"The final auction item today, Master Munch's classic masterpiece 'The Scream,' the most iconic work of modern art, starting bid eighty million, please place your bids!"
As the host's voice fell, a fierce bidding war ensued in the auction hall. According to market prices, "The Scream" was valued at over 150 million. Of course, this was its collectible value. But if measured by passion, such a world-famous painting was priceless. After all, there was only one of its kind on the entire Blue Star, making it impossible to quantify its worth.
"120 million!"
As the bids reached this level, the rapid-fire bidding gradually subsided, and everyone's expressions turned serious. This was approaching many people's psychological price limit, the point where those hoping to leverage the painting for commercial value might have to concede. Without a true collector, they might have succeeded.
"130 million."
Unfortunately, Master Milo was precisely that true collector. He hadn't bid earlier because he knew the previous bids were inconsequential; he only needed to make a bid when the auction cooled down. However, after placing his bid, he didn't look at the host on stage but rather at Su Yu beside him.
"It's not time yet," Su Yu shook his head slightly.
As soon as he finished speaking, not far from them, a middle-aged beauty in a pale yellow dress raised her number plate: "140 million!" After speaking, she met Milo's gaze with a humble smile.
"Lowen?" Milo's brow twitched. This was the world's most renowned collector, known almost universally in the art world. Four of the top ten world-famous paintings were in his possession, and his lifelong aspiration was to collect six masterworks. Why not all six? Because four were held by official institutions and were not for circulation.
"Master Milo is feeling the pressure?" Su Yu said with a smile.
"I might have to return disappointed today..." Milo shook his head with a wry smile. To fulfill her wish, Lowen's psychological price would certainly be significantly higher than others', even far exceeding the painting's intrinsic value.
"Then leave it to me." Su Yu's lips curved upwards. Lowen wanted to acquire the painting to complete her wish; he wanted to buy it to give to his father-in-law. It seemed he would have to splurge today... However, this amount was not much for Su Yu at present.
"I'll go first." Milo raised his plate, "150 million!" He announced his highest psychological price.
"160 million."
As expected, Lowen was determined to obtain this painting. After she bid, a buzz arose in the auction hall.
"Now that's a true collector!"
"Lowen is part of the British royal family, a top global magnate."
"It looks like Lowen will definitely secure this painting today!"
"She's waited so long, finally finding a collector willing to auction 'The Scream,' and she wouldn't miss this opportunity."
This Lowen was very famous in the collecting world. Items she desired were rarely snatched away by others, as she truly bought out of passion and could disregard a painting's true value.
"Are there any further bids? 160 million for the first time!" The host began the countdown.
"170 million."
Just as everyone thought the painting was about to be taken by Lowen, a languid voice emerged.
*Swish!*
All eyes turned to the direction of the voice. There stood Su Yu, holding his number plate, a faint smile on his chiseled face.
"Wh-what?" Jin Chengxian, who had been watching with great interest, was suddenly surprised, his eyes widening as he realized Su Yu, who had been inactive, was now bidding.
"Could it be that Tingyu is going to compete with Lowen for the painting?"
"Hiss... Could he have been waiting for this moment?"
The other producers gasped. Jin Chengxian's 115 million had already astonished them, but for Tingyu to jump in directly with 170 million was truly terrifying! It wasn't about whether Tingyu could afford it; they were all top global producers and didn't lack money. However, even Jin Chengxian found it hard to justify spending so much solely on a painting; it was a matter of values.
"180 million." The wealthy lady Lowen smiled, her surprised gaze receding as she continued to bid.
"190 million," Su Yu's voice remained calm, but the speed of his bidding conveyed his determination.
"..."
As the two continued to raise their bids, the painting, valued at 150 million in the market, crossed the 200 million mark.
"Su Su, maybe we should stop. This is too expensive..." Seeing Su Yu increase his bid by ten million US dollars each time, even Lin Yanyu felt a pang of regret.
"It's alright. If Dad likes it, I'll get it no matter how expensive," Su Yu gently squeezed her hand. It was just a task from his father-in-law. However, Su Yu genuinely wanted to get something significant to give to Lin Zhaoyang. In all this time, Lin Zhaoyang had been incredibly good to him, supporting his relationship with Lin Yanyu from the start and helping him both openly and subtly along the way. While with his system, a vast cultural treasure trove, Su Yu could achieve his current success without issue, without Lin Zhaoyang, China's largest capitalist, paving the way behind him, it would have taken him several times longer. Therefore, in Su Yu's heart, his gratitude towards Lin Zhaoyang was immeasurable by money.
"250 million. This is my limit. If Mr. Tingyu can exceed this price, then this painting belongs to you." Lowen clearly knew Su Yu. After competing for so long, she directly stated her maximum acceptable price. 250 million. This far exceeded the painting's value. If not for Lowen, a professional collector, such a high price would never have been reached.
"Then thank you. 260 million," Su Yu said without hesitation.
Lowen opened her mouth, gave Su Yu a deep look, and finally gave up bidding. What she said was true; this price was her limit, and she could tell Su Yu was determined. If they continued competing, it could easily reach an exorbitant 300 million, a price even she couldn't accept.
"260 million for the first time!"
"260 million for the second time!"
"260 million for the third time!!"
"Sold!!"
As the auctioneer's hammer fell, the auction, which had stunned countless people, was finally concluded! Enthusiastic applause erupted from the venue! Many looked at Su Yu with admiration in their eyes. The final winner of "The Scream" was not the world-renowned art master Milo, nor the famous collector Lowen, but the top music producer Tingyu!! This was an outcome no one had expected. However, Tingyu, who not only received recognition from a master for a Chinese ink painting but also acquired a world-famous painting at a sky-high price, had undoubtedly stolen the spotlight at the exhibition!
...