Chapter 96 — The Auction
Today’s banquet was a charity auction held to raise funds for philanthropy.
He Dongting took the lead, accompanied by many followers.
He Dongting was a well-established businessman in Shanghai with considerable wealth. Coming from a scholarly family, he could be considered a “Confucian merchant.” Now in his forties, he was in the prime of his career. Yet, he was steady, fair in dealing with matters, and, with his gentle and handsome appearance, resembled a university professor more than a commanding figure in the business world.
This time, He Dongting brought along his son, He Shuwei. Lord Bai Jiu glanced at him—just an ordinary young man, fair-skinned and weak-looking, about eighteen or nineteen, standing obediently at his side, nothing remarkable.
Bai Mingyu muttered from behind Lord Bai Jiu, “Just as rumored.”
Lord Bai Jiu glanced at him.
Bai Mingyu felt uneasy but whispered, “I’m not wrong. I read it in the newspapers: He Dongting’s son is average, has no real ability, and always stirs up trouble. If he were in our family, my father and eldest brother would have already spanked him at the ancestral hall. Honestly, He Dongting is a poor father.”
Lord Bai Jiu said, “And you dare speak of others?”
Bai Mingyu quickly quieted down and obediently followed alongside Lord Bai Jiu.
From a distance, He Dongting saw them and walked forward to greet them, warmly inviting Lord Bai Jiu to sit in a private box. Since this was posted by the He family, and Lord Bai Jiu was a newcomer, He Dongting was particularly polite:
“I’ve long heard of your arrival. Finally meeting you today, the reputation of Lord Bai Jiu of the Northern Territories is truly well-deserved.”
Lord Bai Jiu replied politely, “I’m ashamed. Affairs have kept me busy, so I haven’t had a chance to pay my respects to Mr. He.”
He Dongting laughed, “Not at all. I heard the Bai family recently acquired several plots in the East Suburbs. How are matters progressing? Is there anything you need assistance with?”
The two exchanged courteous words back and forth, maintaining a surface-level cordiality.
A staff member brought in the auction catalog, which He Dongting barely glanced at, setting it aside as he casually placed a few items up for bid.
Lord Bai Jiu chatted idly in the box while bidding on several items. Since the money was for charity, it mattered little.
Most of the items Lord Bai Jiu bid on were porcelain—five pieces, three of them blue-and-white ceramics, including a small phoenix-and-dragon patterned blue-and-white bowl. It was slightly small, delicate, and charming, with gem-like coloring and a jade-like luster. Truly a treasure.
He Dongting smiled and asked, “Brother Bai, do you favor blue-and-white porcelain?”
“It’s acceptable. But my family likes these things more. He’s young and inexperienced, so I’ll buy it for him to play with for a few days until the novelty wears off.” Lord Bai Jiu’s tone was indifferent, but his bidding was not slow, and he placed another bid as he spoke.
Seeing his preference, He Dongting didn’t compete and, during their conversation, handed the catalog to his son and asked him a few questions. He Shuwei picked a few items, mainly gold jewelry and gemstone hairpins. He Dongting frowned slightly but still allowed him to buy them.
Soon, staff brought over small boxes. He Shuwei, holding the jewelry, grew restless, and He Dongting waved his hand, letting him leave.
Lord Bai Jiu glanced at him; He Dongting pinched his brow and said helplessly, “My son is playful; let him go.”
Lord Bai Jiu looked at Bai Mingyu sitting stiffly nearby and said, “You may go too, but don’t wander too far.”
Bai Mingyu was about to comply when he overheard He Dongting talking about a newly opened nightclub. Instantly interested, he refused to leave, sitting attentively.
Lord Bai Jiu glanced at him. Bai Mingyu whispered, “Master, I’ll stay here to serve.”
Without Little Xie around, he needed to watch over him. Mentions of places like Paramount and Silvers reminded him of excitement.
Bai Mingyu’s eyes sparkled as he studied the catalog, ears perked to catch every word.
Not knowing Lord Bai Jiu personally, He Dongting assumed the boy merely enjoyed social gatherings:
“If you’re interested in the ball, I can have someone take you to drink. We also have a few young relatives your age—you might get along.”
