Chapter 33: Insulter Insulted 

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John looked downstairs. His son remained composed, while Michael’s impatience grew with Andy’s calm demeanor. Andy, legs crossed, finally showed emotion–not the reaction Michael expected. He simply said, in a bored tone, “Loud.” 

The onlookers chuckled. This wasn’t the response Michael wanted. He’d expected scornful looks, whispers about his lack of funds, and utter humiliation. Instead, they were laughing *at* him! 

Michael had 

had miscalculated. Most people 

on the first floor were hardworking employees–assistants, secretaries, butlers, auction agents. The few wealthy individuals present were well–mannered and wouldn’t mock someone for being poor, especially when Michael was deliberately insulting Andy. 

At school, Michael’s wealth attracted sycophants who echoed his mockery. Here, they had no connection to him, and no one cared. 

“Lily, look, our son isn’t one to be bullied,” John whispered, pointing downstairs, his tone brimming with pride. Seeing her son effortlessly deflect the situation, Lily felt a wave of relief. “I heard Janson’s eldest son was quick–tempered. When did he become so calm?” Lindsey muttered, her expression sour. Andy’s lack of anger prevented a more dramatic confrontation. “He’s always been composed, except when his mother is mentioned,” Bella had instructed Lindsey’s hired help to target his mother, but that person was delayed. 

Then, they heard Michael say, “Can’t you understand plain English? No wonder abandoned you!” 

your mother 

The “abandoned” comment was a rumor stemming from Mother’s Day. A street vendor had aggressively tried to sell him flowers, berating him for being unfilial and insulting his mother. Andy had beaten him up, leading to rumors that his mother had left him when he was young 

Michael used this as a weapon. 

Lily saw her son stiffen. Her face turned cold. 

“Shut up!” 

Suddenly, an impeccably dressed foreign man stormed over. Lily paused, recognizing the speaker. 

It was NoDi. 

The auction staff prepared for the start of the auction. Michael ignored NoDi, glancing at Andy’s paddle. “You won’t be bidding anyway. Why bother? Watch and learn. You’ll never earn what I’ll spend today,” he sneered, settling into his seat. 

NoDi approached, his gaze fixed on Michael.“He’s bullying you?” 

Andy saw the staff ID on the man’s chest, mistaking him for a security guard. He replied, “No.” Michael was a clown; his antics held no sway over Andy. Small acts of retribution had already proven effective against him. Michael hadn’t noticed how many times he’d been outsmarted by Andy, attributing his misfortunes to bad luck. 

He’s got a problem here*,* Andy said, tapping his temple. He found Michael truly pathetic. 

NoDi, deciding not to engage with a fool, said, “Are you free after the auction? I want to talk to you.” He was concerned that the boy might harbor resentment towards his mother. He’d introduce himself as a friend of her mother. To avoid seeming threatening, he offered his card. Seeing the “Chairman, NoDi International Auction House,” Andy’s classmates were thrilled. Was 

Chapter 33: Insulter Insulted 

Manu 

this a chance to secure sponsorship? They tugged at Andy’s sleeve.*Senior, please say yes!* “Okay,” Andy said, taking the card. 

The auction began. NoDi stood aside, ostensibly watching the stage but covertly observing Andy. He saw the resemblance. It was Lily’s child! He felt an immediate affection for the boy. Seeing the situation on the first floor defused, Lily remained upstairs, her 

gaze fixed on Michael’s back, a faint smirk playing on her lips. 

The auction commenced. The first item was a jade bracelet, starting at 550,000. 

Michael glanced back at Andy with disdain and raised his paddle. 

“Number 30,650,000.” 

“Number 75,750,000.” 

The bids climbed, reaching 1.2 million. Michael’s expression grew serious. He’d budgeted 1.1 million for the bracelet. Seeing Andy’s gaze, he gritted his teeth and raised his paddle again. 

“Number 30,1.2 million.” 

As the auctioneer repeated the bid, Michael felt relief. No one was competing. 

“Number 8,1.3 million.” 

Michael clenched his jaw, looking for the rival bidder. His expression was complex. It wasn’t someone on the first floor. Second–floor bidders could use paddles or buttons, remaining unseen from below. 

He decided to let it go. There were other jade pieces. 

Michael’s grandmother’s birthday was the day after tomorrow. His mother had given him three million to buy her a gift. He planned to spend around one million on jade jewelry, pocketing the 

• rest. 

The start was disastrous. Someone was competing with him. He soon realized that Number 8 was targeting him specifically. They were clearly wealthy, outbidding him repeatedly, spending close to ten million already. Michael’s face was grim. He’d intended to humiliate Andy for being poor, but now he was being humiliated by someone richer! 

Then, the painting Andy wanted appeared.