Originally, this batch of bronzes from China had attracted the attention of many auctioneers, but no one could resist Lin Jicheng's determination to acquire all the artifacts—
"Fifteen million! Sold! Congratulations, Miss Lin, on acquiring this set of bronze artifacts from over two thousand years ago!"
The auctioneer slammed the gavel down. Seeing Lin Jicheng so willing to pay such a high price for Chinese artifacts, William McKinley was delighted and quickly ordered a considerable amount of items to be retrieved from the Eastern warehouses.
"The beast-face door knocker, this item comes from a classical Chinese garden—the Yuanmingyuan. It is exquisitely designed, and the starting bid is 500,000 euros!"
"A cloisonné enamel narcissus basin with lotus scroll design, once a court artifact from ancient China. This is a 'souvenir' personally brought back from China by Mr. William McKinley. The craftsmanship is exquisite, making it an absolute rare treasure... Starting bid: eight million euros!"
"This imperial celadon-glazed jar with a relief dragon design is a precious artifact from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It is carved with an exquisite dragon teaching its son. As you can see, the bottom of this artifact bears the mark 'Fangshanju'. This is a treasure from the Yuanmingyuan that Mr. William McKinley purchased from the private secretariat of the British Minister Elgin. Its provenance is clear and verifiable, guaranteeing that it is absolutely a Chinese imperial treasure... Starting bid: ten million euros!"
Countless dazzling Chinese classical artifacts appeared one after another on the auction stage. Faced with all this, Lin Jicheng was no longer like he had been in the first half of the auction, only occasionally raising his paddle. Instead, he pounced on each artifact he saw like a tiger.
Holding up signs, holding up signs, and more holding up signs! Photograph all the cultural relics from China!
No matter who tries to bid, Lin Jicheng will reject them with an astonishingly high price!
20 million euros, 30 million euros, 50 million euros...
As Lin Jicheng purchased more and more cultural relics, she spent more and more money, eventually accumulating to an astonishing figure. Those present, whether William McKinley or the onlookers who initially knew nothing about Lin Jicheng, were now utterly shocked.
How can this young girl from the East be so rich?!
Tens of millions of euros were thrown away with their eyes closed, as if it were no big deal at all!
Towards the end of the bidding, Lin Jicheng, upon seeing Chinese artifacts on stage, disregarded the host's introduction, raised his bidding paddle high, and demanded an astonishingly high price, effectively shutting down the entire audience and preventing others from following suit...
He's just a ruthless sign-holding machine!
Who exactly is this girl? How can she be so rich?!
William McKinley was overjoyed as he watched the artifacts on stage being auctioned off for high prices!
Before the auction, he had no idea that the old objects in his warehouse, which he himself didn't quite understand, were actually so valuable!
Now the McKinley family can finally exchange those cold, incomprehensible Eastern arts for warm money...!
By the end of the auction, Lin Jicheng had left with a full load of Chinese artifacts, sweeping away all the Chinese cultural relics that appeared at the auction with the force of an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, leaving not a single one in anyone else's hands!
This incredibly domineering aura caused everyone around to turn their heads repeatedly, and they finally realized that this woman was no ordinary person!
The auction finally came to an end, and William McKinley very proactively and warmly invited Lin Jicheng to the post-auction banquet.
For the auction organizers, the banquet was even more important than the auction itself. It was a very important social event that could bring these "European nobles" closer together!
William McKinley took Lin Jicheng's arm and led her to the banquet hall behind the castle. Here, crystal chandeliers illuminated the room as bright as day. In the century-old castle, elegant ladies mingled, laughter filled the air, and various perfume scents and the clinking of champagne glasses floated in the air. Amidst the clinking of glasses, figures moved about.
Lin Jicheng had specifically chosen a quiet seat near the balcony, but after buying so many things at the auction, it was unlikely he could remain low-key now.
The Duke of von Demier, who had competed with him for the Vermeer painting at the auction, approached Lin Jicheng with a very warm smile.
"Miss Lin, you are truly remarkable for your age and leave a deep impression!"
Duke von Demier took Lin Jicheng's hand and attempted to kiss it. Lin Jicheng pretended not to understand what the other man was trying to do, slightly withdrew his hand, raised his wine glass, and clinked it against the other man's.
"Duke von Demia, is that right? You flatter me!"
Duke von Demier, however, didn't seem to care at all and laughed heartily:
"Haha, next month I will be hosting a private art salon in my hometown castle. Miss Lin is welcome to attend!"
"Yeah yeah!"
Seeing that Duke von Demier, a leading figure in the circle, had taken the initiative to extend an olive branch, everyone realized Lin Jicheng's extraordinary status. More and more people gathered around, including many guests who had ignored Lin Jicheng before the auction.
Although they initially formed a small circle, excluding Lin Jicheng, now, as if they had all collectively forgotten, they eagerly surrounded her, displaying boundless enthusiasm and wanting to leave a lasting impression on her.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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