Chapter 514: Chapter 228: Zhang Jiacheng Suffocated by the Scheme (Part 2)

Li Chengde: "65 million once! 65 million twice! Is there not a higher bid? No more? 65 million three times! Sold! Congratulations, Young Master Zhang!"

The room erupted in applause as Zhang Jiacheng stood up, smiling and nodding at everyone, deliberately showing a smug expression when he glanced at Yang Chen’s side. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Wow, it’s just the least impressive of all the blue and white porcelains in the gallery, yet he’s so pleased with himself.

Zhang Jiacheng gave Yang Chen a mischievous smile, looking exactly like the crooked-mouthed Dragon King from those funny Douyin videos.

The auction continued, but Zhang Jiacheng seemed uninterested in the huanghuali furniture, ceramics, jade and jadeite.

Soon, they reached the part featuring Mr. Jinghu.

Wang Wangdu: "Friends from the art circle should be quite aware, recently a new and skillful artist has emerged, Mr. Jinghu. Next, we will auction two of Mr. Jinghu’s paintings, namely ’Flying Stream Down Three Thousand Feet’ and ’The River Flows Eastward’.

At this moment, the screen showed the slow unveiling of these two paintings.

"Wow, Mr. Jinghu truly lives up to his reputation; the artwork is majestic and grand, evoking a sense of awe just by looking at it."

"Mr. Jinghu is famous for his landscape paintings, and he truly has a talent. It’s said that collectors everywhere are searching for Mr. Jinghu, but so far, only four of his paintings have surfaced. Finally seeing two more today, this is definitely worth competing for."

"If passed down to future generations, it will undoubtedly be worth a fortune."

...

Wang Wangdu: "They say true gold fears no fire; whether a work is good, knowledgeable guests can see clearly. At the last Christie’s auction, several industry insiders bid to collect. Originally, our gallery only had this one ’Flying Stream Down Three Thousand Feet’, but upon hearing about this charity auction, Mr. Jinghu specially sent ’The River Flows Eastward’ for auction together. Our new owner mentioned to Mr. Jinghu that whoever ends up purchasing these paintings will have the chance to meet them. Without further ado, I’ll hand over to Mr. Li."

Li Chengde: "Esteemed guests, this auction grants not only two pieces of Chinese paintings with great appreciation potential but also an opportunity to meet the new owner of Minghai Art Gallery and Mr. Jinghu. The benefits are clear to anyone with experience, so there’s no need for me to say more."

The guests began discussing.

"So, if I win these paintings, I get to befriend the new owner of Minghai and Mr. Jinghu? Wow, that’s worthwhile. Wouldn’t I have a head start on future opportunities?"

"It’s a good deal, but the point is everyone thinks it’s worthwhile, so competition will definitely be intense."

"I feel it could start at 50 million, and might even hit 100 million. Today’s attendees are all notable figures capable of handling Mr. Jinghu’s works. Tsk tsk tsk... I’m already ready to be astonished."

...

Li Chengde: "Alright, without wasting your precious time. Two paintings auctioned together, starting bid 35 million! Please actively participate for the sake of the children’s future. Let’s begin!"

"50 million!" Xue Yinong shouted.

All eyes in the room focused on her.

Lin Shuying immediately shouted: "70 million!"

"Wow..." the room gasped again.

This left others stunned; these big shots didn’t even give others a chance to bid.

They’re bidding high partly because of their close ties with Yang Chen, and partly to elevate the value of the Mr. Jinghu paintings they possess.

Yet others are unaware of their plans and truly believe they’re determined to win them.

Yang Chen immediately stood up and asked: "Mr. Wang, are you sure winning these two paintings will allow me to meet the new owner and Mr. Jinghu?"

Wang Wangdu: "Hehehe... Yes! I am sure, I can guarantee on behalf of Minghai Art Gallery to all guests that securing these paintings will ensure a meeting with the new owner and Mr. Jinghu. If the final price is high, I might even arrange a sit-down meal where contacts are exchanged. Hehehe... That’s about all I can say, so bid wisely."

Yang Chen immediately stated: "I bid 80 million!"

"Wow..."

"Isn’t that the guy who drove in with a Jianghuai car?"

"Damn, who is he? So powerful!"

"Seems like the boss of Star Investment."

"Star Investment? Never heard of it! Probably a newly established company?"

"It is a newly established company; seems strong though. His aim in this auction appears to be breaking into the art circle for future art dealings. Quite strategic, the price of artwork has no standard; once you manage it, it’s worth as much as you make it. Tsk tsk tsk... Very strategic."

...

Hearing the surrounding discussions, Zhang Jiacheng became tempted.

Indeed, art lacks a standard price; even a shattered bowl can sell for millions or even tens of millions if managed well. Isn’t this more profitable than investing in other industries?

However, breaking into the relevant networks is crucial; money alone won’t suffice.

Isn’t the opportunity to establish these connections here now?

Zhao Feifei urged beside him: "Don’t let him succeed, he’s surely aiming to use this chance to surpass your company."

With limited time, Zhang Jiacheng didn’t have the leisure to ponder, and impulsively shouted: "I offer 100 million!"

"Wow..."

"Are today’s youths all so impulsive?"

"Zhang Zhengjun’s son is truly impressive! Bold indeed, 100 million!"

"I find him very perceptive; using this 100 million to establish relationships, he could earn billions in the future through those connections."

"Sigh... I mentioned it earlier, benefits visible to everyone would lead to intense competition. These folks are ruthless; I haven’t even had a chance to bid."