Chapter 10; He Beichen
1002 Words
The auction house was packed.
The highlight of today's event was a Tang Dynasty Celadon Vase and an Imperial Jadeite Boulder. Numerous prestigious families had gathered with the intention of obtaining one of them.
Among the guests was Bai Nianwei, the eldest granddaughter of the Bai family. She possessed a flourishing career and was regarded as one of the most influential socialites in the capital. For years, she had harbored romantic feelings for He Beichen.
The moment she learned he would be attending the auction, she abandoned her schedule in the capital and rushed to City Y without hesitation.
She was not the only one. Several influential families had encouraged their daughters to attend the auction. Everyone hoped to capture He Beichen's attention.
Although He Beichen was famously known as a woman-averse man, his relationship history remained remarkably clean. As a result, countless families hoped to secure a favorable position within the He family.
Moreover, He Beichen was an exceptionally powerful man. At a young age, he had already taken control of the He Corporation and expanded its influence across several industries. His methods were decisive, his judgment was ruthless, and his name alone was enough to intimidate countless people in the business world.
"Young Master He, what a pleasant surprise to have you here." The speaker was Bai Nianwei , the daughter of the owner of Azure Dragon Auction House. She had always been proud of her status.
Fifth Young Master Shen glanced at Su Yanyan with unconcealed disgust. The woman had dressed provocatively. In his eyes, women like Su Yanyan were shameless. Someone like her did not deserve his friend.
He Beichen merely lifted a finger. Immediately, a butler stepped between them. The elderly man had served He Beichen for many years and understood his dislike for unnecessary female attention.
Ordinarily, he would have stepped forward much sooner. However, he recognized the influence held by the Bai family.
"Miss Bai, young Master He prefers tranquility. Please forgive us for declining your hospitality."
Su Yanyan's smile stiffened. A trace of fury flashed across her eyes. She was being dismissed by a servant, yet she could not retaliate, otherwise if He Beichen developed a negative impression of her, her father would never forgive her.
"I merely wanted to welcome—"
Before she could finish, the butler interrupted once again. "Miss Su, the auction is about to begin. I believe your guests are waiting for your attention."
His words were courteous. However, the meaning was unmistakable. Leave immediately.
Su Yanyan clenched her fists. In the end, she could only retreat unwillingly. Meanwhile, the auctioneer stepped onto the stage and unveiled the first lot.
It was a Tang Dynasty Celadon Vase.
The vase had survived for more than a thousand years and represented one of the finest examples of ancient ceramic craftsmanship. Its historical significance and rarity made it highly desirable among collectors.
"The opening bid is five hundred thousand."
"Six hundred thousand."
"Seven hundred thousand."
"Eight hundred thousand."
The prices climbed steadily.
"One million." Su Yanyan raised her bidding paddle with a smug expression. After speaking, she deliberately glanced toward He Beichen.
Fifth Young Master Shen sneered. He could not believe the woman was proudly showing off over a mere million.
Lin Xinyue lifted her chin, and her beautiful eyes settled on the vase. Unfortunately, the artifact was of mediocre quality. Years later, experts would discover that it was actually a sophisticated counterfeit.
She lost interest immediately. She continued playing her mobile game. However, her ears remained perked up as she listened to the gossip around her.
"Did you hear? Young Master He personally acquired an overseas mining company last month."
"I heard the company tripled in value within weeks."
"I also heard dozens of heiresses tried approaching him. And? He didn't even look at them."
"No wonder they call him an iceberg."
Lin Xinyue raised a brow, smacked her red lips, and smiled.bSo he was here as well.bNo wonder she had sensed that familiar aura the moment she entered.
Hehe.
Soon, the next lot was presented. It was the Imperial Jadeite.bThe rough stone looked incredibly ordinary. At first glance, it appeared completely worthless.bIts uneven surface was covered in cracks and discoloration.
Nothing about it suggested treasure. Even the auctioneer felt embarrassed while introducing it. Nevertheless, he maintained his professionalism.
"This jadeite rough stone originated from an old imperial mining region. Although its exterior appears ordinary, experts believe there remains a possibility of valuable jade concealed within."
The explanation only made the audience laugh.
"Hahaha! That looks like a roadside rock."
"They expect us to spend money on that?"
"I wouldn't take it even if they gave it away."
"Whoever buys it deserves to be cheated."
The loudest voice belonged to Bai Nianwei. She crossed her arms and scoffed. "Azure Dragon Auction House must be running out of inventory. Otherwise, why would they place a stone on stage?"
The auctioneer's face turned crimson. At that moment, he genuinely wished the floor would open and swallow him whole.
"One hundred thousand." Lin Xinyue raised her bidding paddle. The people around her lifted their heads and looked at the young woman who had spoken. When they saw Lin Xinyue's plain outfit and youthful appearance, they assumed she was a nouveau riche.
They scoffed.
"A hundred thousand for a rock?"
"Looks like someone has more money than sense."
"Young lady, that's an expensive lesson."
"She probably thinks she's discovered hidden treasure."
Several people laughed openly.
Lin Xinyue remained indifferent. In her eyes, they were merely frogs at the bottom of a well.
The auctioneer waited several moments.
No one wanted to spend another penny on the jadeite. They looked down on Lin Xinyue for doing so.
Seeing that nobody else was raising the price, the auctioneer smiled, lifted his hammer, and said, "One hundred thousand going once. One hundred thousand going twice!"
Just as he prepared to strike the final hammer, "Two hundred thousand." A cold and magnetic voice sounded from the private VIP section.
- Writer
