Everyone present turned to look at Chen Rulong.

As everyone can see, Zhonglong Group, young and fearless, is clearly determined to challenge Tianjiao Group tonight and gain the upper hand.

Now it all depends on whether Tianjiao Group will fight Zhonglong Group to the bitter end.

Chen Rulong glared at Chen Yun, but he was also hesitant about whether to continue arguing with Chen Yun.

He had already realized that Chen Yun's actions were not simply about vying for the calligraphy. Nor was it merely about securing a spot or enhancing the reputation of Zhonglong Group; Chen Yun was determined to prove him wrong!

Just as he was hesitating.

He Liqiang, the organizer, had already given a wink to the auction host.

With instructions from Commissioner He, the host brought down the gavel decisively and announced, "Sold! The first treasure of tonight's charity auction has been purchased by Mr. Chen of Zhonglong Group for 100 million."

"The 100 million yuan raised from the auction will be donated to the Zhonghai City Welfare Institution to build orphanages and nursing homes to provide relief to orphans and elderly people living alone."

"Here, we would like to express our gratitude once again to Zhonglong Group and Mr. Chen for his charitable contributions!"

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the audience.

Chen Rulong didn't expect that he would hesitate for only two or three seconds before the auctioneer had already brought down the gavel.

In their first confrontation, Tianjiao Group suffered a defeat against Zhonglong Group.

As for himself, his team was forced to back up to make way for Chen Yun, and he was also angered to the point of fainting by Chen Yun at the Guolong Hotel last night. In addition, he was overpowered by Chen Yun in the auction tonight.

Unbeknownst to him, in just two days since arriving in Zhonghai, he had already run into a wall with Chen Yun three times.

He glanced at Chen Yun with a complicated expression, then quietly instructed his men to take Zhong Hangang to the hospital for emergency treatment.

He then slowly sat down, preparing to grab a spot.

But he also knew very well that even if he got the next spot, it wouldn't change the fact that Zhonglong Group had defeated Tianjiao Group tonight.

I'm so angry!

The auction continues.

Because Chen Rulong was outdone by Chen Yun, he harbored a deep resentment.

So for the first item up for auction, Chen Rulong personally took charge and raised the starting price of an antique painting from 500,000 to 30 million!

The group of executives present knew that Chen Rulong was furious at the moment, and none of them dared to argue with him.

They were terrified of incurring Chen Rulong's wrath and provoking his retaliation!

Soon, Chen Rulong purchased the second item.

Following Zhonglong Group, Tianjiao Group secured the second spot.

The next three items were also auctioned off and won by three other powerful companies.

The charity auction has ended.

He Liqiang, accompanied by a group of leaders and staff from the organizer, took to the stage and announced that five companies, including Zhonglong Group and Tianjiao Group, had passed the preliminary review. The final review would be held three days later to determine who would win the port operation rights.

A group of CEOs at the scene stood up and applauded.

Many company executives even rushed up to Chen Yun, respectfully handing him their business cards and saying with fawning expressions, "Mr. Chen, please accept this business card. I hope that after your Zhonglong Company obtains the port operation rights, we will have the opportunity to cooperate."

Chen Yun smiled and said, "No problem!"

After the boss stepped down...

More and more CEOs came to hand over their business cards, hoping to become familiar with Chen Yun first, so that if Chen Yun really took over the port in the future, they could come and ask Chen Yun for a job.

Before long, a thick stack of business cards, numbering in the dozens, was laid out on the table in front of Chen Yun.

In contrast, consider the Tianjiao Group at the next table.

Because of Zhong Hangang's unpopular remarks and behavior during the auction, he incurred public wrath.

In addition, Chen Rulong was overshadowed by Chen Yun.

Very few people went to congratulate Chen Rulong at this time!

Chen Rulong's gaze towards Chen Yun became even more complicated.

At this moment, a staff member came over and whispered, "Mr. Chen, Commissioner He invites you to the private room for drinks."

Upon hearing this, Chen Rulong's eyes lit up, and he nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll be right there!"

After saying that, all the displeasure in his heart vanished.

He glanced smugly at Chen Yun not far away, and scoffed inwardly: What's so great about getting the first spot? It all comes down to the final result. With my relationship with Commissioner He, you're just a runner-up, destined to have nothing to show for your enthusiasm!

With that in mind, he took a few of Luo Changgui's trusted men and followed the staff to the private room to see Commissioner He.

Inside the private room.

He Liqiang had already prepared the food and drinks.

Chen Rulong entered with several of his men, beaming, and said, "Commissioner He, you're so busy with social engagements tonight, yet you still have time to treat me to a couple of drinks. I'm truly flattered!"

Before he could finish speaking...

Three more bosses came in behind me.

Chen Rulong froze instantly, staring in astonishment at the other three bosses, a little confused: Did He Liqiang not invite me alone?

Sure enough, He Liqiang laughed and said, "Haha, Mr. Chen, and all the other bosses, I'm treating you to drinks, both to congratulate you on passing the preliminary review and to strengthen our friendship so that we can work together more easily in the future."

Chen Rulong was somewhat embarrassed when he realized that He Liqiang hadn't invited him for drinks because of a personal relationship.

He took his seat reluctantly, accompanied by a few trusted confidants.

He Liqiang's attention wasn't on Chen Rulong at all tonight. Right now, he kept looking around and asking, "Is everyone here?"

One of the subordinates replied, "Mr. Chen from Zhonglong Group hasn't arrived yet. Should I go out and ask him again?"

He Liqiang shook his head: "No need!"

Mr. Chen will come in when he's done with his work. What if I keep inviting him and I upset him?

This kind of basic mistake must not be made!

That's what He Liqiang was thinking.

But to Chen Rulong and the others, it sounded quite different.

Everyone assumed that Commissioner He was unhappy with Chen Yun's lateness!

Among the several CEOs who passed the preliminary review, Cheng Jianjun, the CEO of Shanghai Ocean Shipping Group, immediately seized the opportunity to curry favor with He Liqiang.

He flattered He Liqiang, saying, "Commissioner He, don't be angry. That little bastard Chen Yun is too arrogant. He even dared to be late for your invitation to drink. We'll teach that little bastard a lesson for you later."

When He Liqiang heard this guy call Chen Yun a little bastard and keep saying he would teach Chen Yun a lesson, his face changed instantly and he was about to curse him!

But just then...

The door to the private room opened.

Chen Yun led Long Pingting, Shu Lingyue, Liang Chenglong, Tang Shirong, Lu Yaonan, and Wu Haidong in.

"Sorry we're late."

I was kept busy handing out my business cards by a group of company executives, which delayed me for a while.

Chen Yun smiled and apologized as soon as he entered.

When He Liqiang saw Chen Yun arrive, he was about to get up to greet him.

Cheng Jianjun, standing to the side, snorted coldly and said sarcastically, "You little bastard, you've got quite the attitude, daring to keep Commissioner He waiting? Do you want to lose your job?"

Long Pingting and the others were furious upon hearing this.

Chen Yun's expression remained unchanged as he stared indifferently at Cheng Jianjun, like a butcher looking at a pig or dog waiting to be slaughtered. His voice was calm but laced with murderous intent: "Let me confirm, are you talking to me?"