Lord Bai Jiu shook his head. “I’m not used to such occasions; I can’t let loose.”
He Dongting smiled lightly. “I heard you studied abroad, yet you’re quite conservative.”
Lord Bai Jiu: “My household is strict.”
He Dongting: “Is that so? Do you have any hobbies?”
“Enjoy quietness,” came the calm reply.
He Dongting laughed. Though the boy seemed young, his tone was mature.
He was easy to talk to and continued pleasantly, chatting about family matters:
“That little bowl just now—was it for your child?”
Lord Bai Jiu nodded. “Yes. The pattern looked nice, and the size was appropriate.”
He Dongting noticed Bai spoke more about this, so he also shared parenting experiences, and the conversation flowed harmoniously.
Talking about his son, He Dongting sighed, “I must admit, my child has been spoiled. He’s not very healthy; some ailments linger from childhood, so I can’t bear to let him suffer outside.”
Lord Bai Jiu set down his cup and said calmly, “My child is fine—good in studies, skilled in riding and archery, and knows foreign languages.”
“Oh? Did you hire a tutor?”
“No, just learned some from me, and followed German engineers at the distillery a bit. Enough for basic conversation.”
“You’ve raised him well.”
“He’s naturally talented,” Lord Bai Jiu replied.
He then bid on a pair of blue-and-white vases. Unfortunately, they were from the Xuande era, with a slightly iron-colored tone and muted color. Lord Bai Jiu sighed internally—they were not as fine as the few in his collection, but better than nothing.
He Dongting laughed, shaking his head: “You’ve bought too many. Others might think you’ve opened a porcelain shop.”
Lord Bai Jiu replied, “He’s usually obedient. Rarely likes anything, so when he does, I buy without hesitation. Forgive me for the indulgence.”
Bai Mingyu’s expression was odd. No matter how he listened, Lord Bai Jiu seemed to be talking about Little Xie.
Bai Mingyu had only heard the word “Silvers” before and felt frustrated—though Lord Bai Jiu never mentioned Little Xie, every word reminded him of him. Eventually, Bai Mingyu couldn’t sit still and excused himself for a walk.
Outside in the main hall, He Shuwei laughed and chatted with several young ladies, entertaining them greatly.
Bai Mingyu disliked the older, cunning attendees inside but was equally disinterested in the young, empty-headed crowd outside, who only talked about fashion and women—utterly dull.
He thought: Not as good as Little Xie. Though he’s not as skilled at chess, he can ride, shoot, and hunt. These weaklings know nothing.
He Shuwei noticed him, waved, and Bai Mingyu, not wanting to embarrass Lord Bai Jiu, walked over.
He Shuwei introduced him politely: “This is Bai Mingyu, Second Young Master from the Northern Territories.”
The surrounding people offered wine, but quickly pushed it aside, saying in a condescending tone: “Northern customs may differ. I hear your family runs a distillery? Any good recommendations? We want a change of taste.”
Bai Mingyu replied lazily: “Northern liquor is strong; I fear it’ll kill you.”
The questioner frowned. Bai Mingyu added, “I’m serious, no lie.”
There was a brief silence. A nearby fashionable girl giggled, covering her mouth with a fan. “You’re interesting. Do you Northern people even drink your own liquor?”
“Of course. We’re tall and sturdy, unlike you all.”
The young men’s faces darkened.
He Shuwei, soft-natured, smiled and coughed: “I envy Northern people’s health. I’m always under the weather—truly incomparable.”
The stylish girl still asked Bai Mingyu: “Are all Northern people as tall as you? Can I touch your arm?”
Bai Mingyu’s face darkened: “I’ve never seen anyone like you either. Didn’t your family teach you propriety?” He had never seen anyone so frivolous, lacking charm.
The girl frowned and turned away.
The first questioner leaned back, smirking: “I didn’t know Northern liquor was this potent. Must try someday.” His gaze lingered on Bai Mingyu.
Bai Mingyu despised such people, accustomed to flattery in his circle, holding grudges easily.
