The Master’s Mask Unveiled Again
Chapter 863 - 862: Tycoon’s Proof of Funds

Chapter 863: Chapter 862: Tycoon’s Proof of Funds

Lu Yutian had been dubbed the future of the Lu Family since she was a child.

Smart, decisive, and insightful, with an outstanding IQ. She had even attracted the attention of researchers at the Brain Research Institute, who claimed she was the most intelligent girl they had encountered in the past decade.

If paired with scientific development, her potential would be limitless.

Lu Beihua knew this and recognized that Lu Yutian truly was exceptional. At just nineteen, she was already capable of handling company affairs independently, relieving the family of many burdens.

She even managed to score 736 points on the entrance exam and, through self-study alone, gained admission to Qing University, Z Country’s top institution.

Such a granddaughter was indeed the pride of the family.

Yet, Lu Beihua seemed weighed down by heavy thoughts. After a moment, he waved his hand weakly and said, "You all handle it."

He shuffled his way back upstairs along the same path.

Lu Yutian watched Lu Beihua climb the stairs, then called Xiaoyang to the courtyard outside. She smiled slightly: "Xiaoyang, thank you for earlier. You and Uncle Yang are indispensable to the Lu Family. We couldn’t do without you."

"Miss, you’re being too kind. You’re the true future of the Lu Family."

Lu Yutian didn’t particularly care for such titles. "Alright, I’m off to arrange matters for the auction. Thank you for looking after my grandfather."

"It’s my duty." Xiaoyang respectfully saw Lu Yutian off, thoroughly content.

Currently, the Lu Family is divided into two factions. The domestic branch had long since declined, with only Yun Sang left among its younger generation. While talented, Yun Sang showed no interest in family affairs, leaving the domestic branch utterly unreliable.

Meanwhile, the overseas faction under Miss Lu Yutian’s family flourished with unstoppable momentum.

Miss Lu Yutian was even considered a once-in-a-decade high-IQ genius. In such circumstances, it was clear to any sensible person where their allegiances should lie.

——

Chess Academy.

In the Xuan Class pavilion, a breathtakingly intricate chess problem appeared. Not a single Xuan Class student could solve it.

When this news reached the Di Class, it immediately elicited uproarious laughter. The entire Di Class mocked Xuan Class for being so incapable that they couldn’t even solve one chess problem.

Xuan Class students, unwilling to back down, directly invited students from both Tian Class and Di Class to attempt solving it.

The stakes were set: if any other class could solve it, Xuan Class students would clean the other class’s toilets for a week. Conversely, Tian and Di Class students would clean Xuan Class’s toilets if they failed.

Faced with such a challenge, Tian and Di Class sent students forward without hesitation.

Except—

After everyone had taken their turn trying to solve it, they were collectively stunned to discover that none of them could crack it!

The Chess Academy boasts a collection of the most renowned chess problems from past and present, alongside exceptional chess masters. How embarrassing would it be if they couldn’t even solve one puzzle?

"Su Luo, who set up this problem?" Someone asked in shock. "Did you invite some kind of expert to design it?"

Su Luo pursed her lips.

La Wenwen immediately interjected, "That’s right, this puzzle was created by an expert. Why? Are you thinking of seeking help from an expert because you can’t solve it?"

"If you want to search, then search! We refuse to believe we can’t find someone to solve this puzzle!"

After the crowd dispersed, Su Luo sent a text to Lu Mian.

[Your chess problem has stumped the entire Chess Academy.]

Lu Mian replied: [I didn’t come up with it.]

——

This Saturday evening, a grand auction was held in Jinjing.

Yun Sang had previously mentioned wanting to bring Lu Mian to the auction for some fun, so as soon as the time came, he arrived at Yijing Residence to pick her up.

Along with him were Xiao Qimo, Ye Jinwen, Ya Ling, and their sole tagalong, Mo Si.

Yun Sang couldn’t help feeling exasperated—he had originally planned for it to be just him and Lu Mian.

The group arrived at the auction site.

The parking lot resembled a miniature car show, filled with luxury and limited-edition vehicles. This was evident proof that everyone attending the event was wealthy or distinguished.

Xiao Qimo and Lu Mian blended in relatively low-key.

Upon formally entering the auction hall, service staff stationed at the entrance courteously guided them to the counter for asset verification.

Verification of personal assets was mandatory, as required by the auction house.

Only those with sufficient assets could enter the main hall. The verification process was straightforward; individuals simply needed to display their account balance without disclosing their entire fortune.

A six-member group, each exuding poise and exceptional looks, drew attention wherever they went.

Even Mo Si, mingling among them, felt like she had assumed an air of authority.

Ye Jinwen jogged ahead to Lu Mian’s side, eagerly speaking up: "Little Mianmian, you’ve probably never been here before, right? Let me tell you, this auction house operates on a membership system. Guests are divided into ordinary members, intermediate members, and senior members."

Then there’s the legendary diamond membership tier, but since there are reportedly very few people in Z Country or globally who reach this level, Ye Jinwen couldn’t elaborate further.

Lu Mian spun her phone in her palm, raising her eyebrows slightly. "What’s the difference?"

"Auction seating, service level, and membership discounts. Most obviously, ordinary members sit in the public area and raise paddles to bid, intermediate members sit in semi-private cubicles on the second level, and senior members enjoy private rooms on the third level."

And above it all was the exclusive diamond member zone.

Lu Mian listened expressionlessly, casting a glance at Xiao Qimo. "A more discreet spot would be preferable."

She wasn’t fond of lively crowds and didn’t want to squeeze into the public or semi-private sections.

Xiao Qimo gave an approving nod.

The service attendant leading them heard Lu Mian’s comment and couldn’t help but inwardly chuckle.

Looks like this girl really hasn’t been here before. The auction house isn’t a place you can just decide to occupy any area—the asset verification determines where you belong.

In fact, those who fail to pass the verification aren’t even allowed entry. Such refused guests are not uncommon.

The attendant offered a subtle reminder while explaining: "Ladies and gentlemen, just ahead is our asset verification area. You may choose one representative for verification, or each person may verify individually. We will automatically assign a number based on the wealthiest member of your group. Your membership tier, and corresponding area, depends on your verified asset level."

The attendant believed her explanation was clear enough for them to understand. They needed only to select their wealthiest representative for verification.

But just as her words fell, three people stepped forward and walked to the counter.

She found it amusing—two of them were impressive-looking men, which she could understand. But the girl in simple clothing also went forward?

The attendant called to Lu Mian, "Miss?"

Lu Mian turned her head blankly, her expression cold and detached. "Anything?"

The attendant stifled a laugh and, seeing as Lu Mian was already seated at the counter, avoided offending her by gesturing politely instead.

The three people stepping forward were Xiao Qimo, Yun Sang, and Lu Mian.

Each occupied a separate counter for verification.

Ye Jinwen, meanwhile, slid his bank card back into his pocket without even showing it.

Sigh, he might as well concede defeat up front.