The secretary didn't speak, while Yu Jingchen squinted and smoked.
Three days later, in the afternoon, Grandma Qin will attend an auction. The auction is funded by a foundation formed by people from their circle who each contribute a portion of their funds. This foundation holds a charity auction every year, and the proceeds are generally used to support projects such as education and disaster relief.
Initially, such foundations were simply established by wealthy individuals to cultivate a positive image. However, the auctions gradually became a way for the rich to flaunt their wealth. The higher the value of the donated items, the more attention they received at the auction. Not only were the donations of items a symbol of wealth, but the participation in the auction itself was also a significant event. Those who could participate in such auctions were generally very wealthy and influential figures.
Some people even use auctions to express their desire to curry favor with important figures or facilitate cooperation between their businesses.
Yu Jingchen used his connections to sit in the private room next to Old Madam Qin. The Qin family was one of the investors in this auction, so Old Madam Qin came to check on things. It was clear that she valued this kind of event that showcased the Qin family's status and position, especially since the Qin family was in the pharmaceutical industry and dedicated themselves to saving lives. This kind of charity auction could bring the Qin family a very good corporate image.
Grandma Qin took this auction very seriously. Even though her health wasn't so good, she still personally oversaw the entire process. Since she valued it so much, many people who wanted to be on good terms with the Qin family would participate in the auction to curry favor with them. To save face for Grandma Qin, many of the items submitted for this charity auction were extremely valuable.
Yu Jingchen had already conducted a thorough investigation into Old Madam Qin's preferences beforehand. He had previously spent a lot of money and used some connections to commission a meticulous painting, "Autumn Appreciation in September," which was a traditional Chinese painting commissioned by wealthy families to depict autumn scenery in September. Such paintings were used to showcase the prosperity of wealthy families. It is said that after the painting was completed, it hung in the official's study. Later, when the emperor inspected the officials, he saw the painting and liked it. He then summoned the craftsman who made the painting to the palace to create a new painting for the royal family.
With profound cultural heritage, the paintings are rich and varied. The gardens and pavilions of wealthy families in ancient times are extremely lifelike, and the ladies in them all embody the elegance of the wealthy. Even a small activity or an autumn appreciation scene in a painting can show the overwhelming wealth of such a family.
Before the auction began, when Mrs. Qin was browsing the auction items, she immediately took a liking to this painting. She asked the person in charge of the auction with some surprise, "Who sent this painting?"
"It is Yu Jingchen, the eldest son of the Yu family."
The old lady was clearly very satisfied with the work. She was a little surprised and wanted to say something, but she quickly suppressed her emotions. She glanced at the painting but did not show her liking for this auction item. She then calmly went to check the other auction items.
Just before leaving, Old Mrs. Qin asked the person in charge beside her, "Has the Yu family's child arrived yet?"
"Madam, the young master has arrived, and it seems he is sitting right next to you."
Grandma Qin said with a smile, "This guy is really sly."
It was probably this painting that pleased Old Mrs. Qin, but she didn't say anything, she just sat there preparing to participate in the auction.
Yu Jingchen had already used his connections to speak with some of the seniors who were attending the auction. He was tactful and, being the eldest son of the Yu family, although his business seemed to be experiencing a setback recently, these big shots considered it just one or two minor failures and were happy to give this junior face.
Therefore, Yu Jingchen's goal progressed smoothly. He re-bid the valuable "Autumn Appreciation in September" painting for 28.88 million yuan, and then had it packaged and given to the old lady in the next room who was watching the auction.
It was obvious that this move was to give the old lady face. He was deliberately creating momentum for the old lady's auction, and the old lady valued face the most.
While having someone invite Qin Manshu over, Old Madam Qin also had someone invite Yu Jingchen from the next private room over.
Yu Jingchen was impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, handsome in appearance, and always had a smiling face, making him seem very approachable. He was also tall enough, which made him stand out among the group of wealthy young men.
Grandma Qin did try to find young men to marry, but those she found either didn't have a better background or weren't as good-looking as Yu Jingchen. Among all these people, Yu Jingchen was the best of the best. Most importantly, Yu Jingchen knew how to please his elders.
The old lady made no attempt to hide her joy, laughing as she said to Yu Jingchen, "You little rascal, I never realized you were such a sly one. You auctioned it off, donated it, bought it yourself, and then gave me this autumn appreciation painting. What are you up to?"
Yu Jingchen noticed that Old Madam Qin's complexion wasn't as good as the last time he saw her. He thought that she might have been quite tired from organizing this event, so he asked her to sit down and said with a smile, "I had the honor of visiting the Qin family before. I felt that the Qin family's garden was similar to this Autumn Appreciation Painting, and it was very grand. So I thought that giving this Autumn Appreciation Painting to you, Old Madam, would be a proper return to its rightful owner."
A few words made Old Mrs. Qin feel even better, but she still composed herself and said calmly, "I can't accept you giving me gifts for no reason. Tell me, what's on your mind?"
"I just think Manshu is a nice girl. Since I intend to pursue Manshu and your granddaughter, this little thing is worth the price if it makes you happy."
Grandma Qin shook her head. "As expected, they had ulterior motives. I was wondering why they would give me, an old woman, all this for no reason. I only got this benefit because of my granddaughter."
"Grandma, that's not right. Manshu is so outstanding because of your excellent teaching."
Yu Jingchen praised Qin Manshu subtly, but more so to please Old Madam Qin. He was naturally eloquent and had even had his temperament studied so that he would say things that she would like.
When Qin Manshu arrived, Yu Jingchen was already having a pleasant conversation with Old Madam Qin.
As soon as Old Mrs. Qin saw Qin Manshu, her face darkened. "Why did it take you so long to come and help? I can't even wake you up anymore."
"I'm sorry, Grandma, something came up and I had to take care of it before I could get here." Qin Manshu spoke politely in front of the old lady, but when she saw Yu Jingchen sitting opposite her grandmother, she immediately understood what was going on.
Qin Manshu glanced at Yu Jingchen but didn't say anything.
Yu Jingchen seemed not to notice Qin Manshu's gaze. After taking a sip of tea, he smiled and said to the old lady Qin, "You're too kind, old lady. If Manshu had something to do, there was no need for her to come over. I originally just wanted to give you this autumn appreciation painting and then leave."
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