TGA Chapter 81

Jin Xiaoyuan, after being subtly reminded by Chu Qianli, suddenly felt like an unnecessary presence. After bustling around the hotel for a bit, exchanging a few more pleasantries with Tan Muxing, and recommending several well-known high-end couture brands, he quickly made his exit.

“These stores are the most famous ones; you’re sure to find something you like. I won’t tag along.” Jin Xiaoyuan raised his eyebrows meaningfully and smiled. “How about this—I’ll host you before you leave. But for the next couple of days, I shouldn’t steal Muxing’s chance to shine.”

Faced with Jin Xiaoyuan’s blatant insinuation, Tan Muxing found it difficult to argue further and simply replied politely, “…Thank you.”

Moments later, Jin Xiaoyuan left the hotel, leaving behind only Chu Qianli and the others.

Qi Shu arranged for the rest of the staff to transport their luggage, making sure Chu Qianli’s and Tan Muxing’s belongings were delivered to their respective rooms. He sighed, “This time, he left pretty quickly. Last time, he clung to the old lady relentlessly.”

Jin Xiaoyuan had always insisted on accompanying the Tan family whenever they visited G City, fearing they wouldn’t enjoy themselves enough.

Chu Qianli, hearing this, looked quite pleased with herself. “Of course! I have a knack for getting rid of people—I say exactly what they need to hear.”

Tan Muxing was momentarily taken aback by her smug tone. His gaze wavered as he hesitated for a long time before finally testing the waters. “…So, should we go buy a dress later?”

After speaking, he instinctively lowered his head, his gaze dropping uneasily.

“Of course not, I already brought one,” Chu Qianli said in surprise. “No need to buy another.”

“Oh…” Tan Muxing had already mentally prepared for this, but he still felt a sudden pang of disappointment. He responded softly, “Alright.”

So she really had just been helping him out, knowing he wasn’t good at dealing with Jin Xiaoyuan.

“Then let’s rest for a bit. After we change, we’ll meet at the entrance,” Tan Muxing forced a smile and said. “You must be tired too.”

“Okay, message me when you’re ready.” Chu Qianli eagerly skipped out the door. “I’m going to check out the view from my room.”

“Mm.”

Tan Muxing watched her cheerful retreating figure, suddenly at a loss for words. It felt as though his chest had been flooded with bitter seawater, leaving him speechless and heavy-hearted. He shook his head, trying to dispel the sense of loss, and went to change his clothes.

Not long after, dressed in a dark suit, Tan Muxing sent Chu Qianli a message and waited at the entrance. However, when he saw her emerge in her dress, he froze.

Tan Muxing stared at the familiar design, his face filled with astonishment. “This is…”

Chu Qianli wore a classical court-style dress, gracefully twirling in place. The fabric shimmered under the lights like stardust scattered across the night sky. She boasted, “What do you think?”

Tan Muxing had once given her this dress for her birthday, but he never expected her to wear it now. Seeing his own amateur creation in this setting, he was completely caught off guard. “You’re going to wear that?”

Chu Qianli had never worn it before, so he had assumed she had just tucked it away somewhere. Who would’ve thought she’d pull it out today?

“Yeah. It’s a rare opportunity.” Chu Qianli nodded. “Isn’t it perfect?”

“We should pick another one,” Tan Muxing stammered, feeling embarrassed. “…I made it so poorly. This one really isn’t suitable—I’ll buy you a better one.”

Chu Qianli stubbornly refused. “No. I want to wear this one.”

Tan Muxing saw how adamant she was and tried to negotiate, speaking gently, “Why don’t we go browse one of the stores Uncle Jin recommended? We still have time, and we might find something even better.”

“No browsing,” Chu Qianli shook her head. “This one.”

“But I really didn’t do a good job—it’ll look terrible at the auction…” Tan Muxing muttered hesitantly. Everyone else at the auction would be wearing extravagant designer gowns, while Chu Qianli would be in something he had made. It just didn’t seem appropriate.

Chu Qianli remained unfazed. “That’s your problem. You’d better get used to it and reflect on yourself.”

