Chapter Five: The Mysterious Awakening

Grace led Xiao Feng back to the villa. The moment he stepped into the courtyard, he was awestruck by the Nordic-style residence. The villa was surrounded by rare and exquisite flowers, plants, and trees. It was a grand, three-story European-style mansion, magnificent and resplendent. In front of the villa, a meticulously manicured lawn was alive with a few squirrels scurrying busily, as if welcoming the new visitor.

“Wow, sister, your family is so rich!” Xiao Feng exclaimed.

“Hmph, you won’t regret sticking with me, will you?” Grace replied with a teasing smile.

Scratching his head awkwardly, Xiao Feng said, “Sister, I just want freedom.”

“Enough of your nonsense! Be careful, or I’ll really pull your tongue out. Come with me!” Grace warned sharply.

Unable to argue, Xiao Feng fell silent and followed Grace inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, a gentle light from the crystal chandelier above poured down, mingling with the dappled shadows of the trees outside, weaving a dreamlike tapestry. What amazed him even more was the indoor waterfall hidden at the center of the villa, its gentle murmur like a natural symphony, breathing life and vitality into the tranquil space.

Grace smiled and guided Xiao Feng toward the innermost part of the living room, where a massive arched window looked out onto an endless rear garden. The garden burst with colorful flowers in endless waves, as if the entire world lay within view.

Lost in this boundless beauty, Xiao Feng felt a light tap on his shoulder. “So, young man, what do you think? Do you like it?” Grace asked with a knowing smile.

“Sister, your home is unbelievably wealthy!” he replied.

“Feel free to look around while I go upstairs to change,” Grace said.

“Okay...” Xiao Feng murmured.

Watching Grace ascend the stairs, Xiao Feng, like a novice to the world, looked around in wonder. Just as he was soaking in the dreamlike atmosphere, Megan Venturi came down from the second floor. Spotting him wandering the living room, she greeted him gracefully, “Xiao Feng!”

He turned to see it was Megan Venturi and quickly responded, “Auntie, am I disturbing you?”

Megan Venturi had an impeccable figure and was still wearing the outfit from earlier—a pair of high-waisted black chiffon trousers with a back zipper, paired with high heels, accentuating her long legs. As she descended, she invited Xiao Feng to sit, “Please, have a seat, don’t be shy!”

“Thank you, Auntie. Your home is really beautiful!” Xiao Feng said earnestly.

“Making so much money is all about enjoying life!” she replied with a smile.

The two settled comfortably, and a maid soon brought a fruit platter, followed by coffee.

“Auntie, I came in such a hurry and didn’t bring you a gift. I feel really sorry about that,” Xiao Feng apologized.

“Don’t be so formal. Xiao Feng, are you a local?” Megan asked.

“Yes, I’m from Yunzhou,” he answered.

Megan took a gentle sip of coffee before continuing, “What business is your family in?”

“Auntie, to be honest, my parents passed away early. It’s just me now, and I don’t have any family business. I’m just a worker,” Xiao Feng said humbly.

Megan frowned slightly, showing a hint of disdain. “So, you have nothing left?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“But you’re quite capable. You earned thirty million in just a little while earlier,” she remarked.

Xiao Feng lowered his eyes in embarrassment. “I had no choice. I owed Sister Grace thirty million. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done what I did.”

“You owe her thirty million? How long have you two known each other to owe her that much?” Megan asked curiously.

Xiao Feng briefly explained the morning’s events but refrained from mentioning the contract and marriage certificate, as Grace had strictly forbidden him to reveal those details.

“Xiao Feng, you’re kind-hearted, but there’s a big gap between you and Grace,” Megan said gently.

“Auntie, I understand that. That’s why I wanted to pay her back and leave, but Sister...” Xiao Feng trailed off.

Just then, Grace came down after changing clothes. Xiao Feng’s eyes widened. She wore a shimmering pale pink strapless gown, white translucent ankle socks, and thick-soled white slippers, looking like a princess from a fairy tale, a playful smile curving her lips as she strode directly toward him, her gaze sparkling with an inexplicable light.

“You’re having quite the chat,” Grace said softly, her voice laced with subtle pleasure.

Megan frowned and asked, “Dear, since Xiao Feng has repaid his debt to you, why won’t you let him go? You know his situation, don’t you?”

“He hasn’t fully repaid me yet!” Grace said firmly.

“Isn’t it thirty million?” Megan pressed.

“Yes, but there’s interest!” Grace replied.

“You’re being ridiculous. You’ve only known him for less than a day; where would interest even come from? Besides, your social statuses are worlds apart. You should keep your distance,” Megan advised sternly.

