novelburst
Chapter 108
Chapter 108
Chapter 108: “Get Lost, You Lowly Peasant!”
In the Empire, or rather across all of humanity, equality between men and women was an official stance. Yet in reality, society leaned heavily toward male dominance.
It was common for noble sons to bring female companions to events, and no one would bat an eye even if they brought several. At most, it would spark a chuckle or a comment about their charm.
However, a woman accompanied by multiple men was a sight unseen.
Though many noblewomen privately kept young celebrities or handsome men at their beck and call, they were always careful to maintain appearances in public.
Thus, when all eyes landed on Gu Anran—surrounded by Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu—whispers filled the air.
Particularly since some had already recognized her companions.
“That’s Zhao Haoran, the heir of the Azure Sun Academy headmaster!”
“And that’s Yang Ling, young master of the Future Guild!”
“The other one… isn’t he Xu Taichu, the top genius of True Dragon Academy?”
A ripple of shock coursed through the crowd. Each of these men was an elite among elites, yet here they were, vying for the attention of the same girl.
Who was this girl?
The nobles scrutinized Gu Anran carefully. With their discerning eyes, they quickly determined that she wasn’t from a noble lineage.
The Empire’s aristocracy, rooted in millennia of tradition, imbued its descendants with a unique aura of refinement and poise that set them apart.
Gu Anran, on the other hand, while undeniably beautiful, carried an air of innocence and simplicity that marked her as someone from an ordinary background.
Yet Gu Anran remained blissfully unaware of the attention she was drawing. Her wide-eyed gaze was fixated on the grand and imposing auction house, completely absorbed in its splendor.
Meanwhile, Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu didn’t care about the opinions of the crowd. Their focus was solely on Gu Anran. Her happiness was all that mattered, even if it meant tolerating each other’s presence.
—
Elsewhere, Zhou Nan and Zhou Zhiqing arrived at the entrance to the auction house.
The Zhou family’s influence was enough to secure them a notable place in the Imperial Capital, and several nobles approached to exchange greetings.
Zhou Zhiqing responded gracefully to the attention, yet made no effort to introduce Zhou Nan, treating him as if he were a stranger.
Still, Zhou Nan garnered some stares. After all, he had recently been at the center of Imperial gossip—recognized as the illegitimate son of Zhou Weiyuan, the Zhou family patriarch.
Zhou Nan’s expression stiffened, a flicker of resentment flashing in his eyes. However, he quickly masked his emotions, his attention shifting to the crowd.
He scanned for the super-geniuses he hoped to copy talents from, but his primary target remained Qin Xian.
—
At the auction house entrance, Gu Anran and her trio of companions passed the guards’ invitation checks and were politely ushered inside.
Moments later, Qin Li arrived with Aunt Mo. Her appearance caused an immediate stir.
“Miss Qin Li!”
“The eldest daughter of the Qin family is here!”
Even the reporters in the distance were buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, the nobles at the entrance abandoned their conversations and crowded toward Qin Li.
Though rumors of Qin Ming’s dislike for his daughter were widespread in noble circles, her position remained untouchable thanks to Qin Xian’s favor. As Qin Xian’s cherished sister, Qin Li’s status in the Qin family was as steady as a mountain.
Seeing Qin Li arrive, many nobles displayed eager expressions. Winning her favor could benefit not only themselves but also their families.
Qin Li, however, maintained a cool demeanor, her attitude distant. She was particularly repulsed by the eager gazes of certain young noblemen, finding their attention physically nauseating.
“Xiao Li!”
A clear voice broke through the crowd. Turning, Qin Li saw a beautiful young woman in an elegant gown approaching with a smile.
“Xiao Wei,” Qin Li greeted, a rare smile gracing her face.
The young woman was Shi Wei, eldest daughter of the Shi family. Her father, Shi Chenglong, was a senior official in the Cardinal Council and a trusted confidant of Qin Ming. The Shi family’s status in the capital was accordingly elevated.
Shi Wei had known Qin Li since childhood, making her one of Qin Li’s few close friends.
—
Meanwhile, Gu Anran arrived at the entrance. Gazing around with wide-eyed wonder, she seemed like a country bumpkin visiting a grand estate for the first time.
“Wow, this place is amazing!” she exclaimed.
Just as she finished marveling, her foot slipped, and with a startled cry, she tumbled forward in a classic faceplant.
Unfortunately, her fall brought her directly into Shi Wei, who had been speaking with Qin Li.
Shi Wei, dressed in an ornate and elaborate gown, staggered backward. The intricate embellishments on her dress scattered to the ground with a clatter.
“Anran, are you okay? Are you hurt?” Zhao Haoran and the others rushed to help her up.
“Ow, ow, ow…” Gu Anran winced, then gave an embarrassed smile.
“I’m so clumsy. I can’t believe I tripped again!” she said, her innocent demeanor leaving Zhao Haoran and the others momentarily stunned.
However, Gu Anran quickly turned her attention to Shi Wei, hurriedly picking up the fallen embellishments and tugging at Shi Wei’s gown in an attempt to reattach them.
“Sorry, sorry! Let me fix this for you!”
Shi Wei, on the other hand, was fuming. Was this woman an idiot?
Shrieking in outrage, she snapped, “Get lost, you lowly peasant!”