Five Years

Chapter 1: Five Years Later

Five years had passed in the blink of an eye, but that didn’t mean the world had stopped turning. People had continued to play their games of survival, scheming and fighting to carve out a place for themselves in this ever-shifting world. Some had managed to make it, while others fell by the wayside. But one thing was certain—no one was untouched by the ripple effects of the past.

And now, as the evening sky stretched across City A, the familiar hum of life surged toward an unlikely gathering—the Ding Ja Auction Hall. Inside, anticipation hung thick in the air like a fog. Rumors had been circulating for weeks about a certain mysterious item that was to be auctioned tonight, one that had piqued the curiosity of the elite. Whispers of a flower that promised immortality had driven the wealthy, the powerful, and the desperate to gather here. Some sought to see the impossible with their own eyes, while others were driven by more personal motives.

Outside the grand building, luxury cars lined the streets, their polished surfaces reflecting the glow of the evening lights. People bustled through the entrance, each dressed in the finest attire, their heels clicking on the marble floors as they entered the auction hall. It was a spectacle—a fusion of business, wealth, and allure. Laughter and conversation echoed through the space, as deals were made and alliances forged.

The atmosphere was electric, each person trying to outshine the other in their opulence, each with their own agenda. But amid the crowd, there were those who had come for more than just the prestige of being seen. They had come for the rumored treasure—the flower said to grant immortality. Whether it was myth or truth, none could say, but tonight, many hoped to find out.

Inside the auction hall, the spotlight shifted from item to item. One by one, treasures were unveiled: pearls that gleamed like stars, ancient vases that held centuries of history, sculptures that carried the weight of forgotten dynasties. The bidding was fierce, the stakes high. But it was the next item that truly caught the attention of the crowd.

"Good evening, esteemed guests," the auctioneer, Tang Ding, greeted with a wide smile. His voice echoed through the hall, carrying with it an air of both authority and charm. "We appreciate your presence tonight. As many of you know, 70% of tonight's earnings will go to the Tang Foundation, which supports scholarships for underprivileged students. Your generosity will change lives, and for that, we thank you."

The room quieted as the first item was presented—a beautiful pearl known as the "Mermaid’s Tear." It shone with an almost supernatural radiance, its pale surface shimmering under the lights. It was an exquisite object, drawing gasps from the audience as its beauty captivated everyone present.

"Let the bidding begin," Tang Ding announced, his voice carrying the excitement in the room. The auction went smoothly as the pearl was sold for £1.5 million, a price that left the audience in awe. It was only the beginning of what would prove to be an unforgettable night.

Among the guests, two figures stood out: Wu Shendong and Liu Yanqiang. They were seated near the back, their eyes sharp as they observed the events unfolding. The two had been friends for years, but tonight, their thoughts were on the same singular goal—the mysterious flower.

"Do you think it's real?" Shendong asked, his voice low, his tone tinged with a mixture of excitement and skepticism. "I mean, the rumors... a flower that grants immortality? Sounds like a fairytale."

Yanqiang, always the more pragmatic of the two, leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "I don't know. But there's something about this that feels different. My grandfather... he’s been involved in something similar before. He told me once about a person, a mysterious figure who appeared out of nowhere. It was that person who helped save my parents, and they mentioned the same flower."

Shendong’s eyes widened. "Your grandfather was involved in this too? Then this flower—could it be—"

"I’m not sure," Yanqiang interrupted. "But I know this—whatever it is, it’s worth pursuing. Just stay calm tonight. Don’t make your interest too obvious. We’ll find out more when the time is right."

The auction continued with high-end antiques, rare artworks, and valuable heirlooms being sold to the highest bidder. But as the night wore on, the most anticipated item had yet to make its appearance. It was the one thing everyone in the room was waiting for, though none dared to voice it aloud.

Finally, the moment arrived.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Tang Ding’s voice rang through the room, "our next item is something very special. It has been shrouded in mystery, and tonight, we are honored to present it to you. A vial of a rare and potent substance, known only to a select few. It is rumored to restore vitality and enhance strength. Starting bid: £30,000."

Shendong’s heart raced as his eyes locked on the small vial resting delicately in the display case. The liquid inside shimmered with a soft, eerie glow, and an almost magnetic pull drew him toward it.

"Yan, this is it," Shendong whispered urgently. "This is the one my mother needs."

Yanqiang raised an eyebrow but nodded slightly, giving his friend a signal to hold back. "Don’t act too eagerly, Shendong. Wait for the right moment."

The bidding war began, with several high-profile attendees placing their offers. But it wasn’t long before Shendong’s patience wore thin. His hand shot up, and with a steady voice, he called out, "£4 million."

The room fell silent, and the auctioneer’s eyes widened in surprise. "£4 million, going once… twice… thrice—sold to Young Master Wu!"

Shendong’s pulse raced, but he maintained a calm exterior. His hand remained still, his face stoic, even as excitement surged through him. This was what he had come for. The vial, the key to saving his mother, was now his.

Later, the auction concluded, and Tang Ding led Shendong and Yanqiang to a private room. They were to meet the person behind the vial—someone who had been shrouded in mystery. The door creaked open, and inside stood a woman, alone, with her back to them. She was dressed simply but elegantly, her presence almost ethereal.

"Good evening, Young Masters," she said, her voice warm and welcoming yet somehow distant. She turned to face them, revealing her delicate features, and smiled. "I’m the one responsible for this vial."

Yanqiang and Shendong exchanged a look, both startled by the enigmatic woman before them. Her demeanor was strangely familiar yet distant, as if she were both here and not here at the same time.

"I wanted to thank you for your generosity," she continued, her eyes locking with Shendong’s. "And to personally hand this over to you."

As she extended the vial, her sleeve shifted slightly, revealing a mark on her wrist—a flower-like symbol that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it caught both men’s attention immediately.

Before either of them could say a word, her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen, and with a polite smile, she excused herself. "I must take this call. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon."

She left as swiftly as she had come, disappearing into the hallway without leaving a trace. Shendong was left holding the vial, his mind racing with questions.

"What just happened?" he muttered, his fingers tracing the smooth surface of the vial. "Who was she?"

Yanqiang’s gaze was focused elsewhere, his thoughts racing. "I don’t know, but I saw it too—the flower mark on her wrist. My grandfather mentioned it before... that same symbol. It’s the same person he encountered all those years ago."

Shendong stared at the vial in his hand, his heart pounding. "Do you think she’s the one behind this? The one who made the potion?"

Yanqiang didn’t answer immediately, but his face betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. "I think we’ve just scratched the surface. And I don’t know about you, but something about her—about all of this—feels surreal."

As they left the room, both men were filled with a sense of unease. There was something more to this than just a simple auction, and neither of them knew exactly what it was. But one thing was certain—the flower, the vial, the mysterious woman—they were all part of a much larger, plot.

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