Xiao Feng caught Megan’s condescending tone and felt a bit embarrassed, but Grace wasn’t willing to accept her mother’s opinion. “Mom, don’t interfere in my affairs. I have my reasons for keeping him. Don’t overthink it. I would never fall for some poor hick. If you’re not ashamed, I’m not either!”

“Alright then,” Megan said with a sigh.

Grace suddenly leaned close to Xiao Feng, whispering in his ear, “Tonight, you’ll accompany me to a banquet. Then I’ll consider letting you go.”

Xiao Feng stared at her in disbelief. Grace ignored him and turned to Megan, “Mom, there’s an important gala tonight. Come with me and bring Xiao Feng. Let him get a taste of the world.”

Megan frowned, wanting to refuse, but eventually nodded.

Xiao Feng’s feelings were mixed—relieved at the chance to leave yet worried about the unknown trouble the evening might bring. He looked at Grace, who wore a mysterious smile as though she had everything under control.

Night fell swiftly. The three arrived at the banquet punctually. The grand hall was brilliantly lit and filled with high society.

Xiao Feng stood out in his sportswear, looking out of place. Grace was also casually dressed, wearing a white long-sleeve fitted top with pristine slim straight-leg jeans, and red high-heeled sandals. Megan, unaware of Grace’s intentions, kept her attire simple as well.

As they entered, Grace’s presence, despite her understated outfit, was magnetic—her every smile seemed to freeze the very air around her.

Suddenly, a mysterious guest took the stage and announced a special auction: an ancient gemstone rumored to bring good luck.

A sly gleam flashed in Grace’s eyes as she whispered to Xiao Feng, “Tonight, your task is to help me win that gemstone, by any means necessary.”

“Sister, your family already has so many jewels. Why care about just one more?” Xiao Feng asked.

“That’s none of your business. I like it, so just tell me if you’ll help or not,” she said.

“With your skills, why do you even need me? Just outbid everyone!” he replied.

Grace shot him a sharp look and said uncertainly, “What if I’m wrong about it?”

“I’m no gem appraiser either...” Xiao Feng began.

“But after what you showed at the Ye Lan family’s place, I believe you can handle it,” Grace insisted.

Fearing she might throw a tantrum again, Xiao Feng asked, “So you promise, if I help you win it, you’ll let me go?”

“Don’t try to fool me just to escape!” she warned.

“Don’t worry, sister!” he assured her.

Determined to break free from Grace’s control, Xiao Feng felt a surge of courage, ready to face this sudden challenge.

The lights focused on the stage, where a beautiful woman carefully placed a delicate glass stand holding a dark, fist-sized stone.

A murmur ran through the crowd. Not only were Grace and her party present, but many from Ye Feng’s high society circle had also arrived. Yet upon seeing the stone, spirits dampened. Some whispered, “Even if it could be carved into a top-grade jade, it’s such a small stone. How much could it possibly be worth?”

“Yeah, for such a high-class event to feature something like this, are they joking with us?” others said skeptically.

Amidst the doubts, Xiao Feng stared intently at the black stone, a strange glint in his eyes. He also noticed an elderly man sitting nearby, fixated on the stone as if possessed, determined to acquire it.

The host announced, “This stone is said to be the ‘Night Star,’ formed in ancient times. Though it looks ordinary, it’s believed to bring good fortune. Starting bid: one hundred million.”

The crowd saw no reason to believe this—after all, it looked like a common rock. Quiet whispers filled the room. No one dared to bid.

Grace tugged at Xiao Feng’s sleeve and asked softly, “Do you see anything?”

“Sister, this stone doesn’t seem to be the Night Star,” he replied.

“Why not?”

“When I was young, after losing my parents, a mysterious woman took me to the mountains to learn. She taught me about stones and gems. I thought all that knowledge was wasted after I left to work, but it turns out it’s useful now.”

“What kind of stone is it?”

Leaning close to Grace’s ear, Xiao Feng whispered, “From what that mysterious lady taught me, the outer layer of this stone is naturally formed. It might have drifted through space for ages before landing on Earth. I can’t explain it fully now, but I believe inside it’s something very special.”

Grace’s eyes lit up. “What is it?”

“Shh...” Xiao Feng cautioned her not to get excited. He glanced at the elderly man nearby, who was utterly transfixed by the stone.

The host continued, “Esteemed guests, this auction raises funds for charity. If no one bids, it can be withdrawn and auctioned again later.”

Still, no one bid. Xiao Feng whispered to Grace, “You could try bidding.”

“Try? I don’t care about the money. What if I’m wrong? That would be so embarrassing!”

“Sister, take a gamble. If it really is what you think, you’ll make a fortune.”

“Alright! One hundred million...”