Chapter 284: Exciting Bidding
Noticing the change in Gui Xiaoxu’s expression, Ke Ting asked, "Boss, what’s wrong?"
Gui Xiaoxu snapped back to his senses and frowned slightly. "Nothing."
But as his gaze lingered on Bai Hanyun’s jade pendant, his thoughts grew heavy. ’Is that Dongzhu? How could she have it—and even turn it into a jade hairpin?’
While Gui Xiaoxu’s mind was clouded with countless questions, a staff member from the Gu Bao Auction House signaled the professional auctioneer with a hand gesture.
Receiving the cue, the auctioneer confidently stepped onto the stage. At the same time, other staff members guided the guests to their seats.
Standing behind the podium, the auctioneer smiled warmly at the crowd below.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to another auction hosted by the Gu Bao Auction House and sponsored by the Yu Group!"
Her words were met with polite applause.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Once the clapping subsided, the auctioneer continued, "Tonight, we have prepared many rare and fascinating antiques. Without further ado, let us welcome our first lot!"
At her signal, two staff members in elegant light blue qipao carried a tray onto the stage. Setting it on the table, they positioned themselves gracefully on either side.
The auctioneer let the anticipation build for a moment before saying, "I’m sure everyone is curious to see our first piece, yes?"
"Yes!" a few guests called out.
The auctioneer smiled at this and raised her hand. "Then, please reveal the antique!"
At once, the two staff members lifted the red cloth covering the antique.
The moment Bai Hanyun saw that the first item was one of her bronze vases, her heart skipped with anticipation.
As the guests leaned forward in curiosity, the auctioneer explained, "This bronze vase, appraised by Master Yu himself, has been identified as dating back at least 6,000 years. Its origin is believed to predate the Shang Dynasty."
The moment the auctioneer’s words fell, the grand ballroom erupted in shock murmurs.
"If Master Yu appraised it, then it was real! This bronze vase truly predates the Shang Dynasty!"
"Such a relic is priceless! Owning it would bring prestige in the antique world!"
Yu Tianshuo’s reputation as the foremost appraiser was unmatched. Known for his fairness and expertise, his word carried enormous weight.
As the crowd buzzed in heated discussion, the auctioneer struck her gavel lightly against the podium.
Thud!
"The starting price is one hundred million yuan, with increments of one million. Ladies and gentlemen, let the bidding begin!"
As her words fell, almost instantly, number tags shot up across the hall.
"One hundred and ten million!"
"One hundred and eleven million!"
"One hundred and thirty million!"
"Two hundred million!"
The price soared like a rocket and reached two hundred million in under a minute. Seeing this scene, Bai Hanyun’s smile and her eyes curved into a crescent moon.
Ten minutes later, the auctioneer’s gavel came down firmly.
Thud!
"Five hundred million yuan! Sold to the guest number thirty! Congratulations, CEO Ji!"
A second later, the hall erupted with applause and chatter, while guests eagerly discussed the astonishing bid.
CEO Ji stood up and waved at the other guests proudly as a staff member approached him with a debit machine.
Once payment was confirmed through the debit machine and the bronze vase was carefully handed over, the auctioneer proceeded smoothly.
"Now, let us welcome our second lot!"
While the auction continued, Bai Hanyun exhaled a long breath. "Fuuh... That was so exciting!"
Sitting beside her, Hua Yuyu chuckled and said, "Congratulations, Miss Bai."
In high spirits, Bai Hanyun grinned at him. She patted his shoulder and said, "I will double your bonus this month."
When he heard this, Hua Yuyu blinked in surprise before smiling warmly. "Thank you, Miss Bai."
As the two of them were chatting and enjoying the bidding process, Gui Xiaoxu’s eyes never left Bai Hanyun.
Watching her closely, he tapped the balcony railing and thought, ’Tonight’s antiques should all be hers.’
While he was thinking, Ke Ting seemed to catch the same realization and said, "Boss, Miss Bai hasn’t bid even once. It looks like she’s the supplier of these antiques."
Gui Xiaoxu gave a curt nod. "Mhm."
After a pause, Ke Ting added thoughtfully, "If the Gui Clan’s heirloom really is in her possession, she might be able to use its power."
Gui Xiaoxu’s eyes narrowed at his words. After a brief moment of silence, he asked, "Have you located the antique mirror?"
Ke Ting lowered his voice and replied, "We have investigated everyone around Miss Bai and her residence, but no trace of the antique mirror was found."
Hearing this, Gui Xiaoxu’s frown deepened. "Have you investigated the ones adopted by the late Chairman Bai?"
Ke Ting bowed his head slightly at his words. "I will begin investigating them immediately."
As they spoke, the final lot was sold, and the auction drew to a close.
Just as Bai Hanyun was preparing to leave, a staff member approached her discreetly. Bending down, she said in a low voice, "Miss Bai, our general manager requests your presence to settle the bill."
Hearing this, Bai Hanyun nodded. "Please, lead the way."
The staff member stepped aside politely and said, "This way, Miss Bai."
Escorted by Hua Yuyu, Bai Hanyun followed her out of the grand ballroom.
The moment she left the grand ballroom, Gui Xiaoxu rose from his chair. With his hands inside his pockets, he said, "Let’s go."
At his words, Ke Ting quickly opened the balcony door for him and followed as Gui Xiaoxu descended the stairs.
Meanwhile, other hotel staff guided guests who had made purchases to the side hall, where documents were finalized and antiques were carefully handed over.
Arriving at the private room, the staff member opened the door and invited her in.
"Miss Bai, please come in. Our general manager has been waiting for you inside."
"Alright."
After Bai Hanyun and Hua Yuyu stepped inside, the staff member closed the door behind them.
Sitting on the couch, the general manager smiled as soon as he saw her.