Chapter 458: Chapter 458: Temptation

H1 Commercial Street.

Long Ming once again arrived at the magnificent Starshine Auction House.

He walked straight through the main entrance and into the grand hall.

The place was as bustling as ever, filled with customers.

’That’s strange. Is she not working today?’

Long Ming glanced around but couldn’t see any sign of Betty.

"Sir, how may I help you?"

Just then, an attractive female attendant walked over and asked.

"I’m looking for Betty."

"Oh, you’re looking for our manager? She’s not working today, but I can notify her for you."

"Alright."

Long Ming nodded.

The attendant immediately walked to the side to contact Betty.

Long Ming stood quietly and waited for her.

A few minutes later.

The attendant walked over and said respectfully to Long Ming,

"Mr. Red Ghost, please follow me."

"Mm."

Long Ming followed the attendant toward the auction house’s staircase.

A moment later.

Long Ming was led to the door of a room.

The attendant reached out, knocked on the door, and announced respectfully,

"Manager, I’ve brought him."

"Come in."

Betty’s lazy voice drifted out from inside the room.

CREAK~

The door to the room opened automatically.

Long Ming then pushed the door open and walked into a luxurious room with a very intimate and stylish layout.

Betty was wearing sexy lace lingerie, her long hair draped over her shoulders. She was lying seductively on the sofa, a captivating smile on her face as she looked at Long Ming.

"Mr. Red Ghost, you were looking for me?"

"That’s right."

"And what might that be?"

"Business. But are you planning to discuss it like that?"

Long Ming looked at Betty with a deep frown.

"Of course not."

Betty chuckled, rising from the sofa. She walked to a nearby liquor cabinet and took out a bottle of high-end red wine and two crystal glasses.

She uncorked the bottle, poured two glasses, and offered one to Long Ming, saying,

"Have a drink first."

"No, thanks."

Long Ming didn’t reach out to take it.

"Don’t be like that. A drink will help us talk business better."

Betty said with a grin.

Seeing her insistence, Long Ming took the glass, deactivated the covering over his mouth, and downed the red wine in one gulp.

Betty smiled and finished her own glass. She then licked her rosy lips, every movement brimming with allure.

Long Ming could clearly feel the wine’s potent after-kick. An ordinary person wouldn’t be able to handle it.

But it had no effect on him.

"Can we talk now?"

Long Ming asked.

"No problem. What’s the deal this time?"

"I have a batch of Level 4 blood-light stones to sell."

"Good stuff. That’s a material for making Level 4 Mechanical Gods. But where did you get this shipment? The major Expeditionary Armies are keeping a very tight grip on ore these days. All ore transactions require proof of origin."

Betty’s eyes lit up, but she quickly composed herself and asked calmly.

"This shipment isn’t from the Second Legion. And let’s cut the crap—is there anything you’re afraid to take?"

Long Ming replied coolly.

"I’m truly flattered. May I see the goods?"

Betty asked with a grin.

"You can. But are you sure you want me to put it in your room?"

Long Ming asked, looking at Betty.

"Follow me."

Betty led Long Ming to a metal wall on the side and placed her hand on it.

CLICK!

The metal wall immediately split open, revealing an empty storage room.

Long Ming raised his bracelet and released all the blood-light stones.

Betty immediately went forward to inspect the quality and quantity of the blood-light stones.

Long Ming stood by and watched.

Betty finished her inspection quickly. A wide smile spread across her face as she said,

"Not bad! The quality of this batch of ore is excellent!"

"How much?"

Long Ming asked, getting straight to the point.

"How about 280 million Star Coins?"

Betty said, gazing at Long Ming with a grin.

"Too low. The market price for this kind of blood-light stone is quite transparent. This batch is worth at least 340 million, and you’ve cut the price by nearly twenty percent."

Long Ming said, his brow furrowed.

"The price I’m offering you is very fair."

"This isn’t our first deal. You could say we’re acquaintances. Can’t you add a little more?"

"I really can’t go any higher. But I can compensate you in other ways."

Betty moved next to Long Ming, her breath fragrant like an orchid, and said seductively,

"What ways?"

"For example, I could spend the night with you."

"Not interested."

Long Ming’s face darkened as he pushed Betty away.

Betty was taken aback. When she recovered, her eyes flashed with anger, but she suppressed her displeasure and said,

"Mr. Red Ghost, you’re being a bit of a spoilsport. So many people beg for a chance to be alone with me and never get it."

"They’re them, and I’m me."

Long Ming replied indifferently.

"Mr. Red Ghost, if you’re going to be so unreasonable, then we can’t do this deal."

Betty said, staring at Long Ming.

Honestly, she was rarely so forward with anyone. But she saw great potential in Long Ming and wanted to deepen their relationship. She never expected him to be so disrespectful.

"Hmph. Don’t threaten me with that. You’re not the only ones who buy these goods. And I refuse to believe you’d turn down business."

Long Ming stared coldly at Betty.

"Mr. Red Ghost, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood something. The price I’m offering is the highest in the business. You can ask around if you don’t believe me. Not just anyone dares to take on ’dirty’ goods like these, and it’s not so easy to do so."

Betty said to Long Ming with a smile.

Hearing this, Long Ming fell silent.

Seeing Long Ming’s silence, Betty reached out a fair, delicate hand and caressed his chest.

"Mr. Red Ghost, am I truly so charmless? It’s not like I’m asking you to take responsibility."

Long Ming was in a bit of a bind. He couldn’t just come out and say he wasn’t interested in a socialite like her; that would be too offensive. So, he said,

"It’s because I’m gay. I don’t like women."

Betty was shocked and subconsciously took a few steps back, but she quickly recovered.

"Mr. Red Ghost, you’re quite the joker. Forget it. If you’re not interested, I won’t force you."

Betty didn’t believe his nonsense for a second, but a smart person always knows when to find a graceful way out.

"Can we get back to business now?"

"Yes, but the price really is final."

"Fine. 280 million Star Coins it is."

Long Ming replied, his expression shifting.

"Excellent. I’ll transfer the money to you right now."

Betty lifted her bracelet and tapped it a few times.

BZZ~

Long Ming’s bracelet vibrated instantly.

He raised his bracelet and glanced at it. Seeing that the funds had arrived, he said,

"I’ll be leaving now."

"Alright. Take care."

Betty replied with a grin.

Without a backward glance, Long Ming opened the door and left.

Betty watched Long Ming’s departing figure, a brilliant smile on her face. It had been a long time since she’d met someone so interesting. Even though she’d been rejected, she was now even more intrigued.

...

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