At the top of the Starry Headquarters, the auction venue had transformed into a magnificent "floating" palace, shimmering above the city.
The most breathtaking feature was undoubtedly the venue's 360-degree tempered glass walls. From within, guests could gaze upon the sprawling metropolis below, its myriad lights twinkling against the backdrop of the inky night sky dotted with distant stars—as if strolling through the cosmos itself.
The interior design was equally ingenious. Soft, moonlit lighting flowed through the space, echoing the real stars outside, perfectly embodying the "Starry Charity Auction" theme and creating an otherworldly, dreamlike atmosphere.
The venue was meticulously laid out.
At the innermost section lay the backstage area where models prepared. A T-shaped runway extended from this space, leading to the center of the hall—specifically designed for the first stage of the showcase, "Initial Radiance."
At the runway's end stood a circular main stage that blended technological innovation with artistic flair. This would serve as the setting for the second stage, "Universal Convergence," and later as the central area for the jewelry auction.
Audience seating fanned out around the runway and main stage, ensuring every guest enjoyed an unobstructed view of the upcoming "Brilliant Galaxy" jewelry showcase and the intense bidding wars to follow.
The audience seats were packed to capacity, the air thick with the delicate fragrance of high-end perfumes, the tantalizing aroma of gourmet cuisine, and a palpable sense of suppressed excitement and anticipation.
Domestic and international social elites, business tycoons, and seasoned collectors mingled in small groups, murmuring in hushed tones as their eyes occasionally scanned the information displayed on the large screens, assessing the auction items they coveted.
Among the crowd were many spectators who hadn't come to bid but rather to witness Cifera's "theft performance" firsthand.
Some young fans wore T-shirts emblazoned with chibi-style cat illustrations of Cifera, while others sported cat-ear headbands, brandishing cheering signs with slogans like "Cifera Must Win" and "Starry Light Awaits You." Their eyes darted around eagerly, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol.
Surprisingly, the number of "Aya" cheering signs and banners rivaled those for Cifera. Slogans like "Goddess Aya," "Goddess of Tailoring," and "Starry Goddess Descends" were ubiquitous, a testament to the phenomenal popularity she had amassed in just a few hours.
Of course, there were also fans holding light-up signs bearing the names of Lu Yue and Nie Bing, though fewer in number, their support seemed particularly fervent.
Though viewers in the live stream couldn't attend in person, they were still getting a free peek at the event.
[Wow! I only realized how beautiful this venue is at night! It's practically a Starry Sky Palace!]
[Auctioning jewelry in a place like this must double its perceived value!]
[Haha, there are so many Cifera fans and Aya fans here! Is this an auction or a celebrity meet-and-greet?]
[As expected, beautiful women are always popular! Look at how many fans Little Bingbing has too.]
[What about fans of Old Liu, Lin Zhiyuan, and the other male experts from the Pursuit Team? Oh, basically none. Poor guys.]
[Hey, up there! Lord Lin attracts fans with his intellect! We're rational fans, not the kind to cause trouble at events. Don't talk nonsense if you don't understand!]
[Lu Yue still has fans? Didn't they reveal he's a man?]
[You clearly don't get it! Crossdressing boys are a rare commodity! Especially top-tier ones like him! I'm a fan now!]
[I'm also a Little Granddaughter fan. We admire more than just his crossdressing... um, his courage too!]
[Courage? More like cowardice! How long has it been, and your Little Granddaughter still hasn't made a move!]
[What can he do? The security here is so tight—guards every few steps, plus tons of plainclothes officers. There's no way Lu Yue can find an opening.]
[Little Granddaughter is such a pushover. What a waste of such a prime inside position—she hasn't found a single opportunity to strike!]
[Grandchild of the Phantom Thief? More like "Grandchild of Following Her Heart"! Ha ha!]
[Don't laugh at our Little Granddaughter! Even your Cifera wouldn't dare make a move!]
Studio
Host Qiu Qiu, watching the live feed, turned to Inspector Nie Junfeng:
"Inspector Nie, we're seeing a truly star-studded event here, with an electric atmosphere. But what's even more striking is the omnipresent and airtight security. Could you explain to our viewers what arrangements Old Liu and Starry Security have implemented?"
Nie Junfeng adjusted his posture, adopting a professional demeanor:
"Certainly. After the lesson learned this afternoon, Old Liu and Starry Security have implemented a comprehensive upgrade, adhering strictly to the principle of 'seeing is believing.'
"As you can see, the perimeter—all entrances, exits, and corridors—are guarded by mixed teams of Pursuers and Starry Security Personnel, forming the first line of defense.
"The second line of defense is concealed within the crowd."
He pointed to several figures in the footage who appeared to be ordinary guests or staff members:
"These are our plainclothes Pursuers and security experts, remaining vigilant for any suspicious activity at all times."
"The most crucial layer of defense is the third one—the core protective circle surrounding Miss Aya, the wearer of the Starry Light."
The broadcast promptly cut to "Aya" in the backstage preparation area, the Starry Light around her neck shimmering brilliantly under the stage lights.
Nie Bing stood beside her like the most loyal guardian, never more than a step away, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with unwavering vigilance, her aura radiating full force.
[Little Bingbing's protective stance! Love it! "IceAya" ship sailing strong!]
[Huh? When did this "IceAya" ship even set sail? This fandom drama is wild!]
[It started after Aya got the full "Big Pecs Style" treatment—the VIP protection package!]
Onscreen, Nie Junfeng continued:
"Since confirming Miss Aya as the final wearer of the Starry Light, Police Officer Nie Bing and another female Pursuer have never left her side by more than three steps, except during runway rehearsals.
"This is to prevent Contestant Cifera from pulling a switcheroo, secretly disguising herself as Miss Aya.
"Under such tight surveillance, no anomalies have occurred so far. Night Shadow—or rather, Contestant Lu Yue, as we now know him—has found absolutely no opportunity to strike."
He shifted his tone:
"However, the greatest test is about to begin—the opening show of the 'Brilliant Galaxy' jewelry exhibition, which starts imminently.
"According to the schedule, the venue lights will dim dramatically, simulating the environment of the cosmic starry sky. Only the jewelry displays will have focused spotlights.
"This undoubtedly presents the best, and possibly the only, opportunity for a theft.
"But!"
Nie Junfeng's voice grew firm:
"My master, Old Liu, has already anticipated this and devised countermeasures. Pay close attention to the special equipment worn by the Pursuit Team and core Security Personnel."
The camera zoomed in, revealing lightweight miniature devices worn on the earlobes of many individuals.
"These are the latest generation of high-precision night vision goggles, rushed in for this event. They not only provide clear vision in complete darkness but also integrate thermal sensors capable of detecting faint biological heat signatures.
"This means that even if Contestant Cifera manages to extinguish all the lights as she did this afternoon, she will find it nearly impossible to completely 'disappear' this time.
"Physical concealment may be possible, but body heat signatures cannot escape the scrutiny of advanced technology."
A confident smile spread across Nie Junfeng's face:
"Therefore, given Old Liu's meticulous preparations, even if Contestant Cifera attempts to steal the Starry Light, her chances of success are extremely low.
"As for Contestant Lu Yue... well, with all due respect, considering his current capabilities and opportunities, his chances of successfully stealing the Starry Light tonight are virtually zero."