Chapter 87: The Auction Begins
Chen Dong nodded and asked Qin Yun to wait for him.
The manager froze, his face a mask of disbelief. 'They're actually going to the private room to discuss it? My God! What's the story behind that sword?' Only items worth over a hundred million were discussed in the private room; ordinary items were handled in the tea room. The manager couldn't believe that sword, which looked like a mere craft, could be worth over a hundred million.
Chen Dong followed Master Zhang into the private room.
Upon sitting down, Chen Dong got straight to the point. "I'd like to consign this Divine Artifact to your auction."
Master Zhang studied the ancient sword and said, "I have handled three Divine Artifacts in my time, and this is undoubtedly one of them. Are you hoping to enter it into the auction that's about to begin, little friend?"
Chen Dong nodded.
Master Zhang advised, "You might consider waiting a while longer, little friend. We could promote it properly and hold a special auction for this Divine Artifact. The results would be much better."
"No need. This one will be fine," Chen Dong said calmly. In truth, he just wanted to avoid the hassle.
A moment's thought brought understanding to Master Zhang. 'This young man came with Qin Yun. The Qin Family must be in a desperate situation, forced to auction a Divine Artifact, and they can't even afford to wait a few more days.'
Since they were in a rush for money, Master Zhang asked, "Little friend, have you considered selling the Divine Artifact directly to us at the auction house?"
Chen Dong asked calmly, "How much are you offering?"
Master Zhang paused for a moment before stating a price: "Eight billion!"
Chen Dong frowned and shook his head slightly, already cursing inwardly. 'This thing is actually worth that much? Then wouldn't Master's room full of Divine Artifacts make him richer than a king? And with all that money, all he does is scam me all day long. Besides, judging by Master Zhang's expression, this obviously isn't the final price.'
Master Zhang gave a bitter smile and sighed. "Alas, the price is indeed low! I never expected a young friend to arrive at our doorstep with a Divine Artifact today. The auction house simply doesn't have enough liquid capital. I suppose this is fate! Since you've made your decision, so be it. I will list this ancient sword as the grand finale of the auction. I'll also immediately contact some highly competitive and wealthy Martial Artists. How much it sells for will be up to destiny!"
"Of course," he added, "I also hope it fetches a higher price. That way, our auction house gets a larger commission."
The two quickly came to an agreement, and Chen Dong returned to the main hall.
Qin Yun was waiting anxiously, terrified that Chen Dong's sword was just a decorative piece. If that were the case, they wouldn't even qualify to participate in the auction.
Seeing Chen Dong approach, she hurried to meet him. "How did it go?"
Chen Dong nodded. "Let's go. The auction is about to start."
A beautiful female Attendant walked briskly up to Chen Dong. "Mr. Chen, here is your numbered paddle. When you wish to bid on an item, please raise it. The auction hall is this way; please follow me."
Qin Yun let out a huge sigh of relief. She felt more and more that Chen Dong was both mysterious and reliable. He had solved a problem that she, a famous celebrity, couldn't handle, all by producing a single sword.
The two of them entered the auction hall, where many people were already seated. They found a less crowded spot and sat down.
They had barely settled in when a beautiful woman in a provocative evening gown appeared beside them, arm in arm with a wealthy-looking, middle-aged man.
The woman spotted Qin Yun and immediately began to sneer, "Well, well! If it isn't our Celestial Empress Qin! I hear Eastern Entertainment is about to go bankrupt. How do you still have the money and time to attend an auction?"
Chen Dong recognized the woman as well. She was a fairly well-known actress, famous for playing second-lead female roles. Perhaps because she played her parts so convincingly—a case of art imitating life—her image was deeply etched in his mind. As for her name, Chen Dong had never bothered to learn it.
In response to the woman's taunts, Qin Yun just snorted coldly and turned her head away, ignoring her.
Seeing Qin Yun ignore her, a resentful look flashed across the woman's face. But this was the Wanluo Auction, and she didn't dare cause a scene.
She too gave a cold snort and walked away on the man's arm.
Seeing the woman was upset, the man whispered coaxingly, "Don't be angry, baby. Whatever she bids on later, we'll just drive up the price. We'll make her furious!"
The man was the head of an entertainment company and was very familiar with Qin Yun. He had made a pass at her once and been soundly rejected. Later, he was even warned by Luo Hua, so he bore a grudge against her. The chance to spite Qin Yun at the auction while also pleasing his woman was an opportunity he was happy to take.
Hearing this, the woman immediately pressed the man's arm into her cleavage and cooed, "You're the best to me, Boss. You know just how to spoil me!"
They hadn't bothered to lower their voices, so both Qin Yun and Chen Dong heard everything.
Chen Dong was unfazed, but the color drained from Qin Yun's face. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress. She had very limited funds. If the medicinal herbs she needed appeared and the man interfered, she might only be able to watch them slip away with a sigh.
As time passed, the hall grew more crowded. Many who saw Qin Yun did a double-take, as most of them were aware of the Qin Family's predicament.
About twenty minutes later, a tall female auctioneer took her place at the podium.
She began in a clear voice, "Welcome, everyone, to the Eleventh Wanluo Private Collection Auction. Our auction specializes in fine, privately owned collectibles of all kinds…"
Following a series of opening remarks, an ancient scroll was carried onto the stage by two staff members. As the scroll was slowly unfurled, a vibrant landscape seemed to spring to life from the parchment.