Chapter 114: Arrival
"Welcome, Mr. Lin. I've been awaiting you on behalf of the Li Family."
Only then did the crowd notice the woman by Lin Feng's side. She was tall and graceful, clad in a black-and-white business suit. The outfit made her seem exceptionally mature, yet she was also stunningly beautiful and alluring. Her every expression captivated the hearts of all who looked upon her.
'What a peerless beauty. No wonder she captured Lin Feng's heart.'
Elder Li marveled to himself. In his sixty or seventy years, he had never seen such a devastatingly beautiful woman.
Moreover, Elder Li had heard of this woman. She was none other than the famous career woman from Jiangnan City, Su Yanxue.
"You're too kind, Elder Li. Selling me this jade for two hundred million without an auction... I'm the one who's getting a bargain here."
Facing the crowd's stares, Lin Feng remained perfectly calm. A faint smile touched his lips as he rose and walked toward them.
"What? What is this Lin Feng talking about? He got a bargain?"
"Impossible. Even if you and I misjudged it, how could all these jade experts here be wrong too?"
"At best, that piece of jade would sell for two hundred million, and that's only if the market is strong."
"Looks like President Lin isn't infallible after all. His youth is showing. To think he'd make such a rookie mistake."
The crowd sneered, convinced that Lin Feng was just trying to grab the spotlight.
But Lin Feng completely ignored them. He walked closer, and after his eyes swept over the jade a few times, the corners of his mouth curved into a slight smile.
'It's just as I thought,' he mused. 'Looks like there's more to the Li Family than meets the eye.'
"President Lin truly is a remarkable young talent."
Elder Li paid the crowd no mind. He simply smiled warmly at Lin Feng and placed the jade in his hand.
"Mm, it's a fine piece indeed. Even better than I first estimated."
Lin Feng commented nonchalantly, but then his tone shifted. "However, Elder Li, your appetite is a bit small. I don't think two hundred million is nearly enough for this piece of jade."
At these words, Elder Li's brow twitched. He suspected Lin Feng had figured something out, but his voice remained unhurried.
"Oh, is that so?"
"But it matters little. It is a rare thing to find a kindred spirit who truly understands. Meeting you today, President Lin, proves that my decision to bring this out was correct."
The crowd listened to the exchange, utterly bewildered.
"What on earth is worth more than two hundred million? Is this kid just bluffing?"
"Could he be a plant? Someone Elder Li brought in to hype up the event?"
"I think so too. Otherwise, why on earth would he offer two hundred million!"
Hearing the whispers around him, Lin Feng simply smiled calmly and continued, "Elder Li, since I've offered two hundred million for this jade, isn't it time you handed it over?"
"Very well. The jade is yours."
Elder Li fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"HOLY SHIT! He's really paying! Is this kid a fucking idiot?!"
"This kid must have been hired by Elder Li to hype things up, right?"
"I'd bet on it. Otherwise, who has nothing better to do than come here and stir up trouble?"
Just then, Lin Feng handed over a check with the amount of two hundred million written on it.
Elder Li took the check and, without even looking at it, signed and stamped it before tossing it onto a tray.
Just as Elder Li handed the jade to Lin Feng, a commotion rippled through the crowd.
"Quick, look! It's President Liu!"
"Oh my god! Am I seeing things? The head of the Liu Family, Liu Yunfei, is actually here!"
Everyone followed the sound and saw a middle-aged man walking in through the entrance. He had a powerful build, and his every movement radiated an aura of command.
"Holy shit! It's Liu Yunfei!"
"Now things are getting interesting!"
"This appraisal convention is going to be even more exciting now!"
The crowd grew excited upon seeing Liu Yunfei. He was a titan in the jewelry world, a renowned figure throughout Huaxia's jewelry industry. His rise had been especially meteoric in the last two years, culminating in him becoming the richest man in Huaxia!
Liu Yunfei scanned the room, greeting the crowd with a cheerful smile.
"We're honored to have you join our association, Chairman Liu. My name is Wang Hai. A pleasure to meet you!"
A plump middle-aged man was the first to step forward and shake Liu Yunfei's hand, his face plastered with a fawning smile.
"My surname is Chen, President Liu. It's a pleasure. I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together in the future!"
Another man stepped forward to chat with Liu Yunfei.
In an instant, Liu Yunfei became the center of attention in the hall.
Lin Feng, however, had no interest in this. The only reason he'd come today was to accompany Su Yanxue. He couldn't be bothered with business networking.
Besides, these people weren't worth his time.
"Are you leaving, President Lin?"
Just as Lin Feng was about to turn and leave, Elder Li's voice sounded from behind him.
"Yes. Is there something else, Elder Li?"
Lin Feng turned back. He was still curious about this Elder Li. After all, the man had produced something that was practically impossible to find in the Mortal Realm.
"Heh, not at all. However, if you have the time, President Lin, you might want to stay for the upcoming auction. I believe you will find it worthwhile."
Elder Li advised with a smile, gently swirling the wine in his glass.
"An auction?"
Lin Feng frowned at the suggestion but didn't refuse. "In that case, I'll see you later."
With that, Lin Feng put his arm around Su Yanxue and led her straight toward the exit.
"Wait!"
Just as Lin Feng was about to leave, an abrupt voice called out from behind him.
Lin Feng turned to see Liu Yunfei, who just moments before had been laughing and chatting with the crowd, now staring blankly at him—or more precisely, at the piece of jade in his hand.
"Hello, you're President Lin, correct?"
"My name is Liu Yunfei. May I ask, President Lin, do you have any intention of selling that piece of jade?"
Liu Yunfei strode over, his expression eager as he asked.
"You want to buy it, President Liu?"
Lin Feng looked at Liu Yunfei and asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course, of course! If you're willing to sell me this jade, President Lin, you can name your price. Whatever it is, I won't haggle. What do you say?"
Liu Yunfei replied hastily, his eyes glued to the jade. As it shifted in Lin Feng's palm, it reflected a myriad of different colors, and Liu Yunfei's own eyes were filled with excitement!
"Sorry, I don't need the money, so I'm not selling."
Lin Feng shook his head gently, rejecting Liu Yunfei's offer.
"Please, President Lin! Everything is negotiable. This is our first time meeting, so perhaps you're not aware, but I am being completely sincere!"
Hearing Lin Feng's refusal, Liu Yunfei grew anxious. Without a moment's hesitation, he whipped out his checkbook, quickly scribbled a long string of zeros, tore out the check, and stuffed it directly into Lin Feng's hand.