Chapter 247: Chapter 248: Jewelry Auction Dinner

Shen Shichuan stopped Shen Manbing, grabbing her arm. "Shen Manbing," he said, "I've spoiled you. If this continues, you're going back to the United States." He released her arm forcefully.

Shen Manbing was stunned. Her beloved brother, whom she'd always obeyed and who'd indulged her, seemed like a stranger. And all for an outsider. Infuriated, she left.

Xia Yangyang witnessed the sibling squabble, feeling like—and being—a bystander. Shen Shichuan, usually gentle, showed a flash of anger, his forehead veins bulging. He quickly regained his composure, however, apologizing to Xia Yangyang: "I'm sorry, Yangyang. I apologize on her behalf. I've spoiled my sister."

Xia Yangyang forced a smile. "It's okay."

During the meal, Shen Shichuan avoided mentioning the contract. The following month was incredibly busy for Xia Yangyang. She attended promotional events, investor dinners, and numerous interviews. Despite the exhaustion, she enjoyed spending time with old friends like Chen Yu and Lu Yao. The only unpleasant aspect was frequent encounters with Shen Manbing.

Shen Manbing, with her haughty personality, looked down on no one, behaving like a queen. Everyone, however, flattered and obeyed her, calling her "Your Majesty."

That night was a grand jewelry auction dinner. Xia Yangyang and others attended to support Cinderella's investor, the host. Many prominent Kyoto women also attended, drawn by the "Heart of the Kingdom," a 40.63-carat ruby necklace with 150 diamonds, valued at approximately $14 million. However, it was rumored to be privately purchased and merely showcased as the grand finale. Many wealthy individuals attended because of its reputation.

Xia Yangyang, unfamiliar with jewels, found such dinners boring. She usually sought a quiet lounge to relax.

The banquet hall had two floors. The lower floor was a large hall filled with bulletproof glass showcases displaying the jewels to be auctioned, excluding the Heart of the Kingdom. That necklace had its own exhibition room, to be opened during the final half-hour.

Shen Manbing was also present. Anticipating trouble, Xia Yangyang chose to avoid her and went upstairs. She found an empty room—bare except for unusual wall and ceiling lights—and, deciding it wasn't a restroom, turned to leave. She ran into Shen Manbing, who sneered, "What are you doing here, sneaking around?"