Chapter 657, Finale Treasure (Third Watch)

Burn gave a sheepish smile, "I was just joking around."

He wouldn’t dare tamper with Ye Jiuliang’s banner so casually, valuing his life as he did.

Soon, the auction approached its end.

Suddenly, Burn rose to his feet and ascended the stage. The auctioneer bowed deeply, then retreated to stand aside.

Taking over the auctioneer’s spot, Burn picked up the small hammer and toyed with it carelessly, "The bidding just now was quite fierce. It’s clear to see that everyone is quite satisfied with tonight’s auction."

On the subject of self-promotion, Burn went all in without looking back.

"Now, there is only one more lot remaining, the grand finale of tonight’s auction."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a woman ascended the stage holding a tray, dressed in a light blue qipao, exuding subtle hints of an unassuming, demure beauty.

Burn reached out to take the tray and placed it personally on the display stand.

"This treasure was an unexpected find in a gambling den, an iron box crafted from Mysterious Iron."

At those words, the guests below the stage showed puzzled expressions.

An iron box made of Mysterious Iron?

What kind of item was that?

Mo Yu’s gaze was locked onto the tray on the stage, a faint premonition of unease in her heart, wishing she could lift the red cloth to see clearly what was hidden inside.

"I’ve done some research, and this iron box can’t be opened without a key. I’m also unclear as to what treasure lies within. I’m auctioning this iron box today because one of the main reasons is I want to find out exactly what is hidden inside," Burn continued at a steady pace.

"At the same time, I must announce that this lot has no reserve price and cannot be auctioned off with money. Whoever can open this iron box gets to take it home," he concluded.

As he finished speaking, he lifted the red cloth covering the tray, his thin lips curling into a slight smirk, "Now, the auction begins. Please consider carefully whether you have the confidence to open this box."

Under the brilliant lights, the entirely black iron box lay quietly on the tray. Its surface seemed to be coated with a layer of silvery sheen, filled with enigmatic allure.

Mo Yu’s hands, which were resting on her knees, clenched suddenly, a hint of alarm flashing in her eyes before turning icy cold.

Damn it, how could this be here?

This iron box should have been in Ji Mingqian’s possession. How did it end up in Gu Yunxing’s place?

That’s right, Burn mentioned he got the box at the gambling house. Could it be that Ji Mingqian gambled it away?

The bastard, she was furious.

Ye Jiuliang observed Mo Yu from the shadows, not missing the flicker of shock that passed across her face. She arched an eyebrow and subtly shifted her gaze.

It seemed that the iron box wasn’t disconnected from Mo Yu.

Her reaction was a clear sign of recognition for the box, accompanied by irritation, probably because she was upset that the box had appeared here.

The venue fell into a silence chilling as a cicada’s cry, unendingly prolonged.

"No one wishes to bid?" Burn toyed with the small hammer, looking down at the guests with a smile, prompting them.

The entire room remained silent.

Mo Yu glanced sideways at Ye Jiuliang and saw that she was chatting and laughing with Li Mochan, seemingly indifferent to the auction item on stage.

She couldn’t help but wonder – did Ye Jiuliang also know about Ji Mingqian gambling away the iron box?

Why didn’t Ye Jiuliang stop it, what exactly was her plan?

"I have a way to open the iron box."

A low voice broke the silence of the venue, and the crowd turned to find Leng Yi raising his bidder’s sign, much to their surprise.

Unfazed by the astonished looks from everyone, Ji Mingqian calmly put down his sign.

"Leng Yi, do you really have a way to open this iron box?" Burn asked with excitement, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Ji Mingqian.

His demeanor was mastered perfectly, any more would seem overdone, any less would feel insincere.

Such exquisite acting could have easily made him a true thespian.

Ye Jiuliang, with a lollipop in her mouth, a sly smile flitted through the depths of her eyes.

These two would undoubtedly be the best partners in a play.

Ji Mingqian picked up a teacup, took a casual sip, and then began to explain, "While the box is made of Mysterious Iron, it’s not impossible to open."

"However, there’s also a hidden mechanism inside the box, and without the key, forcing it open would trigger the mechanism, which in turn could damage the contents," Burn interjected with a question.

"Who said we have to force it open?" Ji Mingqian set down his teacup, the corners of his thinly carved lips curving into a slight arc.

Burn pressed for confirmation once more, "Are you sure you have a way?"

Ji Mingqian did not speak but stood and walked towards the stage.

All eyes in the room followed his movement, focusing wherever he went.

Approaching the display stand, Ji Mingqian halted.

He reached out to pick up the iron box and, under the cover of his mask, he briefly glanced in Ye Jiuliang’s direction.

With just a glance, he quickly averted his gaze.

He examined the iron box attentively, then said slowly, "There is a hidden mechanism inside this iron box, which can’t be damaged. I have some knowledge about these kinds of mechanisms, give me three days. After I open the box, you can come to see the contents for yourself. How does that sound?"

"How sure are you?" Burn asked.

That was the question on everyone’s mind below the stage.

Leng Yi’s medical skills were renowned, yet it was unexpected that he also had knowledge of these peculiar arts.

After a moment of contemplation, Ji Mingqian said, "Ninety percent."

Below, Mo Yu’s eyes brightened – a ninety percent chance.

If Leng Yi truly had a way to open the iron box, that would somewhat accidentally achieve her goal.

However, this meant she needed to have a private talk with Leng Yi as soon as possible.

Burn smiled and nodded, "Okay, that’s settled then. I trust you. Take the iron box, and in a few days, I’ll come to you."

With that, he struck the small hammer three times, "Tonight’s auction is hereby concluded. Thank you all for your patronage."

As he spoke, the crowd exchanged glances and gradually started to rise and leave.

Some were keen to strike up a word with Leng Yi, but when they turned their heads, there was no sign of him in the hall.

At some point, Leng Yi had already left quietly.

Truly, he came without a trace and left without a shadow.

The crowd dispersed, their faces showing traces of regret.