Even Qin Fen, Wang Zheng, and Chen Hao in the back row couldn't help leaning forward to grumble at Jiang Cheng.
Wang Zheng stuck his head next to Jiang Cheng's ear and said, "Old Jiang, are you serious? Don't be so obscenely extravagant."
Qin Fen chimed in, "Exactly, save some broth for us, will you? I actually want a license plate too."
Chen Hao nodded, "Yeah, if you keep this up we probably won't even need to raise our paddles."
Jiang Cheng turned to look at them. "What are you guys so anxious about? Fine, I'll just give you each one later, saves the trouble."
Hearing that, the group instantly brightened.
Wang Zheng flashed a toothy grin. "That's mighty generous of you, but how could I take your stuff? I'd feel awful."
Chen Hao added, "Right, Old Jiang, you help us plenty already, taking more doesn't feel right."
Seeing them decline, Qin Fen shamelessly piped up, "Exactly, Old Wang and Old Chen are thin-skinned, so skip them and give it to me."
After Qin Fen said that, even Wang Congcong turned around to quip.
"Old Qin, your face is something else."
"Totally, you're stealing the bamboo from the pandas!"
…Jiang Cheng wasn't joking; without the System he'd never have bid on so many items.
Calligraphy or paintings were useless to him.
Besides, the System was footing the bill.
They could afford it themselves, but snagging gifts for them cost him nothing.
After all, in taking down the wen family, their clans had contributed plenty of resources and connections, while Jiang Cheng merely provided intel.
Their value was enormous.
And they got along great; Jiang Cheng didn't think they were taking advantage.
After a few whispered jokes they straightened up again.
This was still a formal auction.
Certain etiquette was required.
Li Zewei, standing beside Jiang Cheng and Yu Xiaoxiao, held his breath when he saw Jiang Cheng raise his paddle once more.
Today's auction wasn't the usual kind.
Ordinarily hundreds, even thousands, of lots change hands in a day.
But today's items were mostly Huaqiao's own collection.
Only a few dozen pieces were on offer.
Few, yet every one a premium item.
There wasn't a single lot starting below a hundred grand.
The opening bid for the cheapest piece topped a million.
This was a high-end auction.
Snapping up the whole catalog would cost at least seven or eight hundred million.
Even a partial haul would net astronomical commission for Li Zewei.
The thought made his heart flutter again.
Seeing no one watching him, he grew even more obsequious, shuffling up to Jiang Cheng's side.
This time he squatted by Jiang Cheng's leg and fawned, "Chairman Jiang, let me hold the paddle for you. The auction's just begun; you'll tire your arm."
Even Wang Congcong couldn't resist remarking, "Manager Li, I didn't know Huaqiao's service was this attentive."
Unfazed by the jab, Li Zewei chuckled, "Young Master Wang, you jest. I'm just afraid Chairman Jiang might get tired. I'm free right now, so helping him bid would be perfect."
Having already pocketed a four-hundred-thousand commission, Li Zewei didn't care about the gossip.
Making money is nothing to be ashamed of.
Besides, he was helping the company finish the sale.
If every lot sold today, it would be great for the firm.
Jiang Cheng still hadn't fully seen through Li Zewei's motives.
He glanced at him coolly. "Manager Li, isn't that inappropriate?"
Afraid Jiang Cheng might actually refuse, Li Zewei thumped his chest. "Chairman Jiang, you're too kind. I'm familiar with the process even if I've never bid. Let me raise the paddle—please don't turn me down."
Seeing Li Zewei so eager, Jiang Cheng didn't object.
He nodded. "Then pull up a chair and sit."
Jiang Cheng actually liked the idea.
Some lots bored him stiff.
If the System weren't pushing him to harvest points, he wouldn't even glance at a Blue-Glazed Six-Linked Vase meant for flowers.
Waving a paddle the whole time would look ridiculous.
When Jiang Cheng agreed, Li Zewei beamed and waved his hands. "No need, no need. I'll stand off to the side, out of everyone's way. Squatting is fine."
"That would draw attention; I prefer keeping a low profile."
Jiang Cheng's remark nearly made Li Zewei laugh aloud.
He flattered again, "You're right, I was rash."
From the moment Jiang Cheng vowed to buy everything, low profile ceased to exist.
Li Zewei hurriedly fetched a light folding chair.
Jiang Cheng and Yu Xiaoxiao swapped seats.
Once settled, Jiang Cheng told Li Zewei, "For every new item I'll give you a top price. If bidding tops that, drop out; otherwise keep raising the paddle."
Li Zewei nodded solemnly. "Understood, Chairman Jiang."
Yu Xiaoxiao shot Li Zewei a frosty glance.
She clearly distrusted his fawning attitude.
There were other bigwigs here besides Jiang Cheng.
But since Jiang Cheng didn't object, she kept quiet.
From then on Li Zewei could be seen vigorously waving the paddle.
Each successful win flushed his face redder with excitement.
The ceiling prices Jiang Cheng set weren't low.
As operations manager of Huaqiao, which was running the auction, he knew every lot intimately.
They'd researched the likely top bids beforehand.
Jiang Cheng's limits were perfectly reasonable.
With Li Zewei doing the bidding, Jiang Cheng relaxed.
He chatted idly with Yu Xiaoxiao while scrolling on his phone.
As he browsed, wechat popped up an encrypted notification.
"Entering the sheep pen."
"Copy that. Stay safe."
It was from the Security Team group: the termination of Wen Ang had begun.
His chats with the team showed as encrypted by the System.
Only he could see the messages—totally secure.
Wen Ang had originally planned to attend the auction.
But after clashing with Jiang Cheng earlier, he'd backed off and left early.
The Security Team chose this moment to strike, giving Jiang Cheng a perfect alibi.
Though he'd warned Wen Ang, the man likely hadn't had time to tighten his security.
This window was ideal for success.
Jiang Cheng read the Security Team's message.