could alienate many but also forge valuable alliances.

Fang Xu was somewhat surprised by how much nuance was involved in this seemingly simple auction.

“The next treasure up for auction: the Jade Linglong! I wonder if any young master will bid?” the auctioneer smiled as he unveiled the covered item.

Revealed was a Jade Linglong carved from white jade and emerald—a Jade Guanyin statue, exquisitely crafted and striking in its grandeur.

Fang Xu was stunned; he had never seen such a massive piece of white jade and emerald, crafted with such finesse that it seemed naturally formed.

Zhuge Jun, who had been calm and collected beside him, now showed signs of agitation. It was obvious his purpose for attending was this Jade Linglong.

“I, Zhuge Jun, bid! I offer my solemn promise in exchange! Do you accept?” Zhuge Jun stood boldly and declared.

Fang Xu couldn’t help but think, “This isn’t good.”

Why this feeling? Because from past experience attending many auctions, he had learned a vital lesson: the more you desire something, the more you must maintain your composure.

If you lose your cool, your rivals will take advantage.

At that moment, Fang Xu noticed Murong Fu’s figure in the crowd.

***

Murong Fu was accompanied by Zhang He, who, upon meeting Fang Xu’s gaze, quickly looked away—clearly, Fang Xu had left a psychological mark on him.

Murong Fu surely didn’t expect Fang Xu to attend with Zhuge Jun and Shangguan Lian.

In Murong Fu’s mind, if he couldn’t act directly, couldn’t he at least drive up the price?

After all, he had to avenge that sword strike.

This was why Fang Xu sensed that Zhuge Jun’s eagerness to stand and bid was a misstep.

From Zhuge Jun’s perspective, perhaps he thought his bold move would intimidate others interested in the Jade Linglong.

Yet, it also drew the attention of those uninterested in the item but curious about Zhuge Jun himself.

“I offer the friendship of the Murong family in exchange!” Murong Fu stood and said with a mocking smile aimed at Zhuge Jun.

Zhuge Jun hadn’t expected Murong Fu to also be interested in the Jade Linglong—a truly unforeseen development.

In truth, Murong Fu wasn’t genuinely interested in the statue.

Had their previous conflict not occurred, Zhuge Jun might have easily acquired it.

But having offended Murong Fu, the latter was determined not to let him have it without a fight.

Murong Fu’s goal was simple: raise the price so high that Zhuge Jun couldn’t obtain the Jade Linglong—or if he did, he’d have to pay a painful price.

“Murong Fu! What do you mean by this? Are you interested in the Jade Linglong too?” Zhuge Jun looked toward Murong Fu with reluctance, but Murong Fu only smiled slyly.

“I wasn’t interested before, but now... you know why,” Murong Fu said teasingly, his meaning clear.

In other words, Murong Fu had no interest until Zhuge Jun desired it—now he was very interested indeed.