The Auction
627 Words
Outside the villa, the chauffeur stood respectfully by the car. Upon seeing the tall figure emerge, he hurriedly opened the door. “President Jian, there’s still an hour before the auction begins. We’ll make it in time.”
Jian Junyi gave a slight nod, gesturing for her to enter first. Then he slid in beside her, his arm naturally draping over her fragrant shoulders, pulling her possessively into his embrace.
The car began to move slowly. Outside the window was the estate she had lived in for the past three months.
She glanced sideways at the large hand resting on her shoulder, then studied his chiseled, masculine profile. She realized she didn’t understand him at all. Even after spending three months together, he remained a mystery to her—an enigma she couldn’t see through.
Three months ago, she had awoken from a deep sleep to find her mind as blank as a newborn’s. She didn’t know who she was, nor could she recognize the luxurious bedroom she had awakened in. Everything was foreign, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness was unbearable.
He had told her she had lost her memory in an accident, and that he was her boyfriend of three years.
With no recollection of her past, nowhere to go, and no one to rely on, she admitted she had been frightened. Lost in a sea of strangers, she had no choice but to trust him and temporarily stay in this grand estate.
His warm palm gently caressed her cheek, pulling her from her thoughts. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her fair ear and said, “When we get to the auction, let me know if anything catches your eye.”
“There’s no need,” she replied, shaking her head. She wasn’t fond of antiques, nor did she understand how to appreciate them. She didn’t want to be like those wealthy people who feigned sophistication. In the hands of the uninitiated, antiques only lose their true worth.
Her quiet refusal echoed through the enclosed space. She could feel his breath brushing against her neck, his obsidian eyes—mere inches away—fixing on her with scorching intensity.
A faint warmth crept across her cheeks. She had to admit, there were moments when his gaze made her feel flushed, as though her entire body was burning. Embarrassed, she quickly turned her face to the window.
Hours later, they stepped out of the auction hall. Behind them, the chauffeur and an assistant carefully carried two valuable antiques they had just acquired.
Just as when they entered, her hand remained tightly gripped in his. She followed obediently at his side. Over time, she had noticed something odd—he seemed somewhat paranoid, always fearing she might run away. Even within the estate, four maids shadowed her every move. She felt suffocated, deprived of any sense of freedom.
But the truth was—she had nowhere to go. Since waking up, he was the only person she knew. Where could she possibly escape to?
“Mr. Jian… President Jian…” A trembling voice, filled with nervous apprehension, called out from somewhere nearby. She stopped instinctively, prompting him to frown and glance in the direction of the sound.
A hunched figure approached meekly, bowing at nearly a ninety-degree angle. All she could see was the balding crown of a middle-aged man, his voice full of obsequious flattery. “President Jian, s-sorry to disturb you…”
“Is something the matter, Mr. Fang?” Jian Junyi’s handsome face wore a faint, courteous smile, his tone as gentle as a spring breeze.
Such affability stunned Fang Xianzhu. Flustered yet emboldened, he stammered, “Well, it’s about your acquisition of Zhongli… President Jian, I was hoping to…”
- Writer
