Damn it, this guy is an animal! How can he insult people like that?

Mr. Wang bought a car, saying it was only suitable for his family's servants, and then he mentioned "cost-effectiveness" at the end. Is he trying to kill someone by attacking their spirit?
Sure enough, Mr. Wang's face turned ashen. He'd spent over 500 million and only ended up with a belly full of anger; it was truly frustrating. He snorted and kept his distance from the guy. In Jiangzhou, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. He'd have to tolerate him for now and deal with him after he figured out his background.

Tonight's charity auction is an opportunity for him to integrate into the local network in Jiangzhou. Once he has his own circle of connections here, dealing with this gigolo will be a piece of cake.

By the way, isn't this pretty boy arrogant and fond of spending money? Let's scam him again and make him contribute to Jiangzhou.

He smiled and walked over to Chen Xiao, saying, "Friend, there's a charity auction tonight. With your financial resources, would you like to contribute to charity in the Jiangzhou area together?"

Chen Xiao said calmly, "The money I contribute to the local area in a year is equivalent to thousands of your cost-effectiveness. Do I need you to provoke me? On the contrary, you shouldn't consider cost-effectiveness when donating. I'm really afraid that this has become ingrained in your bones."

Wang Jian had never been treated like this in his life. The label of "cost-effectiveness" was practically stuck to his forehead; it was a phrase he couldn't stand hearing anymore. "Damn it," he thought, "when I get back, I'll make a demand of the PR department: anyone who promotes cost-effectiveness again, I'll make them pay."

Walking over here, this time the sales consultant no longer dared to underestimate this "pretty boy." So what if he's a pretty boy? With just a few words, he could get that beautiful woman to spend over 5000 million. He's the king of pretty boys. He didn't even look at Mr. Xu, who was staring at him intently, his face clearly showing his admiration.

He took the initiative to greet Chen Xiao: "Sir, you're right. We can't talk about cost-effectiveness when it comes to donations anymore; that would be too stingy."

Mr. Wang's eyes showed dissatisfaction. "I'm your customer, who are you helping?" Little did he know that the sales consultant was only hoping to make this one sale. He had seen through it. If Chen Xiao hadn't provoked him, this car wouldn't have been sold at all.

Chen Xiao laughed and asked, "Beautiful lady, what car do you think offers the best value for money right now?"

Without a second thought, the sales consultant replied, "Of course it's a Huadi car; lots of ride-hailing vehicles on the street drive those."

"Haha—" Chen Xiao laughed arrogantly, glanced at Wang Jian, whose face looked ashen as if he were constipated, and said softly, "Indeed, the eyes of the masses are discerning."

Xu Guang felt that Wang Jian was in danger because Zhang Ziqian had asked her sales consultant to buy another car that Wang Jian had bought. Was he really going to buy it for his housekeeper to use for grocery shopping? Wang Jian felt extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed. He felt that the sales consultants on site were looking at him with strange eyes.

He came in and spoke as if the richest man in the country had arrived, but he bought the exact same car that the nanny drives to buy groceries. It's fucking ridiculous.

"Mr. Wang, I'm going out to take a look at 'Abstract'."

Wang Jian hummed in agreement. Someone next to him was also upset, so he suggested that Xu Guang go check on "Abstract." That unlucky kid was probably going to get depressed from being bullied today. He was standing outside in this weather and didn't even dare to go into the living room. It was clear that those dozens of slaps had really taught him a lesson.

The person behind "Abstract Live Talking About Cars" has been browsing Weibo while out. Their video of being slapped on the left cheek and then offering their right cheek has garnered over 100 million views online. And on Douyin, someone is frantically buying boosting and pushing videos; many people who didn't know them before now know about them.

Now he's truly famous, but what's the point of this kind of fame? He doesn't know how to go on live streams again, and how to deal with the trolls who provoke him and make fun of him.

There's only one way now: to get revenge and ruin that pretty boy's reputation so I can wash away the shame.

“Abstract, are you alright? It’s quite cool outside. I’m just coming out for a smoke too.”

