Zhong Ping had eaten Wang Xiaoqiang's sausage, and Wang Xiaoqiang had drunk Zhong Ping's milk. Next, Wang Xiaoqiang was to accompany Old Master Zhong to an auction.
After a night's rest and healing treatnt through Wang Xiaoqiang's Spiritual Energy, Old Master Zhong felt significantly better. He went out for a walk early in the morning and soon, Wang Xiaoqiang and Zhong Ping drove to the hospital. Seeing that Old Master Zhong was fully recovered, they proceeded with his discharge procedures.
Old Master Zhong used to be forgetful, but he hadn't forgotten at all that Wang Xiaoqiang had promised to accompany him to the auction house the day before. As soon as they t, he grabbed Wang Xiaoqiang, clamoring to go to the auction house.
Before they left, Zhong Ping handed a card to Wang Xiaoqiang and instructed, "Little Qiang, there's thirty million RMB on the card. Anything Old Master wants, just bid for it. If you spot sothing you fancy, feel free to bid on it and keep it. Just use my money. If it's not enough, call to ask for more…"
"No, no, Sister Ping, how could I possibly use your money? I'm not short of cash," Wang Xiaoqiang said, waving his hands; he was not soone to live off others.
"Ah... Little Qiang, aren't we past being so formal with each other?" Zhong Ping stared at Wang Xiaoqiang, her eyes full of love. Ever since last night when Wang Xiaoqiang had made a move, she considered herself totally his.
Wang Xiaoqiang accepted the card, nodding. He thought to himself, Sister Ping really is generous, tossing around thirty million like that.
Wang Xiaoqiang and Old Master Zhong arrived at the oldest auction house in River City which, conveniently, was hosting a grand auction that day.
Old Master Zhong, who had had Baoyuan Auction House mbership for years, had free access there and was a well-known regular. The staff recognized him and knew about his status, so there was absolutely no problem bringing soone along.
The two entered the auction house.
Many people had gathered at the auction, driven by a wave of collecting fervor in society. Antiques, jade, herbs, paintings—all had gradually entered the purview of collectors. Naturally, jewelry was no exception. Among them, pearls were incredibly popular, especially among foreigners; they say the East treasures jade and the West treasures pearls. But as society progressed and views opened up, Huaxia people also developed a strong interest in jewelry.
Of course, only the most bizarre and valuable items could catch the eyes of all the bidders.
At today's auction, the sale of an Ancient Bronze Sword had attracted a large number of bidders, collectors, and antique investors. Reporters from all major River City radio stations, newspapers, and websites crowded Baoyuan Auction House. The place was packed with collectors and experts in the field, with n in sharp suits and distinguished looks, won with exquisite makeup and elegant deanor, and older individuals with gray hair. Occasionally a glimpse of a world-famous luxury watch was absolutely breathtaking... These individuals, of unidentified backgrounds, might not all be wealthy, but they were definitely not poor.
At nine in the morning, the auction comnced, bustling with activity.
"Western Xia Brown Sleeve Small Jar, starting at 280,000 yuan…"
As the auctioneer shouted, an attendant carried a green seal to the stage.
"I bid 290,000."
"300,000."
"320,000."
"Any more bids... 320,000 once, 320,000 twice, 320,000 three tis... sold!"
The auctioneer's gavel struck down heavily.
An ordinary-looking small jar, owing to its ancient origins, was finally sold for 320,000 yuan.
"A pair of Chicken Fat Yellow Jade Bracelets... starting at 1.6 million, now the bidding starts…" With that, the host called out as the attendant brought two yellow bracelets to the stage. Even though they looked sowhat inelegant, those in the know understood the value of the bracelets, so there were still many bidders:
"I bid 1.8 million."
"1.9 million..."
"2.1 million..." a white-haired old man shouted fiercely.
Suddenly, Old Master Zhong beca excited and waved his hand. "I bid 2.8 million."
"Old Master, really, why would you like bracelets? Those are ant for won," Wang Xiaoqiang exclaid in surprise. He had just finished speaking when no one else bid, and the auctioneer started to call out,
"Any more bids? No? Okay, 2.8 million once, 2.8 million twice, 2.8 million three tis, sold!" The auctioneer brought down his gavel.
"This bracelet is a gift for Little Ping," Old Master Zhong said, surprising and touching Wang Xiaoqiang, who thought the old man was just being senile and was now extrely anxious.
"Uh, Old Master, why didn't you say so earlier? Still, that was quite expensive, didn't you see, no one else was bidding," Wang Xiaoqiang said, feeling a bit of pain on behalf of Old Master.
"These bracelets are worth the price. If I had bid lower, others would have competed, and the final price might have ended up even higher. I decided to act boldly and start with a high bid to shut everyone else up," Old Master Zhong explained proudly.
Thinking it over, Wang Xiaoqiang realized it made a lot of sense, thinking to himself that the old man must really know his stuff and probably was an expert.
As Wang Xiaoqiang thought this, Old Master Zhong added, "Little Qiang, if you see anything good later, let know, and I'll bid on it for you…"
"I don't want it, Old Master. I'm not interested in this stuff," Wang Xiaoqiang responded, waving his hand.
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