The middle-aged man in the lead said arrogantly, “The two of you aren’t from the music industry, so perhaps you don’t know me. Let me introduce myself. I’m a guest of honor for Planet Music Festival, Xu Da.”

After Xu Da finished speaking, he looked proud and raised his head arrogantly. Planet Music Festival was the top music competition in the country and was very famous overseas. His identity as a guest of honor for Planet Music Festival was enough to make the two people in front of him admire him.

He had his hands behind his back and a proud expression as he quietly waited for Qiao Xi and Gu Zheng to come forward to greet him. However, after waiting for a long time, the two of them did not move in the slightest.

After a moment of silence, Qiao Xi cleared her throat and slowly said, “Mr. Xu, you came to Li City to give out an award. Who are you giving it to?”

Seeing this, Xu Da said arrogantly, “A composer named Fu Sheng won a gold award at Planet Music Festival. I came to Li City to give her an award.”

The corners of Qiao Xi’s mouth curled up slightly. So it was for Fu Sheng!

Xu Da said arrogantly, “Let me remind you that Miss Fu Sheng has taken a liking to this ancient Chinese zither. I wanted to bid for this zither as a gift to Miss Fu Sheng. As the top composer of Planet Music Festival, she’s the most suitable candidate for this zither. Since some people don’t know music, why did they bid for this zither?”

He glanced coldly at Qiao Xi, and his eyes were filled with ridicule. “If this Nine Heavens Chinese Zither falls into the hands of an outsider, it’ll only be left in the storeroom to rot. This is equivalent to ruining it. Why don’t you just give it up?!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Zheng’s expression turned cold.

Qiao Xi continued to smile as she casually said, “So, Mr. Xu, you mean that if I don’t give up this zither, I’ll be considered unreasonable?”

When Xu Da saw that Qiao Xi was very sensible, his expression softened. “Only Fu Sheng is worthy of this ancient zither. Even if you obtain it, it’s worthless to you. Why don’t you give it to someone more suitable for it?”

Qiao Xi smiled. “I can give it to you, but Mr. Xu, you have to show your identification and prove that it was Planet Music Festival who asked you to buy this zither for Fu Sheng. If it’s the person in charge’s request, my husband and I naturally have no reason to refuse.

“When my husband bought this zither, the auctioneer didn’t say that anyone had reserved it. However, if the person in charge of Planet Music Festival wants this zither, I can give it up.”

Xu Da’s face was livid.

“If it’s just because Miss Fu Sheng has taken a liking to this zither and you want to give it to her in your own name, why should I give it to you? Moreover, if you really wanted to give someone a gift, why didn’t you come earlier? You just had to wait for the zither to be auctioned off before coming over to make things difficult for us. Doesn’t that make you a robber?”

Qiao Xi’s words were reasonable, and every word heavily smashed into Xu Da’s heart. His expression became uglier and uglier. The muscles on his face were even trembling slightly.

Finally, he flew into a rage out of humiliation and shouted, “What nonsense are you talking about?! It doesn’t matter if it’s Planet Music Festival’s idea or mine. Only Fu Sheng is worthy of this violin. You’re just an amateur who doesn’t know music. What right do you have to occupy this violin? Do you have any shame?”

“Everything is first come, first serve. Why should I give in just because she likes it?” Qiao Xi raised her eyebrows.

“She has obtained such a great honor. She’s the pride of the entire Li City and the country. What right do you have to stop her?” Xu Da shouted.

“If she wants it so badly, then let her look for me herself!” Qiao Xi’s face was filled with ridicule. “Oh! Mr. Xu, are you trying to use emotional blackmail against me? How dare you ask me for something? Just because you’re old? If Miss Fu Sheng really likes this zither, she can look for me. I want to see if she’s as shameless as you!”

Xu Da did not expect to be rendered speechless by a 20-year-old woman. His expression gradually turned ferocious.

Qiao Xi said meaningfully, “Mr. Xu, perhaps you don’t know the rules of the auction. Once the mallet is hit thrice, it means that the deal is done. This zither belongs to me. As for the others, they won’t have the chance even if they want it. Why should I have to give in to just anyone who takes a liking to it?”

Moreover, what right did ‘Fu Sheng’ have to ask for this Nine Heavens Chinese Zither?

As soon as she finished speaking, Qiao Xi turned around and left. Gu Zheng carried the ancient zither and followed her. Xu Da was still standing on the same spot while gnashing his teeth in hatred. He was unable to calm down for a long time.