Chapter 4
Here is the polished and refined version of Chapter 4.
In this chapter, a high-stakes auction takes a sharp turn into a power play by the mysterious "Young Master Mason," and Janet transitions from the criminal underworld to the equally cutthroat environment of a prestigious high school. I have smoothed the prose and emphasized the stark contrast between Janet's cool indifference and the elitism of Star High School.
Chapter 4: The Price of a Man
The man immediately caught Janet’s attention. He was leaning against the side of the metal cage, his profile illuminated by the harsh spotlight. It was almost perfect—naturally sensual, stunning, and exuding an inexplicable, seductive aura.
His was the kind of beauty that was rare to come by.
“Oh, my God! Janet, is that a man or a woman? Why does he look like that?!” Lee nudged Janet’s shoulder, his voice thick with shock.
Janet remained indifferent, her gaze fixed on the captive. The man in the cage seemed to sense her eyes on him. Amidst a crowd of hundreds, he looked directly at her. His thin lips parted, and he spoke almost inaudibly: “Buy me.”
Janet caught the message. She mouthed back coolly, “Give me a reason.”
The man’s sexy, thin lips parted again. “I’ll pay you double upon my release.”
Double? Janet’s interest was piqued. That would be just enough to replenish the sum she had spent on today’s Bronze Ox Head.
The person in charge, President Jayden, stepped forward. “Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to examine the goods we have today and see if they interest you.”
The bidders were intrigued. In this circle, it didn't matter if the "goods" were male or female. If it were a woman, they’d keep her for enjoyment; if it were a man, they’d simply sell him off to a club as a gigolo.
President Jayden broke the silence. “The bid starts at 1 million.”
The man in the cage almost coughed up blood in frustration. 1 million? I’m not even worth the price of a Bronze Ox?
“1.5 million!” The first bidder was a potbellied old man who held up his placard while practically salivating at the cage.
“2 million.”
“3 million!” a hoarse, husky voice thundered. Janet glanced over; it was a balding man. She was momentarily speechless. Are men usually this interested in other men here?
“5 million.” Janet held up her placard, a charming, calculated smile on her lips.
Lee cocked an eyebrow. “Is Janet interested in the pretty boy, too?”
“6 million!” Mr. Potbelly countered.
President Jayden was at a loss for words as the price climbed. Janet and Lee exchanged a smirk. “6.5 million.”
Janet wasn't being generous. She was purely driven by the ROI—the promise of double the procurement price.
“7 million!” Mr. Potbelly shouted, though he immediately looked like he regretted the impulse. “Damn it,” he mumbled. “I should have just walked away!”
Lee leaned toward Janet, whispering, “Janet, how much do you have on your card?”
Janet lowered her eyes, her expression unreadable. “Not more than 10 million.”
“What should we do? If it exceeds 10, you can’t take him,” Lee worried.
Janet’s lips curled into a smirk. “Mr. Potbelly is such a pervert. I can’t believe he’s competing with me over a man. But I want this one.”
Just as Janet was about to raise her placard to 8 million, a loud, commanding voice rang out from the back of the hall. The crowd gasped. A group of bodyguards in black suits barged in, immediately arresting President Jayden.
“What is happening?!” Jayden screamed in shock.
The men in black pried open the metal cage with ease. One of them knelt before the captive. “Young Master Mason, we were inefficient in our protection. Please punish us!”
President Jayden turned ashen. Who is Young Master Mason?
He was Mason Lowry—the scion of the most reputable family in Sandfort City and the leader of the largest financial group in the country. At only 25, he controlled hundreds of billions in assets and held the global economy within his grasp.
Mason stood up, smoothing his clothes, his lips curling into a lazy smile. He glanced at Jayden casually. “President Jayden, did I perform well?”
“It’s a misunderstanding! I had no idea!” Jayden stammered. “I just purchased you from someone else for this auction!”
“Haha.” Mason’s laugh was mirthless, sending chills down everyone’s spine. “In that case, send him to the police station to investigate exactly who he purchased me from.”
Janet watched the scene unfold. None of my concern now. She stood up, slipped on her sunglasses, and dragged Lee toward the exit.
The Lowry Residence
After a shower and a change of clothes, Mason listened lazily to his subordinate's report.
“Young Master Mason, Cyclone was behind the kidnapping.”
Mason’s gaze flashed with a bloodthirsty gleam. “In that case, get rid of him.”
“Will do. Also, the woman you asked about... she is the Jackson family’s biological daughter, recently reunited with them.”
“Is that all?”
The man in black nodded. “That’s all I could find.”
Mason’s lips curled into a faint, intrigued smile. “Got it.”
Monday, 7:00 AM
Brian Jackson brought Janet to Star High School for enrollment. The Principal looked over Janet’s folder with clear disdain. “Mr. Jackson, we usually don't accept 12th graders. It's unfair to other students and lowers our college acceptance rate.”
He looked at Janet. She was from a village and had attended "Springfield High." She hadn't even completed the 10th or 11th grades. To him, her sharp, dark eyes made her look like the leader of a delinquent gang. She's going to be trouble.
Brian’s face darkened. “Are you looking down on the Jacksons?”
The Principal pivoted instantly. “No! Not at all! I’ll take her to class right now.” I can’t offend Brian Jackson. I’ll just hide her in a random class.
In Class A, the 12th graders were buzzing with gossip.
“Did you hear? A new student is joining today. I heard they’re a country bumpkin.” “A bumpkin in Class A? I don’t want to be in the same room as someone like that!”
Emily sat in her seat, secretly gleeful. She couldn't wait for Janet to embarrass herself. She might be the 'true' daughter, but I'm superior in looks and grades. I have nothing to fear.
A set of rhythmic footsteps echoed in the hallway. The classroom fell silent as the door began to open.