Chapter 44 – The Grand Auction
After they helped Chu Sun wake up, Bai Xia told An Yu to take her to her room to rest.
Bai Sung looked at his daughter with a grave expression. "Bai Xia, follow me."
Without another word, the two walked to the second living room. Bai Sung sat down, his voice calm but heavy. "How did you know that jade would turn out that way? This isn't something you can rely on long term."
Bai Xia met her father's eyes. "Dad, I can see through the stones."
She had already decided to tell him about her ability so that she could continue the jade business without suspicion. Bai Sung's brows knitted slightly — he had sensed something was unusual, but he never expected his daughter to actually say she could see through jade.
"When did you start seeing through them?"
Bai Xia lowered her gaze slightly. "When I was still in the village. Bai Ai hit my head once, and afterward I realized I could see through small things. At first, I thought it was just dizziness from the heat. But later, when Mom and I went to buy the house and I played the lucky draw, I saw through the box and found the ball with the prize. That's when I knew it was real."
Bai Sung frowned, worried. "You mean... you can see through things? What about people or walls? That must be uncomfortable."
"I can't see through people or walls, only small things like stones," Bai Xia lied calmly. She didn't want him to think she was strange.
Bai Sung sighed. "Don't tell anyone about this. Not your brother, not your sister. If word gets out, I don't know what the government might do. And next time you gamble, wear a disguise. No one should see your face."
Bai Xia nodded obediently.
He reached over and gently patted her head. "Does it hurt when you use it?"
"No. No after-effects at all."
"Still, don't overuse it," he said firmly. "There might be side effects later."
"I understand, Dad."
They returned to the living room where Stella had already brought in the uncut stones. Bai Xia explained her plan to open a company focused on jewelry and fashion. Bai Sung listened, then gave her a few pointers before going to his room to check on Chu Sun.
Bai Yan, who had been standing nearby, rubbed his hands together with a flattering smile. "My beautiful sister~ can I get one of those jades? I want to make a piece of jewelry for all of you."
Bai Xia gave him a long look. She saw right through him — he just wanted to keep one for himself until it appreciated in value.
"I'd love to give you one for free, but since I'm feeling generous, I'll give you a discount. 500,000 yen."
"Ah, that's too expensive! How about 200,000?"
"300,000."
"Deal!"
Bai Xia's lips twitched. He agreed too fast. I should've raised the price.
Bai Yan grabbed a jade and dashed off to his room. "I'll have Li Wei send you the money later!" he called behind him.
Bai Xia shook her head helplessly, then turned to Stella. "Arrange everything for tomorrow. I want the venue to look grand. And have you made the cards I asked for?"
"Yes, Miss Bai."
Stella handed her a neat stack of black cards embossed with silver letters: "XB."
Bai Xia handed a portion of the cards to Bai Xuan. "This is our brand card. After tomorrow, we'll officially open our company. It may take some time, but we'll make it happen."
Then she turned to Stella again. "Handle all the company registration papers and formalities. I want everything ready by the end of next week."
Stella nodded. Bai Xuan looked at the elegant cards in her hands, already thinking about which of her friends she should give them to.
---
The next morning, Bai Xia woke up at exactly 5:00 a.m. She wanted to catch her father before he left for work. When she came downstairs, she found Bai Sung and Bai Yan already having breakfast.
She sat beside her father with a bright smile. "Dad, won't you come support me at the auction today?"
He looked up from his bowl. "Of course I'll come, but I might be late. Things at the company are getting busy. The assistant you recommended is really capable — we've been getting new deals every day. I'm even thinking about opening another branch. When I worked at just a regular branch before, we never had this much business. I'm starting to think someone's pulling strings behind the scenes."
Bai Xia's lips curved slightly. It seemed that the businessman she'd given a card to yesterday had taken her words seriously.
After breakfast, she went upstairs to shower. When she came out, Stella entered the room with two elegant garment bags. Bai Xia had asked her the night before to prepare gowns for her and Bai Xuan.
She opened her bag and smiled in satisfaction. Her gown was a long, tight-fitted red silk dress with a single shoulder strap. It hugged her waist and swayed gracefully from the hips down. Bai Xuan's gown was a light blue satin dress — off-shoulder, ending just above the knees, soft and elegant. In each bag were matching jewelry sets.
"Give this gown and jewelry to my sister," Bai Xia said. "Do her hair and makeup too. We'll leave by seven, so be quick."
Stella nodded and left with the bag.
Bai Xia began her own preparations. After applying her beauty products, she dressed in the red gown. Her makeup was subtle yet striking — calm red lips, soft eyeliner, and a silver necklace with a red pendant that glowed against her fair skin. She added silver bangles and red diamond earrings, completing the look.
When she stepped out of her room, Bai Xuan was already waiting in the living room. She wore a pair of light blue heels that matched her dress perfectly. Her makeup was soft, her hair half pinned and half flowing freely over one shoulder, giving her an ethereal look.