"Cool my ass, my back is soaked in sweat." "Abstract" felt that Jiangzhou was just not a good match for him. He shouldn't have invested in that Ruishi 4S store in the first place. Now that he had given all his money to Xu Guang and signed the partnership agreement, he had no choice but to go down this path to the bitter end.

"Has Little Wang dealt with him yet?" He was still dreaming that Little Wang would help him deal with Chen Xiao.

Xu Guang nodded, and "Abstract Live Car Talk" was overjoyed. A surge of vengeful pleasure overwhelmed him, and he became excited.

"Tell me quickly, how did you deal with him?"

I have to say, he tried to teach someone a lesson but ended up getting humiliated instead. Now he's sitting there silently urinating on himself. "I'm not going to say anything more, and don't ask about Little Wang later."

"Abstract Live Talk on Cars" immediately deflated, realizing the situation wasn't looking good. Indeed, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake; no matter how capable Young Master Wang was, he lacked influence in Jiangzhou. To get revenge, he could only invest in Jiangzhou, cultivate good local relationships, build a strong network of connections, and then deal with that gigolo.

At this moment, Chen Xiao and Zhang Ziqian came out and glanced in this direction. "Abstract" reflexively turned away and left. He was now terrified whenever he saw Chen Xiao.

"What do you mean? You're turning your ass towards me, you want me to slap you, right?"

Zhang Ziqian covered her mouth and chuckled. Her boss was really into playing the bully today. She knew that her boss rarely had a chance to teach him a lesson and get revenge for Xiao Yuting, so he was going all out to bully him.

Startled, "Abstract" quickly turned around, stood at attention facing Chen Xiao, and had a serious expression.

"You'd better turn around. Your face is worse than your ass. I'm not going to hit you; it'll only dirty my hands. Learn from this and don't be so foul-mouthed, or next time we meet, I'll definitely knock all your teeth out."

Damn, is there anyone who insults someone like that? Saying his face is worse than his butt. "Abstract" has completely lost face today, but he can only endure it and obediently turn around. At this moment, he heard Chen Xiao say to Zhang Ziqian, "Not bad, his obedience is comparable to that of a husky."

His cheek muscles twitched involuntarily, his nostrils flared, and his lower lip trembled slightly. His chest heaved violently, but he dared not breathe heavily, only managing to squeeze out short "ha...ha..." sounds through his teeth, like a dog whose tail had been stepped on, suppressing its whimper.

He swore that he would not rest until he avenged this grudge.
-
The charity auction in Jiangzhou was held at the Jiangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center. A huge calligraphy banner with the words "Boundless Love" was hung in the main hall, and glass display cases were set up on both sides of the stage, containing artworks, jewelry and items donated by celebrities to be auctioned.

Warm golden spotlights focused on the central auction stage, while the background screen displayed the bidding prices in real time. Each time the hammer fell and a sale was made, the entire hall erupted in applause and bursts of symphonic music.

Entrepreneurs seated in the front row held gilded nameplates, while media reporters in the back row set up telephoto lenses; special guests included well-known local painters, retired cadres, and representatives of caring citizens.

Wang Jian, vice president of Huadi Automobile Group, is chatting and laughing with an elder, who is the famous painter Li Haobai. Li Haobai donated a traditional Chinese ink painting, "Spring Dawn in Jiangzhou," which he painted himself.

This artwork will be the final piece in the auction, and it's Wang Jian's target. His visit today is also a gesture of goodwill towards the top leader of the Jiangzhou Economic Development Zone. As an investor in Jiangzhou, he wants to donate some money to charity to build his reputation and gain some local favor.

Meanwhile, the artist of this painting, Li Haobai, is that person's father. By bidding the highest price for this work, he can also further enhance Li Haobai's reputation, which is a win-win situation.

Xu Guang and "Abstract" stood by. They definitely wouldn't make a move tonight. They'd just talk about charity; they wouldn't actually spend any money.

They thought Mr. Wang's plan was brilliant. He gained fame, local recognition, and connections by spending a little money. As a result, Mr. Li treated Mr. Wang very kindly.

Wang Jian was full of confidence. No matter what, he was determined to ensure two things: first, the final price of the painting by the old man from the Li family had to be the highest in the entire auction, and second, he had to win the bid for the painting himself.

