Climbing The Ranks As The Best Doctor

Chapter 9: The Price of Stupidity

The auction commenced with a gong so loud it rattled the wine in everyone's glasses. Velvet curtains parted, revealing a radiant stage, lavishly decorated with gold, shimmering silk drapes, and expertly positioned lighting that allowed every guest an unobstructed view. 

A collective hush fell over the room as nobles whispered, shuffled, and adjusted their seats, their faces a mixture of excitement and anticipation. 

They expected a spectacle, and they were eager to witness it.

Shen reclined lazily in his seat beside Rosa Han, his long legs crossed casually. One hand propped up his cheek, while the other rhythmically tossed a candied almond into his mouth, savoring the sweet and slightly sour taste.

He appeared utterly unconcerned with the unfolding events, a stark contrast to the palpable tension in the room.

Rosa leaned closer, her voice a mere whisper, yet filled with urgency. “Shen, you have to help me identify the right herb. If you do… I’ll buy you anything you want. Just name it, and it’s yours.” Her eyes pleaded with him, showing the desperation she felt for her grandfather's recovery.

Shen chuckled, a deep, low, and amused sound that resonated in the quiet space. 

He cast a teasing glance at her, a flicker of mischief in his eyes

'Anything, huh?' He mused, a hint of intrigue coloring his thoughts.

Rosa was unaware that this entire auction had been orchestrated, in a way, specifically for him. Every item of real significance that would be presented tonight had been carefully selected with his tastes in mind. 

If he so much as raised a finger in the direction of the right person, someone would come running, offering him any piece from their collection, even prostrating themselves in respect. He held more power in this room than anyone realized, including Rosa.

Still, he leaned in close to her, close enough to make Rosa shift uncomfortably in her seat. His breath tickled her ear as he spoke.

“Anything?” he whispered, his eyes gleaming with a hint of something that made her skin prickle.

Rosa Han nodded, her expression serious, her resolve unwavering.

“Even the grand prize? A private lunch with the infamous GOLDMASTER himself?” Shen teased, his voice deliberately loud enough to make several members of the nearby crowd choke on their drinks. 

He watched with amusement as they coughed and sputtered, their faces turning red with embarrassment.

Rosa’s eye twitched almost imperceptibly, but Shen caught the subtle movement.

 She hesitated for a fleeting moment, weighing the implications of her promise, then sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice. “…Even that.”

“Oooh.” Shen grinned, his eyes sparkling with delight. “You’re really giving it your all, or rather, giving me your all.” He settled back in his seat, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

Then the auction began in earnest. It started slowly, with relatively minor items. First, a fancy *jian* sword that had once belonged to a long-dead warrior, its blade gleaming with a deadly sharpness. 

Then, a jade scroll from a dynasty that had vanished from the face of the earth, its secrets lost to time.

But then…

“Behold! A 45-carat Diamond of the Azure Sky!” the announcer bellowed, his voice echoing through the hall. With a flourish, he dramatically lifted a glittering rock, its facets catching the light and scattering it in a dazzling display. The crowd erupted with shouts and exclamations, their voices a mixture of awe and desire.

Bidding started aggressively, with nobles vying for the prize, their voices rising in a crescendo of competing offers. 

Then suddenly…

“Ten million gold pieces!” Tomoe Ling shouted, rising dramatically from his seat, making sure that everyone in the room saw him. 

He reveled in the attention, basking in the spotlight like a moth drawn to a flame.

Gasps echoed through the hall, and murmurs rippled through the crowd. They turned to stare at Tomoe, their faces a mixture of shock and speculation.

Tomoe stood tall, his chest puffed out, soaking in the awe, the shock, the attention. In truth, the diamond was far too expensive for him, pushing the limits of his family's wealth, but compared to the boost it would give to his reputation, it was a worthwhile investment.

“Could he actually be rich?” one whispered.

“Maybe he really does know Master Jin…” another murmured.

“He must be a hidden dragon…” a third speculated.

Tomoe puffed out his chest even further, his eyes darting smugly toward Shen, a triumphant gleam in their depths. “This diamond,” he announced to the crowd, his voice ringing with confidence, “is the exact item the GOLDMASTER came to Ling City for. I plan to offer it to him personally, as a gesture of goodwill between our two houses.” He paused for effect, letting his words sink in.

Shen bent low in his seat, trying his best not to burst out laughing. 'Oh, you adorable idiot,' he thought, shaking his head in amusement.

The GOLDMASTER had less interest in diamonds than he did in actual rocks. To him, there was no difference. A diamond was just a really strong rock that happened to shine a lot. What he was really interested in hadn’t even appeared yet.

Then came the next item, the one that Rosa had been waiting for.

“Behold! The legendary Immortal Life herb!” the announcer cried, his voice filled with reverence. A velvet box was carried out with extreme care, as if it contained something truly precious.

Shen’s eyebrow lifted slightly, a flicker of interest in his eyes, while Rosa leaned in, her breath held in anticipation.

“Is this it?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Is that the Heart of Jintai?”