Chapter 34: Mom’s Got Money! 

Michael was frantically trying to identify Number 8, eliminating anyone he’d previously crossed, trying to unravel their identity. Then, he heard the auctioneer’s gavel fall.“Congratulations to bidder number eighty–six, who has won ‘Dawn’s Overture for one million, five hundred and fifty thousand…” 

Michael whirled around. He remembered Andy’s paddle… number eighty–something… Seeing the number 86 in Andy’s hand, Michael stared in disbelief. Impossible! He was a broke student; where would he get the money to buy a painting for over a million? His two underclassmen were equally stunned, filled with apprehension. If their senior couldn’t pay, would they be held responsible for the debt? 

They were thinking the same thing as Michael: Andy, outwardly calm, was actually deeply affected and had bought the painting to save face. 

The auction, featuring few items, concluded in an hour and a half. Michael lingered, wanting to witness Andy’s humiliation–buying something he couldn’t afford–and to find out who Number S was: a personal enemy or someone targeting the Joe family. 

An auction staff member approached Andy. His underclassmen shrank, their heads bowed low. Over a million dollars–they couldn’t even raise that much through online loans. 

Several onlookers remained, including Michael, waiting for the fallout. 

“Use this card,” Andy said casually, as if buying groceries. “I’ll sign here.” He signed the documents swiftly, avoiding the formality of being escorted to an office. 

The staff member scanned the card, the transaction seamless. It was as if the amount was one hundred and fifty–five *doallars*, not dollars. 

“Send it to this address,” Andy said, retrieving his card. The staff member offered some pleasantries before leaving. 

One underclassman pinched himself; the other bit his lip. 

My god, it was real! 

Why the rumors about Andy being poor? Someone had mentioned his clothes being from an exclusive, expensive brand. Many had dismissed it as counterfeit, but maybe they’d been genuine all along. Michael had mocked Andy for his affected indifference while wearing fakes. If he could spend 1.55 million on a painting, could he really afford fakes? 

The underclassmen saw a mysterious aura about Andy. 

The other onlookers were equally amazed at the twist. They’d expected a “don’t underestimate the underdog” narrative; instead, the underdog wasn’t an underdog at all!. 

“Andy, where did you get the money?” Michael demanded, unconvinced.“You didn’t even have an invitation, meaning you failed the financial vetting…” He paused, then added slyly, “This money isn’t legitimate, is it? I heard a rich woman’s been showering you with gifts.” 

This “rich woman” was the aunt of a wealthy classmate. She had a penchant for young men. Michael had deliberately introduced Andy, hoping to leverage her generosity. She was wealthy and kind, though a little overweight and older. If Andy was using this woman for money, it would shatter his image. 

Seeing Andy casually spend a million, Michael assumed he was dating her. He regretted not 

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decking before the auction. Now, he could’ve had irrefutable evidence to humiliate Andy *Bullshit!” 

Before Andy could react, NoDi intervened, furious, 

“You brain–dead moron! What are you babbling about*!* 

“Who are you? Oh…” Michael leered. So, you’ve found yourself a sponsor. You’re really 

Shut up!” 

Michael, already disliked, was silenced again. He turned to retort, his expression freezing as he recognized the newcomer. 

A sharp slap landed on his face. 

“Dad, why’d you hit me?!” Michael felt his face crumble. 

“This is the chairman of NoDi Auction House! You insolent brat!” 

The Joe family had business dealings with NoDi, explaining Michael’s access to an invitation. The Joes were more reliant on the partnership. 

“I… I’m sorry,” Michael apologized swiftly, his bravado dissolving under his father’s glare. “That apology isn’t just for me!” NoDi said coldly. 

Michael’s mouth moved, unable to form words; he refused to apologize to Andy. His father kicked him, causing him to stumble. Seeing the simmering rage in his father’s eyes, Michael finally apologized to Andy. 

Andy remained indifferent. Not out of magnanimity, but because he would retaliate later. H Apparent forgiveness wasn’t due to saintly compassion but because he would exact his revenge tenfold. 

The reason Joe’s company valued the NoDi partnership was due to company difficulties—a consequence of Andy’s counterattack. 

Andy, though outwardly serene, was ruthless towards his enemies. 

Ignoring him, Andy’s nonchalance sent a blush creeping up Michael’s neck. The slap he’d intended for Andy landed on his own face. 

His underclassmen muttered about Michael’s self–inflicted humiliations. They really didn’t know what to say anymore. 

“A father’s fault for a son’s behavior. Mr. Joe, be careful,” Andy finally addressed Joe’s father, whose smile faltered. He’d forced his son to apologize for NoDi’s sake, but this boy was still arrogant! 

Michael was dragged away, his gaze venomous. His underclassmen left too; the intelligence about the French executives was wrong! 

During the auction, the underclassmen had attempted to secure sponsorship, failing until they heard what happened with the painting. Their senior might have just secured funding! 

Back at school, they recounted the events, but no one believed them. They were known for tall tales and were staunch fans of Andy, so no one took them seriously. Andy buying a painting for over a million, Michael getting slapped by his father, the auction house chairman’s personal greeting… It sounded like a fantasy! 

They decided to wait for the revelation to shock everyone. That moment arrived sooner than 

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expected. Because of Michael, Lily learned about the upcoming school anniversary. Besides official invitations, numerous student–led events were planned, requiring sponsorship Lily decided to attend her son’s anniversary celebration in style. 

You’re coming too, regardless of anything!” she declared to John. They would support their son! “Yes, yes, I will,” John readily agreed. He wouldn’t dare refuse. 

Should we go down?” John asked, seeing Andy leave with NoDi. 

“No, Andy just messaged saying he’s leaving first,” Lily said. 

John was relieved. That way, NoDi wouldn’t see Lily! 

Lily thought it would be a good opportunity for her son to get to know her better through others, and NoDi was perfect for this. 

was fine if he didn’t want his father’s money. Mom had money! NoDi probably had already talked to Andy.