Bidding voices rose one after another.
"Eleven million!"
"Twelve million!"
"I bid twelve and a half million!"
"My wife will definitely like these shoes, I bid thirteen million!"
"Hey, your wife is so fat, wouldn't she twist her ankle wearing shoes like these? I want to give these shoes to the female companion by my side today. I bid fifteen million!"
"..."
Han Mo turned his head to look at Bai Xi and asked faintly, "Do you like them?"
Bai Xi raised an eyebrow, "No."
Although wearing high heels was elegant, and she would occasionally wear them on special occasions, she preferred comfortable shoes.
These shoes were shiny and indeed looked beautiful, but with their sky-high heels, they were definitely uncomfortable for normal wear. She had never been interested in things that were flashy but impractical.
Hearing her say that, Han Mo didn't ask further.
Just then, Bai Xi suddenly reacted and tentatively asked him, "Do you like them?"
Han Mo was stunned, "I don't. I saw so many women bidding, so I wanted to ask if you liked them."
In fact, in his previous life, except for the few days when he was injured and needed care, they didn't spend much time together. Besides knowing she liked to eat and was powerful, he didn't know what else she liked.
In this life, as he stayed by her side, he felt she was even more indifferent and restrained than before.
She didn't even crave food as much anymore.
He wanted to know what she liked, so that he could... please her.
Seeing a hint of dejection in his eyes, Bai Xi thought seriously and said, "Compared to these things, I prefer the delicious food you make. Why don't you make it for me next time?"
Han Mo looked at Bai Xi, her indifferent yet clear eyes still remained as placid as ever, but they also held a tenderness that belonged solely to him. "Okay, after this matter is settled, I'll make it for you."
Bai Xi turned her head.
Meanwhile, on the high platform, the middle-aged man with the monocle began to call out, "Twenty-one million for the first time, twenty-one million for the second time, twenty-one million for the third time, sold!"
With that, he struck the wooden mallet in his hand against the wood, producing a crisp and loud sound.
"Congratulations, Mr. Wang, on acquiring these diamond crystal shoes. Nina, please escort Mr. Wang to sign the contract!"
As he spoke, a beautiful woman in a qipao, with a slender figure, walked down from the stage and greeted a short, balding man with a smile, escorting him backstage to sign.
Afterward, a few more items were auctioned. They were indeed less stunning than the first, and there weren't many bidders.
Han Rui also bid on an item, a set of antique teapots.
The price wasn't expensive, totaling only 170,000 yuan.
Since his grandfather didn't have many special hobbies, he simply enjoyed drinking tea. This charity auction was for the benefit of patients with depression. Previously, their medications had worsened the condition of many patients. By bidding for some items, he felt he was donating some money, taking some risk, and showing some goodwill.
As Han Rui prepared to get up to sign, Xuan Feng directly stood up and walked away with the attending beautiful lady. Han Rui wanted to stop him, but Xuan Feng didn't give him the chance. "I've already troubled the Han family these past few days. This gift is for Old Master Han, and it represents my sincerity."
With that, he left without looking back.
Han Rui couldn't say anything more.
Just then, on the high platform, a beautiful woman came forward, holding a classical brocade box.
The middle-aged man with the monocle stepped forward, opened it, and took out the item inside with gloved hands. "Everyone, please take a look. This is a piece of fine mutton-fat jade, carved with a dragon and a phoenix, symbolizing auspiciousness. The jade is transparent and flawless, but here... there's a slight chip."
At this, a sigh of disappointment arose from below. "It has a chip and you're still trying to sell it?"
"Exactly, are you kidding? All the noble families of Shangyang are seated here. Bringing out something like this is a bit embarrassing, isn't it?"
"Yes, I do like jade, but I like exquisite pieces. I'm not interested in flawed items."
"I don't like it either..."
At these words, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.
The middle-aged man on stage wearing the metal monocle felt a bit awkward hearing this, but he was, after all, a professional auctioneer. "Esteemed guests, although this item has a chip, the jade quality is truly excellent. With a skilled craftsman, this damaged spot can be polished to present an even better state.
Since this is a charity auction, and for a cause we all know, jade is believed to possess a certain spiritual essence. Purchasing it will surely bring harmony between husband and wife, auspiciousness, and peace to your household. The starting bid is 300,000 yuan. I invite all esteemed guests to place their bids."
Mutton-fat jade was already an expensive commodity, and a starting bid of 300,000 yuan was indeed very cheap.
Precisely because of this, those who had expressed slight disdain began to bid enthusiastically.
"310,000."
"350,000."
"380,000."
"I bid 400,000!"
"I bid 420,000!"
At this moment, Bai Xi raised her paddle and loudly declared, "One million!"
At this statement, everyone was stunned and turned to look at Bai Xi.
It was known that this piece of mutton-fat jade was not large. Based on its weight and craftsmanship, a price of 600,000 to 800,000 would have been quite reasonable. However, this jade had such a noticeable flaw that it was not worth that price, no matter what.
And this woman's opening bid was one million. What was her mentality?
It could only be described as "true love."
Upon hearing this, even the middle-aged man with the monocle on stage was somewhat surprised. "Is this lady offering one million?"
Bai Xi raised her eyebrows slightly, "If I remember correctly, the rule of auction is that a raised paddle cannot be withdrawn."
At these words, the middle-aged man with the monocle immediately said, "Yes, yes, yes. This lady is bidding one million. Is there anyone else who wishes to bid for this piece of mutton-fat jade?"
At this statement, the crowd began to hesitate.
It was known that in auctions, although it was a matter of personal preference, and this time it was also for charity, they were not ignorant of the value. Why would they waste money on something they already had reservations about?
Now that Bai Xi had directly driven the price up to nearly double the market value, there was naturally no need to compete with Bai Xi.
The price of one million made the middle-aged man with the monocle feel a slight tightening in his heart, as it was already beyond the market price. He naturally decided to accept the profit and said, "One million for the first time, one million for the second time, one million..."
Before he could finish, a woman's voice was heard from the other side, "I bid 1.2 million!"
At this, everyone's gaze collectively shifted towards the source of the voice.
If Bai Xi's bid could be considered buying something she loved, then this bidder was definitely a fool.
And that fool was none other than Chu Meng.