Chapter 185

The auction lasted until dusk.

The final lots of premium jade fetched astronomical prices, causing a stir among the attendees. Lucien Valmont was forced to purchase several raw stones at thirty percent above market value, his face darkening with barely concealed frustration.

"Ms. Bennett, should we cut these stones now?" Elias Vaughn asked, watching the workers load the uncut jade into the vehicle.

Aria shook her head. "Let's take them back to the capital first." She glanced at the still-rolling cameras. "Cutting them here would draw too much attention."

Elias nodded in understanding and offered his contact details. "Our company has a workshop in Panjiayuan. You're welcome to use it anytime."

On the ride back, the director grinned from ear to ear. "Tonight's dinner is on the production crew—order whatever you like!"

"Wow, did the sun rise from the west today?" Nolan Reed arched a brow. "Must've broken viewership records, huh?"

Wesley Hart chimed in, "The director's just milking us for ratings. We got played today."

"That's unfair!" The director waved his hands dramatically. "This is just a little reward for everyone's hard work."

Exchanging amused glances, the group unanimously chose a Michelin three-star restaurant. As they scanned the eye-watering prices on the menu, the director's smile stiffened.

"This one, and this." Aria tapped the menu with slender fingers. "Double the Australian lobster."

Damian Cross, seated beside her, gazed at her with warmth. "You can have mine too."

"Then I won't hold back." She winked at him, their chemistry drawing knowing smiles from the others.

On the way back to the inn, Damian's assistant drove while the two sat alone in the backseat.

"Mr. Vaughn wants to commission a few jade pieces." Damian swiped through designs on his tablet. "These are the styles he requested."

Aria leaned closer to inspect them. "My schedule's packed lately—I might not have time to carve them." A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. "Why don’t you do it? I remember your carving skills are exceptional."

"Gladly." His gaze softened. "How about I handle your pending projects too?"

"Deal." She agreed readily. "In return, I'll make something for you."

Damian's eyes lit up. "Can I request a ring?"

"Dream on!" She huffed. "Pick something else."

"Then... a thumb ring?" He compromised.

Aria sighed in mock exasperation. "Fine. But don’t blame me if it turns out poorly."

"I’ll love anything you make." His voice was tender enough to melt ice.

Back at the inn, Nolan intercepted Aria before she could retreat to her room.

In the softly lit reading nook, his expression was hesitant.

"About the jade we uncovered today..." He nervously traced the rim of his teacup. "You can have all of it."

Seeing the once-proud young man now so cautious, Aria felt a pang in her chest.

"No need," she refused gently. "I have enough for myself."

"Then... let me make you a star pendant?" Hope flickered in his eyes. "You used to love—"

"I don’t like stars anymore." Her quiet interruption was firm.

"What do you like, then?"

"The moon." The answer slipped out before she could think.

Nolan gave a bitter smile. "Aren’t stars and moons both in the sky...?"

"Top scorer in the national exams, and this is your logic?" She teased, trying to lighten the mood.

They chatted about trivial matters, carefully avoiding the past that could never be reclaimed.

The next morning, the crew set out for their next destination.

The third stop at Aldercrest Mountain—the traditional Apothecary Hall—loomed ahead, its antique gates imposing.

Just as Aria stepped forward, a familiar figure in the crowd made her freeze.

Her pupils contracted sharply, and her parasol clattered to the ground.