"Hello, Mr. Wang!"

Wang Jian turned his head and saw that it was Gao Lei. In his eyes, this small supplier was like an ant. He nodded slightly, guessing that Gao Lei had probably come to the charity auction for him. But at the moment, he was also busy building a relationship with Old Master Li, so he naturally didn't have time to pay attention to him.

Gao Lei sat down to the side and greeted Xu Guang and "Abstract Live Car Talk". He noticed that Abstract was wearing a mask and immediately asked with concern, "Brother, are you sick? Do you have a fever? Your face is all red. Do you want to go see a doctor?"

"Abstract" shook his head, his eyes darting away. When he saw Gao Lei's words drawing attention from those around him, he was instantly furious—idiots die from talking too much.

Inside the main hall of the auction, crystal chandeliers cast a soft golden glow, an LED screen in the center of the stage displayed introductions to charitable projects, and the entrepreneurs' seating area was bathed in spotlights, as if it were surrounded by its own halo.

There was a sudden commotion at the entrance of the venue. As Chen Xiao and He Qing entered, the previously noisy conversations abruptly subsided, and many business people were unconsciously drawn to the handsome couple. Someone asked in a low voice, "Who are these two?"

Not many people know Chen Xiao, and even fewer have met him. He Qing also doesn't appear in the public eye much these days, and she rarely participates in social activities. If it weren't for hearing about a charity auction and Chen Xiao inviting her out, she would already be at home having dinner with her sister Xiangjun.

She wore a light blue silk cheongsam with delicate bamboo patterns embroidered on the lapel. As she walked, the hem of her skirt rippled like water, making her figure appear even more slender and elegant.

Her long, jet-black hair was loosely tied up with a white jade hairpin, and a pair of pearl earrings swayed gently with her movements, gleaming with a warm luster under the light. A jade bracelet on her wrist added a touch of classical charm. Chen Xiao, on the other hand, was dressed casually as always. The two walked side by side, one as elegant as an orchid, the other as steady as a mountain, instantly becoming the center of attention.

Wang Jian's expression was rather unpleasant. Earlier in the afternoon, he had wanted to provoke Chen Xiao, hoping that he would come to the venue and make a scene. However, after what happened that afternoon, he felt that this guy was too unpredictable and was afraid that he would ruin things for him when he saw him now.

However, Wang Jian felt both jealous and relieved that this pretty boy was with a different woman again that night. He was jealous that all the women he was with were so beautiful, but relieved that this woman wasn't the rich woman from the afternoon who had spent over 6000 million yuan in one go. Although this woman was wealthy, she couldn't be that extravagant, could she?

It's impossible to imagine. How many rich women like that are there in the whole country? If he were to run into another one at night, he might as well just kill himself.

He recognized the woman; she was one of the "Seven Fairies" at the Junxiao Lakeside Hotel this morning, though she had lagged behind and kept a low profile. Who was this woman? The people Wang Jian had sent to investigate hadn't replied yet, and they couldn't figure out who these people were. Hearing the discussions around them, the Jiangzhou entrepreneurs didn't recognize them either, and they didn't seem like famous people.

"Come on, Mr. Wang, let's have a drink," said Old Master Li, raising his glass. The food and drinks at tonight's charity dinner were rather ordinary, as this was a charitable event and extravagance was unacceptable.

Wang Jian hasn't drunk a bottle of red wine that costs over 200 yuan in a long time. Oh well, he'll just have to make do with this.

He Qing gently took Chen Xiao's arm and sat down, her fingertips lingering briefly on the back of the mahogany chair, the pale pink glaze on her nails creating a subtle contrast with the dark red of the seat. She nodded slightly to the business tycoons seated next to her.

As Gao Lei watched He Qing and Chen Xiao enter hand in hand, his champagne glass wobbled violently, nearly spilling the wine. His pupils contracted sharply, and the social smile that had been on his lips froze instantly, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him.

