She’s a Passerby, But Can See the Protagonist’s Halo

Yan and Zhu Jue returned to Boss Tu's shop. She stood at the entrance for a while, gazing at the golden toad placed by the door. Not long after, someone delivered the Five Emperors Coins from Boss Xu.

Holding the string of ancient coins in her hand, Yan felt an indescribable sense of calm wash over her. The coins were in impeccable condition, with no signs of wear or damage. Each coin, from a different dynasty, seemed to resonate with a subtle, soothing energy.

These were genuine spiritual artifacts!

If they could ward off negative energy for a home, they could certainly do the same for a person.

The value of such a unique set of Five Emperors Coins was undoubtedly high. Yan could sense their worth, and having already scored a bargain and enjoyed some excitement at Boss Xu's shop, she didn't hesitate for a moment at the six-figure price tag.

Money spent would return, especially since this was essentially free money she had come across today.

"What ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‍should we have for lunch?" Yan mused, rubbing her chin as they stepped out of Boss Tu's shop.

She had looked up options online earlier, but since Bin City's Antique Street had become a popular spot for social media influencers, some of the trendy eateries didn't appeal to her.

Just as she was about to search for a hidden gem of a local restaurant on her phone, a message from Chu Bingbing popped up.

**[Chu Bingbing]**: Yan! Are you still on Antique Street? Where are you? Help me!

Huh? What's going on with Chu Bingbing? Wasn't she supposed to be at school?

**[Chu Bingbing]**: I got lost on Antique Street, crying.jpg. I can't find the place I'm supposed to go. Help a directionally challenged girl out!

**[Chu Bingbing]**: Location: Bin City Antique Pedestrian Street, xxx

Reading the messages, Yan showed her phone to Zhu Jue. Both of their faces twisted in disbelief.

"Is everyone gathering here today? Is this some kind of destined meeting spot?" Zhu Jue sighed, his tone tinged with resignation.

"I feel like I'm just a tool in this grand scheme," Yan lamented, looking up at the sky.

What kind of day is this? Why is everyone showing up at Antique Street after I got here? Couldn't they have given me a heads-up?

It's like I'm a brick placed by fate, moved wherever the "chosen ones" need me.

**[Yan]**: We're still here. Stay where you are, and we'll come get you.

"Let's go pick up Bingbing," Yan said, sending the message.

Zhu Jue glanced at her phone and chuckled. "That message of yours... Why not go buy some oranges while you're at it?"

"Huh?" Yan took a closer look at her message and pinched him in retaliation.

"Hey, you rascal! Show some respect to your benefactor!"

"My bad, my bad. I obey, I obey," Zhu Jue said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Yan quickly sent another message.

**[Yan]**: By the way, keep an eye out around you. If there are any stalls or old men carrying vases or jade artifacts, steer clear. Don't get scammed.

Judging by Chu Bingbing's usual attire—though her clothes might not have obvious logos, her hair accessories, jewelry, and handbags clearly screamed luxury.

Her entire outfit probably cost no less than six figures.

She was a prime target for scammers!

With that thought, Yan grabbed Zhu Jue's hand and quickened her pace, heading toward the location Chu Bingbing had sent.

"Yan, over here—" Chu Bingbing stood on the steps of a milk tea shop, waving excitedly. She was carrying an H-brand lizard skin handbag, wearing a MIU-brand short-sleeve top and skirt set, and her wrists were adorned with stacked bracelets from Cartier and Van Cleef.

In one word: dazzlingly wealthy.

Of course, to Yan, what stood out even more was the glowing "must spend money or die" aura above her head.

Chu Bingbing was also holding three cups of milk tea. She greeted Zhu Jue with a shy "Hello."

Yan jogged over, slightly out of breath. "Why did you suddenly come here? You didn't mention anything this morning."

Chu Bingbing gave an awkward smile and handed over two of the milk teas. "I forgot about today's event. I only remembered there was an auction after you left, so I rushed over. But now I can't find the place."

In truth, she had been peacefully asleep when a sudden, urgent voice jolted her awake.

Half a month had passed, and the mandatory task had arrived out of nowhere. Chu Bingbing had practically leapt out of bed in shock, nearly tumbling to the floor.

