"So, you're saying that I'm the one who tampered with it?" Jiang Meili's face turned ashen. "This art exhibition is hosted by the City Lord's Mansion, but you can't defame me like this!"
"Art exhibitions always follow the rules!" the seller's representative stated frankly. "If you think something is amiss, you can go to the City Lord's Mansion yourself!"
"The auction house has surveillance footage, which clearly shows we never switched anything," Lin Ke said. "We do business with integrity. We invested heavily because we trusted the art exhibition auction. Now that we've reached this situation, shouldn't you provide us with an explanation!"
"The auction house's surveillance was not activated, so nothing can be traced," the auction representative said directly. "This matter seems difficult to handle!"
"Difficult to handle?" Lu Fan glanced over. "Who gave you the confidence to swindle people like this? Even if this is the territory of Longdu, you shouldn't act this way."
"Be responsible for your words. If this reaches the City Lord's ears, it won't be so easy!" the seller's representative said coldly.
"Since that's the case, let the City Lord of Longdu resolve this matter!" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent. "If this matter isn't resolved properly, the auction house might as well cease to exist."
Jiang Meili felt a warmth in her heart. Lu Fan standing up for her was something she was grateful for, but this matter was ultimately hers, and she wouldn't drag Lu Fan into it.
"Perhaps we should just let it go," Jiang Meili said. "It's my fault for being careless!"
"How can we just let it go so easily!" Lu Fan was displeased.
"I'm not pursuing it anymore, so you all shouldn't dwell on it either!"
Jiang Meili pulled Lu Fan, intending to leave. She knew very well that the seller's representative was backed by the City Lord's Mansion, someone they couldn't afford to offend. Any misstep could cause a stir.
"Sister Jiang, this is not a small sum," Lin Ke said. "If we leave now, it will be very difficult to bring this up again in the future!"
"The art exhibition is backed by the City Lord's Mansion; it's not someone we little people can offend!" Jiang Meili stated. "Money can be earned again. If something happens to a person, it's truly trouble!"
"The lady understands correctly!" the auction house representative nodded. "I still have many things to do, so I won't accompany you. However, I'll say it again, if you want the auction house to take responsibility, it's absolutely impossible."
Lu Fan was about to speak, but Jiang Meili pulled him back. "I know you're doing this for my own good, but today's matter is probably not that simple. You don't need to be so concerned. The auction house representative has already said this, which shows how strong his backing is."
"Are we just going to let it go at that!" Lin Ke was quite displeased. "This is so unfair; that was Sister Jiang's life's work!"
"Perhaps, as Mr. Lu said, my physiognomy today is dark, and something bad will happen," Jiang Meili said helplessly. "As the saying goes, a disaster averted brings good fortune. The auction city is backed by the City Lord's Mansion, not someone we can offend!"
With these words, Lin Ke could only give up. Although she was dissatisfied, she knew that the City Lord of Longdu held a supreme position that they could not easily offend.
"Don't worry. You're Xiao Ke's best friend, and I won't let you be wronged," Lu Fan said with a smile. "Let's go back first, and I'll think of a way later!"
"Thank you!"
Jiang Meili quickly thanked him. With Lu Fan's words, she felt a lot warmer. Only then did she realize that Lu Fan wasn't entirely useless; not only did he know a lot, but he was also understanding.
Thinking of this, Jiang Meili looked at Lin Ke. "I envy you for finding such a good husband!"
"If you want one, I'll give you mine directly!" Lin Ke shrugged.
Lu Fan showed a strange expression and even rolled his eyes at Lin Ke. He hadn't expected Lin Ke to say such a thing.
Upon arriving at Jiangjing Longting, Jiang Meili specially arranged a room for Lin Ke. Lu Fan was cooking in the kitchen, looking leisurely and at ease, as if it were effortless.
After everyone had settled down and looked at the dishes in the living room, they were somewhat surprised, especially Jiang Meili, whose face was filled with seriousness. "Did you cook all these dishes?"
"Of course, I cooked them!" Lu Fan nodded seriously. "Who else would you think cooked them!"
"I never expected you to know about antiques and calligraphy, and also be a good cook!" Jiang Meili looked at Lu Fan with admiration.
After all, good men like Lu Fan were rare. She didn't know why, but the more she interacted with Lu Fan, the more she felt a sense of closeness.
"By the way, don't worry too much about that 10 million," Lu Fan said with a slight smile. "I've looked at your fortune; this 10 million will surely be recovered!"
"How is that possible? The money has already been handed over!" Jiang Meili said with a wry smile. "I never thought of that; I can only consider myself unlucky!"
"I don't think so!" Lin Ke smiled. "What Xiao Fan says usually comes true. Sister Jiang, just wait and see!"
Jiang Meili was full of doubt. If it were truly as Lin Ke said, it would be too miraculous. If it could really happen, Lu Fan would be a reincarnation of an immortal.
After dinner, Lin Ke pulled Lu Fan back to their room. "Xiao Fan, do you really have a way to get that 10 million back?"
"It's just a small matter," Lu Fan shrugged. "Wife, what's wrong? You seem very concerned!"
"That's Sister Jiang's entire savings; how can I not care?" Lin Ke rolled her eyes. "But getting that 10 million back is not that easy!"
"You don't need to worry about this; I have my ways!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Moreover, you are now using Jiangjing Longting. If I don't help her, it wouldn't make sense."
"Then do you help Sister Jiang because of me or because of her?" Lin Ke asked soulfully.
"Ahem... Didn't you just say you were going to give me away? Why are you getting nervous now!" Lu Fan said lightly.
"I'm not nervous at all!" Lin Ke glanced at him. "I'm serious!"
"Of course, it's for my wife. If she wasn't your college roommate, why would I help her?" Lu Fan rolled his eyes. "In this life, I am loyal to only one person and will never disappoint Xiao Ke."
Lin Ke's face blushed. With Lu Fan's words, she felt relieved. In fact, from beginning to end, she had trusted Lu Fan quite a bit and shouldn't have asked this question.
Not long after, Lu Fan left Jiangjing and headed towards the Longdu City Lord's Mansion. To resolve this matter, he had to find the City Lord of Longdu, which was the fastest shortcut.
In the Longdu City Lord's Mansion, the City Lord sat in a small courtyard, drinking wine and gazing at the stars, appearing at ease.
This was his usual hobby: a couple of drinks daily, living a life as joyful as an immortal. Among the many city lords, perhaps only he had such leisure and elegance.