The auction did not grind to a halt because of Han Shuo and Sophie's arrival. Spurred on by the host's highly persuasive voice, the bids for the magic wand climbed higher and higher.
Noise rose from every direction, and ceaseless chatter filled the hall. Some beautiful women in magnificent magic robes made no secret of their keen interest in the magic wand, directly causing a minor bout of chaos at the auction.
"What do you think of that magic wand?" After they sat down, Sophie could not help asking Han Shuo.
"Not much!" Han Shuo curled his lip and added, "All show and no substance!"
To Han Shuo's surprise, Sophie actually agreed wholeheartedly with his assessment. "Yes, that magic wand is far too ornate. If I were a mage, I certainly wouldn't choose such an excessively beautiful wand."
Han Shuo glanced at Sophie in surprise and said with a smile, "I thought you'd be like them, pursuing the utmost beauty in everything."
Pouting with a little snort, Sophie said, "I pick out little trinkets at stalls purely for the pleasure of shopping, not because I particularly like them."
"Oh?" Han Shuo looked at Sophie with a chuckle, pointed at the crystal button on her chest, and teased, "Then why are you wearing that crystal button, and treating it like such a treasure?"
Sophie froze, then waved her little fist and said somewhat playfully, "That's because I'm showing you some respect! You bought it for me. How embarrassing would it be if I just tossed it aside?"
Han Shuo could not help laughing. Although he knew Sophie was only joking, he really did feel a little pleased. Sophie had pinned a crude button worth only three gold coins to her chest. Whether or not she truly meant anything by it, Han