The damn system had gone haywire, specifying the task location with pinpoint accuracy.

**[Mandatory Task: Make a Splash at the Auction]**

**[Task Description: As a mature tycoon, you must make a grand gesture at the auction, stunning everyone and announcing your presence to the world.]**

**[Task Details: Bid on the final lot at today's exclusive auction.]**

**[Location: Shigu Hui, Bin City Antique Street (No transfers, in-person spending only.)]**

**[Spending Limit: None]**

**[Countdown: 8:23:12]**

With that, Chu Bingbing carefully pulled out a black, gold-embossed invitation from her bag.

"I can bring two people. If you're free, would you like to join? There's free food and drinks in the private box."

Yan was shamelessly tempted.

This sounded like an incredibly high-end auction, complete with private boxes. Yan had thought private boxes were only a thing in novels, not real life.

She definitely wasn't just going to witness whatever drama was about to unfold around Chu Bingbing!

No, she really just wanted to broaden her horizons.

"It'd be boring to go alone," Chu Bingbing nudged Yan with her elbow. She felt a bit guilty about interrupting her roommate's date, but she couldn't very well send Zhu Jue back alone. Truth be told, this was her first time attending such an auction since being bound to the tycoon system. Despite her outwardly lavish demeanor, she was secretly nervous.

Yan glanced at Zhu Jue. "Shall we check it out? We've already finished our shopping, and we don't have any other plans."

"I'll go wherever you want," Zhu Jue replied.

"Then let's go," Chu Bingbing thought to herself with a quiet "YES." Having company made her feel much more confident.

"Let me look up this Shigu Hui... Huh? It's not showing up on the map," Yan frowned as she searched on her phone. No wonder Chu Bingbing thought she was lost.

"Right? Right?" Chu Bingbing nodded in agreement, then quickly fell silent, afraid Yan and Zhu Jue would ask why she couldn't find the place despite having the invitation.

"I'll ask someone," Yan quickly switched to her chat with Boss Tu.

**[Yan]**: Boss Tu, emergency! Do you know where Shigu Hui is on Antique Street?

**[Boss Tu]**: ?

**[Boss Tu]**: You're going there without knowing where it is?

**[Yan]**: A friend invited us to check it out, but we can't find it~~~

She didn't reveal Chu Bingbing's identity, simply saying they were going.

**[Boss Tu]**: Your friend must be loaded. They require proof of nine-figure liquid assets. Family connections, huh? I heard there's a top-tier private auction happening today.

**[Boss Tu]**: Go through Furong Residence. Have your friend ask the organizers to send someone down to escort you. You'll need the invitation to go upstairs.

"Got it!" After thanking Boss Tu, Yan led the way.

Chu Bingbing breathed a sigh of relief. She had been so anxious her scalp was tingling. She had asked a couple of people on the street, but no one had heard of this Shigu Hui place. Yan was a lifesaver!

If she failed this mandatory task, who knows how many days of her lifespan she'd lose.

Stupid tycoon system, it doesn't even reward you with extra life after completing tasks!

All it does is give money. What's the fun in just spending it?

Meanwhile, Yan was still processing the shock. Boss Tu had mentioned that the auction at Shigu Hui required proof of nine-figure assets. She felt a bit numb.

Nine figures, ten figures, eleven figures...

In front of her roommate, a billion seemed as common as cabbage! Everyone could casually throw around nine-figure sums.

But then... Yan suddenly thought of something.

If this was a nine-figure auction, maybe they'd run into other "chosen ones."

After all, three had already shown up on Antique Street today. A few more wouldn't surprise her.

Perhaps this was the destined stage for the chosen ones to make their grand entrance.

They quickly found Furong Residence. It was somewhat removed from the main street of Antique Street, with fewer tourists and vendors. The three-story building had an antique charm, but its purpose was unclear from the outside, making people hesitant to enter.

"Fancy," Yan remarked, impressed.

Before they could even reach the entrance, the three of them were stopped by stern and imposing security guards. A handsome waiter with a warm, welcoming smile approached and, after checking the invitation in Chu Bingbing's hand, bowed so deeply that his waist was almost parallel to the ground.

