25. Ringwraith

"320 million."

"323 million," the voice remained calm and indifferent.

The entire room held its breath, silent as the grave, watching the final two bidders square off.

"330 million."

"333 million," came that same annoying voice.

This time, it was his turn to turn away and leave.

"333 million, going once."

"Going twice."

"Sold."

"Congratulations to this lady for winning the final lot of this Poly Autumn Auction."

"This concludes our auction. Thank you all for coming."

It was already two in the afternoon when the auction ended, and no one had eaten yet. Because this year’s finale lot was so extraordinary, the autumn auction was a massive success, surpassing both Liulichang and Guardian Auctions to secure the top spot in this year’s rankings.

Manager Guan received successive calls from multiple members of the Board of Directors, all offering their praise. At such a sensitive time, with the General Manager nearing retirement, the attitude of the shareholders was particularly significant.

That afternoon, Manager Guan personally oversaw the follow-up procedures for Yang Fan. After deducting commissions and taxes, over 310 million in cash was deposited into Yang Fan’s account.

In the evening, Manager Guan enthusiastically arranged a banquet. At a large round table seating twenty, the Poly staff sat alongside Yang Fan and his six companions. It was the first time Sun Xing and the others had dined at such a luxurious five-star hotel, and they were all visibly excited.

"Brother, many thanks for your immense help this time. If there’s anything you need from your old brother in the future, just say the word," Manager Guan said, his tongue slightly loosened by drink.

"Actually, there is something I could use your help with. I recently founded a collectibles company. Once some antiques arrive, I’ll need them appraised and certified by an authoritative institution. Since Poly is a top-tier firm in the industry, I’ll have to trouble you for that."

"No problem, it’s just a word. Huang Ying, leave this matter to you to coordinate."

Huang Ying quickly chimed in, "President Yang, keep it in the family—if you have any good items, you must consider our auction house first!"

"Easily done. Once appraised, you get first pick. Anything suitable for auction will go to auction; the rest will be sold through Xinghe Collectibles."

"Let me introduce you to Manager Sun Xing. From now on, you’ll be coordinating with her."

Ma Xiaoxiao and the others were stunned to realize that Sun Xing had somehow become their leader, their mouths hanging open in surprise.

"Sister Huang, let me toast you. Please look after us in the future," Sun Xing said, quickly standing up.

"Xing, don't be so formal. Just reach out to me directly if you need anything. Let’s add each other on WeChat."

The banquet was a delight for both host and guests. After it ended, Yang Fan called a van to take the girls back to Yan University. As soon as Yang Fan left, the girls immediately began to pester Sun Xing.

"Xing, spill it! When did you get so close to President Yang?"

"You got a promotion, you’re buying drinks!"

The group chatted and joked all the way back to the dorm. Sun Xing relayed Yang Fan’s intentions to them, and everyone agreed to join. The salary was decent, and managing an online store and app from campus wouldn't interfere with their studies—they could handle it anytime via their phones.

They could manage procurement and shipping from the dorm; after all, antiques didn’t take up much space.

When Yang Fan returned to his own company, Pianzi, Erleng, and Houzi were already there. They hadn't seen each other in a long time, so they exchanged bear hugs and playful punches.

They went out for skewers immediately. It had been ages since they last hung out, and after a few beers, everyone was in high spirits. Yang Fan explained the situation with the waste management company: it was very simple—follow the process to collect waste, sort it, and transport it to the designated location.

Yang Fan made up an excuse, saying he traveled frequently and wouldn't be in the country, so he couldn't leave the company to just anyone and needed his brothers to keep an eye on things for him. He designated Houzi to be in charge, with the other two assisting. Houzi and the others patted their chests, promising Yang Fan they wouldn't let him down and that there wouldn't be any mistakes.

That night, Yang Fan sat cross-legged on his bed, unable to sleep. Anyone would find it hard to stay calm after having over 300 million in cash suddenly appear in their account. He noticed his body seemed to have changed slightly, feeling lighter. He closed his eyes naturally. Sitting in meditation, his breathing gradually slowed and deepened, and he slowly entered a state of self-forgetfulness.

