Volume One, Chapter Fourteen: Even a Starved Camel is Still Larger Than a Horse

Chen Mingyue let out a cold laugh and said, "Yun Xueyan, don't think that just because you're the eldest daughter of the Yun family, I'll be afraid of you. The Yun family's name isn't enough to intimidate anyone."

Although the Yun family was one of the four great families, and their power far surpassed that of the Chen family, Chen Mingyue had the man behind her—Wang Qi.

The Wang family and the Yun family were both among the four great families, but the Wang family was considerably stronger. Recently, the Wang family had formed alliances with the other families, united in their efforts against the Yun family.

The Huang family had already fallen, and with the Wang family and their allies, dealing with the Yun family was not a difficult task.

Chen Mingyue had heard Wang Qi mention these things, so she faced Yun Xueyan without a trace of fear.

She had, however, miscalculated one thing: the Yun family hadn't collapsed yet, and was far from being a target for someone from a second-rate family to slander at will.

Yun Xueyan looked at Chen Mingyue coldly, her anger twisting into a smile. "Very well, Chen Mingyue, is it? You’re quite something."

"You really think that clinging to the Wang family will let you stand equal to my Yun family? Let me tell you now, it’s nothing but your delusional fantasy."

Chen Mingyue sneered, "The Yun family can barely take care of itself now, shouldn't you worry about your own affairs first? Of all people, you chose a jinx for a husband—no wonder the Yun family is doomed."

Before Chen Mingyue could finish, Yun Xueyan raised her hand and slapped her across the face.

A crisp slap echoed before the entrance to the auction hall.

For a moment, the crowd’s attention was drawn to the commotion, and the security staff responsible for order at the auction walked over.

The security guard hesitated, "Ms. Yun, what’s going on here?"

Chen Mingyue held her reddened cheek, fury blazing in her eyes. "You... you dare hit me?"

Yun Xueyan’s voice was icy. "If you can’t control that filthy mouth of yours, I won’t mind helping you again."

Chen Mingyue’s face flushed deeply as she stared hatefully at Yun Xueyan, but ultimately couldn’t find the words to retort.

Yun Xueyan turned to the security guard, "I don’t want to see anyone from the Chen family at today’s auction."

The guard immediately replied, "Yes, Ms. Yun."

He then approached Chen Mingyue and gestured politely.

"Miss, please."

Chen Mingyue’s anger surged. "I was properly invited! How can you throw me out just because she says so? This is outrageous!"

She took an invitation from her bag and waved it before Yun Xueyan. "Look, I have an invitation—it was delivered to the Chen family by the Fu family. You think you can drive me out? How ridiculous."

Yun Xueyan looked at Chen Mingyue as though she were a clown. "What if I show you a black-gold invitation? How will you respond then?"

With that, Yun Xueyan produced a black invitation edged with golden dragon motifs from her bag.

A black-gold invitation was more than just an invitation—it was a symbol of status. There were only five such invitations in all of Donghai City, and anyone who received one was considered the most distinguished guest in the eyes of the Fu family.

Seeing the black-gold invitation in Yun Xueyan’s hand, Chen Mingyue was momentarily stunned. She knew Yun Xueyan would have an invitation, but never expected her to possess a black-gold one.

Wasn’t the Yun family supposed to be in decline?

Why would the Fu family still grant them a black-gold invitation?

Chen Mingyue was utterly baffled.

But Yun Xueyan didn’t give her time to react, and instead said directly to the security guard, "Can you keep her outside now?"

The guard responded at once, "Yes, Ms. Yun. Rest assured, I won’t let her in."

Still dazed, Chen Mingyue was escorted outside by the guard.

By the time she recovered, she wanted to make a scene, but remembering the auction was hosted by the Fu family, she immediately dropped the idea.

Though she had tied herself to the Wang family, even the Wang family wouldn’t dare offend the Fu family. No matter how much nerve she could muster, she wouldn’t cause trouble on the Fu family's turf.

Chu Ming glanced indifferently at Chen Mingyue and said, "Those who insult others will be insulted in turn. Next time, open your eyes before you leave the house."

With that, Chu Ming followed Yun Xueyan into the auction hall.

The altercation had drawn a crowd of participants to the entrance, and seeing Chen Mingyue barred by security, many began to discuss the incident.

Standing to the side, Chen Mingyue listened to the murmurs around her, her face burning with shame.

At that moment, her hatred for Chu Ming peaked. If not for him, she wouldn’t have been so humiliated and barred from entry.

Fortunately, the situation didn’t last long. Spotting Wang Qi emerging from the elevator, Chen Mingyue immediately put on a pitiful expression and rushed over to him.

Wang Qi frowned as he looked at her. "What happened? What’s wrong?"

Chen Mingyue recounted her encounter with Chu Ming and Yun Xueyan, embellishing the story as she went.

Upon hearing her tale, a cold glint flashed in Wang Qi’s eyes. "Well, well, Yun Xueyan. Let’s see how many good days you have left."

"Don’t worry. The Yun family won’t last much longer. When the time comes, I’ll have Yun Xueyan brought before you, so you can humiliate her as you please!"

Chen Mingyue was delighted, immediately acting coquettishly with Wang Qi.

Wang Qi wrapped his arm around her waist. "Come on, I also have a black-gold invitation. You can enter with me."

With those words, Wang Qi and Chen Mingyue entered the auction hall together.

Although the auction was yet to begin, the hall was already filling up.

Yun Xueyan wasted no time, introducing the attendees to Chu Ming.

"That middle-aged man in the suit and gold-rimmed glasses is Lei Sheng, chairman of Prosperity Group."

"Sitting in the middle of the second row is the head of the Yu family. Although the Yu family rarely makes waves in Donghai these days, their strength is formidable and counts as one of the reclusive powers."

"And over there, that chubby old man with the receding hairline is the head of the Pang family, another hidden power. Don’t be fooled by his lecherous appearance—he’s quite formidable."

…

Chu Ming listened to Yun Xueyan’s introductions and couldn’t help but remark, "This auction seems extraordinary, with so many reclusive powers coming out."

Yun Xueyan nodded. "I didn’t expect so many to show up either. Perhaps it’s connected to the Huang family’s overnight downfall."

She glanced around. "Let’s not idle, shall we? Though it’s an auction, it’s also a good opportunity to network. Come, let’s go greet them."

Chu Ming nodded slightly, offering no objection.