No one likes a coward who abandons his companions; this Jun Shao's character is truly questionable!
Jun Shao wanted to say something, but Secretary Jin stopped him. Anything he said now would only be a mistake and incite public outrage. *(Soudan Novels Network)*
Xie Sui didn't want to waste words with him; he was like a grasshopper in autumn, not long for this world. He gestured for everyone to continue drinking.
Before long, the gala began. The host was a renowned celebrity from Hong Kong, hired by the organizers at a great expense. His every word was witty and sparkling, eliciting constant laughter from the guests.
"Next, we move on to today's auction. The first item is a pair of Qianlong Dynasty vases contributed by the Du family. Their value is considerable, starting at one million, with increments of one hundred thousand. We begin now, please place your bids."
Xie Sui eyed the pair of vases. They looked genuine. In his previous life, he had a lot of free time in his later years, accompanying chairmen in their pursuit of refined culture. He had seen plenty of such items and gained some knowledge.
"I bid one point five million."
Xie Sui raised his paddle, much to the host's delight. "Mr. Xie bids one point five million, a truly generous sum! Are there any further bids?"
Jun Shao called out, "I bid two million."
This was clearly a challenge to Xie Sui. Xie Sui followed suit, raising his paddle: "Three million."
"I bid three point five million."
The crowd was filled with surprise and uncertainty. These two young masters were really going at it. The host was most excited; the more the auction raised, the higher his commission. He fanned the flames: "Jun Shao bids three point five million, truly a display of wealth from a prominent young master, so generous! Are there any others wishing to join?"
Xie Sui: "Ten million!"
The crowd erupted in an uproar. President Xie had clearly lost his temper. Those vases were worth at most five million, and now the price had doubled.
The host excitedly exclaimed, "President Xie shows remarkable magnanimity! Are you sure about ten million?"
"I am. I find this item pleasing to the eye. Buying it to place on a shelf and lift my mood makes ten million a worthwhile price for a good mood!"
Jun Shao followed up, "I bid fifteen million."
Let's see how good your mood is now, and infuriate you to death!
The host shouted excitedly, "Jun Shao, fifteen million!"
He looked towards Xie Sui. Just as he expected Xie Sui to raise his paddle, Xie Sui said, "No more. I'll let Jun Shao have it. Fifteen million, please, Jun Shao, settle the payment."
He Mengchao knew then that Brother Xie was up to something mischievous. He wasn't someone who spent money carelessly. When they went out for drinks, he always checked the menu, examined the prices, and researched the authenticity of the beverages. He was a very meticulous person.
Xie Sui had no choice; having money didn't mean squandering it like a fool.
Jun Shao's face contorted. "Xie, are you deliberately playing with me?"
Fifteen million for a vase, he felt foolish just thinking about it.
Xie Sui: "Indeed. You jumped out to play with me, so how could I not engage? It's more entertaining to play with you than to look at the vase. Jun Shao, you're so helpful and generous! However, you're not planning to renege on your payment, are you? After all, this isn't the first time you've resorted to such petty actions."
Jun Shao was indeed thinking of backing out. Can't I just say I don't want it anymore?
With Xie Sui having preempted his thoughts, the host's gaze towards him changed. "Jun Shao, fifteen million, sold!"
He immediately slammed the gavel, giving Jun Shao no chance to back out. He instructed staff to deliver the vases and collect the payment. If Jun Shao refused to pay, he would have to be asked to leave. Malicious bidding was disrupting the order of the gala.
Secretary Jin quickly paid the money, truly afraid that this young master would cause more trouble.
The subsequent auctions proceeded normally. Xie Sui did not bid again, and Jun Shao did not cause any further disturbances. Strangely, the crowd seemed a little disappointed.
During a mid-event break, Xie Sui went out for a cigarette to clear his head. He rarely smoked now, especially when he was with Lin Wanyuan and the children, as he didn't want them to inhale second-hand smoke. It was just that the pressure in Hong Kong was immense, and he would occasionally smoke a few to refresh himself.
Suddenly, he heard an argument outside, as if someone was trying to force their way in. He instinctively glanced over and chuckled. Hong Kong truly was full of familiar faces! Of course, they were familiar to him; he wasn't familiar to them.
"What's going on?"
The security guard replied, "This gentleman has no invitation and insists on entering. We cannot break the rules."
"Let him in, he's my friend, Mr. Zhou."
This was the famous Zhou Xingxing. Of course, he was just an unknown youngster at this time, a handsome young man, no less dashing than himself.
"Alright, since he's President Xie's friend, he can certainly come in."
Zhou Xingxing was a bit shy and reserved. He didn't know Xie Sui. Xie Sui was so young, looking like a rich heir. The way Xie Sui looked at him with sparkling eyes made him a little uneasy.
"Don't be nervous. I just like to do good deeds. Mr. Zhou, is there something you need here?"
Zhou Xingxing asked, "How do you know me?"
Xie Sui fabricated, "I'm looking to scout some promising newcomers to start my own entertainment company. I saw clips of your performances and liked them quite a bit."
Zhou Xingxing had acted in a few minor roles that hadn't made any waves in the entertainment industry, but young people always liked to be praised. Xie Sui had an innocent face that was quite deceptive, and Zhou Xingxing immediately felt a greater sense of goodwill.
"Thank you. I came here to meet Director Xu. He has a role I'd like to try out for. I originally intended to sneak in, but there was a traffic jam, and I arrived late. If I had known, I should have applied to be a waiter; it would have been easier."
Xie Sui couldn't help but laugh. He was truly optimistic. Did he think it was that easy to sneak in as a waiter?
"Come with me. If there's a chance, I'll introduce myself to Director Xu. I heard Brother Fa is also here. We can both shamelessly approach them. I'm also a big fan of Brother Fa, but I don't have the courage to say hello."
Zhou Xingxing: "Then I'll be even more reluctant."
"Don't be. If you want to be in the entertainment industry, you can't be too shy. Consider it good practice."
Zhou Xingxing: "Why don't you go?"
"I'm not in the entertainment industry!"
This was irrefutable.
Zhou Xingxing found himself sitting in the front few rows, surrounded by familiar faces he'd only seen in newspapers, and he couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Brother Xie, who is this?"
"Picked him up outside. Mr. Zhou, Zhou Xingxing. I'm considering signing him for our entertainment company."
Zhou Xingxing smiled and greeted him, "Hello, may I ask your name?"
He Mengchao replied, "My surname is He, from the He family."
The He family? Zhou Xingxing's heart trembled. He had encountered a big shot and became even more respectful.
"The item being auctioned now is a set of emerald jewelry, starting at ten million. It was once worn by the Queen of England. It's imperial green and a complete set, very rare, almost unique."
Xie Sui looked at the set of jewelry and his eyes turned green. It would be perfect to give to Wanyuan. However, the exquisite diamonds inlaid around the jade alone were worth this price. But if someone bid for it, it was unknown how much it would cost to acquire.
"Now, please place your bids. Increments of five hundred thousand."
"Fifteen million!"
Xie Sui raised his hand, drawing curses from the crowd. Who bids like that? He jumped the price by half, leaving no room for others to bid!