Not only was he shocked, but the entire Qin family was also stunned. Even Professor Gao was utterly astonished.
How could this be? How could no one buy it for even 50,000? Orıginal content can be found at 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
Indeed, no one bought it for 50,000. Instead, Qin Siyuan spent 60,000 to buy it back, salvaging Shen Wanqing’s reputation. This way, he could still boast that her painting had been auctioned off for 60,000.
Shen Wanqing felt deeply humiliated. However, Professor Gao reassured her from his own experience, telling her it wasn’t her fault. He explained that it was a hurdle most newcomers had to overcome, and she would eventually get used to it.
With this reassurance, she calmed down a bit. At least I made an appearance at a major auction, she thought. In the future, I’ll be considered seasoned. Gu Anxi can’t compare to that.
While Shen Wanqing was busy gloating, Wang Keru found the situation immensely satisfying. What goes around comes around!
That little bitch Shen Wanqing finally can’t be smug anymore! The Qin family has treasured her like the apple of their eye for far too long. Now they see her true colors! Let’s see if she can continue her act as a talented lady.
Wang Keru wasn’t as naive as Shen Wanqing. I know Qin Han’s character well, she thought. Shen Wanqing, as a pawn, is clearly not very useful anymore. What happens next depends entirely on Qin Siyuan’s attitude. If Qin Siyuan doesn’t want Shen Wanqing anymore, that little bitch will be kicked out of the Qin family immediately.
Just as the Qin family was struggling to compose themselves, the auction reached its climax.
When Luo Lin’s painting was unveiled, camera flashes went off incessantly from both sides. The host’s voice trembled with excitement. Below the stage, the wealthy elites clutched their paddles, eager to bid.
Wang Keru was shocked, as if struck by lightning!
Is that... is that Anxi’s painting?
Although she had long suspected it, when the moment truly arrived, it felt so unreal, like a dream. Her eyes quickly welled up with tears, but she managed to hold them back.
I can’t lose my composure on an occasion , she thought. I am... Gu Anxi’s mother.
On stage, the host stumbled over his words, his voice thick with emotion, "We’ve finally, in our lifetime, gotten to see a work by our little darling, Luo Lin!"
He dramatically wiped away a tear, then nostalgically recounted the last time he had auctioned one of Luo Lin’s works. He spoke for a full five minutes, completely immersed in his role; it was like a live performance piece about an artist’s journey.
Once he finished his reminiscence, he launched into his sales pitch, his voice becoming animated. "Our genius artist is back in business! Let’s take a look at this new piece by Luo Lin. Wow! After several years, her work is now filled with such warmth! Esteemed patrons, what do you think has infused Luo Lin’s art with this warmth?"
He dramatically paused, then confidently continued, "Is it love? Is it family affection?"
He scanned the crowd below, then declared with utmost confidence, "No! It’s the love for Luo Lin emanating from the checkbooks in your pockets, esteemed patrons! It is the reciprocation of this love that imbues her painting with such tenderness!"
This whole spiel was truly flamboyant to the extreme.
The host was on fire. He pushed the painting slightly forward, expertly whetting the patrons’ appetites. "This piece, I can tell you, is an exception in Luo Lin’s body of work! You may not see such warmth in her brushstrokes again. Today, our dear patrons, you’ve struck gold just by encountering it! I wonder which fortunate patron will be the one to acquire it?"
He paused dramatically. "Alright, our auction is about to begin! Owning a Luo Lin painting is an unspoken symbol of status—that’s an open secret among us. Patrons, now is the time to demonstrate your power and your taste! This is the hallmark of a successful man!"
He paused again, his voice growing even more fervent, "Let the auction commence! The starting bid is 10,000,000!"