Bai Xia glanced at Stella with an amused gaze — wasn't this a bit too much?
Just then, Chu Sun descended the stairs. She wore a black and gold cheongsam with delicate golden embroidery, a matching pair of heels, and elegant gold jewelry. Her hair was tied into a neat bun, and her makeup highlighted her graceful features.
Bai Xia turned and smiled. "Mom, you look beautiful."
Chu Sun looked at both her daughters with a tender gaze. "I was about to say the same. My two girls… you're stunning. Xia'er, that red suits you perfectly. And Xuan'er, you look like a fairy come to life."
"Mom, you're exaggerating," Bai Xuan said shyly, her cheeks flushing.
Chu Sun chuckled softly. "I'm not. When people see you today, they'll know how proud I am to be your mother."
They shared a warm laugh before heading out.
---
The drive to the venue was smooth until they neared the building — a large crowd had already gathered. Reporters swarmed outside, cameras flashing, and Bai Yan stood at the front, loudly promoting his restaurants.
When he spotted their Lexus arriving, he quickly signaled the bodyguards to move. Chu Sun looked at the crowd nervously.
Bai Xia gently squeezed her hand. "Mom, don't worry. Just follow the bodyguards to Brother's side. Xuan and I will talk to the media."
"What?! You'll talk to the media?" Chu Sun's eyes widened.
"Yes," Bai Xia said calmly, "but if you don't want to, it's fine."
Bai Xuan thought for a moment, then nodded. "I'll go with you, Bai Xia."
As soon as the car stopped, the reporters surged forward. Cameras clicked nonstop as the bodyguards opened the doors. Chu Sun stepped out first, escorted by the guards.
"Mrs. Bai, are you proud of your daughter?"
"Mrs. Bai, what are your plans after this success?"
"Mrs. Bai, how did you feel when your daughter earned 307 million in one day?"
"Mrs. Bai, do you plan to support your daughter's company?"
"Mrs. Bai, are the rumors true that your family's business will collaborate with her?"
"Mrs. Bai, do you think your daughter's success was luck or skill?"
"Mrs. Bai, how has life changed for your family since then?"
"Mrs. Bai, is Bai Xia your favorite child now?"
"Mrs. Bai, what kind of upbringing do you think led to such talent?"
"Mrs. Bai, will your husband attend today's event?"
Chu Sun answered politely as she moved along, smiling through the crowd until she finally entered the hotel with Bai Yan's help.
When Bai Xia and Bai Xuan stepped out, the reporters immediately turned their focus on them.
"Miss Bai, what's your next move?"
"Miss Bai, sources say you broke off with your family before this. Were you testing them first?"
"Miss Bai, how do you feel about earning 307 million yen?"
"Miss Bai, was your success luck or skill?"
"Miss Bai, can you guarantee future stones will produce such results?"
"Miss Bai, do you plan to continue jade gambling?"
"Miss Bai, are you collaborating with Bai Construction?"
"Miss Bai, who trained you in jade evaluation?"
"Miss Bai, will this auction include rare pieces?"
"Miss Bai, can we expect XB to become a brand soon?"
"Miss Bai, what do you think about critics calling you just lucky?"
"Miss Bai, are you planning to open a jewelry line?"
"Miss Bai, how did you choose your sister as a partner?"
"Miss Bai, what's your opinion on your sudden fame?"
"Miss Bai, can you share your business philosophy?"
"Miss Bai, who's your mentor?"
"Miss Bai, what inspired you to start at such a young age?"
"Miss Bai, what message do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?"
"Miss Bai, do you plan to expand overseas?"
"Miss Bai, are you afraid of failure?"
The noise grew deafening. Bai Xia raised her hand slightly, signaling them to quiet down.
She looked calm and elegant under the flashing cameras. "Hello everyone, my name is Bai Xia. As for my stone evaluation skills — that's confidential. But I'll tell you one thing: I once had a master who specialized in this field. He passed away a few years ago."
Her tone softened as she paused briefly. "Now, I'm starting a business with my elder sister, Bai Xuan. It will focus on fashion. Today's jade auction is just the first step to raise capital for our company, which will be called XB. You'll be hearing more about it soon."
She turned slightly to Bai Xuan. "Distribute the cards."
Bai Xuan handed out the sleek black XB cards to the nearest reporters.
The media tried to ask more, but the bodyguards quickly cleared the path, escorting the sisters into the hotel.
Inside the private hall, the sight was breathtaking. The entire room was filled with wealthy businessmen and elegant ladies — so many that some had to stand. On stage, ten cutters waited beside neatly arranged stones.
As Bai Xia and Bai Xuan walked up the stage, murmurs spread through the crowd. Many had heard of the jade auction, but few expected its host to be such young and beautiful women.
Bai Xia took the microphone, her voice steady and confident.
"Hello everyone, my name is Bai Xia. This auction is held on behalf of XB and sponsored by Bai Construction."
Applause filled the hall.
And so, the grand auction began.