Although Li Beinian was gloating inside, her expression was humble and low-key.
In response to Mu Donglin’s remark, she smiled mildly and said, “I quite like this necklace.”
So it was inevitable? Was that what she meant?
Mu Donglin’s expression was fouler than ever. He said icily, “Isn’t that too much of a price to pay for merely liking something? Who are you expecting to foot the bill? I don’t suppose even Shi Yishen would be willing to take this up?”
He shifted his gaze to Shi Yishen as he spoke.
His expression was filled with a hint of sarcasm and warning.
In response, Shi Yishen raised a thick and charming eyebrow and spread his hand in a gesture, saying, “If the beauty likes it, then I’m more than happy to oblige.”
“There’s no need,” Li Beinian interrupted calmly. She continued, “It’s just a necklace, I can afford it.”
Cool and calm.
Only, her attitude was so arrogant it created a huge stir throughout the venue.
Just a necklace?
It was 18 million!
Was the whole point about this object being “just a necklace”?
“She’s too arrogant. Ignoring the fact that she’s outright competing with Eldest Young Master Mu, she’s putting ten to twenty million on the table without batting an eyelid. If she has the guts to do this, I suppose there’s someone behind her.”
“Someone behind her? Who could it be? She’s completely offended Mu Donglin, and Shi Yishen is already right here. Obviously, she doesn’t have a very close relationship with Shi Yishen. Who else could be behind her?”
“There’s another with the background to match these two…”
“Are you referring to Shangzhi’s Mr. Mu?”
Everyone burst out laughing at this suggestion, but no one spoke further about it.
Only, they unanimously decided: it wasn’t possible.
The auctioneer said excitedly, “Is this a personal purchase for Miss Li? That’s really generous! The popular actress’s pockets are indeed deep. It looks like the item’s inevitably Miss Li’s to own. 18 million going once, 18 million going twice…”
“20 million.” Mu Donglin called between gritted teeth and a scowl.
Silence fell over the venue.
Lin Kerou was shocked, but at the same time, she was deeply moved and elated.
Visibly touched, she turned to look at Mu Donglin. However, she also felt uneasy and said, “Brother Donglin, it’s too expensive…”
Mu Donglin did not respond to her but looked toward Li Beinian instead.
Li Beinian smiled quietly and cast a sidelong glance at the man. She lifted her hands and applauded with a look of surprise and amazement, exclaiming, “It’s true love, indeed. Paying ten times the cost of a 2 million necklace to gain a smile from the beauty. Eldest Young Master Mu’s boldness is quite admirable!”
Even as she said this, she put on an innocent expression and said in a sincere and serious tone, “I’m giving up.”
Lin Kerou stood in fury when she heard this and said accusingly, “You did this on purpose, didn’t you!”
Li Beinian responded with a doubtful expression, “What?”
“You raised the price on purpose and then abandoned the item. And I’m sure that the bid you made was fake, there’s no way you have that much money!” Lin Kerou clenched her jaw. She was quite sure this was the case.
Li Beinian didn’t have a good relationship with the Li Family. Hence, it was impossible for Li Haoran to give her that much money!
Thus, it had to be a lie!
Lin Kerou glared at her furiously.
Upon hearing this, Li Beinian laughed and said, “How did you know?”
Everyone turned to look at her in shock. She actually admitted it just like that.
Her smile deepened as an expression of coquettish gratitude spread across her delicate and bright face. She looked at Mu Donglin and said, “It’s a good thing Eldest Young Master Mu raised the price. Otherwise, I’d be in so much trouble.”
Mu Donglin’s expression darkened.
Lin Kerou stomped in anger.
Alas, she couldn’t spill profanities in the presence of all these people.
Eventually, she could only say, “You’re too evil!”