The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 18

This auction was held under the guise of charity.

Perhaps it was due to a guilty conscience from too many misdeeds, but Li Pei had an extreme fondness for philanthropy.

Over the past two years since marrying Bai Jian, many in their social circle looked down on her for her role as the other woman who usurped the position of the first wife. However, she carried herself with humility and spent money generously, which attracted some people willing to associate with her.

Still, most of those who mingled with her were opportunistic minor families eager to climb the social ladder. The more respectable families were generally unwilling to befriend her.

The Shen family, to which Shen Shen belonged, was also a newly wealthy minor family. Hoping to forge alliances and break into higher circles, they had arranged a marriage between their children.

If Bai Yin hadn’t encountered misfortune and had ended up with Shen Shen as the original plot dictated, the favor of the world’s consciousness toward the protagonists would likely have propelled their families into the ranks of the province’s elite in the future.

Now that she knew Shen Shen hadn’t refused the engagement with Bai Ru, Lin Wan truly didn’t want Bai Yin to end up with him.

Judging by the way Shen Shen had been eyeing Bai Yin the entire time, Lin Wan could tell he was likely captivated by her beauty. In truth, few who met Bai Yin weren’t struck by her stunning appearance.

But that was precisely what worried Lin Wan the most: right now, Bai Yin was in the prime of her youth, so Shen Shen might be smitten with her. But decades later, when her beauty faded, would he still care for her?

By then, with wealth and power at his disposal, how could Bai Yin; gentle and fragile as a little white rabbit possibly stand a chance against him?

……

Even though Bai Yin showed no unusual reaction, Lin Wan grew increasingly irritated watching Shen Shen attempt to strike up conversations with her.

Fortunately, shortly after they entered the side hall, the auctioneer announced the start of the event.

The venue quickly fell silent.

At such gatherings, while the premise was charitable donations and auctions, Li Pei’s connections weren’t highly regarded. Most of the items put up for auction by others were trivial trinkets of little value. The truly valuable pieces had to come from Li Pei herself.

And the set of jewelry left behind by Bai Yin’s mother, Li Ruyue, happened to be the most prized item in this auction.

This jewelry wasn’t exceptionally luxurious. At least not among Li Ruyue’s collection but it held sentimental value as the first set she received after marrying Bai Jian, which was why she had treasured it all her life.

Li Pei had been stringing Bai Yin along, waiting until the auction was nearing its end before stepping onto the stage and putting on a hypocritical act.

“This is my most beloved set of jewelry,” she said with feigned reluctance. “I truly can’t bear to part with it. If someone with a discerning eye is willing to bid for it, I’ll reluctantly let it go. But if no one wishes to compete for it, I’ll donate half its value myself and keep it.”

“Don’t believe her nonsense,” Lin Wan overheard someone nearby muttering. “Her dark complexion makes jade look terrible on her. Still, the quality of this jade is decent. She’s actually willing to part with something valuable this time. If the price is fair, I wouldn’t mind buying it.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Li Pei on stage announced the starting bid.

The moment she did, the crowd erupted in murmurs. Lin Wan wasn’t well-versed in jewelry, but she quickly understood the reason.

“Is she insane? That’s three times the market price!” someone nearby exclaimed in shock. “Does she really love this jade so much that she’s willing to pay a fortune to buy it back?”

Others might not understand Li Pei’s intentions, but Lin Wan knew all too well. Li Pei dared to bid so boldly because she was certain some fool would end up purchasing that jewelry set!

The more Lin Wan thought about it, the angrier she became. Even though the chances seemed slim, she still wanted to try and dissuade the “fool” beside her.

“Miss, perhaps you should reconsider?”

“What I mean is,” Lin Wan leaned closer to Bai Yin’s ear, racking her brain for an excuse, “since Mrs. Li loves that jade so much, we shouldn’t take away something she treasures.”

Afraid of being overheard, Lin Wan spoke very softly. Only then did she realize she was practically pressed against Bai Yin’s ear. Though Bai Yin said nothing, a faint blush had clearly spread across her earlobe, delicate and translucent.

Seeing that obvious flush on Bai Yin’s ear, Lin Wan, for some inexplicable reason, suddenly felt her own face grow warm. She stood there awkwardly, unsure what else to say.

Bai Yin, however, turned to glance at her and beckoned, signaling for her to lean in again.

Lin Wan obediently crouched beside Bai Yin.

