Chapter 436: Fake Piece
Translator: _Min_ |
Meng Chuan looked at Gu Dai with confusion, “Daidai, how did this calligraphy piece end up here? Wasn’t it in…”
Gu Dai did not elaborate much, only nodding slightly, her gaze fixed on the auction scene.
Su Ci sensed something was amiss but, seeing Gu Dai chose not to speak, he didn’t press further.
Master He Zhi’s calligraphy was famous, hence many people fought for it.
“Bidding 10 million.”
“I’ll bid 20 million.”
“I won’t let you take it, 50 million.”
“100 million!”
Zhou Ci was astonished and turned to Sheng Xin in surprise, “You actually have a piece by Master He Zhi.”
Song Ling was also surprised but didn’t show it as blatantly as Zhou Ci.
Sheng Xin humbly said, “I just happened to come by it.”
She watched as the price continued to climb, even reaching the highest bid of the evening, her smile growing wider.
The host announced, “I now declare that Mr. Zhang has successfully bid 800 million for ‘He’s Preface’!”
The crowd gasped, followed by a round of enthusiastic applause.
The host then asked, “We’re delighted that Miss Sheng Xin is willing to donate such an expensive item. Would you like to come up and say a few words?”
Sheng Xin, not wanting to miss this opportunity for attention, stepped up to the stage with a warm and gentle smile that endeared her to the audience. “How did you convince yourself to donate Master He Zhi’s work?” the host inquired.
Sheng Xin answered with a smile, “When I heard it was for charity, I just thought about using my own power to help the children in impoverished areas. When I saw Master He Zhi’s work, I donated it without a second thought.”
The host couldn’t help but admire, “Miss Sheng Xin is so kind-hearted, caring more for the children than her own loss. It seems you must often help others in your daily life.”
Sheng Xin nodded without hesitation, her signature smile aimed at the booths, wanting everyone to see her kindness. But when her eyes met Gu Dai’s, an idea suddenly sprang to her mind.
Sheng Xin said, “There’s a particularly popular variety show online recently. One of the artists is under my company. More importantly, I want to mention that I have a collaboration with Miss Gu Dai of Gu’s Group for this show.”
The host was confused but nodded along.
Sheng Xin continued, “Miss Gu Dai cares even more about charity. Why not have her come up and share what she’s contributed to this cause?”
As soon as Sheng Xin spoke, Meng Chuan’s face changed, angrily standing up, “It’s almost the end of the auction, and she knows you didn’t bring anything to auction. She’s just trying to embarrass you.”
Su Ci’s gentle smile vanished, his eyes coldly fixed on Sheng Xin.
Gu Dai remained composed, standing up slowly, “I’ll go down and say a few words.”
She reassured Su Ci and Meng Chuan, who looked worried, “Don’t worry, I can handle it.”
Sheng Xin, not expecting Gu Dai to actually take the stage, seized the moment. She grabbed Gu Dai’s hand, asking with a smile, “Daidai, what did you donate?”
Gu Dai withdrew her hand, her smile not reaching her eyes, “I don’t think our relationship is that close.”
Sheng Xin’s smile froze, her head lowered in feigned hurt, “Sorry, I thought we were close, but I didn’t realize this is how you see me.”
Her words swayed the crowd’s emotions, especially Mr. Zhang, who had just bought Sheng Xin’s donated calligraphy.
Zhang Sheng spoke up, “Gu Dai, even as the Chairwoman of Gu Group, you shouldn’t embarrass a girl in public like this. And I remember you didn’t donate anything at this charity event. Are you just showing temper to cover your own embarrassment?”
Gu Dai couldn’t help but laugh, then spoke calmly, “Although I didn’t bring anything to auction, it’s still better than someone selling fakes, isn’t it?”
Zhang Sheng was taken aback, not immediately grasping the meaning of Gu Dai’s words.
Sheng Xin, however, turned pale upon hearing Gu Dai’s comment.
Zhang Sheng suddenly reacted, turning to Gu Dai excitedly, “Do you have proof? How dare you say the item I auctioned is fake!”