Chapter 68

Chapter 68 - Painting of Eight Horses

“Wenyu, surely you jest,” Lin Rou'er said, her voice laced with a forced mirth that belied her true feelings. She knew all too well that the man before her wished nothing more than her immediate demise. Nonetheless, she managed to muster a smile that seemed just right for the occasion and extended her hand.

But before Zhou Wenyu could grasp Lin Rou'er's hand, Ye Hao swiftly intercepted, seizing Zhou Wenyu's hand instead. Zhou Wenyu froze, taken aback.

?What was happening here?

Who was this interloper?

Lin Rou'er was equally taken aback. After all, a handshake was customary in such settings. What could possibly have prompted Ye Hao to intervene?

Upon reflection, Lin Rou'er's expression chilled as she regarded Zhou Wenyu with newfound wariness. Xiaolan, quick to sense the underlying tension, positioned herself protectively in front of Lin Rou'er, ready to strike should Zhou Wenyu make any suspicious moves.

“What are you doing?” Zhou Wenyu demanded, his voice a low growl.

“Nothing,” Ye Hao replied, his tone even.

“Miss Lin, who is this person?” Zhou Wenyu inquired, turning his attention to Lin Rou'er with a stern look.

“My bodyguard, Ye Hao,” she answered. It was clear to her that even without her confirmation, Zhou Wenyu could easily uncover Ye Hao's background.

“A bodyguard should not be so presumptuous,” Zhou Wenyu remarked, having confirmed Ye Hao's role.

“Do you view bodyguards as lesser beings?” Ye Hao retorted with a cold laugh.

Zhou Wenyu was momentarily at a loss for words.

?The heirs of affluent families surrounding them were visibly shocked. They were all eager to understand who Ye Hao was and how he dared to stand up to a scion of the Zhou family.

?Zhou Wenyu composed himself and shook his head, “That was not my intent. However, we must not forsake proper etiquette.”

“You do go on,” Ye Hao said sharply, fixing his gaze on Zhou Wenyu. “And what authority do you have to lecture me on etiquette?”

“What did you just say?” Zhou Wenyu's anger flared.

“Do you have such a disdain for decency?” Ye Hao asked, his sneer unyielding.

“What are you implying?” Zhou Wenyu's anger gave way to a hint of panic.

“You're well aware of what I'm implying,” Ye Hao said, stepping closer and patting Zhou Wenyu on the shoulder. “Must be tough, enduring this torment, isn't it?”

Zhou Wenyu involuntarily shuddered at the touch.

He was now even more convinced that the young man before him was aware of his situation.

Just then, Zhou Wenyu's bodyguard hurried over, prompting Ye Hao to smoothly step back to where he had been standing.

“It's fine,” Zhou Wenyu gestured with a wave of his hand, signaling his bodyguard to stay back, “Miss Lin, if you would.”

Lin Rou'er cast a doubtful glance at Zhou Wenyu before nodding her agreement.

Nonetheless, Wang Hua became inwardly vigilant. Ye Hao's remarkable abilities at such a young age suggested that his sect was extraordinary.

Moreover, he was certainly capable of achieving Innate status.

Wang Hua was well aware of his own limitations; he would never reach the Innate level in his lifetime.

That only made him more eager to befriend Ye Hao.

Through their brief interaction, Wang Hua realized that Ye Hao seemed utterly unfamiliar with the martial arts sects.

“My master never shared that with me,” Ye Hao remarked offhandedly.

Wang Hua was tempted to comment on the capricious nature of Ye Hao's master, but considering Ye Hao might hail from a secretive and powerful sect, he held his tongue.

At that moment, a dignified and elegant woman stepped onto the stage, bringing the room to a hush.

“Welcome to the charity auction I am hosting.”

She paused, and the audience broke into applause.

Once the clapping subsided, Zhou Haimei spoke gently, “Today's charity auction is primarily to provide financial aid to impoverished families in the Southern Borderland. Our goal is to raise one billion yuan.”

With at least three to five hundred business magnates present in Glento, reaching the billion-yuan mark was well within reach.

Zhou Haimei continued with an emotive speech before commencing the auction.

“The first item on display is Xu Beihong's Painting of Eight Horses.” As two young women revealed the painting, gasps of admiration rippled through the crowd.

“Is this a work by Master Xu?”

“It certainly appears to be his creation.”

“The auction is under Mrs. Zhou's supervision. Could it possibly be a counterfeit?”

“Master Xu's artworks are all valued at over 50 million yuan.”

“I recall the Painting of Ten Horses fetching 1.2 billion yuan at auction.”

The attendees were the crème de la crème of the business world and representatives of prominent families, all well-versed and discerning.

In just a short span of time, they had appraised the value of the painting.

“The starting bid for the Painting of Eight Horses is 50 million yuan. Each bid must increase by no less than 1 million yuan,” Zhou Haimei said, smiling.

“60 million yuan.”

“61 million yuan.”

“62 million yuan.”

“63 million yuan.”

Ye Hao watched as the price of the Painting of Eight Horses climbed higher and higher, sighing with a mix of awe and disbelief.