A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

He wasn’t one to contend with words, thus he was unable to outspeak the sharp-tongued Li Lei. At that moment, he only spoke with a deep voice, “Cut the crap, it’s your turn to bid.”

Li Lei shrugged and replied nonchalantly, “Five million.”

Oh my god, five million! The surrounding diners were stricken dumb with amazement. Previously, they had guessed that it would be four million, but in the end, Young Master Li started off with five million! The fact that Young Master Li spent five million on an ice-cream would definitely spark discussion. People who were clear about his abilities would know that even though he was from a wealthy family, he had fought hard to achieve his status today. Those who weren’t clear would definitely think of him as a prodigal son squandering the family fortune away!

Xia Ling tugged at him again and shook her head with all her might.

Li Lei only smiled. “Be good, don’t hinder your man from showing off.”

What did he just say… her man…?!

Xia Ling’s face turned black. That guy was taking advantage of her just because she couldn’t rebut him!

When she was off to another world, Pei Ziheng had already upped his bid. “Ten million.”

There was complete silence.

People who were exclaiming and discussing the situation had all realized that something fishy was going on. Even if they were just trying to vent their spleen, they were clearly going overboard. Ten million was enough to buy a girl a mansion, which girl would choose an insignificant ice-cream over a mansion? To bid for the ice-cream with such a whopping price, the restaurant might not necessarily dare to accept such a huge amount of money!

Indeed, the Four Season’s Restaurant dared not accept.

When the prices went too high, even if the bidder had managed to make a hit and vent their spleen, things may be different after they calmed down. They might feel that they were cheated by the restaurant and at that moment, the restaurant would be in deep trouble.

Thus, with such a high bid, the restaurant’s emcee had no choice but to intervene. “Alright, Mr. Pei is willing to pay ten million. Mr. Li, are you willing to pay ten million as well?”

“Ten million?” Li Lei sneered and continued, “I would have no problem with twenty million.”

“Thirty million.” Pei Ziheng upped his bid without batting an eyelid.

“Four…”

Li Lei was about to continue when the emcee shouted hastily. “Stop—!”

If this were to go on, her weak heart would not be able to take it. She was an old-timer auction emcee at Four Seasons Restaurant and was used to seeing money. However, this was the first time she encountered such troublesome money. “Ten million, ten million is the maximum.” The emcee forced a laugh. She didn’t dare to allow those two big shots to continue upping their bid. “Since the two big… two gentlemen are willing to pay ten million, it would not be possible for either of them to win if the auction continues. What do you think about playing a mini-game instead?”

To decide the winner with a mini-game?

“Sure.” Li Lei agreed, nodding his head.

Both Pei Ziheng and him did not lack money, there was indeed no point in continuing with the bidding. It would be better if they were to switch to another method.

Pei Ziheng frowned secretly. He was here for Xia Ling’s last wishes, and it was imperative for him to get that ice-cream. If it was sold like an auction item, nothing could go wrong if he were to spend large amounts of money, but who could predict what would happen if they were to play a mini-game?

He was about to reject the idea when Li Lei stared at him, with his lips curled slightly. “Don’t tell me you are afraid, Boss Pei.”

It was imperative for Li Lei to get the ice-cream as well, but he was extremely willing to let Xia Ling get a good look at his numerous talents. It was as though he was a peacock courting a peahen, grasping at all chances to show off. If not, it would be extremely dull to just flaunt his wealth. Furthermore… he was being sneaky, and a sly thought had already flashed through his mind. With such a boring and disinteresting character, how would it be possible for Pei Ziheng to know how to participate in mini-games?

With that, Li Lei took it a step further to provoke him. “Boss Pei, if you are afraid to lose, you could also admit defeat now.”

“Why would we do that.” Surprisingly, it was Xia Yu who spoke first. At that moment, Xia Yu stood up from her seat, as though she was a willow branch trembling in the wind, appearing as a delicate beauty. “However, I would like to challenge Ye Xingling. Ye Xingling, do you dare to compete with me in this mini-game?”

She understood that Pei Ziheng was a strict and disciplined man and he would most likely be no match for Li Lei in terms of playing mini-games. She would never stand by doing nothing while Brother Ziheng lost to that adulterous couple. It was her time to shine — she wasn’t certain if she could win against Li Lei, but she was absolutely sure that she could defeat that bitch Ye Xingling.

The diners burst into an uproar. Were they seeing things? That weak-looking girl beside Pei Ziheng wanted to challenge the girl next to Li Lei? What was going on?! Were the girls going to tear each other apart in battle?

That being said…

“What happened previously between Xia Yu and Ye Xingling gave rise to much discussion, and the intricate case has yet to be settled.”

“Well, this time enemies are crossing each other’s paths. Xia Yu was slapped by her, it’s no wonder that she cannot take it lying down and is eager for battle.”

“Exactly, she needs to protect her reputation.”

The crowd burst into discussion and was eager to see what would happen next. A few diners even ordered a few more dishes.

This time, it was Li Lei’s turn to frown. “Who are you? What makes you think you are qualified to challenge Xiao Ling?” Second Young Master Li leaped to her rescue. He wasn’t about to let his girl get challenged by any Tom, Dick or Harry.

“I’m Xia Yu.” She was shaking from anger but had to maintain her lady-like posture. “Ye Xingling previously insulted my deceased sister. I have to seek justice for my sister.”

Li Lei’s memory was piqued by her words. He recalled that it was the bitch in front of him who caused his Xiao Ling a lot of trouble. Well, he would definitely make her pay, but it would have to wait…

Li Lei narrowed his eyes at her. “Firstly, Xiao Ling never ever insulted your sister. If you continue to shoot your mouth off, I will sue you for slander. Secondly, we are here for ice-cream today, don’t mention old scores.”

He didn’t want Xiao Ling to get dragged into such unhappy stuff when they were supposedly out for ice-cream.

Xia Yu was shocked by his strong aura and stepped backward in fear.

“Okay, we’ll only talk about ice-cream today,” said Pei Ziheng with a cold voice. “Ye Xingling, Xia Yu issued you a challenge, do you accept or not?” Previously, he had already done a background check on Ye Xingling and knew that she was from an ordinary family with only a commonplace educational level and outlook. Other than surprising people with her singing recently, she did not have a forte, thus there was no way she could win if she were to compete with Xia Yu.

Xia Yu had been adopted by him since she was nine years old, undergoing a quality education and even graduating from the prestigious Cambridge University. In terms of talent or outlook, she could definitely throw Ye Xingling out to the streets without even lifting a finger. He had no doubts about letting Xia Yu take on Ye Xingling.

Furthermore, he had a killer-move—

“I think there is no need to trouble anyone. Since both of you are new artistes, just complete with each other via singing.”

Stumped, Xia Ling stared at him in shock. She could not believe her ears. Compete via singing? It turned out that Pei Ziheng really intended to force her to a dead end. He was clearer than anyone that she had become mute and was unable to make even the slightest sound!