He effortlessly identified the true master among the three, but his attitude toward Yan and Zhu Jue was equally respectful.

The smile on his face wasn’t forced; it was genuine and heartfelt, evident to anyone who saw it.

"Esteemed guests, please follow me. I am Duo Fu, your exclusive butler for tonight's auction."

"Duo Fu?" Chu Bingbing exclaimed in surprise, thinking she had misheard.

"My apologies for not being clear earlier. It’s Duo Fu, as in 'abundant blessings.' I wish you all endless good fortune and prosperity."

The handsome butler, with his broad shoulders and narrow waist, showed no trace of annoyance at being misunderstood. Instead, he took the blame for the confusion.

Chu Bingbing was also taken aback. Ever since she had bound herself to the "God of Wealth" system, she had encountered countless service staff with impeccable smiles and high emotional intelligence. But someone with a name as straightforward as "Duo Fu" was a first for her.

"Is that... your stage name?" she asked hesitantly.

By now, they had been ushered into the elevator. Duo Fu's smile remained unchanged as he patiently explained.

"Yes. All our current butlers are named in a sequence that symbolizes wealth, blessings, prosperity, peace, good fortune, and longevity. It’s our way of offering the best wishes to our esteemed guests."

Yan was thoroughly impressed. The idea of auction house butlers using stage names was fascinating. She pondered for a moment and realized that these names were reminiscent of the servants and eunuchs in historical dramas—easy to remember and carrying auspicious meanings.

The elevator was spacious, and despite Duo Fu's tall stature, which should have made the confined space feel oppressive, Yan sensed that he deliberately made himself appear subordinate, further emphasizing the guests' elevated status.

They arrived at the third floor in the blink of an eye. They were first led into a private suite, where a dedicated tablet displayed a menu of exquisite dishes, ranging from 30-year-old Maotai to 1982 vintage red wine, and caviar freshly airlifted that day—all complimentary.

If desired, the suite even offered the option of having a hotpot prepared on the spot.

The suite was more like a luxury apartment than a mere private room. A large screen in the living room broadcast the auction in real-time, and Yan noticed a bidding console with a dizzying number of zeros displayed.

Chu Bingbing quickly settled into the suite and began browsing the auction items on the tablet.

The "no upper limit" requirement of today's mandatory task made her uneasy. The system had suddenly thrown her into the deep end, and she couldn’t quite comprehend why. It was like a thunderclap out of nowhere.

Who knew what the final lot would be? She didn’t have nine figures in liquid assets, and despite having experienced the system’s miraculous nature over the past few months, she still felt a lingering worry.

Moreover, she had no idea what the auction was primarily focused on—jewelry, paintings, or antiques? She was completely clueless about these things!

Chu Bingbing scrolled through the publicly listed items on the tablet. The first item was a piece of jewelry: a nearly 40-carat Burmese pigeon-blood ruby necklace, estimated at 20 million. Flipping to the next page, she saw a painting by an artist she didn’t recognize, also priced at 20 million!

Good heavens, was 20 million the starting point?

She flipped through a few more pages: a set of emerald-green jade, a Yongle-era blue-and-white dragon-patterned plate—both estimated at 30 million. Yan, who had leaned over to look, felt her scalp tingle.

Money, money, money—everywhere she looked, money seemed to lose its value.

Chu Bingbing, worried that Yan might feel out of place, called them over to order some food. "The auction hasn’t started yet. No point in waiting on an empty stomach."

After all, the money was destined to be spent, so why not make the most of it? If not for the limit on the number of guests she could bring, she would have invited more people to feast. She wasn’t one to pass up a free meal.

She inwardly mocked herself for being a poor person suddenly turned wealthy, a nouveau riche whose spending habits had upgraded but whose mindset hadn’t fully caught up.

The auction organizers had clearly gone above and beyond to cater to their guests. Every dish could be ordered in a "tasting portion," allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors without waste.

Yan didn’t hold back, ordering a wide array of dishes. Soon, a professional chef and butler Duo Fu arrived with a cart.

