Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 47.2 – Family Support (II)

Not long after, the auction officially began, and everyone moved to the main hall. Xia Mian estimated that there were about a hundred attendees.

They found seats near the front. Although Xia Mian had initially been uninterested, knowing Ning Shaoyun’s painting was here made her pay attention. The early lots were jewelry and accessories, which didn’t interest her or Ning Shaoyun. Xiao Feng, however, was fascinated by the large projector screen displaying the items.

Leaning against Xia Mian, he whispered, “Auntie, are all the antiques in the box?”

Xia Mian chuckled, ruffling his hair. “That’s a projection; it’s just showing images.” Realizing he didn’t understand, she used a universal trump card, “When you go to school and learn physics, you’ll get it.”

Soon, the antique lots began. Xiao Feng stared intently at the projected images on the screen.

Midway through the auction, it was finally time for Ning Shaoyun’s painting. The projection of the artwork was much larger and clearer than the catalog photo. The interplay of fierce winds and gentle protection radiated power, filling the room with awe.

Suddenly, Xia Mian felt a small hand grip hers. Looking down, she saw Xiao Feng gazing up at the painting. His eyes, full of focus, were filled with a curious, shining light.

Xia Mian smiled and gently patted his head.

The auctioneer began introducing the piece. “This is a work by up-and-coming artist Xue Yun. She was a student of the late master Qi Minghao, a legend in the art world.”

“At just 20 years old, she stunned audiences at an art exhibition, earning praise from industry professionals. Many collectors offered large sums for her works, but Master Xue Yun declined, saying she wanted to refine her skills further.”

“This is her first publicly available work in years. Its intricate brushwork and consistent themes of resilience and healing make it a highly valuable piece. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sure you all understand the value of this work. Bidding starts at 200,000!”

Xia Mian looked at Ning Shaoyun in surprise, not expecting her to be so renowned in the art world.

Holding back tears, Ning Shaoyun said, “Thinking back on these past years, I feel like I’ve let down my master’s teachings.”

Chenchen held Ning Shaoyun’s hand, “Mom is the best.”

Ning Shaoyun smiled and patted his head. “Yes, and Mom will do better.”

Chenchen finally broke into a smile.

Even a complete amateur like Xia Mian was deeply moved by the painting, let alone the art enthusiasts among the attendees. Almost without hesitation, bidders began participating, with some clueless speculators joining in.

The bidding slowed down only after reaching 500,000.

“500,000. Going once!”

A determined young man in the back raised his paddle. “510,000!”

“510,000 from this gentleman! Any other bids?”

“520,000!”

“550,000!”

Both Ning Shaoyun and Xia Mian were taken aback by the familiar voice. Xia Mian turned to confirm before whispering to Ning Shaoyun, “It’s Mr. Huo.”

Chenchen had already poked his head out. “It’s Dad.”

Ning Shaoyun lowered her eyes and said nothing. Finally, Ning Shaobai raised his paddle for the first time. “600,000.”

His voice was distinct, very recognizable. Xia Mian turned back to see Huo Xuewen glancing over, his eyes fell on Ning Shaoyun’s back. With a bitter smile, he lowered his paddle.

With Huo Xuewen stepping back, fewer people remained in the bidding. However, some people had obviously taken a great liking to the painting—for instance, the young man behind them, who gritted his teeth and stubbornly raised his paddle again. “610,000!”

Huo Xuewen glanced at Ning Shaobai, who remained silent. Seeing this, he quickly intervened, raising his paddle again. “650,000!”

“650,000. Do I hear any higher bids?” The auctioneer’s excitement was palpable.

The young man hesitated, but his friend next to him urged, “Bro, you’ve emptied all our funds already. You can’t afford it anymore.”

Reluctantly, the young man gave up. “This painting is so beautiful…”

Xia Mian couldn’t help but glance back at him. The young man slumped in his seat like a dejected puppy, his disappointment written all over his face.

