Julia Du glanced at Evan Lin, then immediately dismissed him from her mind.
As the mother of Rachel Liu and Megan Liu, and as the Liu family's young madam, Julia Du had seen countless suitors chase after her daughters over the years. But Evan Lin was the first true 'three-no' boy she'd ever come across—no background, no money, no looks.
To be honest, if it weren't for giving face to Keaton Wang and Summer Mu, Julia might've had Evan tossed out on the spot.
After saying her piece, Julia Du simply strode off into the villa manor, ignoring everyone else.
"Hehe, looks like Aunt Julia's mad. Hey, bro, you're not the first guy to chase after Rachel, but you are definitely the gutsiest!" Keaton Wang grinned at Evan Lin.
"Let's head in," Summer Mu said to Evan. Evan just gave a slight nod.
Meanwhile, Summer Jade and Leon Zhao were both wearing sour looks, coldly staring at Evan. With Keaton Wang present, they couldn't make a move now, but there'd be plenty of chances later—they weren't in any rush.
"Didn't you say you were going to check out Clear Creek Street? How'd you end up here?" Rachel Liu fell a few steps behind, standing next to Evan Lin. Her expression was still cool, her tone calm as she asked.
When Rachel first saw Evan show up here, her mind went blank for a second.
She really couldn't figure out how a student like Evan Lin ended up at a place like this.
Anyone who can get into the Jared Qian Auction has to be worth at least ten million.
Even if Evan and Summer Mu were invited as friends, didn't he feel at least a bit out of place? Or was his skin just thick enough to ignore everything?
Thinking this, Rachel couldn't help but glance at Evan again.
I didn't find what I wanted on Clear Creek Street. I bumped into Summer Mu by chance, so I came along to take a look." Evan's tone was quiet, like he was just describing something simple.
If you were going to buy something at Clear Creek Street, I could understand, but this auction—maybe it has what you want, but everything here is insanely expensive." Megan couldn't help but be curious.
Megan smiled, her eyes crinkling, but stopped herself from saying more. Still, everyone nearby understood what she meant.
Judging by Evan's clothes, he clearly wasn't rich. The cheapest item at this auction probably started at half a million.
Could Evan even afford it?
To everyone else, it was obvious—he couldn't.
So if that's the case, what Evan said didn't mean anything. In other words, the real reason he came was still Rachel.
Yeah, bro, if you're chasing Rachel, just admit it! Look at me, I'm totally upfront: I'm here for Megan, and she's gonna be my wife someday!" Keaton Wang laughed.
Who says I'm your wife, Keaton Wang! If you can't talk properly, just shut up!" Megan's little thoughts vanished instantly, her face changing as she glared and snapped at him.
Keaton didn't care at all, just grunted and fell silent.
Inside the manor villa, the layout was nothing like an ordinary house.
The whole villa was divided into three floors, with a circular stage in the center. The seating on all three floors formed a ring around the stage.
The third floor was much fancier, with little private boxes, each with a few chairs and a square table out front.
Rachel!
Evan and the others had just walked into the villa when a voice called out from not far away.
A man in a suit came running over, his leather shoes clicking. He was handsome and looked every bit the gentleman. Spotting Rachel, he hurried straight over.
Simon Zuo! When did you get back?" Megan's face lit up and she rushed to greet him, while Rachel's expression softened a little too.
I just got off the plane, came straight here. Heard Jared Qian was auctioning some great stuff, so I wanted to check it out." Simon Zuo smiled and greeted Julia Du and Linda Zhao: "Hello, Aunties."
Simon, how's England? Are Oxford's courses tough?" Julia Du's face lit up with a smile when she saw Simon Zuo.
It's alright, the courses are a bit heavy, but I feel like life has meaning—every day feels fulfilling, except I never get to see Rachel." Simon glanced at Rachel, who smiled back but said nothing.
Simon, if you like Rachel, I don't mind. But if you have time, could you help my Keaton with his grades? And teach him some manners too—if you do, I'll put in a good word for you with your Aunt Du." Linda Zhao laughed, then glanced at Summer Mu and Evan, noticing Summer's frown and Evan's calm look.
She'd hoped her words would make Summer Mu's friend back off, but all she saw was Evan's calm face—as if nothing she'd said could shake him.
Of course, Auntie! If you say the word, I'll definitely help Keaton improve." Simon Zuo quickly agreed.
Keaton didn't like that, pouting and ignoring it. He looked at Simon Zuo with growing annoyance—especially when he saw Megan gazing at Simon, which made Keaton burn with jealousy.
Aunties, I've already arranged seats for us on the third floor. Let's head up." Simon Zuo smiled and bowed slightly.
Okay." Julia Du and Linda Zhao nodded.
And this is?' Only then did Simon Zuo turn to Evan, looking a little puzzled.
He's my classmate.' Rachel spoke up before Summer Mu could answer, her tone cool.
Simon Zuo gave Evan a quick once-over, finally seeming to get it. His eyes flashed as he said, all polite on the surface: "Well, if he's Rachel's classmate, let him come along. The box on the third floor is pretty big, anyway."
Besides, I don't think you even have a seat, do you?' Simon's tone was openly contemptuous.
In his eyes, someone like Evan wasn't even qualified to be his rival.
Summer Mu's face changed slightly, just as he was about to speak, the door behind them was suddenly pushed open.
Doctor Wu the Miracle Healer is here!
Someone nearby called out, and a whole group on the first floor stood up, craning their necks to look at the door.
Even Julia Du, usually calm-faced, suddenly brightened and turned to look.