The chef expertly laid out the tableware and arranged the dishes. Yan noticed that the tasting portions were small, each plate about half the size of her palm. The juice was freshly squeezed on the spot.

After confirming that the guests didn’t require further assistance, Duo Fu politely excused himself and left the room, closing the door behind him.

As the entourage retreated with the cart, Yan popped a 30mm blueberry into her mouth. It was crisp, sweet, and carried a floral aroma—absolutely divine!

She leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath. "The smell of money—decadent, utterly decadent!"

"I’m doomed, Bingbing, Zhu Jue. I’m being corrupted," Yan said with a look of mock despair.

The chef, though dressed in a chef’s uniform, hat, and mask, was clearly a tall, fair-skinned beauty.

Both the butler and the chef were exceptionally good-looking, the kind of people who would stand out even among ordinary folks. Just looking at them was a pleasure.

The life of the wealthy truly seemed to be filled with sweetness, even in the air they breathed!

Chu Bingbing nodded subtly. Indeed, she usually rushed through her tasks by splurging in luxury stores, buying houses and cars as system rewards. While she had dined in high-end restaurants before, the grandeur of this auction suite was a first for her.

During the meal, Yan, unusually, didn’t distract herself with her phone. She ate with a solemn, almost reverent focus.

A5 Wagyu beef, truffles flown in from overseas, even a recreation of the "eggplant delicacy" from *Dream of the Red Chamber*. She also ordered some molecular cuisine she didn’t fully understand, along with diamond coffee—complete with gold foil accents on the plate.

Perhaps because her expectations were so high, Yan found the food delicious but not quite mind-blowing. Still, she knew that every bite she took was infused with the flavor of money.

If it weren’t for her roommate’s sudden wealth, she might never have tried some of these things—at least not if she were paying for them herself.

After the meal, a simple press of a button summoned the cart, which silently cleared away all the dishes. The room’s advanced air circulation system left no lingering smells.

Yan went to the bathroom, which was equipped with a smart toilet, a bathtub, and even a dedicated vanity area complete with toiletries and mouthwash.

Chu Bingbing was mindful of her image, but Yan had no such reservations. She explored every corner, touching and examining everything, while Zhu Jue played the role of her enthusiastic sidekick.

"Impressive."

"Amazing."

"Top-notch."

After thoroughly inspecting the suite, Yan opened the mini-fridge and froze at the sight of the free Crown bottled water.

How many diamonds were embedded in the bottle cap? Was it even drinkable?

She pulled out her phone to search for the brand. At 1,600 yuan a bottle, it was practically liquid diamonds.

Yan reached out a hand, and Zhu Jue immediately handed her the backpack. She stuffed six bottles inside.

"If only I’d brought a bigger bag today. I could’ve taken more back to show the girls," Yan lamented.

She regretted not bringing a larger bag, as she could have carried more.

"You could ask for a suitcase," Chu Bingbing suggested, watching Yan’s actions.

In the past, Yan would have emptied the entire fridge. But now, with a touch of nouveau riche pride, she held back. Chu Bingbing found it amusing how Yan seemed to read her mind and act on her behalf.

Yan thought for a moment. "These few bottles are enough. Any more would be too heavy."

Though she said that, she still felt a pang of regret.

Deep down, she was worried that something unexpected might happen, and they’d need to make a quick escape. A suitcase would only slow them down.

More importantly, all three roommates were here, and Yan strongly suspected that Ding Ling was also somewhere nearby.

"Fair enough," Chu Bingbing nodded. The mini-fridge was a retro design from a high-end brand, exuding a sense of sophistication. The bottles Yan had taken were the most expensive, while the other beverages were more modestly priced.

As they spoke, the three of them noticed the large screen in the private room suddenly change. The previously flickering images of auction items were replaced by a live feed.

"Is it starting?" Yan and Chu Bingbing sat on the sofa directly opposite, while Zhu Jue sat to the side.

Yan had already glanced through the auction catalog earlier. There were only nine items in total, with the final piece kept secret. She had no idea how many wealthy individuals were participating in this auction.

She guessed it wouldn’t take too long, but she was curious about what Chu Bingbing intended to buy.

