A Bad-Hearted Doctor is Unbearably Beautiful - Chapter 98

Among the crowd, the wealthy elite fiddled with their chips behind ornate masks. They spoke in hushed tones or pointed with dismissive arrogance, as if the children in the cages were truly nothing more than consumer goods.

“The ones earlier looked decent. I was almost tempted.” “Shh, the main event is coming up.” “Oh? Then I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled.”

After a round of snickering, everyone leaned forward, eager to see what came next. Lu Xiao and Shen Zhao quietly prepared themselves to capture every detail. Lu Xiao adjusted the miniature camera hidden in his sleeve, subtly shifting his body to sweep the room.

The birdcage from the previous round descended abruptly, accompanied by a child’s muffled cry. The first round of bidding had ended, and some guests were already noting down the ID numbers of the “merchandise” they found interesting.

The mechanism beneath the stage opened again. This time, a fully transparent display case made of non-reflective glass rose to the surface. Inside were two children: a boy in a sharp little suit and a girl in a snowy white lace dress. The girl’s hair had been curled to look like a porcelain doll. They looked like display models inside a luxury crystal box at a toy store.

Their eyes held no light—no childhood innocence, no curiosity. There was only a deep-seated numbness, as if they had already accepted that their lives ended here.

The room buzzed with discussion.

“The quality is excellent. Quite a heartbreakingly beautiful pair.” “Looks aren’t everything. Though, I must admit, I’m interested.” “Don’t speak too soon. With a setup like this, the price of your ‘interest’ won’t be low. If it’s just for a ‘just in case’ backup, it might be too expensive to justify.” “Not necessarily. I heard someone came today specifically to bring one home for immediate use.” “Wow… whose family? Is someone at death’s door?”

The host clapped his hands and walked slowly toward the display case, holding a thin baton used by orchestra conductors. He tapped the glass lightly; the sound made the two children inside flinch.

“Distinguished guests, these two little darlings have been strictly screened, cultivated, and tested. They are the cream of the crop. Not only do they possess superior genetics, but their temperaments are also extremely docile.”

He paused for effect. “Note: The compatibility rate is as high as 89%!”

A stir went through the hall.

“Are you serious? That high!” “Dammit, I just spent seven figures on one with a 60% match last month. Can I get an exchange?”

Shen Zhao stood among the crowd, his eyes icy. His fingers gripped his champagne glass so tightly the stem threatened to snap. He wanted to rush forward right now, to smash the glass case and the birdcages to smithereens without a second thought. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, unable to look any longer.

Lu Xiao’s reaction was different. He forced a smile, looking as if he were browsing for an item that caught his eye, just like everyone else. Meanwhile, his mind was a recorder—noting voices, builds, and the glimpses of faces behind the masks. Each one of those laughing, ruthless faces was etched into his memory.

“What? Feeling sorry for them?”

The Fox-mask man appeared beside Shen Zhao again. His wine-red hair was styled casually, and he gave off a heavy scent of woody cologne. His tone was flippant.

Shen Zhao met the man’s gaze. Through the mask, the man was scrutinizing him. “Your first time… it’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable.”

Shen Zhao lowered his head. Beneath his own wine-red mask, his eyelids were slightly flushed. He hid his revulsion. “Yes. It’s hard not to feel a bit of compassion.”

The man chuckled and shrugged. “Really? I almost believed you.”

The host’s voice rang out again: “Please select your intended targets for adoption! If your desire to adopt is strong, you may raise your paddle to go down for a close-up inspection! Of course, if you have any custom requirements, please submit your ID cards to our staff.”

“That boy has a good frame. Should I consider him?” “I’d like to, but I don’t know the price yet…” “What? Does even the Young Master of the He family have a shy wallet today?” “Shh!”

Lu Xiao recorded every detail. He would take this whole nest down one day.

In the display case, the two children stood helpless. They held hands, their legs trembling uncontrollably. Following the host’s gestures, they rotated 360 degrees, showcasing their “value” to the surrounding predators.

“Are you okay?” Lu Xiao walked over and squeezed Shen Zhao’s palm.

“I’m fine,” Shen Zhao replied softly.

“Just hold on a bit longer. It’s almost over…”

They watched as people pointed at the children, yet no one was placing formal bids yet. It was strange. Is there a private location for the actual transaction after the display? The host didn’t seem in a hurry to sell; he stood gracefully, hands folded, waiting for the beasts to attack.

A man in a dark green suit raised his hand. “I have a question.” “Go ahead.” “After adoption, do they still need drug maintenance? Or…”

The host cut him off with a downward gesture. “That is a question you can discuss privately with our consultants. Any more questions? Interested guests, please raise your paddles!”

Lu Xiao’s eyes were dark and predatory. He saw three people raise their ID cards.

“The guests who raised their paddles, please wait a moment! Anyone else want to go down to the floor?” the host asked. “If not, please clear the hall. We hope everyone enjoys their stay!”

Clearing the hall?

Shen Zhao grew anxious. He was about to raise his hand, but Lu Xiao grabbed his wrist.

“I’ll go alone,” Lu Xiao whispered, his expression complex. “Your safety is the priority.”

Lu Xiao gave a faint smile, then followed the other three toward the center of the hall. Everyone else was ushered out. At the last moment before leaving the banquet hall, Shen Zhao looked back. Lu Xiao’s gaze pierced through the small crowd and met his.

They shared a brief look before turning to their respective battlefields.

A waiter followed Shen Zhao, escorting him back to the suite. “Please decide for yourself whether to rest or continue enjoying our other entertainment facilities.”

With a slight bow, the waiter turned and left.