He Shuwei tried to calm things, but Bai Mingyu had seen him earlier in He Dongting’s presence—he dared not act boldly, unlike the brash friends he preferred.
Unable to get along, Bai Mingyu stood, tugged his collar, and said, “It’s hot. I’ll sit outside in the pavilion. Excuse me.”
In getting up, his loose clothing nearly caught his jade pendant, and he reflexively protected it.
Across from him, someone snickered: “Rustic—who still wears that?”
The pendant was given by Lord Bai Jiu, and Bai Mingyu cherished it. Hearing this, he fumed. Before he could speak, someone behind him said:
“Oh, I didn’t realize wearing jade could be mocked. I suppose customs differ greatly from the Northern Territories.”
A girl noticed the speaker, her eyes lighting up with a shy blush.
Xie Jing arrived behind Bai Mingyu, black-haired and dark-eyed, with a subtle cool aura. Holding an umbrella, raindrops dripped along its ribs.
Bai Mingyu exclaimed happily: “You came?”
Xie Jing: “It’s raining. Steward Sun Fu said Lord Bai Jiu left hurriedly without an umbrella, so I brought one for you.”
Xie Jing’s appearance was handsome, voice smooth as jade. A few words made the girl opposite swoon, asking shyly: “Who is he?”
Bai Mingyu quickly answered: “My brother.”
The flashy youths, unable to criticize Xie Jing’s looks, tried to pick on his attire. One snorted: “Another rustic.”
Xie Jing glanced at Bai Mingyu’s jade, then at their pocket watches and hats, and said:
“In ancient times, gentlemen always wore jade. A gentleman never removes jade without reason. Do you know why?”
“Just—”
Xie Jing interrupted: “Jade embodies a gentleman’s virtues: its color and luster represent benevolence; density and hardness, wisdom; sharp edges without harming others, righteousness; hanging humbly, propriety; imperfections exposed, loyalty… This is recorded in The Book of Rites: Pingyi.” He scanned them, frowning slightly. “Haven’t read the Book of Rites?”
Bai Mingyu laughed: “Little Xie, stop—none of them have.”
Xie Jing nodded, realizing: “No wonder.”
The word “plain” from his mouth felt like an insult to their ignorance, infuriating and leaving them speechless.
He Shuwei tried to intervene: “Friend, there’s no need to speak so. Huang Mingyou said, ‘Introduce Western learning, save the country’…”
Xie Jing coldly eyed him: “I don’t see how sitting here helps the country. Even Mr. Huang would despair.”
He Shuwei’s smile faltered.
The Northern pair in front didn’t yield. Bai Mingyu’s hotheadedness aside, Xie Jing was both handsome and stubborn, highly educated, and the hardest to deal with.
The stylish girl kept sneaking glances at Xie Jing—handsome, perfect-featured, yet his aura was cold and aloof. Any girl’s heart would flutter at first sight, initially peeking, then openly staring, hoping for reciprocal attention.
Xie Jing ignored her.
He Shuwei noticed, furrowed his brow, then relaxed after a while.
Bai Mingyu felt elated, following Xie Jing happily, whispering: “Little Xie, so many women are flirting with Lord Bai Jiu—more than outside. The auction is full of women—perfect bodies.”
Xie Jing didn’t respond.
Bai Mingyu insisted: “Really, not lying.”
The auction ended. Lord Bai Jiu, with the business association members, emerged. Middle-aged and older men in suits or traditional robes surrounded him, only the attendants were young, around thirty. Zhang Hu Wei carefully stayed by Lord Bai Jiu’s side.
Xie Jing glanced around—no women in sight.
Bai Mingyu whispered: “Special occasion today. Normally, there’d be many.” Unable to hold back, he admitted: “I just wanted you to accompany Lord Bai Jiu. These days, I’m junior; can’t speak freely, and chatting with those rich kids makes me frustrated.”
Xie Jing suggested calmly: “Read more. Sharpen your tongue before arguing.”
Bai Mingyu didn’t want to read, just wanted Xie Jing to spar.
Bai Mingyu: “I’m worried you’ll lose favor. Why don’t you fight for him?”