The pigeon blood ruby necklace and the jade set were quickly sold. Yan noticed that the jade appeared to be of the highest imperial green grade, exuding an air of regal elegance. After just a few bids, the poised and dignified auctioneer announced with a smile, "Sold out."

When it came to the antique blue-and-white porcelain plate, the bidding became fierce. Yan watched the numbers on the screen skyrocket, far surpassing the speed of a stock market surge.

However, she observed that since the private room numbers were announced, most of the bidding was limited to a few individuals. Some dropped out midway, while others seemed uninterested in most items, as if they were only there for one specific piece.@@novelbin@@

Yan and Chu Bingbing were in private room number six, and so far, Chu Bingbing hadn’t placed a single bid.

But Yan noticed that Chu Bingbing seemed a bit restless, as if she were waiting for something.

"Yan, would you like to visit the appraisal room?" Chu Bingbing asked.

Earlier, the butler, Duo Fu, had explained that unlike regular auctions where previews were open to the public, the Shigu Xuan auction allowed all guests to view the items in separate appraisal rooms. Once the auction concluded, the items would be removed.

"Sure, it’s a good chance to broaden my horizons," Yan replied without hesitation. She guessed that Chu Bingbing might be planning to bid on something, and it was better to step out for a while.

She and Zhu Jue left the room, and Duo Fu promptly arranged for another attendant, Ru Yi, to guide them through the items.

Yan first went to see the jade set. She remembered it had sold for over thirty million. Under the indoor lighting, it was so breathtaking that she felt like even breathing might disturb its beauty.

"Is this imperial green? Is it the Longyang variety?" Yan asked curiously, using a term she had learned just a few hours ago.

"It’s imperial green from an old mine, but not the Longyang variety. Would you like to try it on?"

"Huh?" Yan was stunned.

"Didn’t it already sell? Can I still try it on?"

"Before the item is handed over, guests are allowed to appreciate it under conditions that ensure no damage."

And so, Yan experienced a moment where her perceived net worth skyrocketed by eight digits. After Zhu Jue took a few photos, she quickly asked to take it off, not trusting herself to keep it on for more than a minute!

After viewing several items, the auction reached its final, hidden piece.

It was a handscroll from the Zhou dynasty, featuring the calligraphy of three emperors and one princess. The most prized part was a quatrain written by Princess Jianing herself.

At that moment, Yan and Zhu Jue were in the appraisal room for the blue-and-white porcelain plate, watching the price on the screen surge wildly.

"The calligraphy of Princess Jianing and the three emperors is the only one of its kind in existence. While there are many genuine works from other emperors, authentic pieces from Princess Jianing are extremely rare. This handscroll holds unique historical significance," the appraiser explained to them.

The scroll, initially estimated at one hundred million, soared to 190 million and continued to climb.

Finally, the gavel fell, and the price settled at 360 million, making it the most shocking item of the auction.

In the last appraisal room, guests from all the private rooms gathered, eagerly admiring the Zhou dynasty handscroll displayed in a glass case.

"Ah, the Jianing style. I’ve always wanted a genuine piece from Princess Jianing. What a pity!" Yan overheard a middle-aged man lamenting.

"Out of the 360 million, I bet 200 million was just for Princess Jianing’s contribution."

"Could you please arrange for me to meet the final buyer?" She saw an elderly man in a Zhongshan suit, tears streaming down his face as he gazed at the item in the display case.

"Even Elder Cui couldn’t secure it. The museum’s budget must have fallen short. But the national treasures in the museum are already plentiful," a well-dressed woman commented, glancing at the elderly man.

"Elder Cui, as much as we respect you, this goes against protocol."

Yan’s ears perked up. Was this elderly man from a museum?

"The historical significance of this handscroll… the three emperors and Princess Jianing… I just want to meet the collector to ensure it will be well cared for," Elder Cui said, his voice trembling with emotion.

At that moment, Yan saw Chu Bingbing enter, led by Duo Fu. However, the other wealthy guests paid little attention, assuming Yan, Zhu Jue, and Chu Bingbing were just younger members of some family there to observe.

