The Baixia Hotel sparkled like a diamond under the evening sky, with the elite of Seoulfen City gathered in its grand ballroom for the annual charity auction. It wasn't just an event to raise money, it was a battleground for status, a stage where reputations were built or shattered.
Suyin entered the ballroom as if she owned it, her red silk gown swaying gracefully with every step. Heads turned, eyes following her movements, but she paid no attention. She was used to admiration, adoration, even and she expected nothing less. Her long, red hair fell down her back in perfect waves, and her face was a flawless work of art, thanks to years of expensive skincare and makeup.
"Miss Yu, may I offer you a glass of champagne?" a waiter asked, bowing as he presented the tray.
Suyin barely glanced at him. "Champagne? Do I look like a middle-class housewife to you? Bring me something that doesn't taste like cheap air. And make sure it's the best vintage."
The waiter nodded nervously and scurried away.
Suyin's father, Mr. Yu, was deep in conversation with several business tycoons, but his sharp eyes noticed her immediately. He excused himself and approached her with a forced smile.
"Suyin, don't cause a scene tonight," he warned quietly, grabbing her arm just as she was about to walk past him. "We need to win the amulet, no matter what. You understand?"
Suyin pulled her arm free, glaring at her father. "Obviously, Father. Don't insult me by thinking I don't know how important this is. The Hu family isn't winning tonight. I'll make sure of it."
Her father gave her a small nod but remained unconvinced. "Just don't go overboard. Remember, this is a charity event."
Suyin scoffed. "Charity event? Please. It's just another show of wealth. Everyone here knows it."
She strutted to the front row of the VIP section, each step a declaration of her superiority. She made sure she sat in the most prominent seat, front and center. She didn't even have to look around the room to know that everyone was watching her. She loved it. This was her world.
As the auction began, luxurious items were paraded before the crowd: rare paintings, ancient artifacts, and extravagant jewelry. Suyin's interest only piqued when the final item was announced.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the crown jewel of tonight's auction," the auctioneer announced with a flourish. "The legendary Dragon Amulet, a relic from the Qing Dynasty's imperial collection."
A soft gasp rippled through the room as the amulet was revealed. It lay encased in glass, the coiled dragon intricately carved around a glowing jade stone. It was exquisite, ancient, and imbued with power.
Suyin's eyes gleamed as the spotlight hit the amulet. "That's mine," she whispered to herself, leaning forward slightly. Her manicured fingers tapped impatiently on her chair's armrest.
Her mind already raced through the possibilities of winning this relic. It would be a statement of her power, her dominance over everyone—including her family's biggest rival, the Hu family.
As if on cue, a cold, composed voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Fifty million."
Her head whipped around, and there he was—Jin Hu.
He stood tall, his black suit immaculate and sharp as his features. His face was a mask of calm indifference, his eyes never leaving the amulet. It was as if he didn't even acknowledge her presence.
"Jin Hu," she muttered under her breath, her lips curling in disgust. "Of course, he's here."
Suyin smirked, her blood boiling at the sight of him. Her fingers tightened around her paddle, and she raised it high. "Seventy million."
The crowd murmured at the sudden escalation, sensing the brewing storm between the two rivals.
Jin remained unfazed. Without so much as blinking, he raised his paddle again. "One hundred million."
The room gasped. Jin's cold, calculated tone filled the air, but he didn't look at Suyin—not even a glance.
Suyin's rage flared. Who did he think he was? Did he think he could just waltz in and take something from her?
"Two hundred million!" she snapped, her voice cutting through the tension.
Her father shifted uncomfortably in his seat behind her, but Suyin didn't care. This was about more than just the amulet now. This was about destroying Jin Hu.
Jin's expression remained unreadable. Slowly, he raised his paddle. "Three hundred million."
The air in the room thickened as the tension between them escalated. Everyone was silent now, hanging on every word, every raised paddle. Suyin's heart pounded, but it wasn't fear—it was fury.
Suyin stood up, her eyes blazing as she looked across the room at Jin. "Five hundred million!" she shouted, her voice reverberating through the hall.
Jin finally turned his gaze to her. His dark eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to stop. His expression was calm, almost bored, but there was an icy intensity beneath the surface.
He raised his paddle again. "One billion."
The room fell silent. No one moved. Even the auctioneer seemed momentarily stunned, struggling to process the sheer amount of money being thrown into the air.
Suyin's eyes widened in disbelief. "One billion?" she whispered, her hands trembling as she clenched her fists. This was impossible. No one in their right mind would spend that much on a single artifact, not even him.
Jin's lips curved into a slight, mocking smile. "I believe I've won, Miss Li."
Her face flushed with humiliation. How dare he? How dare he make a fool out of her like this?
The auctioneer regained his composure, clearing his throat. "Going once… going twice… sold to Mr. Jin Hu for one billion yuan!"
Applause erupted, but Suyin heard nothing. Her world had narrowed to Jin, standing there like a victorious king, and she was the defeated fool.
Jin stepped forward to claim his prize, but as he passed Suyin, he paused, his voice as cold as ice. "Better luck next time, Li."
Her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palm. "You think this is over, Hu?" she hissed, her voice shaking with fury. "This is just the beginning."
Jin didn't even bother to look at her. "Perhaps. But I never lose."
As he walked away, the victorious amulet in his hand, Suyin's vision blurred with rage. Jin had humiliated her in front of everyone. Her pride was wounded, and her ego shattered.
But she would get her revenge. One way or another, Jin Hu would pay for crossing her. This wasn't over. Far from it.