Chapter 14: The Annoying Flies
Xu Fang drove with her usual steady skill, making the ride so smooth that Xu Youyou felt she could comfortably read a book in the backseat.
Unlike her usual casual style, Xu Fang was dressed sharply today in a fitted black suit.
"Sister Xu, you didn't have to dress up," Xu Youyou commented with a smile.
Xu Fang responded seriously, "Boss, today's auction is filled with celebrities and elites. I can't let you be outshone."
Xu Youyou chuckled. Now she understood why there were so many 'workplace kings'—it was all because their assistants took their jobs this seriously. She appreciated Xu Fang's meticulous attitude.
After an hour of driving, the car came to a smooth stop.
"We've arrived, Boss," Xu Fang said, immediately getting out, circling to the back door, and opening it for Xu Youyou with a respectful bow, almost like a royal attendant at a grand ceremony.
The auction venue was a lavish manor. As the customized bulletproof Rolls-Royce Phantom rolled in, it instantly caught the attention of the guests chatting near the entrance.
While luxury cars weren't uncommon in Shanghai, the specifics of Xu Youyou's car stood out. Someone quickly recognized it as a high-level bulletproof model—a rarity in a country as safe as China.
The message was clear: the owner wasn't short on money.
As the car door opened, a delicate snow-white hand appeared, followed by Xu Youyou's striking face.
She had always been beautiful, but the whitening pills had subtly enhanced her complexion, removing the last trace of imperfection. Her appearance now was truly breathtaking.
Guests near the entrance exchanged curious glances.
"Who is that girl? I've never seen her before," Shen Yifan remarked, eyes narrowing as he observed Xu Youyou.
His female companion scoffed, "Maybe just another pampered mistress some rich boss is keeping."
Shen Yifan's expression darkened. "Your taste in clothes is embarrassing. You're not fit to enter with me."
His companion's face turned crimson. She was wearing a pale pink designer dress that he'd complimented earlier. Realizing she had just crossed a line, she opened her mouth to apologize.
But Shen Yifan's tone turned cold. "Regardless of who she is—young heiress or mistress—she received a personal invitation. She didn't need to use someone else's ticket. That alone makes her out of your league."
The woman paled. She had struggled hard to get access to this auction. With the event drawing in the nation's top-tier wealthy elites, it was her golden chance to land a better backer. Now, everything was ruined.
She glared at Xu Youyou with barely concealed resentment—but Xu Youyou paid no attention.
Accompanied by Xu Fang, she approached the entrance. Xu Fang handed over the invitation.
"Dear guest, here's your seat number," said the usher respectfully, handing her a small golden card.
Xu Youyou glanced at it—front row, center seat. Clearly the best spot.
What surprised her even more was the card itself: solid gold, and it had weight.
This auction house is truly extravagant, she thought.
Although all guests had seat cards, a staff member was assigned to personally guide her to her seat.
Xu Fang, attending as her assistant, could've sat with her but chose a seat in the back instead. Xu Youyou didn't mind and let her go.
Just as she was approaching her seat, an annoyingly greasy-looking young man suddenly popped up beside her.
"Hello there, I'm Shen Yifan. My father is Shen Feng," he said, flashing a self-deprecating smile.
Ugh, Xu Youyou nearly gagged. Greasy and overconfident—some things never change.
In her past life, Shen Yifan, half-brother to Shen Yiren, had also pursued her. She'd ignored him then, and she certainly wasn't interested now.
But Shen Yifan didn't take the hint. He persisted.
"I've seen many beautiful women, but your beauty is truly refreshing. May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
To Xu Youyou, he sounded like an annoying fly buzzing around her ear. She picked up her pace, hoping to leave him behind.
Unfortunately, the fly followed.
Though he didn't know who she really was, Shen Yifan thought she might be the daughter of a hidden tycoon. He was willing to take the gamble. In a competitive family like his, marrying into real power could be his shortcut to survival.
"This your first time here? I come every year on behalf of my father. I'm sure you've heard of him—he's quite influential in Shanghai…"
Xu Youyou clenched her fist. If he says one more word, I might just punch him.
Thankfully, a cold voice interrupted.
"What's going on here?"
Xu Youyou turned. It was Gu Fengchuan.
Oh great. This again.
She hadn't seen her "cheap older brother" in almost twenty days, and of course, this was how they'd reunite.
Gu Fengchuan frowned at her. "Why are you talking to Shen Yifan?"
His tone held disapproval, as if accusing her of being indecent just by standing near Shen Yifan.
It was the same as her past life. Shen Yifan had a playboy reputation, and anyone seen near him was assumed to be tainted.
And just like before, Gu Fengchuan didn't ask questions—he simply judged.
Before Xu Youyou could respond, an even more annoying voice piped up behind Gu Fengchuan.
"Brother, maybe sister just bumped into Shen Yifan by accident. It's probably nothing. Don't jump to conclusions."
Xu Youyou felt her irritation skyrocket.
As if this day couldn't get worse...