Chapter 232 - 185: The Feeling of Social Death, The Auction, and Money Should Be Spent More Meaningfully

They had started openly going out for tea, and the elderly Sang couple certainly weren’t about to let such a good opportunity slip by.

Thus, an outing for two often became an outing for four.

When Ni Guangli learned that their family of three had traveled a thousand miles to Rongcheng City over a decade ago just to eat a single meal he had cooked, his fondness for the Sang Family maxed out instantly!

After that, everything fell into place as a matter of course.

One morning, Ni Bingyan returned from Guozigou to find her dad wasn’t home, though his luggage was still there. Just as she was about to call and ask where he was, she heard the sounds of goodbyes from outside the courtyard. "Bye-bye," "Bye, see you tomorrow!"

The voices were unmistakable. It was the elderly Sang couple.

’Didn’t we agree to just see how things go first? How can he be so rash when it comes to matters of the heart?’

’No matter how well our parents get along, I’m the one who has to live this life. Of course I need to take my time and get to know him before making a decision!’

She didn’t want Sang Yuan to think she was deliberately stringing him along. She had specifically explained to him before that she was slow to warm up in relationships. Sang Yuan had nodded in acceptance, and only then had they started trying to date.

Now, her dad was clearly trying to fast-track everything, aiming straight for marriage.

’We haven’t even officially started dating yet!’

’This is so frustrating!’

’And my dad! He promised me, but the moment I’m not home, he throws his promise to the wind!’

The instant she heard the voices outside, Ni Bingyan frowned and ducked out of sight.

Only after she had actually shrunk behind the curtain did she realize—’What am I doing? Why am I even hiding?’

’Shouldn’t my dad, the big fat liar who went back on his word, be the one hiding from me?’

Ni Guangli came in humming a tune. Seeing the main door wide open, he looked awkward for a split second before immediately straightening his back and striding in as if he had every right to be there.

"You’re back?"

"Yeah."

Before Ni Bingyan could ask, Ni Guangli said, "Have you eaten? I just got back from a meal with the neighbors. They were all so warm and welcoming! You must have a great reputation around here; everyone told me how much they like you!"

All of Ni Bingyan’s questions were caught in her throat.

"I’ve eaten. What about you? I’ve been shooting from morning till night these past few days, and the set is too far to come back..."

"Oh, don’t you worry about it! It’s good for young people to be focused on their careers. I’m getting on in years myself, and I’ve been working around the clock for the last few years. It’s nice to finally take a break. Besides, your neighbors are wonderful people! I’ve had a delightful time with them!"

As he spoke, he awkwardly went into the courtyard to lead Wangcai, who had been sneakily eating blueberries, back inside.

"This little guy has been living the good life these past few days! He knows exactly which blueberries are ripe, better than anyone. One flick of his tongue, and down it goes. He’s really got it made!"

Afraid her dad would be lonely, Ni Bingyan had intentionally left Wangcai at home. Ni Guangli took him out every day, and not only did he meet lots of other dogs, but he also got plenty of tasty treats. Compared to his strict "mom," he was clearly living a much more pampered life with his "grandpa."

Ni Bingyan picked him up and noticed he’d gotten heavier again. She couldn’t help but complain, "How can you spoil him like this? If I have a baby in the future and you spoil them this much, won’t you spoil them rotten?"

Ni Guangli tilted his nose up and snorted unhappily.

"Spoiled? There’s no such thing as spoiling a child too much! Didn’t I dote on you completely while you were growing up? And you turned out just fine. Kids only develop a ton of bad habits when they *aren’t* spoiled enough!"

Ni Bingyan was rendered speechless by this logic.

’Considering the original owner’s love-addled brain... Ugh, forget it. Better not to say anything and save myself the anger.’

Seeing her back down, Ni Guangli became even more energized and insisted on talking to her.

"Sweetheart! You rarely get a half-day off. You should rest at home this afternoon, and tonight, Dad will take you to an auction to broaden your horizons! I was worried you wouldn’t be free today, but what a lucky coincidence!"

There were plenty of interesting things to do in the world, and for people with time and money, there were plenty of choices.

If one thing didn’t work out, another would. If he kept having her try new things, she was bound to find something she liked.

She was a young woman living like an ascetic monk. As her father, Ni Guangli simply couldn’t stand by and watch. He resolved not to return to Rongcheng City until he had set her on the right path!

"An auction?"

In Ni Bingyan’s mind, anything that made it to an auction was incredibly expensive and usually sold for a price far above its market value. Why would she go to an auction when she had nothing better to do? ’Do I have money to burn or something?’

"I told you last month, there’s a special jewelry auction!"

Remembering that she had indeed promised to go with him, and seeing the expectant look in his eyes, Ni Bingyan agreed.

That evening, the two of them dressed inconspicuously and arrived at the auction house early. They registered, paid the security deposit, and each received a numbered paddle before following a staff member inside.