The rain outside gradually intensified, and the atmosphere at the venue became somewhat somber. Despite the melodious music playing, everyone seemed preoccupied.
Many present were dressed in dazzling attire, yet their net worth was actually in the negative. A significant number couldn't even settle their project final payments.
However, upon receiving an invitation to the charity gala, they were all eager to attend.
They would wear their best clothes and bring their most attractive partners, not for any other reason than the hope of catching the "favor" of someone genuinely wealthy. A casual "small opportunity," perhaps just a word, could potentially allow them to "turn their fortunes around" instantly.
Even without such prospects, building connections with industry magnates was a considerable gain.
This is why many instances of "fraudulent donations" occurred – not due to unwillingness to donate, but simply because they lacked the funds.
Suddenly, all the lights in the hall dimmed, and a spotlight hit the entrance. Two renowned entertainment show hosts, a man and a woman, slowly ascended the stage.
After their opening remarks and introduction of the organizers, a public service short film began to play.
The first short film was about the Hope Project in a mountain village.
Once the film concluded, the hosts recited a heartfelt script and then invited a mega-star dressed in a white sequined evening gown onto the stage.
"All the items auctioned today are precious private collections from our esteemed entrepreneurs. We thank all our major bosses for their strong support. All proceeds from today's auction will be used for charitable purposes."
After speaking, the host turned to the mega-star beside him. "Now, our beautiful Miss Tina will introduce the first auction item."
Following this, a hostess wearing white gloves carried a square box onto the stage and approached Tina.
Tina opened the box, and the cameras zoomed in.
Xiao Xun recognized it as the diamond necklace that Mu Jiahe had selected at a jewelry store a couple of days ago when they were buying clothes. She hadn't realized it was purchased for tonight.
Tina began her introduction, reading from a small card and praising the diamond necklace effusively. The host then announced, "Starting bid is three million. Bidding commences now."
Three million was considered "small change" for anyone present, with the exception of our protagonist.
The price quickly escalated to ten million. The bidder was a wealthy businessman from out of town, eager to penetrate the local market. Each time he raised his paddle, the camera would subtly, almost intentionally, focus on him, suggesting a pre-arranged scenario.
To ensure the privacy of those present, no catalog was distributed in advance. Thus, apart from the organizers, no one knew who the donors of the auction items were. Moreover, the organizers wouldn't disclose which esteemed boss, present or absent, had donated a particular item.
As the auction segment of the charity gala was in full swing, Xiao Xun's phone rang. The attention of those around him instantly shifted.
The magnates maintained expressionless faces, but several celebrities who heard the ringtone frowned, thinking, "Who is being so impolite?"
Seeing that it was Zhang Ming calling, Xiao Xun, unconcerned by the curious glances, answered the phone directly.
"Hello! Old Zhang, what's up?"
The voice on the other end replied, "Xiao Xun, things have changed. Be careful these past couple of days!"
Xiao Xun lowered his voice. "What happened? Speak slowly."
"Earlier today, we tracked down the people who attacked your company, remember? But when our people went to the tracked address, it suddenly exploded. Three bodies were found at the scene. Coupled with the impact on your building the other night, the municipal bureau suspects a retaliatory act that is organized, premeditated, and carried out by a group of desperate individuals."
"I understand. I'll be careful."
Just as Xiao Xun was about to hang up, Zhang Ming asked, "These people are targeting you, aren't they?"
Xiao Xun shook his head. "I don't know. Probably!"
"Alright! It sounds noisy over there, suggesting you might be busy. Contact me if anything comes up."
Xiao Xun grunted and hung up the phone.
Meanwhile, the first auction item, Mu Jiahe's diamond necklace, had been acquired by a super-rich businessman for thirteen million.
After this item was auctioned, Tina had a brief chat with the host and then left the stage.
The host then invited another celebrity guest, who, without exception, was another beautiful woman.
A hostess brought forward a small box. The guest opened it, and the camera zoomed in. It was a string of prayer beads, lustrous and clearly an antique.
Holding a card, the guest introduced it. "The material of these prayer beads is Indian rosewood. They were worn for many years by a venerable monk from Hualong Temple before his passing. The starting bid is one million."
Upon hearing that it was a relic worn by a virtuous monk, several bosses and celebrities who were Buddhist began to bid.
When the bidding reached over four million, Young Master Gu suddenly raised his paddle and called out, "Five million."
He then smiled at the people at his table and said, "My grandmother is Buddhist. This is a gift I'm buying for her."
Unexpectedly, after Young Master Gu bid, no one else raised their paddles. The donor's reserve price was eight million, but no matter how the host tried to liven up the bidding and solicit offers, no one dared to bid higher. No one wanted to offend the temperamental Young Master Gu over such a matter. The organizers dared not let it go unsold and could only sell the prayer beads for five million.
Everyone applauded.
Young Master Gu proudly stood up, bowed to the crowd, then looked at Mu Jiahe for a few seconds before turning and sitting down.
Besides the auction, there were also direct donations.
There was an unwritten rule at charity galas: anyone who attended had to make a donation.
This was a high-profile charity event with a minimum donation requirement. Your attendance implicitly meant you would donate; failure to do so would result in the organizers reporting it to the major media outlets under the label of "fraudulent donation."
Of course, those who won auction items were exempt from making separate donations.
After the donation phase concluded, the media departed. The true banquet then officially commenced, featuring elaborate dishes, fine wine, and various performances.
As they raised their glasses and mingled, many 'important figures' with their own agendas began to toast each table, as if it were their own wedding night.
Young Master Gu, of course, unhesitatingly held his wine glass and walked over, followed by a group of fawning individuals.
Anyone in the city who followed the news knew that Young Master Gu was fond of Mu Jiahe. Consequently, the rapid establishment of Shengdiluoman Group in the city owed a great deal to the 'Gu family.'
Furthermore, due to Young Master Gu's influence, those who coveted Mu Jiahe's beauty kept their distance.
"Miss Mu, I heard your company signed a cooperation agreement with Jingji Group. Congratulations!" He said, raising his glass, intending to clink it with Mu Jiahe's.
Xiao Xun picked up his wine glass and, quite out of place, stood between them. "Our President Mu is not a heavy drinker. I'll drink on her behalf!"
Young Master Gu said nothing. A perceptive individual behind him pointed at Xiao Xun and glared, "Who do you think you are? How dare you propose a toast with Young Master Gu."
He raised his hand, halting the person behind him, and looked at Xiao Xun, thinking, "Where did Mu Jiahe find such an idiot? Doesn't anyone at this table have the sense to tell him who I am?"
He then shifted his gaze to Mu Jiahe before him, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Miss Mu, may I have the honor of a dance?"
Mu Jiahe smiled charmingly. "Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master Gu, but I don't know how." She then turned, took the glass from Xiao Xun's hand, gently clinked it with Young Master Gu's, and drained the red wine in one gulp.
Young Master Gu also finished his wine. "Please, enjoy yourselves. I must be going."
Although he maintained a smile, everyone could tell he was on the verge of anger. After saying this, he walked directly towards the exit of the hall.
The organizers, in the midst of hosting the guests, saw Young Master Gu leaving for some unknown reason from a distance. His entourage did not follow him, and they hurried after him.