The host stepped off the stage, bringing the microphone to Chu Ci’s lips.
Chu Ci said calmly, "I’ll keep it for my own enjoyment."
Chu Yan smiled. "Brother, you’ll give it to me, won’t you?"
Chu Ci scoffed, "Fool!"
Did he really think he could buy it just because he wanted to? The highest bidder in this round would certainly be the sucker. Couldn’t they see the obvious price inflation? Gu Changqing was clearly putting on a show, yet fools still followed along... because they were afraid the price for the next painting might be even higher!
It made sense; Luo Lin had only released two works in several years, and everyone wanted them!
The host was in great spirits. "Now Chu Ci has bid 45,000,000. Is there anyone else bidding?"
These socialites in Beicheng were as cunning as they come. It was clear to them Gu Changqing was inflating the prices, so some began to watch the ensuing fight with interest, as only three families remained in the bidding: Gu Changqing, Chu Ci, and Mr. Qin Han from Qingcheng.
It seemed Mr. Qin Han was determined to win Luo Lin’s artwork!
Of course, the host was a clever one too. He could hardly fail to see that Gu Changqing was setting a trap. Chu Ci wasn’t short of money; the obvious sucker was clearly Mr. Qin Han.
The host had barely finished speaking when Gu Changqing raised his hand. "50,000,000."
Fifty million, with just a wave of Gu Changqing’s hand!
Below, Qin Siyuan whispered, "Dad, I think we should stop. 50,000,000 is a bit inflated."
Cold sweat was forming on Qin Han’s forehead, and he was somewhat inclined to give up. But it would seem too petty if he came to Beicheng and couldn’t even secure a single painting.
A few tens of millions wouldn’t shake the foundation of the Qin family.
Qin Han raised his hand to bid.
The host’s voice was excited. "Mr. Qin bids 52,000,000!"
"Mr. Gu Changqing, 55,000,000!" the host announced.
"Mr. Qin, 56,000,000!"
"Mr. Gu Changqing, 60,000,000!"
The rapid increase in price clearly showed who had greater financial strength. Gu Changqing had the air of someone who spent money like water.
At this point, Qin Siyuan whispered again, "Dad, it’s not wise to keep bidding . Why don’t we wait for the next one?"
Qin Han hesitated slightly, afraid that someone else would seize the next painting and his plan for coming to Beicheng would be ruined.
At this moment, Wang Keru spoke up softly, "Didn’t you say you would get it for me? Are you giving up now?"
Qin Han glanced at her. "What do you know!"
But Wang Keru had already raised her own bidding paddle—the one representing Qin Han’s status. She spoke firmly, "65,000,000."
At her words, Gu Anxi was momentarily stunned.
She controlled herself from looking back at her mother.
Even though everyone probably thought Mrs. Qin was bidding out of pride, to save face, only Gu Anxi knew. Her mother had guessed Gu Anxi’s intentions and was pushing Qin Han to take the bait.
The host smiled. "Mrs. Qin is certainly decisive!"
This host was truly something else. After subtly taking a jab at Qin Han, he cheerfully continued, "Sixty-five million! Is there anyone else bidding? Let’s see what Mr. Gu Changqing will do..."
Qin Han’s heart leaped into his throat. He was afraid Gu Changqing would bid again, yet also afraid Gu Changqing might make a reckless counter-bid.
Gu Changqing, seated in a prominent position, smiled gracefully. "Since Mr. Qin is so interested, I suppose I should graciously concede this one and wait for the next."
The host caught on immediately. "So, 65,000,000 going once! 65,000,000 going twice! If no one else is bidding, this painting by Luo Lin will belong to Mr. Qin!"
The room fell silent.
A moment later, the host’s gavel fell.
Only then did Qin Han let out a sigh of relief, cold sweat soaking his back.