It was no wonder that Gong Chengbin's initial glance at the two of them felt off. So, they really did have a history, and a tragic one at that.
Du Fei said nothing, merely patting Gong Chengbin's shoulder.
"Du Fei, what's with that look? You make me sound so pathetic. It's all in the past, I'm over it."
Gong Chengbin, sensing Du Fei's gaze, quickly clarified.
However, sometimes the more one explained, the more it invited speculation.
Du Fei nodded, "En, I understand, I understand."
"Damn it, you understand nothing! Your eyes tell me you... forget it, I can't be bothered to say it anymore."
Gong Chengbin stopped mid-sentence, deciding not to continue.
The two then proceeded into the auction hall.
A typical auction usually involved everyone sitting in tiered seating, like a lecture hall, with the auctioneer standing on the stage at the front.
But the auction Du Fei saw had many tables arranged in the main hall, with people gathered in small groups or sitting alone.
Small refreshments and tea were already laid out on the tables.
"This is quite nice, food and tea."
Led by Gong Chengbin, Du Fei arrived at a table relatively close to the front and sat down.
The seating here was first-come, first-served, with no distinction made based on status or rank.
Gong Chengbin's reason for choosing a seat near the front was purely because Jiang Feng, who had arrived earlier, was sitting in a corner, whispering and occasionally chuckling with Meng Ying.
So, without hesitation, he brought Du Fei to the front, choosing to avoid seeing them.
Although Gong Chengbin had repeatedly told Du Fei that it was all in the past and he was over it.
People are emotional beings, after all. If they never met again, perhaps the feelings would have faded. But encountering each other now, especially with Jiang Feng deliberately provoking him, Gong Chengbin naturally couldn't remain calm.
Before the auction officially began, Du Fei and Gong Chengbin engaged in casual conversation.
About half an hour later, a middle-aged man in a Tang suit walked in.
At his appearance, everyone in the auction hall turned to look at him, and their chatter ceased.
Even Du Fei, attending his first auction, guessed that the event was about to start.
"Distinguished guests, welcome to this auction. As per usual, I will be your host today."
"However, I have some good news to share first: today's grand finale is an item that no one can refuse."
As the middle-aged man's words fell, a stir rippled through the crowd.
Everyone was curious about what wonderful item would be the grand finale.
Without making them wait, the auction commenced.
"First, let us welcome the first auction item."
After the middle-aged man's announcement, a graceful young woman in a qipao, with a good figure, walked up carrying a tray covered with a red cloth.
"A pair of blood jade earrings. While blood jade earrings aren't particularly valuable, they are quite rare. The starting bid is fifty thousand, with a minimum increment of five thousand."
After unveiling the red cloth, the middle-aged man gave a brief introduction.
There were many theories about blood jade. Some said the red color inside was artificially made.
Others claimed it was a type of red jade produced in the snowy plateau, and its yield was very scarce.
However, blood jade had never gained mainstream popularity. Therefore, even with its limited quantity, its price wasn't exorbitant.
"Fifty thousand five hundred!"
Someone was the first to raise a paddle and bid.
The bidder was a胖子, a plump man with a round face and a protruding belly. However, despite his size, his eyes were exceptionally bright, darting quickly when he looked at others, giving an impression of shrewdness.
"I say, Fatty Liu, if you don't have the money, don't come to auctions. You always bid the minimum, acting like you're looking for a bargain."
"Hahaha, you guys don't know Fatty Liu. He's a regular here, but he's never actually bought anything."
"En, this guy is indeed a comedian, purely here for the laughs."
As the bidding plump man raised his paddle, the crowd in the auction hall began to murmur.
And their voices were not lowered at all, showing no consideration for the plump man's feelings.
At this moment, Gong Chengbin leaned over to Du Fei and told him that the plump man who had just bid was a frequent attendee of auctions.
But what was interesting was that this man usually only made the first bid, and always at the minimum increment.
Once someone else bid, he would stop.
Over time, everyone had gotten used to making jokes and teasing him.
This plump man had a good personality and never got angry.
"I didn't expect there to be someone like that. It's quite interesting."
After hearing Gong Chengbin's introduction, Du Fei deliberately took another look at the plump man.
Subsequently, after other people bid on the blood jade, the plump man indeed did not bid again.
Following this, other auction items began to be presented.
Item after item, Du Fei's eyes were truly opened.
There were even figurines being auctioned, and antique items from decades ago – not just ancient relics, but old things from the past few decades.
It had to be said that the mastermind behind this auction was also an interesting person.
Just as Gong Chengbin had said, as long as you dared to consign something, he dared to sell anything.
"Next up, a discontinued GTR sports car. It's said to be the cherished car of the former European King of Cars. Friends who like it can buy it for collection or personal use. The starting bid is two million."
This time, as the auction item was too large to be brought to the venue, the middle-aged man projected a real photo of the car onto the screen for everyone to admire.
However, even a new GTR would only cost slightly over two million. This car had been around for over a decade, and with many of the attendees being older, there was a moment of silence with no bids.
"Two million two hundred thousand."
Just as the auctioneer thought the item would go unsold, someone finally bid.
Seeing Du Fei looking at him, Gong Chengbin smiled, "Back in the day, this was my favorite car. But my status at home wasn't high enough then, and buying such an expensive car was not allowed. Now I have the money, but if it's too expensive, I feel it's not worth it."
"Since no one is bidding, I won't be polite."
"Two million one hundred thousand, first call."
"Two million one hundred thousand, second call."
"Two million..."
Just as the auctioneer was about to bring down the gavel, another voice spoke up.
"Two million five hundred thousand!"
Hearing that familiar voice, Gong Chengbin looked back.
He turned his head and indeed saw Jiang Feng, shrugging at him.
Normally, a normal bid wouldn't be an issue, as auctions are all about one's own capabilities.
But Jiang Feng had always been at odds with him, and the fact that he bid two million five hundred thousand clearly indicated a provocation.
Anger surged within Gong Chengbin.