The Auction Begins
As they pushed open the doors to the reception room, a faint scent of sandalwood greeted them. Qin Tian led the group to a massive golden nanmu tea table, which stood quietly in a corner like a work of art. Its surface was smooth as a mirror, with a soft sheen that seemed to tell stories a thousand years old.
Ye Feng examined it closely, growing more fond of it the longer he looked.
"Do you like this tea table too, Brother Ye?" Qin Tian asked with interest when he saw how absorbed Ye Feng was.
Coming to his senses, Ye Feng said sheepishly, "Not really. I'm just interested in all things beautiful."
"Haha, you really are an interesting man, Brother Ye. My big brother thought you liked the way of tea too. Looks like he got excited for nothing," Qin Lang said with a laugh.
Qin Tian shot Qin Lang an annoyed glare, then picked up the teapot and poured everyone a cup. He lifted his own cup, took a sip, and spoke.
"Brother Ye, I presume you're the one who invested in the Shen Family. Otherwise, they wouldn't have the capital to stand against the Fang Family. You said before that you wanted to wipe out the Fang Family, but the Shen Family alone won't be enough. Do you have another move up your sleeve?"
"Young Master Qin, to tell you the truth, I don't have any other moves. I just have a lot of money. If I can't smash the Fang Family to death with ten billion, I'll use a hundred billion. If a hundred billion isn't enough, then a trillion. I don't believe they can withstand it!"
The three of them were stunned by Ye Feng's bold words. Wasn't that a little too brutal, smashing them outright with money? What kind of background did this Ye Feng have? Was he the God of Wealth's godson?
"Brother Feng, you're not joking, are you? How much money would you have to throw at them? My dad always calls me a wastrel, but compared to you, I'm not even a fart. Brother Feng, why don't you see how much I'm worth and take me in too?" Zhao Peng said ingratiatingly.
"Brother Ye, forgive me for being presumptuous, but which hidden family are you from? Looking across all of Huaxia, I haven't found a Ye family or clan with strength like yours. If it's inconvenient to say, forget I asked," Qin Tian said gravely.
Ye Feng didn't explain, nor could he. He certainly couldn't reveal the system's secret, so it was better to remain mysterious.
"Brother Ye, could my Qin Family take part in dealing with the Fang Family?" Qin Lang asked cautiously.
"Sure. I don't care much about those businesses. My interest is spending money and buying things," Ye Feng said indifferently. As long as it didn't delay him from racking up cashback, he didn't mind.
"Haha, thank you, Brother Ye. Please show your support at the charity auction later," Qin Tian said happily.
"Don't worry, Brother Qin. I'll definitely support it. Spending money is my greatest hobby, haha."
"Brother Ye, please excuse me for now. I have to arrange a few good lots so you can enjoy yourself."
After Qin Tian left, Ye Feng also took his leave and returned to the banquet.
When Li Xiaona and Ye Lin saw Ye Feng return, they immediately hurried over and checked him carefully, afraid he had been hurt.
"What are you two doing? I only went to have a cup of tea. There's no need for this, is there?" Ye Feng said helplessly.
"Brother, are you really okay? Sister Xiaona and I thought you might get hurt."
"Brother Feng, I'm sorry. I caused you trouble."
"What are you saying? You're my woman. When someone bullies you, shouldn't I stand up for you? Don't be so cautious all the time. Remember, I'm behind you. No one can wrong you!"
The Shen siblings, who were nearby, came over as well. Ye Feng told them that the Qin Family would also make a move against the Fang Family, and once again stressed to Shen Haoyue that she should smash the Fang Family to death with money, and notify him whenever she needed more.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the charity auction is about to begin. Honored guests, please proceed to the venue upstairs."
Hearing the host's announcement, Ye Feng and the others headed to the venue.
The charity auction venue was decorated in a stately, elegant manner, filled with an artistic atmosphere. An orderly auction table stood on a raised platform at the front of the hall, with five tables below it and rows of seats behind them. People took their seats one after another, looking forward to the auction that was about to begin.
Promotional posters for the Qin Charity Foundation hung around the venue, bearing photographs of the people it had helped and their stories. They conveyed that the purpose of the auction was not merely to raise funds, but also to spread love and hope.
Ye Feng and the others had originally taken seats in the back row. When Qin Lang spotted them, he warmly invited them to a table at the front. Seeing the envious looks from the people around and behind him, Ye Feng smiled. It seemed he would have to give the Qin Family plenty of support today, or he would be letting this seat down.
At that moment, the auctioneer came onto the stage. Dressed in formal attire and holding a gavel, he looked at the seated guests and announced in a clear voice, "Thank you, honored guests, for attending this charity auction. We also thank the Qin Charity Foundation for its concern for women and children in the mountain regions. Mr. Qin Tian and Mr. Qin Lang have brought out many precious lots for this occasion and have stated that all proceeds from the auction will go toward improving the lives of women and children in the mountain regions. Please give them a round of applause."
Enthusiastic applause rang out through the venue. Everyone had witnessed the Qin Family's contributions to charity over the years; otherwise, so many people would not have attended the charity banquet.
"Thank you for your applause. Mr. Qin Tian and Mr. Qin Lang have just announced an additional donation of 100 million Huaxia Currency to help women and children in the mountain regions. Thank you for your generosity. Now, I declare this auction officially open! Please welcome the first lot: a Qing Kangxi wucai butterfly-pattern vase. The starting bid is two million Huaxia Currency, with a minimum increment of 100,000 Huaxia Currency!"
"The Qing Kangxi wucai butterfly-pattern vase stands 44 centimeters high, with a mouth diameter of 12 centimeters and a foot diameter of 13 centimeters. It has a flared mouth, a short neck, broad shoulders, a body that gradually tapers below the shoulders, and a ring foot. Its entire surface is decorated in wucai over a white glaze. The middle of the neck bears bands of ruyi-head motifs, flowers on a brocade ground, and dots. A band of ruyi motifs on a brocade ground circles the junction of the neck and shoulders. Colorful butterflies flutter from below the shoulders down to the foot, interspersed with dragonflies, while a lingzhi is painted within a blue-and-white double circle on the outer base. With delicate brushstrokes, the artist depicted colorful butterflies in groups of three and five, some gathered and others scattered, capturing all the exquisite charm of painting from life."
As they listened to the auctioneer's introduction, the people below the stage began bidding.
"Huahai Group of Demon City bids three million Huaxia Currency!"
"Huali Group of Demon City bids 4.5 million Huaxia Currency!"
After several rounds of bidding, Huahai Group of Demon City won the first lot for 6.5 million Huaxia Currency.
"Thank you, President Chen of Huahai Group, for supporting charity. I also wish you smooth sailing in your business. Now, please welcome the second lot, the Tiffany Heart of Eternity Necklace. The starting bid is 80 million Huaxia Currency, with a minimum increment of five million Huaxia Currency!"
"The Heart of Eternity was designed and crafted by top designer Landis Raphael. It features a rare 37.6-carat pink diamond as its centerpiece, complemented by eighteen 1.2-carat pink diamonds. It is an absolute rarity."