To Love You Again

The murmuring voices inside the hall instantly quietened when the lights dimmed. Everyone was excited to witness the upcoming bidding war.

Ming Zhi Yi entered the stage wearing a different mask.

While he began to speak as the host, a low voice suddenly reached Xiong Zhi's ears. 

"I wonder why he has to wear a mask every time when everyone here already knows who he is. What is the point of wearing a mask?" 

The rich and deep voice of a man made Xiong Zhi turn around.

"Linfeng." Her stoic expression softened.

Linfeng smiled back. He took a seat beside Xiong Zhi. He greeted the old man beside her. 

Old Xiong ignored him and pretended that he did not hear a thing.

Xiong Zhi: "Why did you come here? I don't mind even if you stay there with your brothers. It has been a while since you all last met. We can still meet later after the auction."

"I told them that I will catch up with them at a later time instead. I am worried about you. I naturally have to be here by your side when you start to make a scene."

"You make it sound like I am a kid causing trouble." She chuckled.

Well, in a sense, she would be just like one today.

Linfeng held her cold hand comfortingly. 

Xiong Zhi squeezed back his hold. The uneasiness and doubts faded away. In any case, she would do her best.

Xiong Zhi: "Thank you, Linfeng. I will do well."

Ming Zhi Yi soon finished his graces on the stage. He prompted the start of the introduction of the Honorary Plaque of Virtue again.

When the old rock was displayed on the stage, the new guests who only attended today began to murmur. 

So that was the rock that caused the ruckus yesterday! They wondered how special it could be to have a starting price of a hundred billion, but it looks nothing special.

They were ready to witness another insane battle that might be fiercer than yesterday's!

When Ming Zhi Yi was about to start the bidding, Xiong Zhi suddenly raised her hand.

"I have a few words to say, Sir Auctioneer."

All eyes turned to her.

Everyone: Oh, so it was the heiress from the Xiong family again.

On the stage, the eyes under the mask showed a hint of contempt for the girl who interrupted him once again.

Ming Zhi Yi was still smiling, but it was visibly colder. 

"Can it wait after the bidding? Young heiress, although you might be young, you should still know how to conduct yourself properly in an event like this."

Murmurs started to erupt. 

"The young heiress is asking for too much attention, don't you think?"

"Remember several years back, she first bought the iconic dress at an unimaginable price, then yesterday she used the red placard to make this event happen, and now she is planning something again? She is acting too eccentric."

Old Xiong's face darkened at the murmurs of the people. 

He whipped his head towards Linfeng and asked in a low, harsh voice, "Are you not going to defend my granddaughter?"

'You are her man, should you not shield her from these ruthless words?' Old Xiong's eyes were speaking to Linfeng.

Linfeng looked sideways at the calm sitting figure of Xiong Zhi.

The woman looked tranquil as if she did not hear anything.

Linfeng shook his head and whispered back. "I would love to, but she will not like it. Please take a look at her, Headmaster Xiong, does she look like she needs help in this kind of situation?"

Old Xiong's frowning face looked at Xiong Zhi again. 

He saw that Xiong Zhi's face was still cold and expressionless, however, her aura did not waver one bit. She was still brimming with bold confidence.

Old Xiong fell silent. Then he snorted.

Ha! 

That's right! 

His granddaughter was an almighty Xiong descendant that would not waver with this mere trouble!

His old heart swelled with pride. He tilted his chin up and regained his composure.

Xiong Zhi ignored the surrounding people and Ming Zhi Yi's ridicule.

"Sadly, I cannot wait.  I may be young, but I know exactly the rules of this event. You might be the new head, Sir Ming Zhi Yi, but as the host and the head of the organization, you should know that those who used the red card are entitled to express themselves on the day of the bidding itself. Since I am the one who made this second bidding happen, then I have the right to say a few words."

The red card 'truce' was last used a long, long time ago. So the right etiquette for its usage was forgotten and sometimes neglected. 

As Xiong Zhi said, those who had the red cards had a chance to either open the bidding, host the interrupted auction for the specific item themselves, or say a few words vital to the auction before the start of the bid. 

Xiong Zhi precisely chose this red card for this chance.

Ming Zhi Yi's eyes darkened. 

Ah, it is not amusing anymore.

"Oh my, how forgetful of me. You are right. It is my mistake, young heiress." He spread out his hands and took a graceful bow. "As you wish, you can take the stage and say the words you want to say."

The man's eyes staring at Xiong Zhi were like that of a cold-blooded snake.

Xiong Zhi's hand trembled a bit.

Linfeng patted her back gently. 

She calmed down and stood up.

"Thank you, but there is no need. I shall say what I want to say here." 

"Since centuries ago, our ancestors have walked hand in hand. They have all been awarded the same honor, survived the tribulations of the changing eras, and remained allies until now. Although there is only one plaque remaining from the past, it is undeniable that every one of our families deserve this honorary plaque."

But the problem was, there were four families yet there was only one plaque.

"This junior is troubled, because if gaining this plaque meant destroying the alliance and balance that our ancestors fought to keep for centuries, what will our ancestors think? I think, about what will happen afterwards, the headmasters should know best."

Ming Zhi Yi narrowed his eyes.

This annoying brat has a smooth tongue. She is becoming too much of a hindrance.

The headmasters on the other hand suddenly stopped, as if water was splashed over them.

Mistress Tang tapped on the table. 

She had been too preoccupied with the honor and pride of attaining the most longed for honorary plaque, that she had forgotten how much the ancestors paid heavy importance on the balance of the alliance.

Her taps became more forceful.

However, what could be done in this case? There was only one plaque.

"I admit, you are right. However, is there even a way to avoid that, young lady?"

Xiong Zhi: "If the Honorary Plaque of Virtue belonged to all four of the legendary families, then there should be no problem."

Silence.

Everyone: ….? 

What kind of unrealistic idea is this...

Old Lu sighed. "That is too idealistic. This is an auction. Although it can't be helped, it is destined that only one of our families can win in this bidding war."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Mistress Tang added, "Also, if your family takes hold of the plaque based on that premise, there is still a chance of a change of mind and monopolizing the plaque for yourself. How can we trust your Xiong family to uphold this?"

There was a long lasting alliance between the legendary families maintained by their ancestors since ancient times. If there was a common enemy threatening their power, they would unite and push that power down. 

However, to the headmasters, when it comes to their own interests such as getting this plaque, they would not make way and give the benefits to others. 

The cruelty and ruthlessness of a leader was shown at this time.

Mistress Tang liked Xiong Zhi personally, as she was the friend of her granddaughters, but this plaque was a different matter. 

'This young child should know that friendly relationships should not be mixed in when one's interest is involved. She is still too young.'