"An unexpected guest,"
Knowing Xu Jiujiu was definitely waiting for him, Lu Ran stepped forward,
and smiled:
"Princess Jiujiu has come in person. It seems this is important."
Xu Jiujiu smiled sweetly,
showing none of a princess's haughtiness or airs,
"I told you to just call me Jiujiu,"
"But..."
She drew out the word slightly:
"I really do have something important to discuss this time..."
Lu Ran mused:
"An invitation to the Star Luo Auction House?"
He thought it over. In recent days, the only thing that could count as important was the auction. Surely it wasn't an invitation to a private royal banquet?
Had he and Xu Jiujiu really become that familiar?
Xu Jiujiu's smile grew even brighter,
"Just as I thought, nothing can be hidden from you,"
"I watched your valiant figure from below the stage, every moment clear as day. I don't think I'll ever forget it—not for the rest of my life. The way you were powerful yet gentle..."
Lu Ran's smile didn't change.
Xu Jiujiu tilted her head slightly:
"So, to me, the most important thing is still congratulating you on your victory. The last time, during the first round of eliminations, Star Luo Royal Academy was the third to appear, and I didn't have time to congratulate you. This time, I waited especially so I wouldn't miss it."
The two kept up their lively exchange, and soon,
Xu Jiujiu raised her hand,
and a black card with platinum trim appeared out of thin air. She held it out to Lu Ran with both hands,
Lu Ran's gaze swept over it.
On the richly layered black card, platinum cloud patterns scattered like starlight, its refinement touched with opulence,
"This is a VIP card for the Star Luo Auction House. You can use it at the