As soon as the host finished speaking, Shen Wanqing was stupefied.
She muttered to herself, "Luo Lin’s painting starts at a bid of ten million, so why does mine start at only fifty thousand?" ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝※𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖※𝕟𝕖𝕥
Qin Siling could hardly bear to listen anymore. "Her previous paintings have sold for twenty or thirty million. With a fifty thousand starting price, do you expect the auction for one painting to last an entire day?"
Shen Wanqing asked, somewhat dazed, "Really... is the difference really that huge?"
Why couldn’t she see what was so great about Luo Lin’s paintings? She felt Luo Lin’s paintings weren’t as detailed as hers; many areas seemed hastily brushed over and lacked clarity. Why were these people so enamored with them? Or was it simply because Luo Lin was famous, and they were fawning over her? She pinned her hopes on Professor Gao—ten million, surely no one would raise their placard for that?
But this time, Professor Gao was not on her side either. His gaze was infatuated, almost obsessed, as he stared at the painting, incessantly murmuring, "A world-shocking masterpiece! Genius, truly a genius!"
Old He was extremely pleased. Heh heh, and just look who taught her! In the domestic oil painting scene, he, Old He, was still considered number one!
But Luo Lin was world-class. Her paintings could occasionally be auctioned in the country now. Once the young woman truly calmed down and decided to pursue her career seriously, seeing Luo Lin’s paintings domestically would be nothing but a dream. For now, they should consider themselves lucky just to get a look at these two paintings and have a chance to bid on them.
In the tense atmosphere, the celebrities continuously raised their placards, nearly overwhelming the host—
"[Number 2, twenty million!]"
"[Number 5, twenty-two million!]"
"[Number 10, twenty-five million!]"
"[Number 2 is back, thirty million! Number 2, please note, is our very own Young Master Gu!]"
"[Alright, Number 10 has raised their placard again, offering thirty-five million this time!]"
"[Thirty-five million... any further bids? ... Young Master Gu makes his move again, forty million! When Young Master Gu bids, he’s always generous! Let’s hear if Young Master Gu plans to invest, collect, or something else with this painting?]"
The host lightened the mood, giving everyone a moment to count their pennies.
Gu Changqing stood up and, with a faint smile, said, "I believe this painting is a perfect match for Ms. Gu Anxi, whom I treasure dearly. If I purchase it, it will be a gift to that beauty."
The host really wanted to praise this divine romance, but he remembered the ’little fairy’ seemed to have come with Young Master Bo. If he wasn’t mistaken, she was Young Master Bo’s precious sweetheart, and they were still being affectionate even now. Was it really okay for Young Master Gu to do this? Or... were the two men truly in harmony?
The host, befitting his years of experience, maintained a beaming smile and praised, "A masterpiece for a beauty—truly a wonderful tale. I wish Young Master Gu success in his endeavor."
Gu Changqing’s narrow eyes squinted slightly, full of tenderness. "As long as she is happy, it doesn’t matter to me whether she is with me or not."
The host was nearly moved to tears. "What a divine romance! But Luo Lin’s painting is certainly worthy of Young Master Gu’s deep affection, and it’s also worthy of every penny from the pockets of all the wealthy patrons here! From my experience, this is a representative work marking a transition in Luo Lin’s style; there won’t be another like it in the future... Now, let’s continue..."
Just then, another placard went up. The host checked his list before announcing—
"[It’s President Qin of Qingcheng’s Qin Group, Number 14, joining the competition with thirty-six million!]"
"[Young Master Gu has bid again—forty million! Young Master Gu’s bids are indeed grand!]"
"[Number 8! Let’s see Number 8... Heavens! It’s Chu Ci! Our top superstar, Chu Ci, is offering forty-five million! Chu Ci rarely bids at auctions; I wonder who he plans to gift this to.]"