"You're back? Did you see anything you liked?" Now that Suiyi had figured things out, she stopped worrying about it. Seeing her sisters-in-law return, she asked.
"Those things are quite exquisite and beautiful, but they are not the purpose of our trip. We'll just enjoy them from afar."
"Indeed, those weren't the real auction items; they were just some warm-up gimmicks."
“You see things very clearly, sister-in-law. We were about to start filming, so we came back.”
"Um!"
The people who had gone up to admire the jewelry gradually returned to their seats, as the auction was about to begin.
A moment later, the stage lights dimmed, and a beam of light shone on a person. It was the auctioneer. He picked up the microphone and began his opening remarks.
Ladies and gentlemen, friends: Good morning, and welcome to this charity auction. I am auctioneer Lu Lei (showing my credentials). It is my honor to host today's auction. This auction is conducted in accordance with the principles of openness, fairness, impartiality, and honesty. I hope you will participate actively in the bidding and wish you all good luck!
There are 300 items for auction today, which have been listed in the auction materials distributed to everyone. Please study them carefully, and we hope that all bidders will participate actively. There is also one item that many distinguished guests have come here for, which is the highlight of our auction: the "Youluo Ring," which will be obtained by those who are destined to receive it.
3. In accordance with Article 49 of the Auction Law, I will read out the auction rules and precautions before the auction begins…
4. To ensure the smooth conduct of this auction, I would like to make the following special notes regarding the auction rules (i.e., precautions): 1) All attendees are requested to maintain auction order and refrain from loud noise; otherwise, I reserve the right to ask them to leave. 2) Bidders must not collude, monopolize or manipulate prices, or obstruct other bidders from bidding; otherwise, I reserve the right to order them to leave, and their deposits will not be refunded. If their actions cause damage to national interests or the rights of others, we will pursue their economic compensation liability. 3) This auction will be conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Yanhuang Auction Law," using an ascending-bid auction method, with the highest bidder winning. 4) At the start of the auction, I will announce the starting price of the auctioned items. Bidders who respond to the starting price may raise their bidding paddles, ensuring they are above their head.
5) I have the right to adjust the price increase temporarily based on the situation on site; that is, I can increase or decrease it as needed.
6) When two or more bidders raise their paddles at the same price, the auctioneer has the right to confirm the bidder who raised their paddle first.
7) When the highest price is reached, I will still give other bidders three more chances to raise their bids. I will express this as "first time, second time, last time (or third time)". If no one raises their bid after the three chances, I will decide whether to close the deal based on the reserve price. If the reserve price is reached or exceeded, I will strike the gavel to indicate that the deal is closed. Once the gavel is struck, the closing price is legally binding. No one has the right to renege on or change my closing price. Otherwise, they will be held legally responsible.
8) After I strike the gavel, I will announce the successful bidder on the spot. The successful bidder shall sign the "Auction Confirmation Letter" with our company on the spot and pay the purchase price and commission to our company in accordance with relevant regulations. 9) Please carefully read the auction documents issued to you by our company. Please note that your raising of your paddle, bidding, increasing your bid, verbal offer, and even the successful transaction will be deemed as your full understanding, acceptance, and willingness to abide by the auction rules and the terms of the confirmation letter as stipulated in our auction documents.
"Well, I won't go into any more details. Many of you are regulars and know how to follow our auction rules."
The first item to be auctioned today is Xu Dajia's "Horse," with a starting price of 1 million. The auction is now beginning.
"One million one hundred thousand"
One million five hundred thousand
"Anyone willing to raise the price by 1.5 million?"
Two million
"Okay, two million."
The highest price right now is two million. Are there any bids that have gone up?
"Two million once, two million twice, two million three times, sold. The first item was won by bidder number forty."
"Our second item for auction is..."
...
"Our grand finale is the Heart of the Ocean, starting at five million."
"Six million"
Okay, Mr. Thirty has offered six million.
"Six million five hundred thousand"
"Eight million"
...
When the call reached this point, Qi Muzhi glanced at the person next to him, who understood and raised the sign in his hand.
"Ten million."
Mr. Nine has offered ten million. Is there anyone who will offer a higher price?
After everyone turned around and saw that the person who made the bid was Lou Yan, no one intended to bid again.
What a joke! Who would dare to steal something that a mafia kingpin has his eye on? That's just asking for death!
Finally, Qi Muzhi won the bid for the Heart of the Ocean for ten million.
For the last two items to be auctioned, Qi Muzhi did not place another bid, but sat there calmly.
"Uh, Fifth Brother, did you bring so many billions just to look at?" Fourth Brother couldn't understand why, out of all the items up for auction, he only bid on the Heart of the Ocean.
"I have other uses for the money, not for the auction. Whatever you fancy, go ahead and bid, I'll pay for it, okay?"
"Good! That's exactly what I've been waiting for. Fifth brother is a true friend." Fourth brother beamed.
"Our auction is now over, and now is the moment we've all been waiting for. I'm sure you've all heard about the status of our pair of rings: no one is allowed to come within three feet of them. So none of us are allowed to touch them. Those of you who wish to see the rings, please follow me in an orderly fashion."
After auctioneer Lu Lei finished speaking, he led the way in one direction.
"Mr. Lu, are these rings really that mystical?"
"Whether it is true or not, come with me and see for yourselves."
Everyone got up and followed, asking questions as they walked.
Finally, we stopped in a very large hall.
"This is it. The ring will be obtained by the one destined to receive it. Each of you will have to rely on your own abilities." After saying this, he walked to the side, pressed a button, and saw the iron hand in the center descend, resisting the resistance, and lifting the cloth covering the ring.
The moment the lid was lifted, a dazzling light shone forth, and people instinctively closed their eyes.
Once they had adjusted, they opened their eyes and saw a pair of rings inlaid with blood-red gemstones floating inside a glass dome in the center of the hall.
Bathed in the red light, everyone was captivated by the breathtaking beauty.
"My God, this ring is so beautiful!" Someone couldn't resist the temptation and moved closer to the ring.
"Hey! Be careful!" someone kindly reminded, but most people were just curious to see what would happen to the first person to try something new.
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