C19 Divine Eye

"Boring!"

By the time the workday ended, neither Liu Dagang nor Director Liu had shown up again. Clearly, they were at a loss on how to handle him.

Su Chen couldn't be bothered with them anymore.

After tidying up and saying goodbye to his master, he dashed home, eager for Aunt Lee's cooking, though unsure if his two elusive sisters would be there. Their unpredictability always left him feeling a bit awkward.

But upon entering, he was surprised to see Tang Ziye lounging on the sofa in her pajamas, exuding an air of effortless elegance.

Her face brightened at the sight of him. "You're back, little brother!" she exclaimed with excitement.

"Uh..."

Su Chen was momentarily at a loss for words. He sensed there was more behind Tang Ziye's gaze.

"Uh..."

He couldn't help but look at her cautiously.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly.

He had a nagging suspicion that Tang Ziye needed something, or else she wouldn't be acting this way.

At his question, Tang Ziye offered a small smile.

"Take the day off tomorrow. I need your help with something," she said earnestly.

"Ugh..."

Her request set off alarm bells in Su Chen's mind. He knew all too well that Tang Ziye's requests were rarely simple, and this one seemed to promise an awkward situation.

He eyed her warily.

Tang Ziye fixed him with a stern glare.

"Do I really seem that bothersome to you?" she challenged.

Su Chen just rolled his eyes and swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere.

"What about Second Sister?" he inquired.

"She's away on business, so it's got to be you who comes with me," Tang Ziye declared.

Her tone left no room for argument. Su Chen, feeling cornered by her unwavering stance, could only acquiesce.

He scratched his head, searching for the right words.

"Well..."

His voice trailed off awkwardly.

Tang Ziye's glare intensified.

"What's this 'well'? Are you saying you won't listen to your sister?" Her apparent annoyance rendered Su Chen speechless.

With a resigned gesture, Su Chen simply waved his hand.

"My dear sister, that's not what I meant. I'm just unclear about what you expect me to do tomorrow," Su Chen said, his face etched with surprise.

Deep down, he harbored an unsettling feeling that there was something peculiar about this situation.

Su Chen's voice shook slightly.

He had a nagging suspicion that Tang Ziye's request spelled trouble.

Tang Ziye offered a cryptic smile.

"Actually, it's quite straightforward. Tomorrow, I simply want to take you to an auction—it's a corporate event for the company."

"Why bring me along?"

Su Chen inquired, his tone laced with wariness.

He was convinced there was more to it than met the eye, which put him on high alert.

"Oh, it's no big deal. I usually attend these events with Second Sister, but she's away on business. So, I need a hand, and who better than the chairman of Ocean Group? Surely you're not afraid of such a task?"

Tang Ziye's gaze held a hint of mockery as she looked at Su Chen.

A thought struck Su Chen.

"My sister seems to be testing me," he mused.

To him, the whole affair was bizarre, and he was at a loss for words.

But if Tang Ziye was intent on this course of action, Su Chen wasn't going to fuss over it.

"Is that all there is to it?"

He pressed for confirmation.

At his words, Su Chen gave a nod.

"Fine, I'll go along with it. But I must warn you, I'm clueless about auctions, so don't expect much help from me!"

Su Chen gestured dismissively.

A sly look flickered in Tang Ziye's eyes.

"Naughty brother, I never intended for you to help. I just wanted your company. And look, I've even cooked a meal for you!"

Tang Ziye revealed.

"Uh..."

At her words, a shiver ran down Su Chen's spine.

He felt distinctly uneasy.

Tang Ziye's expression sent a wave of fear through him.

After hurriedly finishing his meal, Su Chen dashed into his room. He had barely shut the door when his phone rang—it was Shen Zhong.

"Director, I'd like to update you on the company's current status," Shen Zhong said with due reverence.

Su Chen gestured dismissively upon hearing Shen Zhong's report.

He was indifferent.

"Just handle the company's affairs and send me the financial statements. Beyond that, I have no interest in the details."

Su Chen spoke with a calm detachment.

Shen Zhong was deeply moved by Su Chen's words; it signified immense trust in him—a trust Shen Zhong had never before experienced.

"Mr. Chairman, rest assured, I will spare no effort in your service!" Shen Zhong declared with fervor.

Su Chen merely smiled in response.

"I'm certainly looking forward to that," he said earnestly.

Without missing a beat, Su Chen steered the conversation in a new direction.

"What's the current situation with the Garde Auction?" he inquired.

Tang Ziye was keen on taking Su Chen to the auction, which undoubtedly concealed some secrets. Su Chen needed to uncover them.

On the other end of the line, Shen Zhong paused to think before responding.

"The Garde Auction is the largest local auction, primarily featuring classical paintings and calligraphy. Unlike typical auctions, it doesn't operate on a bidding system but rather a fixed-price method," Shen Zhong explained meticulously.

"What does that mean?" Su Chen asked, clearly puzzled.

He didn't grasp Shen Zhong's implication.

Shen Zhong elaborated, "Essentially, none of the auction items have visible price tags. Instead, they're appraised by top-tier antique experts. After the appraisal, the prices are concealed. Each participant makes an offer, and the one whose bid is closest to the item's appraised value earns the right to purchase it!"

Shen Zhong reiterated with precision.

"I see now!" Su Chen exclaimed, previously unaware of such details. After ending the call, he drifted off to sleep.

For Su Chen, the prospect of tomorrow's journey felt like just another trip, seemingly unconnected to him personally. He also appeared to lack any particular interest in the auction itself.

Yet, at that moment, Su Chen was already lost in slumber.

"Would you like to check in?"

The next morning, as Su Chen opened his eyes, the system's voice punctually greeted him.

"Of course, I'll check in!"

With the promise of numerous benefits, Su Chen wouldn't dream of passing up the opportunity. He promptly checked in.

"Host has acquired a new skill: Divine Eye!"