Chapter 165: Reuniting with Lin Ruofu

"510,000!"

"Mr. 22 bids 600,000!"

"Ms. 34 bids 700,000!"

"Is there any higher bid... Alright, Mr. 29 bids 750,000!"

...

As the bids continued to rise and Cai Kemin's compelling words added to the excitement, more and more people joined the bidding. The atmosphere in the venue began to heat up.

"Mr. 22 bids 2,880,000. Is there any higher bid?"

"2,880,000 for the first time!"

"2,880,000 for the second time!"

"2,880,000 for the third time! Sold!"

"Bang!"

"Congratulations to Mr. 22 for winning this exquisite item!"

With Cai Kemin's gavel falling, the final price of the first item was set at 2,880,000 HKD.

This price was 880,000 HKD higher than the expected 2,000,000 HKD and 2,380,000 HKD higher than the minimum starting price of 500,000 HKD. A great start to the auction, and Cai Kemin's mood was excellent, his smile even brighter.

"Next, let's bring out the second item…"

...

The starting price for the second item dropped from 500,000 HKD to 20,000 HKD, and the final price settled at 100,000 HKD.

As time passed, the prices of subsequent items continued to rise, with no items left unsold and nearly every item achieving high prices. Chen Deliang's face was beaming with joy.

Finally, the hostess brought out another item: Chen Hongshou's "Lotus and Mandarin Ducks."

"This painting, 'Lotus and Mandarin Ducks,' is donated by Mr. Mei Shancheng…"

As Cai Kemin was introducing it, Xia Yu straightened up, ready to join the bidding. This painting was one of the few collectibles he was interested in acquiring.

Whether he could win it depended on the auction dynamics.

Even if he couldn't win it, it was alright; he had other desirable items on his list, and some had potential values equal to or greater than "Lotus and Mandarin Ducks."

Moreover, since this was a charity auction, he wanted to give others a chance to contribute. Everyone knew it was a good item, and after winning a few items, people would naturally stop bidding.

Otherwise, with so many wealthy attendees, many could easily buy up everything. However, doing so would leave a poor impression of greed, which wasn't worthwhile.

Knowing this, Xia Yu had made up his mind. He would bid on only two or three items at most, even if other collectibles had great value. If necessary, he could participate in Sotheby's spring or autumn auctions, where he could buy items without any objections.

"It's starting!"

Xia Yu thought to himself.

Then, as Cai Kemin announced the start of the bidding, someone quickly bid 180,000 HKD, followed by others increasing their bids.

Xia Yu didn't rush to bid. He knew there was still a way to go before reaching the final price. Those who bid early were often just trying their luck.

Seeing that Xia Yu was not moving, He Chaoqiong nudged his arm and leaned closer to his ear, whispering, "Xia Yu, don't you like this painting? Why haven't you started bidding yet? Don't let others take it away."

He Chaoqiong was so close that her warm breath brushed against Xia Yu's ear, causing his heartbeat to quicken slightly. He turned his head slightly and saw her innocent and curious expression, seemingly unaware of the unintended intimacy.

It seemed he was the one with impure thoughts!

Xia Yu thought to himself, then maintained his composure and explained with a smile, "There's no rush. We're still some distance from the final price. I'll bid when there are fewer people."

"Oh!" He Chaoqiong looked enlightened, then lightly bit her red lips and scanned the bidders to see who was present.

As time passed, more people dropped out of the bidding, leaving only a few continued bidders. Xia Yu couldn't help but look over.

To his surprise, one of the bidders was someone he recognized: Lin Ruofu, whom he had met just over a month ago.

After that brief, unforgettable meeting, Xia Yu had visited the place several times but never saw her again. He had felt some regret at the time.

However, over the past month, with many things happening and company matters to attend to, the initial impulse he felt had faded, leaving only a faint trace in his mind.

He had tried to forget Lin Ruofu, considering her a fleeting, dazzling moment in his life that had now returned to calm.

Yet unexpectedly, the person he had given up searching for appeared again, quite by chance.

Unfortunately, this reunion didn't seem favorable to Xia Yu.

Lin Ruofu was wearing a white long dress, looking as pure and charming as the first time they met.

But the key was that her bright, clear eyes were focused on the "Lotus and Mandarin Ducks" on the auction table, occasionally glancing at the handsome man beside her, who looked to be around twenty.

The man next to her affectionately patted her head, then raised his paddle to bid again.

Xia Yu could immediately tell that Lin Ruofu and the man were close, and he noticed the affection in the man's eyes and the genuine happiness in Lin Ruofu's smile.

"They must be a couple. Although that guy can't compare to me, he is still quite handsome." Xia Yu thought to himself, feeling a bit of disappointment.

"Well, it was just a fleeting moment of attraction. She probably has already forgotten me, and we weren't even really acquainted. It's better this way."

"Since this painting is a lotus, it suits her temperament. If she wants it, there's no need for me to compete. A gentleman doesn't take what others like. Besides, I only intended to buy it for investment and collection purposes. There are other items with even greater potential for appreciation."

With this thought, a small knot in Xia Yu's heart seemed to loosen. He slightly shook his head and relaxed against the back of his chair.

What Xia Yu didn't notice was that He Chaoqiong, who was observing him, had seen his expression.

He Chaoqiong followed Xia Yu's gaze and saw Lin Ruofu in her white dress. A sense of unease instantly surged within her.

She then noticed Lin Ruofu's intimate interactions with the man and saw the expression on Xia Yu's face, which seemed to be a mix of disappointment or something else. This made her feel a strange mix of joy and bitterness.

However, He Chaoqiong did not show it. Instead, she took a deep look at Lin Ruofu, then glanced at the painting on the auction table. Her bright eyes darted around, seemingly deep in thought.