Chapter 435: Banquet Auction
Translator: _Min_ |
Zhou Ci gave a light cough, lifting his hand to rub his nose. With a nonchalant wave of his hand, he said, “It’s nothing, I’ll be going first.”
Turning his head, he coincidentally saw the figure of Song Ling and hurriedly followed him into the box. His eyes fell on the opposite room, and he exclaimed in surprise, “Song Ling, your choice of room is excellent. We can actually see Gu Dai and the others from here.”
Zhou Ci couldn’t help but complain, “Miss Gu Dai’s older brother is really cold. I talked with them for so long, yet they wouldn’t let me into their box.”
Song Ling let out a cold laugh, “They’re right to guard against you.”
Zhou Ci averted his gaze, defensively saying, “I entered just to help you get closer.”
Song Ling remained skeptical, “I think it’s more about you wanting to get closer to Gu Dai.”
Zhou Ci had to concede, “Feelings aren’t something you can just give up on. I want to fight for myself, especially when you’re not making an effort.”
Song Ling looked at Zhou Ci with a slightly cold gaze and warned, “Stay away from Gu Dai.”
Zhou Ci didn’t reply, but internally he countered Song Ling, thinking he should take care of himself first.
He then noticed the woman beside Song Ling and asked in confusion, “Who is this? She looks unfamiliar; I’ve never heard you mention her before.”
Song Ling was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing how to describe his relationship with Sheng Xin.
Sheng Xin smiled slyly, “I’m a tool Song Ling uses to provoke others.”
Zhou Ci realized the situation, but his gaze towards Song Ling was like looking at a fool. He certainly wouldn’t use such a tactic; wouldn’t this approach only push people further away?
The charity banquet host for the evening was ready.
The host announced, “I now declare the charity banquet has officially started! All the auction items have been donated by our generous patrons, and the proceeds from the auction will be fully donated to impoverished areas to help with their development.”
With everyone’s intention to expand their network, the items up for auction were various cherished collectibles, making the bidding intense and continuous.
The item now on stage was a pair of earrings designed by the world’s leading designer.
Gu Dai bid, “One million.”
The crowd fell silent at Gu Dai’s bid, not expecting the starting price to be so high.
Sheng Xin looked at Song Ling and reminded him, “Now is the time.”
Song Ling bid, “Two million.”
The crowd gasped again, surprised by the high price for the earrings, despite being designed by a top designer.
Sheng Xin provocatively looked towards Gu Dai’s booth.
Gu Dai didn’t notice, but Su Ci and Meng Chuan did. They said together, “Keep bidding, we have the money.”
Gu Dai also didn’t plan to stop, bidding again, “Five million.”
Sheng Xin’s provocative look froze, disbelievingly widening her eyes. She instinctively looked at Song Ling, “We can’t lose, keep bidding.”
Song Ling frowned, recalling a previous situation where Gu Dai had tricked him, and chose not to continue bidding.
During the subsequent auctioned jewelry items, Gu Dai repeatedly raised her bids, eventually winning them at a high price.
Song Ling’s frown deepened, not understanding what Gu Dai was doing.
Sheng Xin initially remained provocative, but now fell silent, seemingly feeling the mocking stares of those around her. Thankfully, her donated item was up for auction soon.
Compared to the somber mood in Song Ling’s booth, Gu Dai’s was filled with laughter and cheer.
Meng Chuan excitedly said, “That’s right, buy everything Song Ling wants, leaving him with nothing!”
Su Ci didn’t speak, but the corners of his mouth lifted in agreement, clearly sharing the same sentiment.
Gu Dai shook her head helplessly but hummed in agreement.
The host then came onto the stage, “Next up is a calligraphy piece, ‘He’s Preface,’ by He Zhi, and it’s provided by Miss Sheng Xin!”
At the host’s words, the crowd in the booths gasped in surprise.
“I can’t believe it, a masterpiece by Master He Zhi.”
“I’d heard of this piece but never expected to see it at the auction today.”
“Who is this Sheng Xin, to possess a piece by Master He Zhi and willing to auction it? If it were me, I’d keep it hidden away, not letting others see it. This person must have a strong background; I must speak with her later..”