His knuckles turned white from gripping the wine glass so tightly that he froze on the spot like a statue, even his breath caught in his throat for a moment. The image of He Qing smiling gently under the locust tree flashed through his mind, the girl's white dress and the elegant figure holding Chen Xiao's arm in front of him were torn in two.

"How could she be with him... Could this be her husband?" Her thoughts were like scraps of paper in a storm, unable to piece together a coherent logic.

Some people are destined to be a cinnabar mark on your heart, untouchable, unforgettable, and impossible to take back. Gao Lei tilted his head back and drank the remaining wine in his glass, letting the alcohol burn his throat—the most painful clarity is watching what you could not have in your youth become someone else's treasure.

"Mr. Gao, do you know that pretty boy?"

"Pretty boy? What do you mean?" Gao Lei looked at Xu Guang.

"This guy is something else. I've seen him with three women, all stunning beauties. This is the third one. This afternoon, that beauty bought him two cars for over 6000 million yuan. But tonight, he's with another one. I bet he's spending the night with this beauty. Damn, no one else has ever taken being a gigolo to this level."

Is he a gigolo? Then he's not He Qing's husband? Gao Lei felt both pained and a little lucky. He was pained that his goddess had gotten together with a gigolo; he was lucky that she didn't seem to have a husband, so he still had a chance. He, a successful entrepreneur, was a hundred times better than that gigolo.

Once it's over, I'll catch up and expose that pretty boy's true colors to her face. I'll rescue He Qing; this pretty boy is no match for her.

At this moment, the auction had already begun. The host, dressed in a dark suit, held a microphone and spoke in a loud voice: "Distinguished guests, welcome to the 'Kindness Nourishes Jiangzhou, Hearts Connect Every Family' Charity Auction! Tonight, every bid will turn into hope and light up the future for those in need!"

"This auction follows the 'Charity Auction Regulations,' and all proceeds will be used specifically for educational assistance projects for left-behind children, subject to public oversight!"

Organized by: Jiangzhou Charity Federation, Jiangzhou Calligraphers Association and Entrepreneurs Association.

The auctioneer introduced each item to the auction, which included autographed jerseys from sports stars, artworks, and more. Bidders could preview the items in advance.

During the bidding phase, bidders raise their paddles to indicate their acceptance of a bid, or verbally announce a higher price. Each bid must be at least a specified increment (e.g., 5000 yuan), and once a bid is accepted, it cannot be retracted.

After the auctioneer's hammer falls, the buyer signs the "Confirmation of Transaction" and pays a deposit on the spot. The remaining balance must be settled within 7 days.

The first item auctioned was a basketball signed by CBA star Yang Rui, which included the right to take a photo with him at the event. The starting price was 1 yuan, and it was finally sold for 6 yuan.

A broken basketball can go through so many rounds of bidding back and forth; it seems many corporate entities tonight are quite enthusiastic about public welfare.

Mr. Wang thought to himself, "It seems the most valuable item tonight is that Qing Dynasty blue and white porcelain vase, which should be worth around 45 yuan. In that case, it seems that I can get Mr. Li's calligraphy and painting for 100 million yuan. Spending a little money to do a lot, this is the 'cost-effectiveness'." Damn it, ptooey, forget those three words.

The climax of the auction was the bidding for the "Blue and White Porcelain Vase," where two real estate developers bid from 30 to 55 yuan. The host joked, "This is the involution of love!"

Wang Jian looked around and felt it was time for him to make a move. He raised his sign and shouted, "60!" This far exceeded the value of the "Blue and White Porcelain Vase" itself. He looked around as if to say, "Who else would do this?"

Just as the auctioneer was about to bring down the gavel, and Wang Jian was looking down on everyone, he suddenly noticed Chen Xiao whisper something in the beautiful woman's ear. A sense of foreboding washed over him. He watched as the woman calmly raised her paddle, the jade bracelet on her wrist gleaming in harmony with the paddle. Her bid was crisp and decisive: "Two million." Her voice was unhurried, yet it drew everyone's attention.
With her competitors all silent, she merely lowered her eyes slightly, took a sip of tea, and cast a faint shadow under her eyes with her eyelashes—this composed and at ease exuded more power than any aggressive approach.

