In the grand auction hall, a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar strode casually onto the elevated stage. Beams of light from the strange luminous stones illuminating the venue fell upon him, accentuating his peerless bearing. He held a paper fan in one hand, which only enhanced his dashing elegance.
The middle-aged scholar was already strikingly handsome, with ruddy lips and fair skin. The fine lines at the corners of his eyes, rather than making him look old, lent him a mature composure that spoke of a life rich with experience. Looking at him now, one couldn't help but feel a dreamlike sense of wonder. At the very least, many of the young women and ladies attending the auction found themselves staring with undisguised adoration, as though captivated by his charm, their hearts silently given over to him.
Many of the warriors who recognized this man's identity, however, let their smiles falter and their expressions turn sour.
Whispers and hushed murmurs arose throughout the hall.
"Damn it — 'Little Black Face' is hosting the auction? What is the Treasure Gathering Tower playing at?" "We're doomed. We've walked right into another trap." "I knew the Treasure Gathering Tower was up to no good. I just didn't expect this guy to actually show up. Hasn't he been out of the game for over a decade?" "..."
Opinions of every sort filled the air. Though the voices were quiet, the warriors attending the auction were all of considerable cultivation and naturally heard every word. Yet the middle-aged scholar they called "Little Black Face" showed no sign of displeasure — instead, a warm smile graced his face, as though the criticisms meant nothing to him at all. The young women and ladies who had fallen for him, on the other hand, shot fierce glances in every direction, indignant on his behalf.
"'Little Black Face'?" In Private Room B-13, Yang Kai furrowed his brow thoughtfully. "Does this man have some connection to Old Mr. Yan?"
Since Yan Pei was known as "Old Black Face," this person must have some relation to Yan Pei to be called "Little Black Face." What Yang Kai couldn't understand was why the warriors below seemed to view the man with such obvious wariness.
Yang Yan also turned a questioning gaze toward the young girl beside them, hoping for an explanation.
Qing'er pressed her lips together, clearly wanting to laugh but not daring to lose her composure. After suppressing her amusement with some difficulty, she said softly, "If I may answer the two seniors — this is Mr. Ren Tianrui, one of our tower's auctioneers. Old Mr. Yan is his master, which is why everyone calls him..."
At this point, Qing'er didn't dare go on. The nicknames "Little Black Face" and "Old Black Face" were harmless enough when used by outsiders — they were merely epithets that Yan Pei and Ren Tianrui had earned through their own reputations. But as a member of the Treasure Gathering Tower, she naturally wouldn't dare speak disrespectfully of her seniors behind their backs. If anyone found out, she'd be in serious trouble.
Yang Kai let out an amused laugh and nodded. "I see. That explains it."
It seemed this auctioneer named Ren Tianrui had truly inherited Yan Pei's craft. Otherwise, he wouldn't have earned such a nickname. He'd need to be careful if he planned to participate in the auction later.
On the stage, Ren Tianrui wore a warm smile as he cupped his fists in a courteous salute and addressed the crowd in a clear, resonant voice: "All of you have come from afar, braving great hardship to attend our Treasure Gathering Tower's auction. The entire tower is deeply grateful. This auction will be hosted by myself, Ren. Should anything fall short of expectations, I humbly ask for your understanding."
The speech was impeccably courteous, leaving no room for criticism. Whatever his manner during the auction itself, these opening remarks had already won him the goodwill of countless people.
Ren Tianrui continued: "As a matter of fact, this auction was originally to be hosted by my master in person..."
At these words, the expressions of many in the crowd shifted. Instinctively, they shielded their spatial rings, their faces hardening with wariness as they stared at the stage — looking as though they feared Yan Pei might suddenly leap out from some corner.
Fortunately, Ren Tianrui smiled and added, "However, I felt that my master is advanced in years and would be better off remaining behind the scenes. This kind of opportunity to step into the spotlight should be left to us younger folks."
"Well said!" Cheers erupted from below.
"Brother Ren has real courage and spirit!" "Just let Old Mr. Yan stay behind the curtains forever!"
Laughter rang out across the hall.
Ren Tianrui also smiled, looking toward a certain spot in the hall, and nodded. "That is precisely my sentiment as well. Once this auction concludes, I shall certainly urge my master to enjoy his retirement and stop working so hard."
Though these words bordered on insolence toward one's master, there was no denying that they quickly won the approval and sympathy of many, dispelling the crowd's earlier wariness entirely. Now they felt that having this man host the auction was nothing short of a blessing.
"Not bad!" Yang Kai narrowed his eyes slightly as he regarded Ren Tianrui with a calm gaze. With just a few brief words, the man had woven himself seamlessly into the crowd. It was nothing more than a simple opening address, yet it had already laid the groundwork for his auction authority. When the bidding began, even if he set higher prices, few would dare object.