Chapter 111: Chapter 111 Sea Viewing Platform (2 more)
Translator: 549690339
Master Ming spoke in a highly cultivated manner, yet his demeanor and responses were impeccable, showcasing the grandeur of a true master.
Xue An cast a casual glance at Ming Yuan before nodding slightly, “It is indeed worthy of a scion from the renowned Ming Family, truly brilliant tactics!”
The ambiguity of his words inevitably stirred some shock and suspicion in Qin Yu’s heart.
Shi Hao and Feng Chaochou, who were following behind, exchanged looks, then bowed their heads in silence.
However, Ming Yuan’s expression remained unchanged; with a slight smile, he said, “Mr. Xue flatters me too much. Nowadays, who doesn’t know about Mr. Xue overpowering his peers and ascending to the supreme position in the provincial city? Truly a hero from among the youths! I am in awe!”
Xue An remained noncommittal and nodded, then pointed to the tallest building in the distance.
“What is this place?”
“Mr. Xue, this is the highest point of the resort, called the Sea Viewing Platform! Please, follow me to have a look!” Ming Yuan said with a smile.
Xue An smiled lightly, “Very well! Let’s go take a look!”
The group followed Ming Yuan up to the Sea Viewing Platform.
Located in the central region of the island and as the highest point of the entire island, one could take in the splendid surrounding views from the top, complemented by the seamless horizon of sea and sky—indeed, a feast for the eyes.
“Truly worthy of the Ming Family’s touch, such a beautiful view!” someone marveled in admiration.
Ming Yuan smiled with evident self-satisfaction, “This Sea Viewing Platform is the core of the entire resort, and furthermore, any high-end banquets in the future can be held here.”
While he spoke, waitstaff brought up wine and assorted foods.
Moments later, the Sea Viewing Platform was transformed into an upscale club.
The elites invited to this island had originally felt somewhat uncomfortable.
No one knew exactly what game the Qin Family was playing.
And especially Mr. Xue, known for his ruthless methods, what if he had gathered them here only to capture them all in one fell swoop?
But viewing the current situation, it seemed like their worries might have been unnecessary.
For instance, Xue An was now holding a glass of red wine, standing by the Sea Viewing Platform, seemingly gazing at the distant sea.
The atmosphere gradually livened up.
Stunning scenery and the sea breeze, when combined, allowed these wealthy young masters to gradually relax and then group together in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.
“Mr. Xue, I… I’d like to toast to you!”
Just then, a timid voice rang out from behind Xue An.
Turning around, Xue An saw it was a girl of about eighteen or nineteen, quite attractive, and judging by her attire, likely the daughter of some wealthy family.
However, in Xue An’s presence, the girl was stuttering, struggling to speak smoothly.
Xue An gave a slight smile and raised his wine glass a little before taking a sip.
The girl excitedly downed her drink and then scampered off jubilantly.
After a short while, laughter from the girls could be heard in the distance.
Qin Yu laughed softly, “Mr. Xue, it seems you are quite popular now!”
Just as Qin Yu said, Xue An’s fame within the circles of the provincial city’s wealthy was immense.
Yet when the men heard Xue An’s name, they felt both fear and awe.
As for the girls, especially those from wealthy families, they were intensely curious about Xue An.
A young man who single-handedly subdued an entire city’s elite.
That was legend enough in itself.
And now, having seen Xue An in person, the daughters of these wealthy families were all stunned.
They had not expected Mr. Xue to be so young and handsome.
This caused many of the girls’ hearts to flutter with excitement.
But while they might think so, none dared to approach him rashly.
Therefore, these girls started making bets, with the loser having to offer a toast.
In the end, this girl lost and mustered the courage to approach and toast Xue An.
To her surprise, Xue An was very approachable, and even returned the toast.
This resulted in her receiving envy from her peers upon her return.
As for Xue An, he merely offered a faint smile and paid it no further mind.
He was improving his Cultivation Level every day, all in the hope of finding his wife as soon as possible.
As for everything else…
Xue An hadn’t given it much thought.
At this moment, the atmosphere at the banquet reached its climax.
Ming Yuan stepped onto the high platform in the middle, smiling as he said, “Today, the elite of the provincial city have gathered here, and everyone is well-informed. It just so happens that I have a treasure for all to see!”
With that, Ming Yuan took out a necklace from the bag he carried with him.
It was a string of pearls that, under the moonlight, emitted a cool radiance, so beautiful that people hardly dared to breathe loudly.
The room fell silent.
The women in particular were completely enchanted.
No woman could resist the temptation of jewelry.
Qin Yu was slightly startled, then she exclaimed, “Is that a Dong Zhu?”
Ming Yuan smiled, “Miss Qin really does have extensive knowledge; this is indeed the rare and seldom-seen Dong Zhu!”
Dong Zhu!
Extremely rare jewelry.
It could only be found in this sea area, but due to overharvesting later on, it had disappeared for many years.
Even a single Dong Zhu pearl was worth a fortune, let alone an entire string of pearl necklaces.
Ming Yuan then smiled at the people below the stage, “I will sell this pearl today. Who wants it?”
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted.
“I bid ten million!”
“Twenty million!”
“Twenty-five million!”
These people were determined to have the string of Dong Zhu pearls.
Anyone who could enter this place was worth at least several hundred million.
Thus, the price rapidly soared.
A hint of pride flickered in Ming Yuan’s eyes.
Just as the price had reached over ninety million, Xue An suddenly said calmly, “I offer one dollar.”
Upon this statement, the entire room fell silent.
Many frowned slightly, thinking that Xue An was attempting to use his status to snatch the necklace.
Yet Ming Yuan remained unruffled, merely chuckling, “Mr. Xue, have you had too much to drink? Any single Dong Zhu pearl is a treasure, one dollar…”
Xue An set down his wine glass and walked toward the stage with an indifferent expression.
The crowd parted to make way for him.
Ming Yuan’s expression gradually darkened.
When Xue An reached the stage, he casually took the necklace in his hand, played with it for a moment, and then smiled.
“Indeed, it is a rare treasure of the world!”
Ming Yuan smiled, but the next second, his smile froze.
“It’s just a pity… the origins are not legitimate!”
As soon as these words were spoken, many faces went pale.
Illegitimate origins?
What did he mean?
Could it be that this necklace was stolen or robbed by Ming Yuan?
Ming Yuan snorted coldly, “Mr. Xue, you must have evidence to support such claims. Accusing someone’s property of being illicitly obtained without proof is a serious allegation!”
Many nodded in agreement silently.
Some had been somewhat resentful of Xue An, and now their minds stirred.
The Ming Family of the seaport was a powerful household.
If Ming Yuan were to publicly confront Xue An, it was likely that Xue An’s influence would be damaged.
While those below the stage harbored various thoughts,
Xue An smiled faintly, exerted a bit of strength in his finger, and with a snap,
a Dong Zhu pearl shattered instantly.
The entire room was shaken by this action.
Xue An then said coldly, “How you acquired it, you know best in your heart. For example, what’s being suppressed under the Sea Viewing Platform with feng shui? Do I need to say it? Master Ming?”