“……”

Chu Qianli happily spun around in circles, as if she couldn’t wait to show off the dress to everyone. She even bounced around excitedly.

Tan Muxing, completely mortified, hurriedly chased after her, earnestly trying to persuade her, “Please, change into another one. I’ll go with you to pick one.”

“Not changing, not changing, definitely not changing!” Chu Qianli dodged nimbly to evade Tan Muxing’s pursuit, teasing, “You should be grateful I’m not forcing you to write an 800-word compliment—better not keep picking on me.”

Her eyes sparkled with laughter, as if filled with starlight.

Tan Muxing was momentarily stunned. After a few seconds of silence, he lowered his gaze and asked, “Why do you insist on wearing this one?”

“No reason.”

“But there are so many better ones.”

“But I just want to wear this one.”

Just moments ago, Tan Muxing had been feeling down in his room, but now, it was as if he were walking on soft cotton candy. The air seemed to be filled with a sweet, floating sensation that made him feel light and giddy.

He pressed his lips together and conceded, “…Alright.”

Hearing this, Chu Qianli lifted her chin triumphantly and pushed further, “Does it look good?”

Tan Muxing raised his eyes, his gaze gentle. “It looks good.”

She was always so free-spirited and unrestrained, and even he couldn’t help but be affected by her joy.

They dropped the topic of the dress and, instead, chatted and laughed as they got into the car and headed to the auction venue.

On a large screen, various pieces of information scrolled, including the logo of Rosia Auction House.

The hall was brightly lit, filled with men and women dressed in luxurious attire, browsing all sorts of rare and valuable items. Each exhibition hall varied—some were bustling with people, while others were nearly deserted.

It was Chu Qianli’s first time at an auction house, and she curiously looked around before asking, “I thought there would be an auctioneer?”

“This is just the preview stage,” Tan Muxing patiently explained. “The actual auction happens further inside. Some halls even require a deposit to enter. You can check out items now and come back for the auction if something catches your eye.”

“Got it. Let’s go find the remaining cards now.” Chu Qianli spotted a lively exhibition hall on one side and confidently strode toward it.

Tan Muxing quickly stopped her. “We’re not going that way.”

Chu Qianli: “?”

Tan Muxing pointed in the opposite direction. “It’s this way.”

Moments later, the two of them arrived at a secluded exhibition hall to search for the relics of the astrologer.

Chu Qianli looked around and was shocked. “There’s barely anyone here?”

She hadn’t even noticed this hall earlier—mainly because there were so few visitors inside.

Tan Muxing sighed. “…Because the items you’re looking for don’t really attract much attention.”

Though Chu Qianli regarded the Red Crystal Tarot as a treasure, most people had no idea what it was for. They wouldn’t care about the belongings of an astrologer. Most outsiders didn’t even understand astrology, let alone an old tarot deck—especially one that was incomplete.

Sure enough, Chu Qianli quickly found Lyle Gadbury’s relics. His real name was listed in the preview hall, but the introduction labeled him as a painter, not an astrologer.

Lyle Gadbury’s relics were placed in a corner, making them seem even more neglected in the already deserted hall. The description listed them as artist sketches and painting tools, grouping all the astrological diagrams under “artworks.”

Chu Qianli felt utterly wronged. “I can feel the world’s hostility toward astrologers! Why did they classify him as an unknown painter?”

“Newton was an astrologer too!” she protested. “You all just look down on us!”

Tan Muxing hesitated to point out that most people only knew Newton as a scientist. Instead, he tried to comfort her, “Uh… Maybe because astrologers don’t get insurance and benefits?”

Since she couldn’t reach through the display case to examine the manuscripts, and she wasn’t sure where the remaining Minor Arcana cards were, Chu Qianli decided to ask a uniformed staff member in the hall.

“Excuse me, when will these items be auctioned?”

“Oh, these?” The female staff member seemed slightly surprised when she saw the items, then politely said, “One moment, I’ll check for you.”

The two of them quickly thanked her and waited by the display case.

