Unlike Zhao Xing's relaxed expression, Li Zewei's face beside him looked exceptionally odd.
If you studied him closely, you'd see his features were a mix of excitement he dared not reveal.
Because Jiang Cheng's payment had gone through, that meant his commission was locked in.
A two-percent hammer commission—based on Jiang Cheng's amount—netted him 23.5 million in one night.
Gaining such a fortune at once, Li Zewei was overjoyed.
His eyes went wide; his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.
He quickly hid it, fist to lips, stifling the grin that threatened to split his face.
Were it not for the crowd, he'd have stripped and sprinted around naked.
After years of grinding, he'd clawed his way to Planning Department Manager, pulling in 600,000 a year with bonuses.
A princely sum to most people.
Yet it was pocket change to the truly rich—especially compared with tonight's commission.
To save 23 million he'd need forty years without food or drink.
At that math his heart began to pound faster and faster.
Soon he couldn't control it; dizziness hit and he swayed.
Seeing him about to faint, a nearby staffer steadied him.
"Manager Li, are you all right?"
Afraid of losing composure, he waved them off. "I'm fine—just need air. Old problem; sorry for the fuss."
Zhao Xing watched without concern, only envy and jealousy.
Only he knew about Li Zewei's windfall.
This was no chronic ailment—just excitement too big to breathe through.
He understood; had it been him, he'd have fainted harder.
Jiang Cheng paid little heed to the episode.
Payment done, he followed Zhao Xing toward the storage room of the auction items.
Wang Congcong and the others had joked about milking Jiang Cheng.
Yet when it came to picking, they politely declined.
With pieces costing millions, even close friends wouldn't shamelessly take them free.
In the end only Qin Fen claimed a license-plate number.
The rest refused; Jiang Cheng didn't press.
Seeing Yu Xiaoxiao staring at the boundless blue inside the glass case,
Jiang Cheng signaled Zhao Xing to take it out.
He barely glanced at the priceless gem before lifting Yu Xiaoxiao's slender hand.
And slowly slid the ring onto her finger.
Already on her left hand sparkled tonight's new De Beers haute-joaillerie ring;
now her right bore a sapphire worth nearly two hundred million.
As the stone settled, a tear slipped down her cheek.
She'd always been easily moved—when Jiang Cheng gave her a car she'd been overwhelmed.
Now, another gift of staggering worth,
without hesitation he'd placed the 200-million boundless blue on her hand.
The sheer beauty of the moment struck her speechless.
Everyone knows what giving a ring implies,
especially one so priceless.
A nine-figure ring is rare even worldwide, let alone in China.
Jiang Cheng hadn't blinked before buying it for her.
She looked at him, emotions tangled; she knew she wasn't his only woman, yet tonight made her feel the most beloved.
Otherwise she couldn't explain such lavish devotion.
Yu Xiaoxiao: Favorability +1!
As her favorability rose, the system chimed.
"Ding—Yu Xiaoxiao's favorability toward the Host has reached 100%, unlocking the title [Ever Loyal]."
"Once equipped, the [Ever Loyal] title ensures that no storm can shake Yu Xiaoxiao's devotion; from this instant she will forever stay true, placing the Host above all else in life."
Reading the prompt, Jiang Cheng was stunned.
Yu Xiaoxiao's favorability had hit 100 points,
meaning she loved him more than herself.
Humans are selfish; most people love themselves first.
To love another above self is rare—seen only in some parents.
Among couples or friends it's almost nonexistent.
A love willing to die for the other usually exists only in dramas.
The only other route is money—paying someone to sacrifice.
Yet that has nothing to do with love.
Yu Xiaoxiao's feeling was pure love.
As Jiang Cheng mused, the system dinged again.
"Ding! Rewarding the Host with one [Forgiveness Hat]."
"Equip it, and no matter the quarrel or misunderstanding, she'll mentally digest it and forgive you, never bringing it up again. The cap works only on females."
By now Yu Xiaoxiao had buried herself in Jiang Cheng's arms, uncaring who watched.
Witnessing the romance, the others exchanged glances.
Wang Zheng leaned to Qin Fen's ear: "Should we loudly congratulate them?"
Qin Fen shot him a look. "Congratulate? Are you dense?"
Chen Hao nudged Wang Zheng. "Same here—I almost clapped and told them to marry on the spot; with this vibe a proposal feels mandatory."
Wang Congcong rolled his eyes. "Dare utter the word 'marriage' and Jiang Cheng'll throttle you."
After the hushed banter they tactfully turned away, pretending to study nearby auction pieces.
With no one intruding, Yu Xiaoxiao whispered blissfully, "Hubby, I love you."
Jiang Cheng patted her back, telling her not to cry.
"Me too."
Still basking in bliss, Yu Xiaoxiao jolted at a strange sensation.
She gently pushed Jiang Cheng away, shyly wiped her tears, and shot him a coy glare.
Jiang Cheng grinned at his own hand.
Alas, he couldn't help himself—those pandas were simply too irresistible.