It was a clear, sunny day. The entrance of the Auction House was buzzing with activity. Jin and a short-haired woman, Elsa, stood near the curb, observing the scene. Both were connoisseurs of fine art and antiques, dressed in subtly retro, yet sophisticated attire. They often attended smaller auctions but had never managed to secure invitations to a top-tier event like Elysium. Since Jason Carter hadn't arrived yet, they could only wait outside.
Elsa tilted her head, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Is Jason Carter, the guy from the charity gala, really the one who bought all those rare pieces that night? Why isn't he here yet? He wouldn't actually stand us up, would he?"
Jin, with a calm elegance reminiscent of a young heiress from an old-money family, shook her head gently. "I asked him earlier, and he confirmed it himself. Besides, I saw his assistant—the stunning woman who bid on his behalf that night. He won't stand us up. These wealthy young men, at least the serious ones, tend to be reliable. It's not time yet; no need to worry."
Elsa sighed dreamily. "I thought he was called Jason by his assistant, so he can't be that old… And he bought an entire set of rare Renaissance artifacts! Anyone marrying him would be so lucky… And he's ridiculously handsome, too."
Jin chuckled softly. "Already infatuated, huh? Why didn't I see you try to talk to him at the gala?"
Just then, a sleek black Rolls-Royceglided up to the entrance. Olivia, Jason's personal assistant, stepped out first and opened the back door. A man with impossibly refined features and a perfectly proportioned frame emerged.
At the sight of him, both Jin and Elsa's eyes widened.
Jason's clothing, at first glance, seemed casually stylish, almost laid-back. But on closer inspection, the outfit was extraordinary. His jacket and pants were made of handwoven Italian silk brocade, a rare fabric prized in the fashion world. Most people might recognize it as fine silk, but experts would know its true value: a masterpiece, where every inch was worth more than most could dream of spending in a year.
This was casual wear for Jason Carter, yet it carried the air of understated royalty. The tailoring was flawless—simple, elegant, and perfectly fitted. Even without noticing the fabric, one could sense the meticulous craftsmanship and luxury behind it.
Jin, a true enthusiast of rare art and history, could hardly contain her admiration. Favorability +10.
As Jason stepped out, a small entourage approached him, led by a middle-aged man in a sharply tailored suit, his hair receding slightly at the temples. The group—managers and curators of the auction house—greeted him with genuine warmth and respect. The director himself, a man named Michael Stanton, came forward with a bright smile.
"Jason Carter, welcome," Michael said smoothly, guiding him toward the entrance. His tone carried the deference reserved for VIPs and royalty alike—even though Jason hadn't even bid on anything yet.
"Let's go, the auction's about to start," Jason said, turning to Jin and Elsa with a faint smile.
Recovering from their surprise, Jin and Elsa followed him inside, careful not to fall behind. Michael Stanton noticed the two women accompanying him and offered a polite nod, as if apologizing for not having properly welcomed them earlier. Jin and Elsa smiled back, flattered. They knew it was Jason's presence that earned them such attention. Favorability +5.
Inside, Jason was led directly to the VIP seats—the prime position in the auction hall. Jin and Olivia flanked him on either side, with Elsa next to Jin. Simply by association, they were seated better than most wealthy patrons present.
Jin's heart began to race. She discreetly glanced at Jason from the corner of her eye. Handsome, impeccably dressed in luxury silk, exuding natural nobility—his presence made her feel strangely… subordinate. Normally confident in her charm, she now found herself willingly captivated.
As she brushed lightly against him, a subtle warmth spread through her. The effect of Jason's aura, the so-calledSpirit Presence, manifested again. It wasn't just physical comfort—it stirred attraction deep in the subconscious, the kind that made ordinary people instinctively drawn toward him.
"Wake up, Jin," Jason's soft, teasing voice whispered in her mind. "This is only the second time we've met. You're a remarkable woman—don't lose your composure."
Jin took several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down, but her heartbeat remained uncontrollable. Favorability +5.
Jason hadn't done anything yet, and still, his favorability score with her had already climbed by 20. As the old saying went: women are not chased—they are captivated.
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