Chapter 248/249: Heart of the Kingdom—A Rare Necklace

Translator: 549690339

Xia Yangyang had planned to avoid her. She nonchalantly replied, "Nothing," and turned to leave.

"Stop," a voice called.

Xia Yangyang turned back. "Do you have instructions?"

"Xia Yangyang," Shen Manbing said, "regardless of my brother's promises, stay away from him. He and Ah Chen have been best friends since childhood. If their relationship is ruined because of you, I won't let you off."

Xia Yangyang felt uncomfortable. "Why would their relationship sour because of me?"

Shen Manbing stepped forward, her gaze cold and haughty. "I don't understand. Do you possess extraordinary beauty or abilities? Behave yourself. I hate women like you—seemingly innocent, but filled with cunning schemes. I've seen plenty in the entertainment circle. If you want to compete with me, you're far from ready."

With that, Shen Manbing swept away.

Xia Yangyang was perplexed. Shen Manbing's words were insinuating, like arrows from a crossbow, but their meaning eluded her. Deciding to let it go, she took out her phone and messaged Gu Qichen. Every item she wore, from her designer clothes to the diamond-encrusted handbag, was expensive. She was being careful.

"So boring," she texted Gu Qichen.

He quickly replied, "Then come back. I'll pick you up."

"No way, it's work. But it would be great if you were here." She added a sighing emoji.

Gu Qichen didn't reply. Xia Yangyang assumed he was busy with overtime and didn't want to disturb him.

Lu Yao approached. "Yangyang, why are you here alone? The auction's starting. Let's go."

Bored, Xia Yangyang went with Lu Yao to another exhibition hall. Priceless jewels were being auctioned, starting bids exceeding one million, some antique pieces reaching tens of millions.

Lu Yao admired them. "I wish someone would gift me one of those necklaces. I'd feel like a British royal princess."

Xia Yangyang teased, "A villa around your neck? Wouldn't that be tiring?"

Lu Yao playfully rolled her eyes. "Xia Yangyang, you don't know romance!"

Xia Yangyang found the necklaces beautiful, but considered them mere embellishments. She rarely wore necklaces or bracelets, finding them restrictive.

One by one, the jewels were auctioned. Shen Manbing had already bid on three pieces, totaling over fifty million, eliciting gasps of admiration.

Finally, the auctioneer announced, "Next is the highlight—the Heart of the Kingdom! Please proceed to the second-floor exhibition hall to admire this top-tier jewel. I hope your journey won't be in vain!"

Excitement filled the room. The "Heart of the Kingdom" necklace, a ruby piece rumored to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, was more than just jewelry; it symbolized supreme power and honor, fit only for a true queen.