Chapter 512: Chapter 512 Important Matters

Lin Zhiyi was worried something might happen, and kept a close eye on the scene.

But by the time Ji Nian Jewelry came up for auction, there was nothing unusual.

Lin Zhiyi thought everything was settled.

Unexpectedly, the next second, Bai Ruoshu stepped onto the stage.

She spoke eloquently about Lin Zhiyi’s dragon ring as if she was the designer of Ji Nian Jewelry, even making several comparisons.

Making the big shots below the stage beam with joy.

But before this, no one told Lin Zhiyi about this part.

She turned to look at her colleagues, who were also bewildered.

She immediately thought of someone.

Xue Man.

As expected, Xue Man was standing next to the stage, nodding continuously.

So Xue Man had known all along.

Bai Ruoshu’s performance was outstanding, and the screen deliberately did not display the designer’s name.

So many people who were not familiar with the jewelry circle thought Bai Ruoshu was the designer of the dragon ring.

“When Miss Bai makes a move, it’s just different. This ring is so grand and represents the Gong Family. The material is also a rare ice yellow jade.”

“If purchased today, it’s not only a good deed but also a favor with the Gong Family and the Bai Family.”

“The Bai Family’s Miss is indeed poised and dignified. No wonder the old man brought her along on such an important occasion. It seems the Gong Family will have good news soon.”

“Third Young Master is so young, even though his wife just passed, there are women lining up to marry him.”

At this moment, no one was concerned about who the actual designer of the dragon ring was.

All they thought of when mentioning the dragon ring was Bai Ruoshu.

So the opportunity that Lin Zhiyi fought for ended up being Bai Ruoshu’s stepping stone at this banquet.

While thinking this, Xue Man somehow walked up to Lin Zhiyi.

She patted Lin Zhiyi’s shoulder and said calmly, “Thanks to Miss Bai, your work might fetch a good price, and you can also rise accordingly.”

Lin Zhiyi came back to her senses, her eyes turning cold, “So I should be thanking Miss Bai?”

Xue Man pursed her lips, somewhat reproachfully saying, “Zhiyi, don’t you understand? You alone can’t raise the price. Miss Bai is helping you, it’s mutual benefit.”

“President Xue, it’s the first time I’ve heard the term ‘mutual benefit’ from you. I hope your mutual benefit with Miss Bai continues indefinitely.”

Lin Zhiyi’s gaze towards Xue Man grew progressively unfamiliar.

Xue Man’s hand paused, still wanting to say something, when a man’s stern voice suddenly echoed from the stage.

“Thank you, Miss Bai, for warming up the stage. Now, let’s welcome my daughter Lin Zhiyi to step up and join this auction. She is also the designer of this Ji Nian Jewelry piece.”

With these words, accompanied by Gong Shiyan slowly stepping onto the stage.

The big shots, who were all smiles moments ago, instantly stopped smiling.

Warm-up?

So the Gong Family didn’t take Bai Ruoshu seriously at all.

And she’s not a designer, so what was she talking so confidently about?

Everyone there was astute, reflecting carefully, they realized Bai Ruoshu’s words were often misleading.

In this light, Bai Ruoshu didn’t seem as simple as she appeared.

No matter how good Bai Ruoshu’s facade was, it was slightly collapsing at this moment, but she couldn’t afford to offend Gong Shiyan now, so she just stood aside with a smile.

Yes, she did not step off the stage.

This opportunity, she would never let Lin Zhiyi have it easy.

Gong Shiyan glanced at her coldly, but did not remind her, only smiled at the audience below.

“Zhiyi is relatively low-key, so some paparazzi enjoy spreading nonsense online. If we don’t get her up here, I’m afraid they’ll say we’re mistreating her in the Gong Family, right, wife?”

He called out to Liu He.

Liu He was wearing a loose black dress, her face less flamboyant and more gentle due to her pregnancy.

Coupled with her shy and happy smile, she was glowing.

Evoking the envy of many wives present.

Gong Shiyan’s words swiftly shifted the attention that was on Bai Ruoshu back to Lin Zhiyi.

Then he pointed to Lin Zhiyi: “Zhiyi, come on up.”

Lin Zhiyi nodded, about to walk when she realized Xue Man’s hand was still on her shoulder.

She brushed Xue Man’s hand away, whispering, “President Xue, please step aside.”

Xue Man’s face turned a bit pale, slowly lowering her hand.

Lin Zhiyi walked onto the stage, nodding slightly to the audience below, then took the microphone.

“Thank you all. First, I want to clarify that I’ve been living quite well with the Gong Family.”

At least much better than those who are driven by circumstances.

“I’m delighted to design jewelry for this charity gala for the Gong Family. As for the jewelry introduction, Miss Bai has already covered it, so I won’t take up more of your time.”

With that, she did not forget to thank Bai Ruoshu.

“Miss Bai, thank you. Please take a seat and rest.”

Bai Ruoshu, stifling her emotions, gritted her teeth before stepping down from the stage.

With Gong Shiyan at her side, Lin Zhiyi felt more confident.

The jewelry auction went smoothly, finally fetching 13 million.

The entire piece of rare ice yellow jade, combined with the jade carving artist’s craftsmanship, considerably boosted Lin Zhiyi’s work.

So upon closing, she specially thanked the jade carving artist, leaving them a name as well.

The key point was that those raising the price intended to give face to the Gong Family.

Dropping over a million to make a name with the Gong Family was the smartest deal for these people.

Once the dust settled, Lin Zhiyi felt relieved.

As she was about to step down, she saw Gong Chen’s tall figure below the stage.

She knew it was because of him that Gong Shiyan appeared so timely.

When she reached backstage, someone pulled her into a hug, confining her in their arms.

Beyond the curtain was a hall full of guests.

Lin Zhiyi pressed against the curtain, feeling nervous and stunned.

“So ungrateful? Nothing to say?” The man’s voice was low and deep.

“Thank you.” Lin Zhiyi sincerely gave her thanks.

“That’s it? Do I look like someone who would lose out?”

Gong Chen leaned closer to Lin Zhiyi, slowly lowering his head.

Behind Lin Zhiyi was just a layer of curtain, no escape, she could only clutch the curtain tightly, hoping no one would come backstage.

Just as Gong Chen was about to touch her lips, the hall suddenly fell silent.

As if someone had pressed the pause button.

Gong Chen stopped his movement.

Lin Zhiyi was also surprised, she whispered, “What’s happening?”

Gong Chen raised a finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet.

After a few seconds of silence, footsteps echoed from the stage, followed by a resonant voice.

“Today, with such a good occasion, I have something to announce as well.”

This… was Old Mr. Gong’s voice.

Lin Zhiyi looked up at Gong Chen: “You knew?”

Gong Chen shook his head.

She immediately lifted a corner of the curtain, peering at the stage.

Beside the old man stood Bai Ruoshu.

Bai Ruoshu no longer wore a calm expression, she was beaming with joy.

Lin Zhiyi tightened her grip on the curtain and murmured, “Is he trying to act first and report later? The Bai Family is no ordinary household, if they hadn’t agreed, Bai Ruoshu couldn’t be on stage. Once Old Mr. Gong announces it, it will be hard to explain later.”

Gong Chen coldly stared at Old Mr. Gong on stage, his expression complex.

A few seconds later, he slowly spoke.

“I fear it’s not that simple.”