A few people chatted casually, oblivious to the many envious and admiring gazes fixed upon them from all around. After all, merely being on speaking terms with anyone from Beicheng’s prominent Bo or Gu families was already an impressive feat. Yet, this young woman had somehow managed to gain the favor of both Young Master Bo and Young Master Gu. Most importantly—the harmony between the two men was unbelievable! What masterful tactics on her part!
Shen Wanqing observed it all, her hand clenching tightly. One day, she too would be —sitting in the best seats, accompanied by the most distinguished men! As long as she made a name for herself tonight! Fresh chapters posted on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁
When the auction officially began, Gu Changqing finally returned to his seat.
There were forty lots to be auctioned in total that day. Most were unimportant; every tycoon in the room was eagerly awaiting Luo Lin’s artwork. After a long and somewhat tedious wait that had many growing impatient, the third-to-last piece was finally announced.
The host hesitantly pronounced the name, "This is a piece by a new artist, surnamed Shen. It’s a painting titled ’Qiong,’ brought to us by a beautiful artist from Qingcheng."
A young lady attendant carefully removed the covering from the painting, displaying it for everyone to see.
Shen Wanqing’s fingers tightened, a thrill of excitement coursing through her. This is the highlight of my life. I’m about to become famous. Once this painting sells for a high price, I’ll be a renowned artist.
Her dreams were grand, but reality delivered a harsh blow. When the painting was unveiled, even the host could hardly bear to look at it. Having presided over countless auctions, large and small, the host had developed a discerning eye; he could assess the quality of any painting that passed through his hands in an instant.
This painting... it was decently executed, but utterly devoid of any spark or soul. How on earth did it even get into this auction? Wasn’t this the kind of piece that belonged on an online marketplace, selling for a mere thousand yuan? This was a high-profile auction, with bids starting at fifty thousand! Was this painting submitted to make fools of everyone? It would surely result in a failed sale for this item, and he’d be the one to take the blame!
The host desperately wanted to hype the painting, but any attempt would sound like forced, awkward flattery. He simply couldn’t bring himself to do it. So, maintaining a professional smile, he announced, "This painting is meticulously crafted, flawless. The starting price is fifty thousand. Do I hear any higher bids?"
With a smile, Shen Wanqing waited for someone to raise their paddle.
Five seconds passed, then ten... An awkward silence filled the air. For a long time, not a single person increased the bid.
Shen Wanqing felt bewildered. Why isn’t anyone bidding? Is my painting not good enough?
Professor Gao, at her side, quietly comforted her, "This is often how it is for newcomers."
Is that so? Shen Wanqing silently wondered. Was Luo Lin also met with such indifference at the beginning? No! When Luo Lin’s work "Se" first appeared, the tycoons had bid like madmen, paddles flying! Achieving instant fame, debuting at one’s absolute peak—Shen Wanqing would never comprehend such a thing!
She continued to wait. Perhaps everyone is just hesitating, wondering whether to buy a newcomer’s work...
The host, feeling quite exasperated himself, reluctantly tried to drum up interest once more, "As of now, we have no higher bids. Let’s take another look at this piece. It truly is without flaw, quite perfect. Esteemed patrons, are you truly not going to consider it?"
Laughter rippled through the audience, but still, no one placed a bid.
The host, almost in tears, pleaded, "This painting is by such a lovely young lady, you know!"
Finally, he saw someone raise their paddle and breathed a sigh of relief. "A gentleman has bid sixty thousand! Sixty thousand, do I hear any higher? Anyone else?"
The bidder was Qin Siyuan. As a gentleman, he felt he had to do Shen Wanqing this courtesy.
But inwardly, he was also astonished. Hadn’t Professor Gao described Shen Wanqing’s work as exceptionally brilliant? Why, then, was no one at the auction willing to pay a high price for it?