Chapter 045

Lin Ran quickly figured it out. These properties were likely sold at a low price by Lin Tianba to raise funds for himself, and now the buyers were putting them up for auction.

Lin Ran smiled, and he smiled very happily.

In a little while, he would make the Lin family homeless.

The auction didn’t end until 8 p.m., transitioning into a cocktail dinner party.

Lin Ran had never attended such a high-profile event before. Thinking that Luo Yao wasn’t home and there was no one to keep him company, he decided to bring Wu Zhishang along to the banquet hall to broaden their horizons.

Lin Ran’s appearance quickly drew a lot of attention—after all, he had made quite a splash today.

Countless socialites were eager to approach him, and many wealthy families wanted to establish connections.

When someone can casually spend 300 million in cash, even dogs would wag their tails at you.

After all, having 300 million in liquid assets isn’t just about being worth 300 million—it signifies so much more.

Even a company with a market value of 10 billion would need extensive preparation to come up with 300 million in cash, let alone someone like Lin Ran, who spent that amount just to buy a necklace.

No sane person would liquidate all their assets just to purchase a necklace.

But what they didn’t know was that Lin Ran was anything but sane.

The socialites flocked closer, trying all sorts of subtle moves, but Lin Ran saw through every one of them and decisively distanced himself.

He even coldly rejected their offers to toast or dance.

Lin Ran was certain that if he dared to dance with another woman today, both he and that woman would face dire consequences tomorrow.

Death or severe injury would be the least of their worries.

Besides, how could these mediocre women compare to his wife?

Wasn’t Luo Yao adorable? Beautiful? Fragrant?

Well… though she sometimes went a little crazy, Lin Ran loved everything about her now, including her madness.

Seeing Lin Ran’s unapproachable demeanor, the socialites stomped their feet in frustration, but some turned their attention to Wu Zhishang, who was by his side.

Someone who could hang out with such a wealthy family must be no ordinary person, even if Wu Zhishang’s attire was rather plain.

But does dressing plainly mean you’re plain?

Take Jack Ma, for example. No matter where he goes, he wears a pair of traditional Beijing cloth shoes, but does that mean he’s not rich?

The whole world knows he’s loaded.

Moreover, everyone present at this event had some level of status.

So, some began to flirt with Wu Zhishang.

To everyone’s shock, Wu Zhishang also turned them down without hesitation.

He couldn’t betray his girlfriend.

“Damn! I get it now—they’re a couple.”

“Going after the guy, huh? That explains it.”

“I was wondering why I got rejected despite my charm, but if it’s a matter of sexual orientation, that makes sense.”

“Who would’ve thought? Such handsome guys, and they’re into each other?”

Lin Ran naturally overheard some of the rumors and rubbed his forehead, thinking that perhaps he should clarify things.

He rejected women because he had a wife, but Wu Zhishang’s rejection didn’t make sense.

His girlfriend wasn’t exactly a prize, and Lin Ran needed to find a way to make Wu Zhishang see the truth.

By his calculations, Wu Zhishang’s family was about to face some trouble, and that needed to be resolved soon.

As Lin Ran was deep in thought, Chen Qingtian approached the two of them, politely raising her glass in greeting.

“I wonder if I might have the honor of getting to know you both.”

Facing Chen Qingtian, Wu Zhishang’s eyes lit up, and Lin Ran quickly noticed this detail.

“My friend really likes you. He’d like to invite you to dance,” Lin Ran said, pushing Wu Zhishang forward.

Wu Zhishang, though tempted, was confused and exchanged a look with Lin Ran.

Wu Zhishang: Did I say that?

Lin Ran: For the sake of our reputation, just take one for the team. Look how beautiful Chen Qingtian is.

Wu Zhishang: But I don’t know how to dance.

Lin Ran: You’ll learn as you go.

Chen Qingtian, seeing the two of them exchanging glances, smiled politely.

“Then I won’t refuse. Mr. Wu, shall we?”

Chen Qingtian had actually wanted to get to know Lin Ran. She wasn’t after him, but she felt a natural pull toward him, finding him quite unique.

But since Lin Ran had pushed Wu Zhishang forward, she didn’t object.

After all, Wu Zhishang’s shy and awkward demeanor was rather endearing, giving her a playful urge to tease him.

Seeing that even Chen Qingtian had been rejected by Lin Ran, the socialites finally gave up hope, though they felt a little smug about it.

They knew they couldn’t compare to Chen Qingtian’s looks, charm, or celebrity status.

But if Lin Ran had rejected her too, then by extension, weren’t they on par with Chen Qingtian?

Thinking this, the socialites felt somewhat comforted.

Of course, Lin Ran’s rejection of Chen Qingtian also effectively deterred other women from approaching him.

Wu Zhishang followed Chen Qingtian to the dance floor, clumsily attempting to dance.

Watching Wu Zhishang’s awkward movements, stiff posture, and hesitant hands, Chen Qingtian couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s alright, Mr. Wu. Just follow my lead. Not knowing how to dance isn’t embarrassing. Place your hand here, and follow me. See…”

Wu Zhishang felt his heart racing, scolding himself for being so disloyal to his girlfriend.

But his body, honest as ever, followed Chen Qingtian’s movements, and slowly, it didn’t seem so difficult anymore.

Lin Ran watched with a knowing smile. So, Wu Zhishang, you’re not as virtuous as you claim to be, huh?

But Chen Qingtian, you’re just dreaming. She’s from a wealthy family, the kind that could devour you in an instant.

Then again, he thought, wasn’t he and Luo Yao seen as an equally explosive duo in the eyes of others?

Perhaps anything was possible.

Wu Zhishang, you’ve always wanted to live off someone else’s wealth, haven’t you? This might be your chance. Whether you can become the second me depends on your efforts.

As Lin Ran idly watched the scene unfold, Liu Yuemei arrived with Liu Ruxue in tow.

The moment they appeared, Lin Ran’s expression turned cold.

“Stop them.”

Uncle Fu and his men immediately blocked the two without hesitation. Liu Yuemei began cursing loudly.

“What are you doing? I need to speak with Lin Ran. I have matters to discuss with him!”

Bodyguard: “I’m sorry, but our young master doesn’t wish to speak with you.”

Liu Yuemei: “Your young master? Your young master? Do you think I’m an idiot? I know exactly what kind of person Lin Ran is!”

Liu Ruxue stood beside Liu Yuemei, gazing tenderly at Lin Ran, but her view was soon obstructed.

She moved to the left, and the person moved left. She moved to the right, and the person moved right.

Huh?

Looking up, she saw an old man glaring at her with barely concealed anger. Liu Ruxue frowned, trying to suppress her irritation.