The runes on the ring flashed in sequence, and light seemed to be traveling across them. A warm current began to flow slowly through his meridians. His entire body felt indescribably comfortable.

It wasn't until an hour later that Yang Fan slowly opened his eyes. What was he doing? It felt like he was practicing Qigong, or perhaps some kind of internal martial art. Whatever it was, he felt great after finishing. His body felt lighter than ever.

Yang Fan stretched and prepared to go to sleep, but suddenly, his raised hands froze. His eyes were fixed on the chair across from him.

Someone was sitting there. A woman. A very beautiful woman. A very beautiful and extremely sexy woman.

She was dressed in tight leather clothing, her figure incredibly hot. She stood at least 1.8 meters tall, with legs that looked to be at least 1.2 meters long—a perfect golden ratio. She wore black leather boots that reached her knees.

At that moment, she was sitting on the chair with her legs crossed, leaning forward with one arm resting on her knee and her chin in her hand, staring at him intently. Her cleavage was deep and plunging. She had chestnut-colored hair tied in a ponytail, fluffy like a squirrel's tail. Her skin was snow-white, almost translucent, to the point where one could see the blue veins beneath. Her large eyes, like black grapes, were lively and intelligent.

Yang Fan felt his throat go dry, thinking he was seeing things. He blinked, but she was still there.

"Who are you?"

"I’d like to know that myself."

"Where did you come from?"

She didn't answer but pursed her lips, gesturing toward the ring. Yang Fan looked down and saw the ruby on the ring was gone.

"You went to the end of the Ming Dynasty?"

Yang Fan nodded.

"One piece of good news, one piece of bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"

"The bad news."

"In ten days, you will be forcibly sent back to the end of the Ming Dynasty. You may not be able to return for a long time, or perhaps never."

Yang Fan was dumbfounded. It was a bolt from the blue. He didn't doubt it—not for a second.

"Why?"

"You need to help me find something. This item was lost at the end of the Ming Dynasty."

"What item?"

"I've forgotten. Many things I don't remember. I only recall handing the ring to a man named Yang. You must be his descendant."

"Then how am I supposed to find it?"

"That is your problem. Even if you have to scour the mountains and seas, you must find it. Only when you find it can you return."

"Why was I able to travel before?"

"Because I have begun to awaken. The ring has unlocked some seals, and the barriers of time and space have begun to loosen. But you have consumed a great deal of energy, and there isn't much raw energy left. I won't let you waste it again."

Yang Fan had been living it up these past few days. He finally understood what it meant to have joy turn to sorrow.

"Can I refuse?"

"No. I can't control it either. You are the one chosen by the ring; when the time comes, you will be forcibly sent away."

"The end of the Ming Dynasty is so dangerous, and I’m just an ordinary person. What if I’m in danger?"

"I can only offer you my sympathy and an apology. You must survive on your own. I will provide some help, but do not rely on me. I will fall into dormancy from time to time. I may also recover some memories at any moment."

Yang Fan was silent.

"You have already begun to strengthen your body, haven't you? Keep at it. Your muscles, bones, nerves, skin, and intuition will all be enhanced. You will possess speed, strength, vision, and reflexes that ordinary people lack."

"What’s the good news?" Yang Fan asked.

"I can still help you transport some things, but it cannot consume too much energy."

"Is there a limit on quantity?"

"No. As for the trash you want, transporting any amount is fine. However, the greater the technological gap between the item and the Ming Dynasty, the more unstable the transmission becomes, and the quantity will decrease sharply. But things without physical substance are not subject to this limit."

Yang Fan was confused.

"For example, if you bring a smartphone to the Ming Dynasty, there will be a signal within a few meters of the ring, and you can connect to the network."

"You can set up a transmission point here. I can help you transport some items, but you must pay. This fee must be paid in gold."

"I hope you make good use of the final ten days. Good luck."

And then, she vanished.