Before long, the staff member returned and kindly informed them, “Actually, this particular lot is a bit special. If you’re really interested, you can take it home today after completing the necessary procedures.”

Tan Muxing was taken aback. “Isn’t this the preview stage? We don’t have to wait for the auction?”

The staff member smiled. “No need. If you really like it, you can take it today.”

Tan Muxing hesitated. “But last time, I had to wait until after the auction…”

The staff member, still smiling, firmly reassured him, “That won’t be necessary for these items.”

Tan Muxing sensed the enthusiastic sales pitch, while beside him, Chu Qianli was pouting like a sulky child. He quickly relented,

Moments later, the staff efficiently processed their purchase, giving off the distinct vibe of a clearance sale.”…Alright, thank you.”

Chu Qianli muttered gloomily, “This astrologer’s relics were totally sold at a bargain price, weren’t they? They must’ve been! What happened to the auction? They just skipped straight to selling it?”

Tan Muxing chuckled and reassured her, “Maybe they had too many failed auctions before. But hey, at least it was easy for us to get them.”

Chu Qianli grumbled, “What exactly is in the other exhibition halls? What could be more valuable than the legacy of an astrologer!?”

“Mostly rare jewelry or valuable antiques—things that retain their value, like jade or rare pearls.”

Chu Qianli had been fuming just a moment ago, but now her eyes sparkled. She instantly changed her tune, “Really? I want to see!”

Tan Muxing, seeing her expectant gaze, suddenly had a vision of He Shichen’s disapproving expression in his mind. Yet, he had no power to resist her pleading look and hesitated, “I guess… it wouldn’t hurt to take a look…”

Since they had already completed the purchase and were just waiting for the paperwork, they had time to explore the other exhibition halls.

Chu Qianli eagerly rushed into the most crowded hall, immediately dazzled by the countless glittering jewels and luxury accessories. It was like stepping into a world of opulence and indulgence.

Priceless treasures from across the ages had been gathered here—surviving the erosion of time and the trials of history, yet still holding immense value.

Nearby, a couple admired the auction items in a display case. The woman gasped in awe, “This piece is absolutely stunning.”

The man looked embarrassed. “Stop looking, stop looking…”

“What’s wrong with looking? Just because you don’t have a bidding number, you can’t even look?”

Hearing their conversation, Chu Qianli asked curiously, “What’s a bidding number?”

Tan Muxing explained in a low voice, “It’s proof of entry for the auction hall. Some auctions are so popular that while the previews are open to the public, not everyone is allowed into the auction itself. You have to pay a deposit first.”

“The more expensive the auctioned items, the higher the deposit required. Once you have a bidding number, you’re eligible to place bids and can sit inside the auction hall.”

Chu Qianli suddenly understood—this was a way to pre-screen customers using bidding numbers. If you didn’t have money, you wouldn’t even have the chance to watch the auction.

The two of them wandered around the exhibition hall. Chu Qianli was dazzled by all the different jewels. Since she knew nothing about gemstones, she was completely confused and soon felt overwhelmed.

Looking at the dazzling array of colorful stones, she suddenly thought of a song lyric: “Black, white, red, yellow, purple, green, blue, gray”—but she couldn’t tell them apart.

To make things worse, there were no price tags in this exhibition. It seemed as if everyone was expected to estimate the value on their own, making it impossible for her to judge based on price.

Chu Qianli groaned in frustration. “I just realized that studying is really important.”

Tan Muxing was taken aback. “Why the sudden epiphany?”

“If I hadn’t neglected my studies, I’d at least know how to pick the most expensive one!” As a complete outsider, Chu Qianli naturally wanted to rely on numbers to judge auction items. But without public price tags, she had no way to decide, leaving her deeply frustrated.

Tan Muxing: “…”

Hearing this, Tan Muxing felt that this was probably the only consolation He Shichen could take from her poor academic performance.

One can never earn beyond their level of understanding—just as a clueless child can never lose more money than they can comprehend.

 

I am just a novice translator and Chinese is not my native language. I try my best to translate the chapters as accurate as possible.
If there are any mistakes then kindly comment and remind me. Your support means a lot.