Xie Jing: “With whom?”
Indeed, Xie Jing alone had Lord Bai Jiu’s attention.
Lord Bai Jiu approached: “What are you discussing?”
Bai Mingyu coughed, signaling Xie Jing to stay silent, mouthing: “Dinner, lamb hotpot—”
Xie Jing smiled: “The Second Young Master shared some amusing tales. Master, heavy rain outside, I brought you an umbrella.”
Walking with Lord Bai Jiu to the door, Xie Jing held the umbrella and whispered: “Master, slow down, careful of water.”
He Dongting passed by, hearing the voice, glanced instinctively but didn’t see clearly—just a figure with the umbrella partially obscuring the face, revealing only a delicate chin.
He Dongting froze.
He Shuwei respectfully called his father.
He Dongting’s eyes lingered on the figure holding the umbrella for Lord Bai Jiu, feeling a strange familiarity he couldn’t place, and nodded: “Let’s go.”
Bai Mingyu, following behind, was entirely absorbed in the joy of Xie Jing’s arrival, forgetting how cunning he usually was.
At the car, Lord Bai Jiu held Xie Jing’s hand; his slightly cool fingertips grazed Xie Jing’s palm before being clasped firmly.
Xie Jing cupped his hands to warm them, softly asking: “Master, are you cold? I brought an extra coat.”
Lord Bai Jiu smiled: “Not cold.”
He held Xie Jing’s hand in return and asked after a while: “How’s home? Is Grandma’s illness better?”
“Fully recovered.”
Later: “Staying tonight?”
Though an ordinary question, Xie Jing’s ears burned. Calmly: “Yes, I’ll watch over you tonight.”
Lord Bai Jiu was in high spirits, rubbing the back of his hand: “What would you like for dinner?”
Xie Jing smiled: “Second Young Master said lamb hotpot.”
Lord Bai Jiu nodded: “Good, then we’ll have that.”
Dinner differed from Bai Mingyu’s expectations. Lord Bai Jiu hired the best chef from Fushun Restaurant for perfectly sliced lamb, arranged with beef, vegetables, and mushrooms on plates, delivered by staff. It was his first time having restaurant-style dining at home.
Bai Mingyu was surprised: “Master eating too?”
Lord Bai Jiu: “Why not?”
Bai Mingyu poured wine for him but was stopped from drinking: “You have work at the factory tomorrow. Better eat more food.”
Soon, Steward Sun Fu brought a small pot of hot wine for Xie Jing.
Lord Bai Jiu watched silently.
Bai Mingyu sniffed and exclaimed: “That’s the wine I specially brought from home…” Catching Lord Bai Jiu’s gaze, he swallowed the words: “Specially to offer Master.”
Lord Bai Jiu: “Thoughtful of you.”
The wine from Heihe was exceptional, especially Bai Mingyu’s selected treasure bottles. Lord Bai Jiu smelled it and salivated—the lamb alone couldn’t compare. A bite of tender, juicy lamb dipped in sauce with a sip of strong wine—that was perfection.
After dinner, Bai Mingyu was sent home early.
The next morning, he came to greet Lord Bai Jiu, who replied from behind the door, giving a few instructions without appearing. Bai Mingyu initially didn’t understand, and after reaching downstairs, asked Sun Fu where Xie Jing had gone. Smiling, Sun Fu said: “Little Xie is busy.”
Bai Mingyu muttered—what could be so busy at the mansion?
When he got in the car, he suddenly realized, covering his face in embarrassment.
Ahhh—Little Xie shameless! Doing all sorts of things with Lord Bai Jiu in broad daylight!
Bai Mingyu was both frustrated and envious, even wondering if, after marriage, he could be like Xie Jing—brazenly doing such scandalous things, and whether aunt would pamper him like Lord Bai Jiu did.
Author’s Note – Mini Scenes:
On verbally sparring:
Bai Mingyu: “Beautiful!”
Xie Jing: “Much obliged.”
On married life:
Bai Hongqi: “Unwilling, give up!”
Bai Mingyu: QAQ
