What If I Chose You?

After Xiao Yun and Ya Fei entered the private room, they immediately saw a maid waiting nearby, bringing over exquisite dishes one after another and arranging them on the table.

The maid was rather pretty and delicate, and her hands were quick and efficient. After setting out the bowls and plates, she respectfully stepped aside.

Xiao Yun casually glanced at the maid a few times but paid her no mind. After all, she was a maid from the auction house; it was only natural for her to be attractive.

Yet Ya Fei keenly caught Xiao Yun's gaze. Having worked in auctions for many years, she had long mastered the art of reading people. A glance or a movement was enough for her to discern its meaning.

Thinking that Xiao Yun had taken a liking to the maid, she immediately began making plans.

"Young Master Xiao Yun, shall I have this maid stay behind to attend to you?" Ya Fei asked with a smile, her tone carrying a trace of probing.

"She is quite capable and knows the rules. If Young Master Xiao Yun finds her satisfactory, I can have her remain by your side and serve you from now on."

Xiao Yun was taken aback upon hearing that, then waved his hand. "No need. I'm not at the point where I need someone to wait on me."

Seeing Xiao Yun refuse, Ya Fei assumed that he simply did not fancy the maid. A dignified Dou Emperor would surely have high standards. How could an ordinary maid possibly catch his eye?

The smile on her face became even more seductive as she leaned closer and lowered her voice. "Then if Young Master Xiao Yun does not care for her, you may choose anyone here who catches your eye."

"Our auction house may not have much else, but we do have a few beautiful girls. So long as Young Master Xiao Yun says the word, I will make all the arrangements properly."

Ya Fei's words had been half-joking, and her expression carried a hint of playfulness, but the meaning behind them was genuine.

Naturally, she would not casually give away people from her auction house. But if Xiao Yun truly asked for one, she certainly would not refuse.

After all, for a Dou Emperor, asking for one maid was nothing. Even if he wanted eight or ten, she would not bat an eye.

Xiao Yun smiled at those words. Looking at Ya Fei's charming, smiling face, a thought suddenly arose in his mind.

This woman had repeatedly tried to ingratiate herself with him. First she had invited him to a meal, and now she wanted to give him a maid. It was obvious that she wanted to draw closer to him.

Since she was being so proactive, he might as well tease her a little.

"You said I can choose anyone here who catches my eye?" Xiao Yun asked deliberately as he set down his chopsticks and looked at Ya Fei.

"Of course. I stand by my word." Ya Fei nodded.

"Then what if the person I want is you?"

The instant Xiao Yun said that, Ya Fei froze. Her expression stiffened slightly, and a blush spread from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.

She had not expected Xiao Yun to say something like that so suddenly. Caught off guard, her thoughts fell into brief disarray.

But Ya Fei was, after all, a seasoned veteran of the business world. After that brief moment of panic, she quickly steadied herself, and that seductive smile returned to her face.

Not only did she not retreat, she leaned even closer, her voice carrying a tempting lilt. "If the one Young Master Xiao Yun wants is me... then I could not ask for more."

As Ya Fei spoke, her eyes held a trace of flirtation, and the corners of her lips curled upward slightly. Her manner was remarkably uninhibited.

In truth, she knew perfectly well that Xiao Yun was most likely teasing her. What improper thoughts could a teenage boy possibly have?

Still, since he had opened the subject, she naturally could not dodge it. Instead, she had to meet it head-on. Only then would he think her open and easygoing, without making things awkward.

Xiao Yun was somewhat surprised by Ya Fei's proactive response. He had intended to tease her and make her embarrassed, yet not only had she failed to blush, she had gone along with it.

It had to be said that Ya Fei truly was formidable. Her emotional intelligence and speed of reaction were both first-rate.

"Miss Ya Fei is certainly generous." Xiao Yun smiled, lifted his wine cup, and took a sip, not pursuing the subject further.

Seeing him take the hint and drop the matter, Ya Fei secretly let out a breath of relief. Though she had spoken boldly, she had actually been rather nervous inside.

Yet none of it showed on her face. She still smiled as she served Xiao Yun food and poured him wine, chatting with him as naturally as ever.

The two continued chatting back and forth, and the subject soon shifted to matters concerning the auction house.

Ya Fei then told Xiao Yun about the Mittel Auction House's recent developments and upcoming auction arrangements, while also indirectly asking whether he would have any more pills to sell in the future.

This time, Xiao Yun did not hide anything and told her that there would be more. Ya Fei's smile grew even brighter upon hearing that.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyable for both host and guest. Ya Fei attended to him warmly and thoughtfully, while Xiao Yun ate comfortably and at ease. Their relationship drew a little closer than before.

Once they had nearly finished eating, Xiao Yun set down his chopsticks, and Ya Fei promptly poured him a cup of tea and handed it over.

"Young Master Xiao Yun, if you ever need anything in the future, just say the word. Whether it is medicinal ingredients or anything else, as long as the Mittel Auction House can obtain it, we will make sure it is handled properly for you."

Xiao Yun accepted the teacup, took a sip, and nodded. "Then I will thank Miss Ya Fei in advance."

Ya Fei smiled and waved her hand. "Young Master Xiao Yun is too polite. There is no need for such formality between us."

"Alright, then let's leave it at that for today. I'll head back first."

"I'll see Young Master Xiao Yun out." Ya Fei rose as well, leading Xiao Yun out of the private room and toward the auction house entrance.

After arriving at the entrance, Ya Fei exchanged a few more polite remarks with a smile. Xiao Yun waved his hand, then turned and left the Mittel Auction House.

On the way back, Xiao Yun reflected that the meal had been quite pleasant. Ya Fei truly knew how to handle people. She was neither overly enthusiastic in a way that might irritate others nor too reserved, and she had drawn closer to him just the right amount.

There was no harm in maintaining a good relationship with her in the future. After all, the Mittel Auction House wielded considerable influence in the Jia Ma Empire, and it might prove useful someday.