Chapter 209  As Lauren turned to look at Andrew, she quickly caught the eye of several onlookers.  “Yes, there’s a small item I’m interested in,” Andrew replied with a smile.  “Is it a medicinal herb, Andrew?” Francesca asked, and Andrew nodded..“Yes, a Celestial Nymphaea.”  Francesca thoughtfully explained, “The Celestial Nymphaea is a premium medicinal herb, highly valued by medical experts and serious collectors. Though in Jayrodale, unlike metropolises like Chetvine, there probably won’t be many interested bidders–you should get it easily.”  Just as she finished speaking, the host, Elsie Santana, pulled back a red cloth downstairs, revealing a perfectly preserved Celestial Nymphaea.  She announced, “Distinguished guests, tonight’s item is quite special. It’s not a priceless jewel or a master’s artwork, but rather a professionally authenticated medicinal herb that’s at least 500 years old truly a rare find that interested parties shouldn’t miss.”  Despite Elsie’s enthusiastic presentation and perfect smile, the response was lukewarm. Clearly, the wealthy audience either did not understand or needed such herbs.  “Stop wasting time! What’s’so special about some dried plant? It’s just worthless grass,” someone shouted from the crowd.  “Yeah, show us the good stuff! Who needs medicinal herbs these days? We’re not practicing martial arts here!”  “Ms. Santana, instead of going on about this useless herb, why don’t you hike up that gorgeous dress of yours? Give us all something worthwhile to admire!”  More crude comments followed, causing widespread laughter as the crowd hoped to catch a glimpse of more of Elsie’s beauty.  “Disgusting pigs!” Francesca muttered angrily, her face twisted in disgust.  Lauren, however, found amusement in the situation. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned closer to Andrew, her voice teasing. “Dr. Lloyd, are you curious about what lies beneath Ms. Santana’s dress?”  Andrew cleared his throat awkwardly. “Well, I hadn’t thought about it.  Lauren leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against his ear as she giggled. “Don’t be shy, Dr. Lloyd. If you’re interested, I could wear something similar for you someday. I promise it would be even more impressive than Ms. Santana’s!”  Her seductive gaze and the faint, intoxicating scent of her perfume nearly made Andrew lose his composure. This woman was becoming bolder by the day.  112  +25 BONUS  Chapter 209  Francesca’s cheeks burned as she watched from the side. When she caught Andrew’s eye, she quickly turned away with a pout.  “Look, Dr. Lloyd, Fran seems jealous!” Lauren chuckled. “Should we invite her to join our fun?  Before Andrew could respond, Francesca yelped as though Lauren’s suggestion had burned. her. She scooted farther away and huffed, “I would never! You two are shameless!”  Meanwhile, Elsie’s blushing response to the crowd’s teasing had the young heirs and aging executives alike worked into a frenzy.  Andrew had to admit she knew her craft–she had skillfully turned the lukewarm reception of the Celestial Nymphaea into an energetic atmosphere.  A woman’s beauty, when wielded properly, could indeed be a powerful tool.