Chu Bingbing circled the imperial handscroll several times, growing more anxious by the minute. Damn system, she thought. She had won the bid, but this item was worth more than her entire existence. Where on earth was she supposed to keep it? She was still living in a dormitory, and this thing needed a climate-controlled environment!

Meanwhile, Elder Cui continued to make his request. Yan quietly filled Chu Bingbing in on what had just happened.

Chu Bingbing paused, deep in thought for a moment, then approached Elder Cui.

"Sir, what would you like to discuss with the owner of this scroll?" she asked politely but directly.

"Young lady, did your family acquire this? May I ask if they would consider transferring it to the Palace Museum?"

Chu Bingbing was still conflicted. In her previous missions, she had always been required to make tangible purchases, and direct cash or item donations were strictly prohibited.

But this time, when she tentatively asked the system if the items she purchased today could be donated, the system didn’t reject the idea. Instead, it responded, "If it can bring the host significant public recognition, it is permitted."

The sudden appearance of this mission, coupled with the demand for fame, left Chu Bingbing pondering its deeper meaning.

But if it was allowed… well, it wasn’t her money anyway. Why not?

"I’m the one who bought it," Chu Bingbing declared.

What? The surrounding guests couldn’t help but turn their attention to Chu Bingbing. Spending 360 million just like that? Since when did Bin City have such an extravagantly wealthy heiress?

"What a coincidence," she said with a sweet smile.

"If you hadn’t come, I would have had to reach out myself. I plan to donate this imperial handscroll to the museum."

She delivered these two sentences effortlessly, and the system remained silent. Chu Bingbing was overjoyed—it was actually feasible.

With just three sentences, the entire room fell into stunned silence.

"Wow," a well-dressed woman couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Whose reckless daughter is this?" someone muttered under their breath.

Yan’s mind was stuck in a loop: "360 million," "360 million," "donated," "donated."

Forgive her for being a materialistic person!

"Of course, there are conditions," Chu Bingbing continued.

"I don’t need money. First, I want the handscroll to be displayed after donation, allowing everyone to appreciate it."

"Second, the exhibition must credit me as the donor."

"That’s… that’s it?" Elder Cui’s voice trembled. Yan and Zhu Jue slowly moved closer, worried the elderly man might collapse from excitement.

"That’s it," Chu Bingbing confirmed.

As the only newcomer at the auction, Chu Bingbing exchanged contact information with the other guests, who all expressed their desire to attend the donation ceremony.

However, no matter how subtly they probed into her background, Chu Bingbing simply smiled without answering.

Since Chu Bingbing still had to handle the auction’s finalization, payment, commissions, and discussions with Elder Cui, Yan and Zhu Jue took their leave.

One hundred million.

Two hundred million.

Three hundred and sixty million.

As they walked out of Furong Residence, Yan sighed, "Everyone around me is a billionaire except me."

Zhu Jue, carrying an expensive bottle of mineral water, chimed in, "You’re a billionaire too."

"Didn’t Ru Yi say that the last time Princess Jianing’s calligraphy was publicly auctioned seven years ago, it sold for 160 million?"

Yan had a piece of Princess Jianing’s authentic calligraphy in her possession!

The thought filled her with mixed emotions. "I’m a fake billionaire."

Something that couldn’t see the light of day couldn’t truly be counted as an asset.

For anyone else, discovering that their three roommates were earning nine figures daily and casually spending hundreds of millions might lead to a mental breakdown.

Yan and Zhu Jue had long grown accustomed to being overshadowed by the extraordinary individuals around them in every aspect, with wealth and family background being just the most mundane of comparisons.

She was content, simply wanting to sip some soup by the side of a wealthy lady.

At this moment, Yan let out a long sigh, "Is the heavens determined to strike me down? Let the storm rage even fiercer."

With that, she sent a direct message to Ding Ling.

【Yan】: Where are you?

Based on Yan's previous observations of the law governing the gathering of extraordinary individuals, since three of them had already arrived, the last one was surely bound to make a grand scene at the antique street.

One had shaken up a small stall, another had stunned a large jade shop, and the third had dominated a private auction, each causing a ripple effect that grew exponentially more intense.

Yan suddenly felt a twinge of worry—what if Ding Ling ended up wrecking the entire antique street?