As attendees began to trickle in, the auction commenced precisely at eight. There were four seats separating each invitee, with Yu Ting and Lu Nanchen positioned in the second row from the center.
Yu Ting was holding a bidding paddle, displaying the bid number, 129.
A hostess took center stage, dressed in a dignified red dress amidst the well-heated venue, and her face adorned with formal makeup, radiating under the spotlight with a display stand nearby.
"Firstly, I welcome all attendees to our auction. On behalf of all our sponsors, I would like to express our gratitude." She announced with a smile.
"....."
"Let’s cut to the chase, I hope all of you will be able to acquire an item of your liking tonight."
Shortly after her speech, another woman emerged from backstage pushing a trolley holding a well-preserved Qing porcelain.
"The first item up for bid is a vase from the late Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s perfectly preserved with minimal damage, an ideal piece for antique enthusiasts. The starting bid is 1 million, with increments of 50,000 yuan."
Auction-goers with a soft spot for antiques and deep pockets quickly started the bidding process.
"1.2 million."
"1.3 million."
...
Yuting leaned on her armrest, her eyes showing disinterest in the Qing porcelain.
After four minutes of bidding, the final bid hammered down at 1.8 million.
Next was a traditional watercolor painting. Even to an outsider like Yu Ting, the painting seemed exquisite with each stroke perfectly executed and the canvas meticulously crafted.
"The second item is a masterpiece from our renowned artist Xu Yan. It is the culmination of his career, which is why we’re auctioning it here tonight. The bidding starts freely, with increments of 200,000 yuan."
The lady auctioneer’s gentle voice fired up the enthusiasm of the collectors below.
Just the name Xu Yan was of great value to these collectors.
Not to mention, it was his last piece of work.
"4 million."
A man triumphantly chimed in.
"5 million."
"5.5 million."
The bidding for this item was much fiercer than the first, but Yu Ting still couldn’t muster any interest. With no artsy bones in her body to appreciate such things, she nudged Lu Nanchen and asked, "Would your father like this kind of painting?"
"No, he prefers ink wash paintings more," Lu Nanchen answered truthfully.
"Oh."
After getting her answer, Yu Ting lost even more interest and began to wait for the next item.
"7 million."
A familiar female voice echoed.
Yu Ting looked back at the source of the voice and saw Shen Ruchu standing out in the crowd.
Shen Ruchu.
Shen Ruchu increased the bid by 1.5 million, deterring many bidders. The auction ground grew quiet. Nobody dared to compete with Shen Ruchu. Bidding against her was practically burning money.
Shen Ruchu appeared firm and resolute. Chinese New Year was close and she was thinking of gifting something to her grandfather to cheer him up.
"10 million."
Before she could revel in her winning bid, a pleasant female voice rose from the crowd. It sounded familiar.
When Shen Ruchu saw Yu Ting, who was seated and watching her while snickering, the anger that had been under control for days erupted. Shen Ruchu’s face contorted with rage.
That darn girl.
"12 million."
Yu Ting countered with: "20 million."
"25 million."
"40 million."
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