C11 Invitation

I'm just 200,000 experience points shy of leveling up. Selling the item for that amount would catapult me to level 3. Considering how strong the level 2 system functions are, I can only imagine the advanced features awaiting at level 3.

"The auction continues with our second lot: a set of four glazed pieces, starting at 5,000!"

Upon the host's cue, the staff presented the radiant glazed pieces on stage, captivating the audience.

"Could these be fakes? Glazed glass this luminous seems unlikely."

"They can't be that old, or the patina would be more pronounced."

The crowd buzzed with speculation as a man in his forties or fifties watched the pieces intently. Flanked by two alert companions ready to act on his command, he was also accompanied by a butler of similar age who kept a close eye on his expression.

"Elder Lin, have you set your sights on this glazed glass?" the butler inquired cautiously.

Elder Lin gave a slight nod, his face unreadable.

Understanding the cue, the butler signaled to an aide who confidently raised a paddle and bid, "10,000!"

Before Elder Lin could bid, Xiao Nan had already noted the glazed glass's price tag of 300,000. Clearly, these weren't replicas, though not ancient either. Still, they held collectible value. Observing the room, Xiao Nan felt a surge of excitement, sensing the others' hesitation to bid.

"How do you feel about these four glass beads?" Ai Xiaohan, now fully trusting Xiao Nan after their previous successful find, sought his opinion.

Xiao Nan grinned, "I'm fond of these beads. I'm going to make them mine."

Ai Xiaohan's brow furrowed slightly, "Are you sure they're truly valuable?"

"They may not be highly valuable, but since I've taken a liking to them, I want to add them to my collection," Xiao Nan said with a playful smile.

"Fine, if it makes you happy," Ai Xiaohan responded with a resigned tone.

When Elder Lin raised his paddle, all eyes shifted to him.

"Hey, isn't that Elder Lin? Who would have thought he'd show up?"

"Indeed, it's quite surprising. Old Mr. Ai must have quite the pull to get Elder Lin to attend."

"Absolutely. Elder Lin's prowess is beyond what even Old Mr. Ai could match. He's always kept a low profile. His presence at Old Mr. Ai's birthday banquet surely adds prestige to the event."

Listening to the murmurs around him, Xiao Nan gave Elder Lin a few more glances. There was nothing revealing in Elder Lin's demeanor. He sat there indistinguishable from an average person, yet his presence was distinct, exuding an air of nobility and unapproachable authority.

"Who is this Elder Lin, and why does everyone seem to hold him in such high regard?" Xiao Nan inquired.

Ai Xiaohan gestured for silence and whispered, "Elder Lin is shrouded in mystery. Most of what we know is hearsay, and few truly understand him. His movements are always enigmatic, his capabilities formidable, and his wealth substantial. Naturally, no one knows the nature of his business, where his fortune is spent, or the extent of his influence."

Xiao Nan found the repeated mentions of the unknown intriguing. Could there really be such an enigmatic figure in the world? Someone who exists beyond the mundane realms, untouched by worldly concerns?

The more he pondered, the more Xiao Nan's interest was piqued. If Elder Lin was as enigmatic as Ai Xiaohan suggested, it was unlikely he'd be interested in the items up for auction. Considering his demeanor during the bidding, he must have set his sights on the glass piece. In that case, why not join in the game? I'm eager to see just who this Elder Lin really is.

"Twenty thousand!" Xiao Nan called out with a serene composure, his voice cutting through the auction hall.

There he was again, that young upstart. Why was he everywhere? Was he planning to sweep up all the auction items tonight?

"Thirty thousand!"

Before the crowd could even process or debate, Elder Lin called out another bid, cutting off Xiao Nan mid-sentence. It was clear that Elder Lin had his eye on the glass; his eagerness to bid was unmistakable.

Xiao Nan found the situation amusing. The price was still a long way from his bottom line, so he decided to play along.

"Fifty thousand!" Xiao Nan said, grinning at Elder Lin as he announced his bid.

Elder Lin caught his gaze, giving Xiao Nan a sidelong glance. He remained silent, but a smile crept onto his face.

The butler at his side whispered, "Master, the glass doesn't seem to be fetching too high a price. Shall we keep bidding?"

Elder Lin replied, "What's meant to be ours will be ours. There's no point in forcing it. I suspect this young man's interest lies elsewhere. We won't bid any further."

The butler nodded, signaling to an associate, who promptly lowered the bidding sign they were about to raise.

"Have you lost your mind? Fifty thousand yuan for four pieces of broken glass? What were you thinking? At most, that glass is worth thirty, maybe twenty thousand. You've surely misjudged this time," Ai Xiaohan chided Xiao Nan, clearly displeased.

Unperturbed, Xiao Nan chuckled, "Relax, I've scored another bargain. Just wait to congratulate me."

Watching Xiao Nan's excitement, Ai Xiaohan was on the verge of bursting with frustration. Congratulate him? She couldn't fathom his logic.

"Fifty thousand going once, fifty thousand going twice, fifty thousand sold!"

This transaction thrust Xiao Nan once more into the spotlight.

"This clueless fool, daring to compete with Elder Lin for an item. Humph, I'm curious to see if Old Mr. Ai will stand by him after this!"

"The young bull isn't scared of the tiger. A greenhorn like him doesn't grasp the gravity of the situation. He needs to learn the hard way a few times before he truly understands how to grow."

Xiao Nan wore a cheeky grin as he ascended the stage to claim his prize. He carefully wrapped the four pieces of glass and descended without further ado.

"Hey, are you really going to take off without delivering an acceptance speech?" the host called out in a rush.

Xiao Nan turned with a smile. "I'd rather not take up any more of everyone's time on stage. Go ahead and get the next auction started."

With that, Xiao Nan strode over to Ai Xiaohan without a backward glance.

Ai Xiaohan's face was somber as he spoke. "Don't get too comfortable. Elder Lin's butler just came by. He said that once you step offstage, you're to pay a visit to Elder Lin. He's cordially inviting you for a cup of tea."