Looking into Lin Wan’s clear, bright eyes unchanged as always, Bai Yin’s throat moved slightly. Mimicking Lin Wan’s earlier gesture, she leaned close to Lin Wan’s ear.

Lin Wan carried a scent Bai Yin adored. After realizing she could get close to Lin Wan, Bai Yin had instructed Butler Zhao to distribute new bath products to the staff under the guise of employee benefits, just for Lin Wan.

The fragrance eased Bai Yin’s discomfort from the crowded room.

She stared at Lin Wan’s ear for a long moment, watching as it gradually turned red. A strange sense of delight bubbled up inside her, along with an inexplicable urge. She wanted to kiss that flushed earlobe.

The moment she realized what she was thinking, Bai Yin immediately lowered her gaze.

She hated this feeling of losing control.

Just then, as if sensing her prolonged silence, Lin Wan tilted her head to look at her, eyes brimming with curiosity.

Bai Yin’s gaze darkened slightly, but she still leaned in and whispered into Lin Wan’s ear as planned:

“Although my mother left most of her estate to me in her will, she was afraid I’d squander it all, so she imposed restrictions. I can only access a limited amount of money at a time.”

“I’m about a third short of the bid.”

“You’re right,” Bai Yin murmured softly, “Aunt Li loves this set so much. Maybe I should just let her have it.”

No one else had access to her mother’s will, so whatever she said would be taken as truth.

And she had never intended to buy that jewelry in the first place.

Her people had already infiltrated the estate, ensuring her safety.

The only reason she had come along.

Bai Yin lifted her eyes slightly, studying Lin Wan’s profile, and narrowed her gaze.

Hearing Bai Yin’s words, Lin Wan’s eyes widened in delight. Who would’ve thought Bai Yin’s love-struck mother had such foresight!

But Bai Yin, the naive and sheltered daughter, seemed completely oblivious to her mother’s careful planning. She looked somewhat dejected, her lashes lowering.

Lin Wan pretended to comfort her: “It’s alright, there will be other opportunities.” But the corners of her lips curled upward uncontrollably.

The naive Bai Yin didn’t notice her relief and softly responded with an “Mmm.”

Both of them looked up toward the auction stage.

After the host introduced the quality of the jade and the design concept of the jewelry, it was time for the bidding to begin.

Knowing that Bai Yin wouldn’t be taken for a fool, Lin Wan was in high spirits, her eyes gleaming as she watched the stage, eager to enjoy the show.

“** starting bid! Would any distinguished guest like to raise the offer?”

When the auctioneer announced the starting price, Li Pei was still smiling, her gaze subtly drifting toward Bai Yin’s seat.

“First call.”

The room was silent. Aside from Bai Yin, no one else was willing to pay three times the market price to be a sucker. Li Pei’s expression stiffened, her smile beginning to falter.

“Second call.”

As the auctioneer’s voice rang out, the hall remained devoid of bids. Li Pei’s smile vanished completely. Before the auctioneer could call for the third time, Li Pei called for a pause, her eyes anxiously darting toward Bai Yin’s seat—

“Yin Yin, don’t you like this jade set?”

“Aunt Li, my mother set a spending limit for me before she passed, and I didn’t bring enough money,” Bai Yin replied softly, lowering her head as if uncomfortable under so many gazes. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to take away something you cherish.”

Li Pei had schemed endlessly but never anticipated this outcome!

She had intended for Bai Yin to win the bid, allowing her to gain a good reputation, but she never expected Bai Yin to lack the funds!

To make matters worse, to maintain appearances, she had hired this auction house, which had strong industry connections and strictly prohibited credit purchases.

Li Pei’s nails nearly dug into her palms!

As the auctioneer declared, “Third call—no sale,” she could only force a stiff smile and repurchase the jewelry set at a price far above market value.

Bai Jian’s company had been performing poorly lately, significantly reducing the household allowance he gave Li Pei. The extravagant banquet had already drained a large sum, and after buying back the jewelry, Li Pei’s assets were nearly depleted, leaving her finances stretched thin.

If she didn’t kill Bai Yin soon, her situation would only grow more dire.

Thinking of Li Ruyue’s vast collection of jewelry and the lucrative pharmaceutical company under Bai Yin’s name, Li Pei’s eyes darkened with malice. She called Bai Ru over and whispered instructions.

Tonight, Bai Yin had to die here!