"Live broadcast the situation inside the venue with the projector?" Su Qingzhang couldn’t help but frown upon receiving the news, and the admonishment he was about to give was swallowed hard as he was greeted by the mayor and his wife.
After a series of adjustments, the interior of Subi Auction House was revived with a completely different vitality.
All fixed seating was temporarily removed, green plants brought life to the dullness after a harsh winter, and hundreds of small high platforms were built in the venue. Under the soft yellow light, the light golden silk fabric added warmth and brightness to the room.
On the highest platform, a black vinyl record player was set up, and soothing music in D major was leisurely streaming forth.
The large hall, divided into north and south sides, had been split into two distinct styles. The north side catered to the old-school style with formal attire, while the other side was for the city’s nouveau riche, dressed more casually.
Earlier, upon entering, Chang Chi had questioned some guests’ attire, saying it was out of place and would bring down the auction’s tone. However, Su Ziceng insisted on strictly adhering to her established "standards."
The disharmony created by the stylistic differences between north and south soon vanished in their respective conversations. On this Saturday night, everyone wanted to shed the week’s workload. Even some guests who had arrived in formal business attire were influenced to take off their coats and enjoy casual conversation.
"The drinks are excellent!" This was the fifth compliment Su Qingzhang had heard tonight. The champagne selected by Su Ziceng wasn’t the usual choice for entertaining guests but a full-bodied wine without a famous label.
"The atmosphere is great, it reminds me of attending a bohemian salon in France," Hang’s father commented, looking around. At the corners of the venue, leisure round tables were set up, with the elegant music, fresh air, and rich aroma of wine creating the impression that this was not a commercial auction but a private appreciation gathering among close friends.
Just as people were about to forget the purpose of their visit, the music from the record player stopped. Director Luo stepped onto the stage, absent the professional uniform, gavel, and white gloves typical for an auctioneer.
In a newly tailored Zhongshan suit, crisply ironed, Director Luo stood on the stage and cleared his throat: "Comrades, thank you for your hard work." This old-fashioned opening line made some of the younger attendees laugh.
"Not a professional auctioneer?" Most people caught on, a murmur went through the crowd as they realized that such a high-profile auction had engaged a non-professional. The "billion" auction’s glamor dimmed. Some were already distracted, wondering what a non-professional could bring to the table.
"As a former Deputy Museum Director of the National Museum, I am honored to stand here," though Director Luo’s manner was somewhat old-fashioned, he knew the importance of getting to the point when speaking.
"Deputy Museum Director of the National Museum?" the huge signboard obviously stunned some people’s minds.
"Fake, right? Can a state civil servant really participate in a proper commercial auction?" Su Ziceng, standing next to an auction item with the shape of a chair outlined, raised her eyebrows smugly. The truth about whether Director Luo was indeed the former Deputy Museum Director of the National Museum would soon be evident.
What followed was a half-hour "personal speech by Director Luo." He spoke not loudly, but clear enough for everyone in the room to hear distinctly. Those who had been skeptical about him were quickly convinced of his identity after listening to his speech.
One reason Director Luo never became the Chief Director, aside from his feudal landlord background, was his lack of public speaking skills, often stumbling in public addresses. However, tonight was different; the audience, irrespective of gender and age, were genuine connoisseurs. Furthermore, this might be Director Luo’s last public presentation of collectibles, so he put aside all his usual reservations.
Even those like Su Ziceng, with half-baked knowledge, withdrew their doubts in the face of the admiration from others around them.
Only now did tonight’s auction items uncover their veils. Everyone held their breath, as the items were unveiled one by one beneath the silk covers. From Qianlong Period’s jade carvings to a Late Tang screen, and then to the treasured inkstone of Wang Xizhi, everyone was awed by the vivid descriptions passionately delivered by Director Luo.