With no other bids, Ning Shaobai raised his paddle again. “700,000.”

“700,000! Going once, going twice—”

Suddenly, a sharp female voice rang out. “800,000!”

‘What the—?’ Xia Mian turned and saw Zhou Qianqian in the corner, looking smug.

“What’s she doing here?” Xia Mian frowned.

“Probably here to see Director Luo,” Ning Shaobai said confidently. Glancing at Zhou Qianqian’s proud demeanor, he added with a sigh, “She’s indeed not very bright.”

“Hmm?” Xia Mian was puzzled. “She’s deliberately driving up the price, betting we’re determined to win.”

Ning Shaobai responded calmly, “But she knows this painting better than anyone else, doesn’t she? It’s the one she gave to Director Luo. The higher the price it fetches, the faster they’ll be finished.”

Raising the price? Xia Mian took a moment to process this. Right! If they were reported for bribery, the higher the amount, the more severe the consequences.

Xia Mian had a hunch that this was yet another move in Ning Shaobai’s calculated plan. But that was for later. After Zhou Qianqian bid 800,000, he didn’t raise his paddle again.

The auctioneer began the final countdown, and Zhou Qianqian’s face turned pale, clearly hadn’t expected Ning Shaobai to let the painting fall into her hands.

As the auctioneer was about to conclude the sale, Zhou Qianqian, drenched in sweat, looked panicked. Only then did Ning Shaobai raise his paddle. “850,000.”

The room fell silent. No one else bid.

Zhou Qianqian slumped in her seat, defeated, as Xia Mian turned back and shot her a mocking smile.

Gritting her teeth, Zhou Qianqian muttered, “Pretending to be rich. You don’t even have the money—you’ll just make Brother Xuewen pay for it!”

She glared at Huo Xuewen, who indeed had the same idea. After the auction ended and it was time to settle payments, he hurried over to Ning Shaobai, handing him a card. “If it’s not enough, use this.”

Ning Shaobai was about to push the card back when Chenchen shouted happily, “Dad!”

Huo Xuewen’s eyes flickered with emotion, as though he desperately wanted to hug the boy. Instead, he simply reached out and patted his head. “Have you been a good boy, Chenchen?”

Chenchen nodded guiltily. “Very good.”

Huo Xuewen caressed his son’s face, his expression unreadable, though he looked as if he might cry at any moment.

Ning Shaoyun, who had known him well since childhood, sensed something was off. “What’s wrong?”

Huo Xuewen seemed at a loss for words. “Xiao… Xiao Yun, I…” He closed his eyes briefly, his face filled with sorrow and regret. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

“Huh?” Ning Shaoyun looked even more confused.

Huo Xuewen glanced at Ning Shaobai, then took a deep breath and said, “Don’t worry, I will definitely give you and Chenchen justice.”

While Ning Shaoyun frowned in confusion, Xia Mian caught on. Huo Xuewen must have learned the truth about his parentage and the role the Huo family had played in Chenchen’s kidnapping.

Soon, Xia Mian’s suspicions were confirmed.

“Brother Xuewen!” Zhou Qianqian caught up to Huo Xuewen. Her demeanor and tone were completely different from before, exuding the condescension of someone who had suddenly risen in status.

Huo Xuewen’s gaze turned icy, and he immediately reverted to his cold and mechanical demeanor of ‘Mr. Huo.’

“Take care, Xiao Yun,” he said to Ning Shaoyun, then glanced at Ning Shaobai. “I’ll take my leave now.”

As Ning Shaoyun watched his figure walking toward Zhou Qianqian, she turned to her younger brother and asked, “What are you two hiding from me?”

Ning Shaobai smiled faintly.

Translator’s Note:

Sorry for the missing updates last week. It was a busy holiday season, and I ended up too busy to touch the laptop. I’m the only one with login access, so… yeah, totally my fault >_