Chapter 154
"One million two hundred thousand for the first time, one million two hundred thousand for the second time," the auctioneer took another careful look at the audience below, no one spoke again, the hammer fell, "One million two hundred thousand for the third time! Congratulations, sir, Mrs. Shen and Miss Tan’s Mountain Spring Painting is now yours, and we also thank you for your contribution and love for disabled children."
With a pot-bellied man taking the stage to claim the painting, the room erupted into thunderous applause, the atmosphere was spirited. Shen Xuepei watched as the painting was taken away, sighing softly, "A piece of Xuan Paper, a few strokes of black ink, mere pennies’ worth, yet here it becomes one million two hundred thousand. Tell me, is it the painting that earned, or him?"
Shen Xuepei was always unhurried and composed. Zuo Zhengyang knew his wife enjoyed Beijing Opera, particularly a piece about Emperor Tang—a pastime requiring patience. One cannot appreciate it without a calm mind. Shen Xuepei has sung Beijing Opera for five years and listened for fifty. The hardships endured by those with deep, seasoned patience are unmatched by others.
"Each to their own," Zuo Zhengyang remarked, as he observed the clapping crowd around him.
"What preference, you still try to fool me. These showcase projects, I think it’s better to send things directly over. With this money trickling down, who knows how much will actually reach those children. Maybe not a single dime. Look at these dishes, barely touched; even if not, they’re probably going straight to the trash."
"If you don’t wish to, we can take it to go."
"Mm. Zhengyang, make sure the money from this goes where it should."
Zuo Zhengyang replied with a wry smile, shaking his head, "You, you always have a Bodhisattva’s heart towards others, but towards me, you’re like King Yanluo. Are you even my wife?"