When He Qing's cool voice rang out—"200 million"—the entire auction hall fell into a deathly silence; even breathing could be heard clearly. The previously rising and falling bids seemed to be abruptly cut off, and all eyes turned to the entrepreneurs' seats.

Reporters quickly turned their cameras, showering He Qing with flashes. She simply pursed her lips, her fingertips lightly tapping the jade bracelet, as if she had just tossed out not 200 million, but a casual remark.

Even Gao Lei was dumbfounded. He Qing had made a fortune. This broken bottle was being offered for 60 yuan, and you raised the price to 200 million yuan. What were you trying to do?

Wang Jian was completely dumbfounded. He had no idea what the other person was thinking. Anyway, the money from the auction was for charity. Let alone 2 million, if Chen Xiao had bid, maybe they could have added another zero.
Old Master Li's expression also changed. He had agreed with Wang Jian that he would bid 100 million to win the painting and calligraphy as the highest-priced finale of the event. Now that someone had bid 200 million, who would remember his 100 million bid?

Knowing his thoughts, Wang Jian breathed a sigh of relief and said decisively, "Don't worry, your calligraphy and painting will definitely be the best in the entire event, there won't be any surprises."

The auctioneer's voice trembled, "2...200 million for the first time!" The usually composed auctioneer's voice tightened, and the tip of his gavel accidentally struck the podium with a dull thud. He subconsciously glanced at He Qing's seat, as if checking if the beautiful CEO was drunk—after all, the last similar porcelain vase had only sold for 45.
"Some people raise their paddles to bid, but she raises hers to deliver a verdict." When He Qing's 200 million yuan came crashing down like a meteorite, the entire audience finally realized: this was not an impulsive act, but the most elegant interpretation of "being determined to win."

"Next up for auction is an oil painting by a child with autism, provided by Jiangzhou Special Education School. The young artist who created it is also here."

The creators bowed in gratitude on the spot, and He Qing glanced at Chen Xiao, tears welling up in her eyes. Chen Xiao patted her hand; no wonder she and Xiang Jun were so close, both of them were overflowing with compassion at heart.

He whispered a few words in her ear, and He Qing's face immediately lit up with a smile, like a blooming hibiscus flower.

"The starting bid for this oil painting is 3 yuan, and each bid must be at least 5000 yuan higher."

The painting had no artistic value, so everyone thought it would fetch a maximum of 10 yuan, which would be considered a good deed. It was probably the child's bow that moved everyone, and the bidding became very intense. In a short while, the price rose to 13 yuan, and the teacher from the city's special education school was so moved that she wiped away tears.

Wang Jian couldn't possibly be left behind in this kind of attention-grabbing opportunity, so he raised his paddle and offered, "20."

He stood up, his left hand in his pocket, his right hand holding the bidding paddle high, the veins on the back of his hand slightly bulging, as if this move was not only an auction, but also a silent declaration.

Wang Jian slowly surveyed the entire room, his eyebrows slightly raised, a confident smile playing on his lips. His gaze swept across the room like a hawk skimming the low sky, causing bidders to lower their heads and avoid him, none daring to meet his gaze. For a painting by an autistic child, he was offering 20 yuan—a truly extravagant offer.

The experienced auctioneer stammered for a second: "20...20 for the first time!" The tip of the gavel accidentally hit the podium, making a dull thud.

Gao Lei was a little envious of Wang Jian. 20 yuan to show off, that's worth it, unlike himself who donated 20 yuan to his alma mater, only to have it used to repair toilets.

Wang Jian was confident of victory. As he sat down again, the platinum buttons on his cuffs reflected a cold light—at this moment, the protagonist of the auction was no longer the painting of an autistic child, but Wang Jian's ambition to integrate into the Jiangzhou business community.

"Mr. Wang, that's quite a generous offer," Old Master Li praised, while also feeling relieved. If he could offer 20 for this painting, then his own painting should be able to fetch over 200 million.

"You flatter me, sir. It's just a small token of my appreciation. It's all for the children. It's nothing to spend a little more money."

"20, the second time."

Wang Jian shook his head and chuckled, "Where would anyone continue bidding?" (End of Chapter)

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