The auction had concluded, but many matters remained unfinished, as if the prelude to a grand spectacle had only just begun.
Lu Yaoyang first met with the Miao family.
The Miao family felt a sense of helplessness regarding Miao Sang's performance today. Watching Miao Sang keep his head bowed and remain silent, they even felt a pang of self-reproach, wondering if they had pressured him too much.
Only Miao Tong and Erya surrounded Miao Sang, constantly praising him for doing a great job, even though the results were mediocre. Miao Sang still wore a somber expression and kept his head down.
"The treasure map was previously in the Lu family's possession. It should remain under your care now," Miao's father said, looking at Miao Sang and Miao Tong, then at the mature and steady Lu Yaoyang, a subtle discomfort growing in his heart.
"Regarding this, I have a rather unformed idea," Xia Qingtian said, her eyes twinkling. "Keeping this thing around is always a hassle. Why don't we just dig it up!"
"!" Hearing Xia Qingtian's words, the Miao family members choked, appearing somewhat surprised.
"Indeed... not very mature," Miao's father chuckled dryly after a moment. "It's getting late today. Tomorrow, tomorrow you are welcome to visit the Miao family. Please bring the Tang family along to discuss it together."
"Very well, safe travels." Lu Yaoyang nodded, watching the Miao family depart. Erya, naturally, left with Miao Sang.
While waiting for Xia Qingyu and Director Shi to come downstairs, Lu Yaoyang put his arm around Xia Qingtian's waist and whispered into her ear, "What? You want to dig it up?"
"It's not that I want to dig it up; it's Mr. Lei who wants to," Xia Qingtian replied softly. "Female auctioneers don't usually ask such personal questions. If she asked, it must have been Mr. Lei who instructed her to, using our mouths to convey a message to certain people."
Lu Yaoyang clearly thought of the same thing. He chuckled, "Then we'll discuss it tomorrow when we meet with the Miao and Tang families."
"Mm," Xia Qingtian responded, then reached out to cup Lu Yaoyang's face. "So, Mr. Lu, are you still accustomed to that title?"
"Not quite accustomed yet," Lu Yaoyang replied, touching the tip of his nose. A hint of shyness played on his lips.
"Then work hard to get used to it," Xia Qingtian said, patting Lu Yaoyang's shoulder. "We've already accepted the money. Get used to this surname sooner rather than later. As for starting a family and having descendants, you should put in some effort too."
Hearing Xia Qingtian's words, Lu Yaoyang's ears immediately turned red. For a moment, he didn't know where to look. He then realized Xia Qingtian was deliberately teasing him and could only look at her playfully, his lips moving slightly as he uttered, "Naughty."
The pronunciation of these two words struck a chord with Xia Qingtian. Just as her cheeks began to feel a faint warmth, Xia Qingyu's voice came from behind them.
"Sister." Xia Qingyu hurried towards Xia Qingtian, her expression not quite right and her eyes betraying a forced composure. "Let's go back first."
"Hm?" Xia Qingtian sensed something was amiss with Xia Qingyu, but considering how much had happened today, she nodded and said, "Then we'll talk about it when we get back."
"I'll go to the Wen family first," Lu Yaoyang remembered what the head of the Wen family had said earlier. That was his wife's hard-earned family fortune, and he had to retrieve it.
"We can go to the Wen family tomorrow," Xia Qingyu interjected for the first time. "There's no need to rush this."
Hearing Xia Qingyu's words, Lu Yaoyang and Xia Qingtian exchanged glances, surprise evident in each other's eyes. They both then looked at Xia Qingyu.
"When I went to the restroom just now, I happened to pass by someone," Xia Qingyu finally said in a low voice. "Although she was disguised, I still recognized her. It should be Sif."
Xia Qingyu clearly remembered Sif's eyes. Even with her disguise, those innocent and pure eyes hadn't changed. With just a single glance, Xia Qingyu had recognized her.
Coupled with the previous incident involving Nie Qingkong and the Tang family, Xia Qingyu inferred that not only Sif but also Xiang Xueyuan must be present.
It was just that both of them were likely disguised, which was why she hadn't recognized them.
This feeling of the enemy being in the dark while they were in the light made Xia Qingyu very uneasy.
Especially since that treasure map was still with them.
It was a ticking time bomb.
"They really can't be absent from anything," Xia Qingtian clicked her tongue upon hearing Xia Qingyu's words.
Her score to settle with Xiang Xueyuan and Sif was probably close to being tallied.
"Then let's go to the Wen family together," Lu Yaoyang said after some thought. "The Wen family is safer than our side."
"Shen Yao is still there," Xia Qingtian didn't think leaving Shen Yao there was safe enough. "However, I can ask my aunt to pick her up and bring her to the Yue family, saying she's a friend coming to stay for a few days. The Yue family won't be suspicious."
Due to Shen Yao's identity and injuries, Xia Qingtian had never let Yu Zixuan visit Shen Yao. Yu Zixuan had also held back for Shen Yao's safety.
This time, her and Lu Yaoyang's actions at the Lei's auction were enough to attract all the attention and firepower.
Shen Yao and Yu Zixuan, these two sisters, could finally be reunited.
After a brief discussion, Xia Qingtian immediately contacted Yu Zixuan, asking her to pick up Shen Yao and bring her to the Yue family. Yu Zixuan was naturally delighted and readily agreed.
Xia Qingtian had also contacted Shen Yao, asking her to be careful and wait for her aunt to pick her up.
"You caused quite a stir tonight," Shen Yao said, holding her phone, a slight smile on her lips. "The Miao family cleared out traitors, the Tang family underwent a sweeping purge, and the Lu family's heir has emerged. Are you aiming to hide your merits and fame now?"
"Right now, I just want to hide you away first," Xia Qingtian chuckled. "Just pack up a bit; my aunt should be here soon."
"Got it," Shen Yao replied, then her smile faded, and her tone became unusually serious. "Based on my understanding of him, anything he sets his mind on, he will obtain. Be careful."
"Yes, I'll remember," Xia Qingtian replied before hanging up.
Meanwhile, Lu Yaoyang had also contacted the head of the Wen family. Fortunately, the head of the Wen family had not yet left, so they could depart together with him.
If Xiang Xueyuan intended to do anything, he would have to weigh the risks. At this moment, would he dare to expose himself so carelessly?
As expected, Xiang Xueyuan, who had people secretly watching, snorted and ordered Sif when he learned that Xia Qingtian and her group were leaving with the head of the Wen family, "No need to track them anymore. Let them go."
"But..." Sif was unwilling, she didn't believe she would lose.
"Speaking of which..." Xiang Xueyuan narrowed his eyes slightly. "I haven't visited some old friends since returning to the country. Heh heh, it's time I paid them a visit."
"Father, I think..." Sif started to say something else but was interrupted by a glare from Xiang Xueyuan.
"Dr. Li and his wife," Xiang Xueyuan said, looking at Sif. "Tomorrow, go and 'invite' these two over. I want to catch up."
"Yes."