Qu Xiao Ran did not retort, but instead said to Xiao Xun by her side, "Old classmate, I just filmed a video, shall we enjoy it together?"
Hearing Qu Xiao Ran's words, everyone exchanged glances. It turned out this ordinary-looking young man was a classmate of Madam Guo Shao?
Xiao Xun nodded to Qu Xiao Ran, "Alright! Let's enjoy it then."
The high-definition projector in the courtyard switched to a new image. It was a video surveillance recording, clearly showing that Chen Xing Ting had deliberately lunged into Xiao Xun's arms.
"Shameless! She threw herself at him and then had the audacity to stand up and accuse him."
"What kind of family raises what kind of upbringing. Fortunately, there's surveillance, otherwise this young man would have been wrongly accused."
Chen Xing Ting watched her own awkward and affected demeanor on the screen, feeling her cheeks flush and the tips of her ears turn red. She couldn't stay there for another moment. With a cry, she fled the scene like a defeated dog.
Chen Xing Sheng, with a face full of guilt and hands clasped together, said to everyone, "Everyone, I am truly sorry. My sister made a mistake, and I did not discipline her properly. I will certainly teach her a lesson when we get back."
Qu Xiao Ran walked up to Xiao Xun and smiled faintly, "Old classmate, we really do have fate, meeting each other even here. But don't dwell on what happened last time. Their vision and perspective are limited; they are destined to be different from us."
Xiao Xun inwardly pleaded, *We are not from the same kind either. I'm just an ordinary person.*
She did not seek credit from Xiao Xun for this small matter. Instead, she was still concerned about the previous class reunion and asked Xiao Xun not to be angry with her.
Xiao Xun politely said, "When we both have time, I'll treat you to a meal."
"You said it, don't just leave without a word like last time," Qu Xiao Ran said with a smile.
At this moment, Zhao Yu Man approached with two champagne glasses, "I saw the Chen siblings leave. Why did they run off?"
"Is this your friend?"
Qu Xiao Ran sized up Zhao Yu Man and asked Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun nodded, "Yes, we are friends."
The auction was about to begin. Zhao Yu Man represented her company and sat in the guest seats. Xiao Xun was considered to have benefited from this, but unexpectedly, Chen Xing Sheng returned and sat beside them.
Zhao Yu Man glanced at him, "Why does Chen Xing Sheng keep bothering me?"
Xiao Xun asked curiously, "Do you two have a grudge?"
"Competitors. Rivals in the same industry!"
The auction officially began. The first item up for auction was a piece of blue and white porcelain, a Ge kiln twin-handled vase. The starting bid was one million, with increments of one hundred thousand. However, it did not attract much bidding.
Chen Xing Sheng crossed his legs, his hands cupped like a megaphone, "Who cares about common things like blue and white porcelain that are everywhere?"
Zhao Yu Man snorted, "You're good with your words, but can you bid on three or five of them if you're so capable?"
"One million one hundred thousand."
Just as the two were engaging in a verbal sparring match, Xiao Xun suddenly raised his paddle.
"Is there anything special about this vase?" Zhao Yu Man quietly asked Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun deliberately glanced at Chen Xing Sheng, who was listening to the news nearby, then leaned closer and whispered a few words into Zhao Yu Man's ear.
"Are you sure?"
Zhao Yu Man looked at Xiao Xun in surprise. Even Chen Xing Sheng was curious about what was so special about this blue and white porcelain.
Xiao Xun nodded solemnly, having made up his mind to acquire this blue and white porcelain.
Zhao Yu Man slightly raised her voice, making it seem less intentional, and happened to let Chen Xing Sheng hear, "Since you value it so much, bid whatever you want. If you don't have enough money, I'll help you cover it."
Xiao Xun thanked her and waited to see if anyone else around would bid.
Just as the auctioneer was about to bring down the hammer, Chen Xing Sheng suddenly raised his voice, "Two million!"
He looked at the two of them smugly. Chen Xing Sheng knew that anything Zhao Yu Man valued must be a good item, given her reputation in the industry.
Zhao Yu Man frowned, "Chen Xing Sheng, don't push it too far."
Chen Xing Sheng said disdainfully, "It's ownerless property. The highest bidder wins. If you can't afford it, don't embarrass yourself here."
"Three million."
Xiao Xun bid again.
Chen Xing Sheng calculated his available funds. Even if Xiao Xun bid a few more times, he would still have enough to spare. He directly raised his hand and shouted, "Four million!"
"Seven million."
"Wow~"
The entire audience was stunned. Even the most unrefined person could tell that this vase was not worth that much.
This time, Xiao Xun directly increased the bid by three million. After speaking, he deliberately looked in Chen Xing Sheng's direction, feigning nervousness, as if afraid he would bid again.
Chen Xing Sheng saw all this and felt smug. *You increase by three hundred, I'll increase by three hundred too.* Without thinking, he said, "Ten million!"
Just as he expected Xiao Xun to continue, the atmosphere suddenly fell silent. When he turned to look at Xiao Xun, he saw him looking at him with an amused, watching expression.
A bad premonition surged from the bottom of his heart.
The host on stage also did not expect such an ordinary ancient blue and white porcelain to reach such a bidding price. He excitedly shouted, "Ten million! Is there anyone else willing to bid higher?"
The entire hall was silent, with no response.
Chen Xing Sheng inwardly shouted, "Not good!" but it was too late. Xiao Xun sat in his seat, motionless, without any of the previous bidding momentum. Moreover, no new takers had appeared.
"Ten million for the first time, ten million for the second time, ten million for the third time. Sold!"
With a bang, it felt like it struck Chen Xing Sheng's heart, making him shiver.
"Congratulations, Mr. Chen, on bidding for the Song Dynasty Ge kiln twin-handled blue and white vase. Please proceed to the backstage to complete the relevant procedures."
The host's final gavel strike also marked the successful completion of the first auction item.
Soon, the second auction item was presented: the 'Twin Dragon Jade Bi,' known as a peerless treasure.
This jade bi attracted the interest of many people, and the price quickly rose to twenty million, with no sign of stopping.
"Don't think this matter is over today."
Seeing that his efforts were irrecoverable, Chen Xing Sheng lost the mood to stay any longer. With a cold face, he left the venue.
After he had gone far away, Zhao Yu Man said apologetically, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect him to include you in his scheme. Be careful when you go back later."
Xiao Xun waved his hand and said, "My grudge with him is probably greater than yours and his."
After this small interlude, the next item was the Twin Dragon Jade Bi, which was Zhao Yu Man's primary objective for attending. She had to obtain this collection today, regardless of the consequences or losses, even if it meant going into debt.
The bidding for the Twin Dragon Jade Bi gradually reached its peak, and it was finally purchased by Zhao Yu Man for eighty million. This price greatly exceeded Zhao Yu Man's expectations. She had initially estimated that fifty million would be the limit, but it turned out to be thirty million more.
After paying the money backstage, Zhao Yu Man was in high spirits. Xiao Xun deserved a large portion of the credit for her ability to obtain the Twin Dragon Jade Bi. If he hadn't cleverly provoked Chen Xing Sheng into leaving, it was uncertain who would have ended up with the Twin Dragon Jade Bi.
By the time the auction ended, it was already late into the night.
Zhao Yu Man exchanged a few pleasantries with Xiao Xun, reminding him to be careful of Chen Xing Sheng, and then drove away from the Guo residence.