Chapter Eleven: My Wife's Birthday and Mine

Watching Little Tiger Girl pull the Young Master away and disappear through the doorway, everyone stood frozen for a moment. Then, many voices erupted in anguished cries, for while ordering their food with abandon, they had far exceeded their means. This meal would leave them destitute.

Some, relieved that they hadn’t yet placed their orders, immediately rose and hurried out, crowding toward the exit just as they had rushed in. Indeed, they came in haste and departed in haste.

Those who had already ordered glanced at the fleeing crowd and devised a solution—simply leave, since their food had not yet arrived. One person's departure prompted another, and soon, the once-full Smile Elegant Pavilion was empty. Even some who had been eating quietly slipped out without settling their bills, mingling with the rushing crowd.

So many ate without paying, and although the dishes hadn’t been served, the kitchen had already begun preparations, resulting in losses that could not be calculated. The proprietor of Smile Elegant Pavilion collapsed in despair, regretting his greed for small gains, sacrificing a watermelon for a sesame seed.

As for these events, the protagonist, the Thirteenth Young Master of the Ye Family, knew nothing of them. He was now wandering about with Little Tiger Girl, searching for something to buy, something upon which to lavish his wealth. Of course, before that, he had casually chosen a street stall and enjoyed the fish balls and coarse noodles he craved.

Despite being a notorious spendthrift, he lacked any trace of aristocratic airs; eating at street stalls was a common occurrence. Perhaps he simply didn’t understand what airs meant, nor grasped the difference between himself and ordinary people. Those around him always protected him from harm.

Just like the Tiger Girl by his side—his so-called "Tiger Lass"—whenever they went out, she not only guarded him against deception but ensured his safety, never leaving his side. This had been true since he was small, compensating for the Thirteenth Young Master’s shortcomings—whether in intelligence or strength. For five years, Tiger Lass had accompanied him, playing the roles of both maid and bodyguard, and sometimes even acting as kin.

Often, they were childhood companions, sharing the innocent bond of two children growing up together.

On the street, the Thirteenth Young Master walked slowly ahead, surveying the rows of shops, pondering which one to visit. At that moment, a sign overhead loosened and fell, aiming straight for his forehead.

With a swift leap, Tiger Lass struck with a whirlwind kick, sending the sign flying away. Then she continued speaking with him as though nothing had happened.

The Thirteenth Young Master remained oblivious, eager to continue his extravagant spree. Such incidents had occurred countless times—not due to malice, but mere accident. Each time, Tiger Lass resolved the danger unbeknownst to him, never bothering to warn him, feeling it unnecessary.

“Young Master, we must return home early today. Tonight, we’re expected at the palace,” Tiger Lass reminded him.

“I know! This year we’re celebrating our birthday with my wife,” replied the Thirteenth Young Master. He spoke much more fluently now, no longer needing to ponder each sentence as before.

“As long as you remember. One more hour of wandering, then we’ll head back,” Tiger Lass set his limit, the most she could allow.

Wife...

The term felt strange to Tiger Lass, for she knew him best and understood he had no clear idea what it meant.

His so-called wife was the Imperial Princess, though she was no longer the youngest, having gained several sisters. She was now known as the Seventh Princess.

As for her name, the Thirteenth Young Master seemed not to know; he only knew she was his future wife—because others had told him so.

Since their birthdays fell on the same day, their celebration was always combined, alternating between families. If the Ye Family hosted this year, next year it would be the palace, and so on.

Today was his birthday, and he used it as an excuse to indulge himself, although he had yet to find a place worthy of his extravagance.

“Right! Since it’s my wife’s birthday, I’ll buy her a gift. Let’s go to the auction house,” he suddenly remembered, for Tiger Lass and Long Anqi had both told him that a girl’s birthday must be marked with a present.

Yet he knew only that a gift was required, not what kind would please her. So instead of visiting jewelry or clothing shops, he headed for the auction house, intent on purchasing the most expensive item.

For him, only the cost mattered, not the suitability. The auction house was familiar territory, for he often frequented it.

“Thirteenth Young Master, you’ve arrived! Someone, escort him to the VIP room at once,” the manager greeted him warmly as soon as he entered.

“Who is this noble young master? Why does our manager act as if he’s seen his own father?” a newcomer asked in bewilderment.

“Indeed, it’s almost as if he’s the father. This young master is our greatest patron—the Thirteenth Young Master of the Ye Family. Every time he comes, he bids against others and has never lost,” replied a seasoned employee.

“Never lost? How is that possible? Are others simply afraid to compete?” the newcomer questioned.

“It’s not fear—no one can outbid him. Whatever he wants, he never relinquishes. No matter how high you bid, he’ll go higher.”

“In that case, if someone keeps bidding against him, we’d make a fortune!”

“Such naïveté! He’s the Thirteenth Young Master of the Ye Family. Anyone who deliberately provokes him will offend the Ye Family. Though they indulge him, that doesn’t mean they won’t deal with others. Of course, you can compete with him, as long as you don’t go too far.”

“Oh, I see.”

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