The guests on the second floor remained blissfully unaware of the thrilling events that had just transpired in the auction hall below.
As Lü Chenggong and his group ascended, conversations among the attendees naturally hushed.
Some sharp-eyed individuals noticed the absence of Tang Guanghe, his son, and Lu Weishen. However, as this was clearly the Lü family's domain, no one dared to inquire about it publicly.
Only Cao Chunhua’s gaze drifted past the crowd, meeting Li Chonglou’s for a few seconds, filled with amusement. Her look seemed to convey great admiration and encouragement.
"I have an important announcement to make next," Lü Yunxu said, gently tidying her hair as she took the microphone after Lü Chenggong concluded his thank-you speech.
She had an exquisite showcase box brought out and personally opened it before the eyes of everyone present, revealing the jade seal box within.
"What is this?"
"Hiss, isn't this the item Tang... Tang... couldn't speak of last time? Why did she bring out such a treasure? Is it going to be auctioned too?"
"Impossible, the auction is over. I wonder what the Lü family's eldest daughter is up to!"
Among the attendees were those who had been present at the Qin Yun Villa appreciation gathering. They had been heavily compensated by Tang Xiuzhu to remain silent. The moment they saw the jade seal box, their eyes lit up. Those who were unaware began to inquire about the box's origin, quickly livening up the atmosphere.
Soon, those who had been sworn to secrecy couldn't resist the persistent questioning and began to inadvertently reveal details about the appreciation gathering.
Before the murmurs subsided, Lü Yunxu spoke clearly, "This box represents the indomitable spirit and legacy of the Chinese people." After her brief introduction, a hush fell over the entire venue. Those in the dark widened their eyes, held their breath, and gazed at the seemingly ordinary yet incredibly precious box.
*Swish!*
Lü Yunxu drew out the brocade sleeve containing the edict of self-blame and displayed it to the public. She proclaimed loudly, "This treasure is of extraordinary significance, and I cherish it dearly."
"However, Master Li Chonglou is correct. This item should not belong to anyone."
"It is a national treasure and should be housed in a museum, remembered by the entire nation!"
"Although our Lü Group is merely an ordinary enterprise, we too have patriotism in our hearts."
"Therefore, I have decided that today, I will donate this national treasure to the country, embodying the greater good!"
Her few words were spoken with impassioned fervor. Despite being a woman, Lü Yunxu's presence and capability surpassed that of most men. She truly proved that women are no less capable than men.
*Hiss...*
A collective gasp swept through the hall. Such a gesture, such magnanimity! The actions of the Lü family's eldest daughter, a woman, made many present feel ashamed.
More importantly, there was Li Chonglou. At such a young age, he possessed such insight, and his single statement had persuaded the Lü family to relinquish the national treasure and donate it instead. What kind of influence and ability did that entail?
Perhaps, Qin Prefecture was about to undergo a transformation! The antique appraisal circle of Qin Prefecture had gained a new, unavoidable major figure. With the backing of the Lü family, the entire landscape of the antique circle was likely to shift.
"Master Li is mighty, Miss Lü is mighty!" Someone shouted, perhaps startled into awareness, and it immediately ignited a tempest. One by one, voices rose, converging into a wave of sound that washed over the entire grand hall.
The media reporters, who had been eagerly awaiting a major story, became excited. Their earlier disappointment at being unable to take photos turned into elation upon witnessing such a significant event. Their day was made. From this day forward, Li Chonglou was destined to become the focal point of Qin Prefecture's upper society and the entire antique appraisal circle.
Facing the barrage of cameras pointed at him, Li Chonglou remained as steady as a mountain, unmoving. Such scenes were child's play to him. Nor did they deviate from his expectations. The effect he sought had been achieved. From this day onward, he would dominate the Qin Prefecture antique appraisal circle.
However, this was not enough, far from it! Even with the Lü family's assistance and fame within Qin Prefecture, it would not significantly advance his larger plans. This was an open era, and to establish and expand his treasure appraisal live-streaming platform, he needed to break out of Qin Prefecture and reach the entire country, even the world. Qin Prefecture was merely a stepping stone for him.
The Lü family's reversal of fortune was now evident. After today, Lü Chenggong and his daughter would not only firmly grasp control of the Lü Group but would also develop at an unprecedented pace. Becoming the wealthiest family in the province was merely a matter of time. The Lü family were his allies, and cooperation was essential for them to soar to new heights.
This was not something that could be accomplished in a day or two. The future was long, and there was still time to change the destinies of his master and senior sister.
But for now, he had an extremely important matter to attend to. That was to appease his wife, Jiang Yuxin. Internal stability was paramount; without it, how could he pursue his career?
After the auction concluded, Li Chonglou called out to Lü Yunxu, "Yunxu, could you do me a favor?"
"Brother Li, please tell me," Lü Yunxu replied, her slightly tired expression unable to conceal a hint of surprise and excitement. In her heart, Li Chonglou was an omnipotent deity, and being asked for a favor by him was something she couldn't be more thrilled about.
"My wife, Jiang Yuxin, was also here today. You've met her," Li Chonglou stated directly. "Her purpose for coming was to establish a connection with your Lü family and salvage her family's company from its decline."
"However, for certain reasons, she holds some misunderstandings about me, and these misunderstandings are difficult for me to explain."
"Women are naturally sensitive and suspicious. I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble at this critical juncture."
"Help me find a way to resolve her predicament without involving me."
These words were the result of Li Chonglou's careful consideration. No matter how little affection Jiang Yuxin felt for him, she possessed strong self-esteem. If she were to discover that he had concealed so much from her while working with Lü Yunxu, she would undoubtedly misunderstand. She might even divorce him without giving him a chance to explain. The greatest crisis in their marriage had not yet been resolved, and it was best to tread carefully. Li Chonglou might be arrogant, but his arrogance was directed only at external enemies who opposed him; towards Jiang Yuxin, he was utterly incapable of being arrogant.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this," Lü Yunxu readily agreed, a touch of envy in her eyes. "I'll organize a bidding conference and invite her to participate." The rest, it was understood without needing explicit mention, was already arranged.
"Thank you!" Li Chonglou, no longer worried, turned to leave.
Watching his slender yet upright back, Lü Yunxu's heart was filled with a complex mixture of emotions. Jiang Yuxin, oh Jiang Yuxin, had you saved the world in a past life? Why were you blessed with such incredible luck? To have such an upright man silently guarding you, regardless of the cost or his own reputation. And yet, you often expressed dissatisfaction with him, truly not knowing what you have while you have it. If I could switch places with you, even if I were penniless and on the verge of bankruptcy, what would it matter? I would definitely find a way to understand who you are and why Brother Li cares for you so deeply!
"Xiao Ling, immediately arrange a bidding session at the group's head office. Personally send an invitation to Ms. Jiang Yuxin, and schedule a time to meet with her!" Lü Yunxu sighed deeply, composing herself, and gave the order with swift efficiency.