As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store - Chapter 294
Chapter 294: It’s Hard to Distinguish Between Real and Fake!
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Today, the first item up for auction is a diamond brooch!” Aya began introducing the first item, and at the same time, a young woman in a cheongsam, wearing white gloves and smiling, carefully handed the diamond brooch to Aya.
Aya took the diamond brooch, first showcasing it under the spotlight, and then began the introduction, including the brooch’s origin, the quality of the diamond, and its place of origin, among other details.
“Starting bid at 100,000, with each increment not less than 50,000!”
Soon, a fashionable young lady successfully acquired the brooch for just under 500,000!
Next, Aya auctioned off a bracelet made of golden silkwood, which ultimately sold for two million.
“Next, we will showcase the third item, a jade Buddha, crafted from top-grade mutton-fat white jade, an incredibly rare and exquisite item!”
On the auction stage, Aya held the jade Buddha pendant in her hands. Under the spotlight’s glow, the entire jade Buddha seemed to emit a faint white light, truly captivating!
“As the saying goes, men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha. Whether it’s for gifting or for one’s own family, it’s a wonderful gift. Without further ado, starting bid at 1 million, with each increment not less than 100,000. Let the bidding begin!”
“Clang!” Aya’s small hammer struck the table.
Before Aya’s voice even fell, someone eagerly raised their paddle.
“1.5 million!” It was the first fashionable lady who had bid earlier.
“1.6 million!”
“1.8 million!”
Several other bidders raised their paddles one after another, and the price of the jade Buddha quickly rose to 2.2 million!
“Aren’t you going to bid?” Xiao Yang teased Zhou Chao, who was sitting beside him.
“It’s just getting started, no rush. I’ll bid when there are fewer bidders!”
While the two were chatting, the price of the jade Buddha pendant had reached 3 million. At this point, only three people remained, including the fashionable lady who had initially bid.
Seeing that it was almost over, Zhou Chao raised his paddle and said, “3.5 million!”
Although Zhou Chao’s voice was not loud, everyone in the venue turned their gaze towards him. The previously competitive bidders calmed down upon hearing the new bid.
“This handsome gentleman bids 3.5 million. Is anyone else willing to raise the bid? If not, I’ll strike the hammer. The final three seconds, 3, 2…1!”
“Clang! Congratulations to guest number two for winning the jade Buddha pendant at 3.5 million!” Aya announced, seeing no further bids. She reluctantly struck the small hammer.
“This auctioneer is quite savvy, but it’s a pity she didn’t understand the pressure we’re under sitting in the back,” Xiao Yang said with a faint smile, looking at Aya who was still on the stage introducing the auction items.
“Brother Yang, 1 didn’t say that. You’re making it sound like I’m acting arrogantly!”
“Uh…l didn’t say that, you said it yourself!”Zhou Chao looked at the mischievous smile on Xiao Yang’s face, helplessly rubbed his own forehead, and gave a wry smile.
For the next dozen or so items, Zhou Chao didn’t raise his paddle; none of them caught his interest. He and Xiao Yang turned into spectators.
“Next, we will auction the twentieth item, which is also the highlight of this auction, ‘Descending Tiger’ by Tang Bohu from the Ming Dynasty. This painting has been researched by multiple experts and is believed to be authentic. However, this auction does not guarantee its authenticity. Starting bid is twenty million, and if anyone is interested, they can come up and take a look.”
Soon, two burly-looking bodyguards carried a long table onto the stage, covering it with a white cloth to protect the paintings and calligraphy.
In the audience, several people were already eager to approach. Aya saw that everything was set and spoke, “Anyone interested, please come up, but only up to three people at a time.”
Quickly, three individuals stepped forward, each wearing white gloves and holding magnifying glasses to examine the artworks closely.
In the audience, many people craned their necks, curious to see what was happening on the table.
“Aren’t you curious?” Xiao Yang asked Zhou Chao, who was busy with a plate of fruit.
“Curious about what? You mean those paintings? I’m not curious at all. Besides, don’t you find that painting somewhat familiar?” Zhou Chao replied, grabbing a piece of watermelon and munching on it.
Hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Xiao Yang frowned slightly, pondering it.
Soon, the three individuals on the stage descended, and upon seeing this, Xiao Yang quickly stood up and made his way towards the stage. Originally, three of them came out cheerfully from behind. However, upon seeing Xiao Yang approach, one of them unwillingly returned to their own seat.
Xiao Yang put on gloves and quickly approached the artwork. At first glance, it seemed vaguely familiar. After a careful examination, a sudden realization struck him, and the two paintings in his mind seemed to merge.
“Oh, this…” Fortunately, Xiao Yang was skilled at controlling his expressions. Though he was shocked inside, not a trace of it showed on his face. He then removed his gloves and walked back down to the audience.
“Chao, how did you recognize it? Did you figure it out from the first glance? It can’t be, you’re that good!” Xiao Yang looked at Zhou Chao with amazement in his eyes.
“Come on, Brother Yang, those fierce tigers that Old Master Xiao liked to draw were all gifts from me. Trust me, I’m quite familiar with his style. Although 1 only took a quick glance, I can be sure it’s the work of the same artist!” Zhou Chao said, though he inwardly muttered, “Thank goodness for the skill of art identification; otherwise, I’d be as excited as everyone else.”
“Yeah, you have a good eye. I had to look at it several times before 1 could confirm.”
“Alright, stop thinking about all that. Instead, think about your upcoming task!”
“Are you itching for trouble, young man? Suddenly, you’re giving me advice. Your audacity is growing!” Xiao Yang sensed there was more to Zhou Chao’s words and fixed his gaze on him.
“Ahem, come on, Brother Yang, you misunderstood me!” Zhou Chao tried to cover up, though it didn’t work very well, at least saving some face.
“You cheeky kid, 1 won’t argue with you anymore! And can you stop eating my watermelon? You’ve already finished yours. Why are you eating mine?” Xiao Yang only noticed that Zhou Chao had taken his fruit plate and was now enjoying the watermelon.
“You said you didn’t want any! I thought it would be a waste to leave it!”
Just as the two of them were getting into an argument, the guests who were examining the artworks had finished, and Aya announced the formal start of the auction.
For a moment, the entire auction hall fell unusually quiet, as no one dared to hastily raise their auction paddles.
“Does anyone want to bid? Starting price is twenty million, and you can bid any amount!”
Finally, someone couldn’t resist any longer and raised their paddle, calling out, “Twenty million and one!”
With the first bid, the atmosphere in the room started to heat up, but the bids weren’t particularly competitive. After several rounds of bidding, the price only reached forty-five million.
“Forty-five million, is there anyone willing to bid higher? Forty-five million once, forty-five million twice, forty-five million thrice! Congratulations to guest number 18 for winning the bid. Let’s give him a warm round of applause!”
The entire hall erupted in excitement, and everyone applauded enthusiastically.
“This auction comes to an end. I’m your auctioneer, Aya. 1 hope to see you again next time. Goodbye!”
As the auctioneer left the stage, the auction concluded.
“Let’s go. You said you were going to help me, right? Come with me!” When Xiao Yang saw that Zhou Chao was heading out, he quickly followed.
“Brother Yang, wait for me. I need to pick up the jade Buddha pendant I just won.. I was planning to check out the stone gambling as well, but it seems 1 won’t have the chance now!”
