Chapter Forty-Five: The Impact of the Auction

Jade Pavilion.

Upon arriving, Qin Feng placed the jade tokens given to him by Elder Yan into the display cases. Observing the neatly arranged and dazzling array of tokens, Qin Feng felt a surge of satisfaction and gratitude toward Elder Yan.

With so many jade tokens, Qin Feng divided them into several tiers to avoid appearing too unfamiliar. The lesser-quality ones were placed on the first floor, serving as advertisements to attract the attention of ordinary customers. Slightly better ones went to the second floor, while the finest were reserved for the third floor, kept as the store’s prized treasures.

Qin Feng’s intention was to showcase Jade Pavilion’s strength. After all, its location was not remote, and the surrounding jadeite shops were sizable competitors. Though Jade Pavilion enjoyed a fair reputation, it lacked advantages in other areas and could only compete on price. This time, Qin Feng dared to display his collection openly, aiming to make a splash and lay a solid foundation for future success.

Moreover, these jade tokens were not merely ornamental. Those planning to participate in the auction, upon seeing the tokens, would have no reason to doubt Jade Pavilion’s capabilities. Qin Feng believed that, with proper management of the auction, Jade Pavilion would gain instant fame.

At this thought, Qin Feng’s mood improved further.

...

Meanwhile, in a café outside Jade Pavilion.

Li Jingya sat by the window, gently stirring her coffee, her gaze frequently drifting toward Jade Pavilion. Ever since witnessing Qin Feng’s extraordinary carving skills yesterday, she had become increasingly curious about him.

“Qin Feng, what kind of person are you really?” she murmured softly, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips.

Just then, her phone vibrated, pulling her from her reverie. Glancing at the screen, she saw a message from her grandfather, Elder Li.

“Jingya, I heard Jade Pavilion is holding an auction. If you have time, you should go and see it. Meeting industry professionals will benefit you.”

A hint of joy flickered in Li Jingya’s eyes as she quickly replied, “Alright, Grandpa, I’ll go right away.”

Meanwhile, inside Jade Pavilion, Qin Feng was busy arranging the auction venue.

He personally supervised every detail, ensuring perfection in each aspect. He knew this auction not only determined Jade Pavilion’s future but also offered him a chance to prove his abilities to the entire industry.

As the preparations neared completion, Jade Pavilion grew lively. Many industry professionals and collectors who had received invitations arrived one after another, drawn by the exquisite jade tokens in the display cases. They stopped to admire them, voicing their praise.

Qin Feng mingled among the guests, engaging in conversation, introducing Jade Pavilion’s unique features and the jadeite rough stones to be auctioned. His eloquence and confident demeanor won the admiration of many.

At that moment, a familiar figure entered Jade Pavilion.

Qin Feng looked up to see Li Jingya, dressed in an elegant dress, carrying a delicate handbag, walking gracefully into the hall. Her arrival immediately drew the attention of many, becoming the focal point of the entire event.

“Jingya, what brings you here?” Qin Feng asked, surprised.

Li Jingya smiled lightly. “My grandfather sent me to broaden my horizons.”

Qin Feng nodded with a smile. “Perfect. You can witness Jade Pavilion’s strength firsthand.”

Li Jingya blinked playfully. “Then I’ll have to take a good look. I can’t let anyone say I haven’t seen the world.”

Qin Feng chuckled and shook his head. She was Elder Li’s granddaughter—who would dare say she hadn’t seen the world?

...

The auction finally began.

As each jadeite rough stone was presented, the atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense and competitive. Guests raised their paddles, bidding vigorously for their coveted treasures.

Standing on the auction platform, Qin Feng scanned the crowd, his heart swelling with pride and satisfaction. He knew that the success of this auction would not only affirm Jade Pavilion’s strength but also his own personal abilities.

Suddenly, a discordant voice broke the harmony.

Liu Yuanhang entered the auction hall with several subordinates, immediately attracting attention.

“Qin Feng, so you are here after all!” Liu Yuanhang sneered, his gaze full of provocation and hostility.

Qin Feng’s brows knitted in silent vigilance. He knew Liu Yuanhang’s intentions were anything but friendly, yet he had to remain calm and rational.

“Liu Yuanhang, what are you doing here?” Qin Feng asked coldly.

Liu Yuanhang laughed loudly. “Why, I’m just here to join the fun. What, is Jade Pavilion allowed to host an auction, but the Liu family isn’t allowed to observe and learn?”

Qin Feng replied with a cold smile, “Observe and learn? I think you’re here to cause trouble.”

Liu Yuanhang’s face darkened, ready to lash out, but a subordinate tugged at his sleeve.

Turning back, Liu Yuanhang listened as the man whispered into his ear. His expression shifted subtly, and he sneered again. “Qin Feng, do you think I’m afraid of you? Let me tell you, the Liu family will eventually replace Jade Pavilion!”

With that, he swaggered to a seat with his men, clearly intending to watch the proceedings unfold.

Qin Feng ignored Liu Yuanhang’s provocations and continued to host the auction. Still, he remained alert, knowing Liu Yuanhang would not let him off easily and he must guard against any dirty tricks.

...

As the auction progressed, one jadeite rough stone after another found its buyer. Qin Feng’s spirits grew lighter. He knew the auction’s success was now assured; what remained was to clean up and prepare for any retaliation from the Liu family.

Just then, the doors to the auction hall burst open, and hurried footsteps echoed through the room.

Qin Feng looked up to see several uniformed police officers stride in, their gaze fixed directly on Liu Yuanhang.

“Mr. Liu Yuanhang, we received a report that you are suspected of involvement in an illegal transaction. Please come with us to assist in the investigation,” one officer said.

Liu Yuanhang’s face changed dramatically. He sprang to his feet, trying to protest, but was already handcuffed by the police.

At this moment, Lin Wanting appeared at the doorway. Qin Feng immediately understood—she must have contacted the authorities earlier.

Times had changed. Though the Liu family wielded considerable influence in Jianghai, their reach only extended so far. Now Jade Pavilion was no longer constrained by the Liu family, and any attempt to manipulate the jadeite materials was impossible.

Qin Feng knew well that this case was merely an unexpected setback for the Liu family and would not significantly affect their overall standing.

He walked over to Lin Wanting and asked with a smile, “How did it go?”