The brief "love triangle" storm, under Young Master Lu's masterful art of balancing relationships and the various thoughts of the beautiful women, finally subsided for the time being.
Gu Qingcheng and Mu Wanrou, two women who were already accustomed to the many beauties around Lu Cheng, still felt a touch of jealousy in their hearts, but on the surface, they maintained polite smiles and respect for each other.
As for Xia Qinghe, she had always been like a well-behaved and sensible little maid, obediently standing behind Lu Cheng, occasionally refilling his tea and water, diligently learning the self-cultivation of a maid.
Lu Cheng glanced at the time; it was almost time.
The real main event—the two protagonists outside—should be starting their performance soon.
He smiled gently at the beautiful women beside him, his voice carrying a hint of lazy magnetism:
"Alright, the auction should be starting officially soon."
"Let's go out and see, maybe… there will be something interesting?"
He proactively suggested leaving, naturally controlling the entire rhythm.
Thus, the group grandly walked out of the VIP lounge, once again becoming the most eye-catching focus in the entire banquet hall!
Lu Cheng walked at the very front, with Gu Qingcheng and Mu Wanrou accompanying him like dazzling left and right wings.
Behind them followed the pure and lovely, slightly shy Xia Qinghe, like a budding lily, endearing to all.
This combination, surrounded by beauties and truly a visual feast, instantly filled the eyes of countless guests in the banquet hall with unconcealed envy, jealousy, and even a hint of… hatred.
Many women who usually prided themselves as socialites and noble ladies secretly gritted their teeth, their hearts filled with jealousy and unwillingness towards the three women who could accompany Lu Cheng.
Some of them even tried to pluck up the courage to go up and chat, hoping to make an impression on Young Master Lu and gain some presence.
But without exception, they were all repelled by the invisible, powerful aura emanating from Lu Cheng, an aura that kept people at a distance, unable to even get within three steps of him.
Lu Cheng and his entourage, under everyone's gaze, slowly walked towards the front-row VIP seats in the auction area, which offered the best view.
On the way, they happened to pass by the seating area arranged by the organizer for representatives of the medical community.
Luo Qingyan, who had been sitting quietly there, like a secluded orchid untouched by the mundane world, saw Lu Cheng and his group approaching, and an extremely complex light instantly flashed in her cold eyes.
There was a longing, hoping he would look at her.
There was also a sense of disappointment upon seeing so many excellent women surrounding him.
Lu Cheng naturally saw her, gave her a slight nod, and offered a smile that carried a hint of encouragement and suggestion.
That smile, as it fell into Luo Qingyan's eyes, seemed to carry a strange magic.
Like a gentle spring breeze, it gradually smoothed away her inexplicable apprehension and unease.
From the tenderness in his eyes, she clearly understood the silent message—reassurance.
But in the eyes of Gu Qingcheng and Mu Wanrou beside them, it took on another interpretation:
"Oh? Another good little sister?"
Luo Qingyan's pretty face flushed slightly under Lu Cheng's gaze, and her eyes instinctively flickered with a hint of resentment, then she returned an extremely light and faint smile… Lu Cheng, accompanied by three stunning beauties of different charms, calmly took their seats in the most conspicuous and honorable chief VIP seats in the entire banquet hall.
This scene once again deeply stung the hearts of two men not far away.
Xiao Zhan saw Lu Cheng surrounded by beauties like a king, especially Mu Wanrou, who looked so delicate and charmingly smiled beside him, and the anger and killing intent in his heart almost solidified, threatening to burst forth!
But he forced himself to calm down!
He repeatedly told himself in his mind:
I am the President of Longteng Group!
I am here to discuss business!
I will use civilized means to reclaim everything that belongs to me!
He took a few deep breaths, trying to make his face, which was somewhat distorted by anger, appear more like a calm and wise "business elite."
Meanwhile, in another corner of the banquet hall.
Shen Yan had just finished wolfing down food at the buffet area.
He sat nervously in an inconspicuous corner, clutching the bidding paddle tightly in his hand, his gaze fixed on the stage where the auction items were about to be displayed.
Soon! It's about to begin!
My porcelain!
My chance to defy fate and change my destiny!
When he saw Xia Qinghe also following Lu Cheng, like a little attendant, looking somewhat uneasy but with an undeniable hint of reliance and adoration for Lu Cheng in her brows.
Shen Yan's heart was even more agonizing, as if pierced by ten thousand needles!
Qing He!
You wait!
I will definitely save you from that devil's clutches!
...As the melodious classical music gradually faded.
The lights in the banquet hall once again focused on the center of the stage.
A renowned golden auctioneer in the Modu auction world, with a smile on his face, walked onto the stage.
"Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, good evening!"
"Thank you all very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this year's Charity Auction Gala hosted by the Song Foundation!"
"Tonight, we are fortunate to gather here, not only to appreciate precious works of art, but also to gather love and spread warmth!"
The host passionately introduced the Song Foundation's charitable philosophy, as well as the purpose and destination of all the proceeds from tonight's auction, making the atmosphere of the entire gala more noble, enthusiastic, and legitimate.
"Every item auctioned tonight embodies the selfless love and dedication of the donors! And every time you raise your paddle, it is not just a commercial bid, but also a contribution to the cause of charity, lighting a beacon of hope for those in need!"
After a highly emotive opening speech, the charity auction officially began!
The first few auction items were mostly famous paintings and calligraphy, jewelry, or limited-edition luxury goods.
These items not only represented their inherent value but also served as excellent opportunities for bidders to showcase their financial strength, enhance their social status, and expand their network.
Therefore, the bidding process was quite fierce.
And President Xiao of Longteng Group, being a newcomer, in order to demonstrate his strength, and also to… attract Mu Wanrou's attention.
Xiao Zhan frequently raised his paddle during the bidding.
Moreover, each of his bids was generous and decisive, with a few even directly quoting exorbitant prices far exceeding their market expectations!
He successfully attracted everyone's attention and sparked a lot of whispers and speculation.
He seemed not to care about the value of the items themselves, but rather was using this somewhat crude method to announce his arrival to everyone, and the immense financial power of the Longteng Group behind him.
As item after item was sold, the atmosphere of the auction gradually reached a climax.
"Alright, distinguished guests, the next item to be auctioned can be said to be… the most special, and the most… well, historically significant item among all the items tonight."
Following the host's introduction.
An inconspicuous, even somewhat rustic celadon three-legged zun was carefully presented on the display stand by a etiquette lady (ceremonial lady) wearing a qipao.
The lighting… was merely casually cast upon it, without the special angles and light rendering used for the previous jewelry and calligraphy.
Most guests showed little interest, merely glancing at it casually before turning their attention away.
Only a few truly knowledgeable antique collectors took a few more looks at the porcelain, but soon shook their heads, seemingly not optimistic about its value.
Except for one person!
Shen Yan, sitting in the corner!
The moment he saw that celadon three-legged zun appear!
His breathing suddenly became rapid!
His eyes instantly erupted with an incredibly fervent glow, like a hungry wolf spotting its prey!
His hands trembled uncontrollably due to extreme excitement and tension!
It's it!
It's this thing!
Exactly the same as in his memories from his previous life!
My… chance to turn the tables! It's here!!