Chapter 20: The Most Lethal Form of Invisible Posturing

Sakina and Elia, who had been circling around Xia Banxia, scattered instantly like startled birds, swiftly returning to their own seats.

Tian Yongfeng walked up to Xia Banxia, stopped in front of her, and said with a broad smile, "Monica, put your work aside for now. Director Wang is waiting for you in his office; you'd better hurry over."

"Why does Director Wang want to see me?" Xia Banxia was just a junior staff member in the company, with no direct contact with Director Wang, her superior. Wang only knew her because they happened to meet yesterday.

"Probably to thank you. Your brother was so generous last night—he sent each of us a portion of braised shark fin, which must have cost nearly thirty thousand. I should thank you too. Next time, I'll treat you to a big meal." After all, Xia Banxia was his employee, and her actions last night reflected well on him; he certainly wanted to express his appreciation.

"Alright, boss! If you’re treating, I’m definitely coming," Xia Banxia agreed cheerfully.

After Xia Banxia and Director Tian left, the office erupted into lively chatter. Everyone was abuzz, full of envy, jealousy, and resentment toward Xia Banxia.

Yesterday, after work, Xia Banxia was seen leaving in a luxury car by many in the company. Originally, people assumed she had dumped her current boyfriend for a wealthy suitor, but it turned out that the handsome, affluent man was her brother.

Xia Banxia was already considered one of the company’s most beautiful women and the object of much envy among the others. Now, she had suddenly transformed into a wealthy heiress, sparking not just jealousy but intense admiration.

Her brother’s appearance last night had already been dazzling enough. Today, Xia Banxia was dressed head-to-toe in designer brands and backed by Director Tian—her status as a wealthy, refined lady was undeniable. With her new identity confirmed, everyone in the company began to reconsider how they should interact with her in the future.

The door to Director Wang’s office was open, so Xia Banxia walked right in.

Seeing her enter, Director Wang stepped out from behind his desk and greeted her warmly, "Banxia, please, take a seat! Don’t be shy. What would you like to drink, coffee or tea?"

To her surprise, Director Wang called her by her Chinese name instead of her English one—a gesture so familiar that Xia Banxia felt a bit uncomfortable. She replied politely, "Tea is fine for me."

"Jenny, brew a cup of my private Da Hong Pao tea for Banxia," Director Wang instructed his secretary.

"Monica, please wait a moment—it’ll be ready soon." The secretary glanced at Xia Banxia deeply, as if seeing her in a new light, then turned to leave.

Xia Banxia smiled at Jenny in thanks, then turned to Director Wang, "Director Wang, is there something you’d like to discuss?"

"There is, actually. You and your brother were far too generous last night—it must have cost you dearly. I wanted to thank you personally."

"You’re too kind. It was just common courtesy. I’m your employee; there’s really no need for this," Xia Banxia replied.

Director Wang took a sip of tea and continued, "Your brother is poised and impressive. Though our meeting was brief and we exchanged few words, he left a strong impression. I haven’t met many young talents like him. My wife and I would like to pay a visit and meet him, if it’s convenient?"

Though Wang Chuanjie spoke gently, Xia Banxia was still surprised. "May I ask what business you and your wife have with my brother? He just graduated from university this year; his abilities and experience are quite limited. I’m afraid you might be mistaken about something."

"It’s actually quite presumptuous of us; I’m almost embarrassed to say." Since Xia Banxia had asked, Wang Chuanjie decided to give her advance notice so her brother could prepare. "My wife’s friend wants to find a birthday gift for an elderly family member who’s especially fond of jade. Her friend comes from a distinguished background and has very high standards—the gift must be a top-tier jadeite worth at least hundreds of millions to meet her requirements. The bar is set so high that although my wife is a jewelry appraiser, she doesn’t have access to such items. So we hoped your brother could help."

"My brother does own many collectibles, including some jade, but I’m not sure if he has anything that would meet your requirements," Xia Banxia replied.

She was naturally curious about the inheritance her brother had received and had asked him in detail. Most of it consisted of antiques, artifacts, gemstones, and jade—she knew that much. But she was unclear about the specific types, only aware that the collection was vast and extremely valuable. She hadn’t pressed for more details.

Now, with Director Wang suddenly expressing interest in buying a top-tier jadeite from her brother, she genuinely didn’t know if such an item existed among his collection.

Instead of refusing outright, Xia Banxia mentioned her brother’s many collectibles, which gave Wang Chuanjie hope. "Banxia, you’re far too modest. My eyesight is still sharp. Yesterday, I saw your brother wearing a Treading-Sea Guanyin jade pendant around his neck. That’s definitely a top-tier jadeite piece, worth at least hundreds of millions."

Hearing this, Xia Banxia was truly surprised, though she didn’t show it.

She had indeed noticed the jade Guanyin pendant her brother wore yesterday but hadn’t thought much of it, assuming it was a fake.

She hadn’t expected that such a vividly colored jade pendant could be genuine!

Now she realized just how bold her brother was—wearing a jade pendant worth hundreds of millions around his neck without any concern for thieves.

Yesterday, her brother had mentioned that his collection was so extensive that once his four hundred million in cash was spent, he’d have to consider selling some collectibles to raise money.

Xia Banxia didn’t know much about jewelry appraisal, but she understood sales.

If you wait until you’re desperate for cash to sell your collectibles, you might not get a good price. Now, with a buyer seeking him out, if the price is right, it could be a great opportunity.

"I’m not being modest; I honestly didn’t pay much attention yesterday." To build up her brother’s reputation, Xia Banxia added, "My brother has so many collectibles that he often rotates the items he wears. Unless he’s particularly fond of something, he rarely wears the same piece twice."

The subtle show of wealth was lethal.

Even someone as composed as Wang Chuanjie was stunned by her words.

"What kind of tycoon is this, who can rotate jewelry worth hundreds of millions and never repeat pieces?" If Xia Banxia wasn’t exaggerating, he’d have to raise his estimation of the siblings’ status by several levels.