Chapter Eighteen: Come With Me

“Dreamway, one million, second call!”

The notary announced another bid for Mai Xijun’s creation, but she only frowned lightly, utterly at her wits’ end. Her sharp nails dug deep into the flesh of her palm, unable to unclench. In her throat, it felt as if something was lodged, a raw and unyielding ache...

Let it be.

After this competition, she would quietly return to her own life, still the same Mai Xijun as before—neither noisy nor boastful, simply doing her best, living as though she had never loved, never been hurt.

“One million—”

“Ten million!”

The notary’s voice was abruptly cut off. Mai Xijun was still lost in her thoughts, at first thinking her ears had deceived her, or perhaps she was hallucinating. That deeply magnetic voice echoed boundlessly, yet—no, it was real.

Someone had truly bid ten million for her Dreamway. And that person—

That man...

A chill ran down Mai Xijun’s spine for no reason. The already tense and electrified atmosphere erupted. All eyes turned to the man in question. His skin was a handsome sun-kissed bronze, his features sharply defined. The black business suit accentuated his straight, imposing figure. One hand was tucked in his pocket, the other held his bidding paddle high. He exuded an extraordinary air, rebelliousness running deep in his bones, and there was an unfathomable glint in his gaze...

He had actually bid ten million for her...

And it was that man—Shen Yanlie.

“Ten million?” the notary cried out in shock, craning his neck incredulously and adjusting his glasses.

Time seemed to stop for a heartbeat. The man looked at her with a playful yet profound gaze, determined but tinged with a seriousness and mischief that defied description. Anyone with discernment would surely recognize the connection between them.

“Ten million, first call!” The notary, barely able to contain his excitement, pressed on. “Ten million, second call!...”

“Ten million, third call!!” Unprecedented.

With the final strike of the gavel, in just three seconds, her Dreamway was bought by the man who had caught her when she nearly stumbled and embarrassed herself, the man who had later lifted her chin and asked her to become his woman.

Ten million. Her creation had been purchased for ten million—a single ring, ten million...

The audience was in an uproar, and the reporters, slow to react, suddenly surged forward in a noisy swarm.

As she watched the playful curve of his lips, she stood on stage, losing sight of the world. Was this man about to overturn her entire life?

Mai Xijun turned away, unable to face the voice echoing from her deepest heart, only to meet the astonished gaze of Xue Lizan.

In that gaze, should she have lifted her chin, given a proud and cold snort, and then turned to leave?

Yet at this moment, she simply stood there, dazed. Memories of every moment spent with him surfaced again: four years of university, two people growing up like childhood sweethearts, hearts open, discussing the future, sharing dreams. But in the blink of an eye, those youthful days had vanished, never to return.

“Woman! Come with me!” That same beautiful voice, so alluring it could make one surrender.

She stared at him in a trance, watched him speak with grace and composure, his hand gentle and elegant as he reached out to her.

She wanted to reach for his hand, but he was quicker. While she still stood on the runway, Shen Yanlie swept her legs into his arms and carried her down from the stage.