Free Web NovelChapter 348: Chapter 348: The Auction
Upon hearing the mention of an auction, the group exchanged meaningful smiles.
A member of the Hua Xia personnel who had been observing them smirked and said, "Some people truly have too much time on their hands, always thinking about how to trouble others."
"What’s going on?"
Jiang Cheng approached as the person beside him whispered in Hua Xia language, "They plan to make things difficult for us at the auction."
"I anticipated this. No worries, we’ll counter whatever tactics they use."
"Alright."
The person beside him responded with a nod and continued watching the group.
She could read lips.
Not only could she read lips, but she was a lip-reading translator proficient in several foreign languages.
During this outing, Jiang Cheng encountered a wealth of talent from his homeland.
In the presence of such a group, Jiang Cheng dared not claim himself as extraordinarily gifted.
For they all were.
After the dinner continued for another hour, the auction officially began.
Everyone was invited to take their seats as the auction host took the stage.
"Hello everyone, I’m Jenny, the auctioneer for this event."
"First, I want to thank the esteemed guests who donated auction items. The proceeds from this auction will go entirely to children’s vaccination programs. Your generosity will assist many children and families."
"Next, we present our first auction item donated by Mr. Ai Wen, the host."
With the auctioneer’s cue, the ceremonial assistant brought the item forward on a trolley.
At this moment, Jiang Cheng was seated to the left with a lip-reading expert and to the right with an expert in micro-expressions.
The two were speaking in different dialects into Jiang Cheng’s ears.
"A vase from the Qing Dynasty."
"Most likely, these items tonight are all Hua Xia’s cultural possessions. Their aim is to embarrass us by forcing us to buy back our own artifacts at high prices."
Jiang Cheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.
It’s like celebrating being a thief.
Jiang Cheng’s mind sharply captured information from both sides as the auctioneer unveiled the red cloth covering the item, revealing a vase crafted with exquisite Hua Xia artistry to everyone present.
With gloves on, the auctioneer began showcasing the vase from various angles, explaining its history and value, while presenting several antique experts’ authentication documents.
"Starting bid is five thousand US dollars, with each bid increase no less than five hundred US dollars. Please start bidding."
The bidding commenced.
The H Control Group was first to raise their sign, adding a pointless comment, "Just the right thing to buy for flower arranging."
The H Control Group bid six thousand US dollars.
After lowering his sign, the H Control Group’s eyes drifted toward Hua Xia, attempting to provoke Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng returned the challenge with a glance, calmly raising his sign and announcing, "Seven thousand US dollars."
The H Group, full of mirth, raised their sign and said, "Eight thousand US dollars."
Before Jiang Cheng could raise his sign, other competitors joined in the fun, driving the vase’s price to ten thousand US dollars.
Without hesitation, Jiang Cheng raised his sign again.
"Ten thousand one hundred US dollars."
The true value of the vase was around ten thousand dollars; at this price, Jiang Cheng would barely break even.
The H Control Group and other parties were clearly aware of this, but their pleasure lay in inflating the price, forcing Hua Xia to pay dearly to reclaim their heritage.
The H Control Group raised their sign first.
"Twelve thousand US dollars."
"I’ll join in the fun, thirteen thousand US dollars."
"Then I’ll go with fourteen thousand US dollars."
The price climbed steadily, reaching eighteen thousand US dollars.
Jiang Cheng clenched his teeth and raised his sign once more.
"Twenty thousand US dollars!"
Instantly hiking to twenty thousand, Jiang Cheng wore a confident smile.
"Twenty-one thousand US dollars!"
The H Control Group raised their sign once more; this was their last bid.
Jiang Cheng felt a simultaneous tap from the two beside him on her legs, signifying a signal.
The two women beside him had analyzed the situation and concluded the other side would not continue bidding.
So then....
Jiang Cheng settled into a reluctant expression, glaring at the H Control Group, letting out a cold snort, raising his sign hesitantly multiple times.
The H Control Group grew anxious over why she wouldn’t raise it?
Didn’t they view Hua Xia’s honor as more important than anything?
"Twenty-one thousand once, twenty-one thousand twice...."
The H Control Group nearly lifted off their seat, asking themselves what on earth they were doing spending so much on a vase?
"Twenty-one thousand three times! Sold, congratulations to H."
With a ’clang,’ the gavel fell.
The transaction was finalized.
The H Group eyed Jiang Cheng, while Jiang Cheng sat there fuming, receiving comfort from her companions beside her.
The H Group wondered if it had been a mere coincidence?
Well, Hua Xia probably didn’t have much money.
Regardless, the first auction item was completed, and the second item was brought on stage.
The second piece was a bracelet donated by a female guest, uneventful and traditionally concluded this segment.
The next item, however, was another Hua Xia piece, a Golden Toad.
The host on stage elaborated on the craftsmanship and rarity of the Golden Toad, as Jiang Cheng and others whispered: Isn’t it just a burial artifact? Speaking of it so grandly.
A new bidding began, with prices climbing steadily; this time, it wasn’t the H Control Group but another country, with prices not too inflated, just slightly higher than usual.
Just when everyone anticipated Hua Xia would raise their signs, Hua Xia remained silent again.
The item fell into another party’s hands.
Those intending to trap Hua Xia were starting to question their strategy.
What’s Hua Xia up to?
The H Control Group hesitantly remarked, "So Hua Xia’s artifacts are relinquished so easily."
Jiang Cheng calmly raised her head, "In Hua Xia, we have a rule: when encountering stolen items, we can take action, report it, do many things, but we never pay to retrieve them."
"Of course, if the thief has the conscience to return it, we’re still willing to offer them a cup of tea."
After Jiang Cheng’s statement, many in the room didn’t look pleased.
There were so many who took things from Hua Xia back in the day.
Once Jiang Cheng was done, she relaxed back in her chair, refusing to take action regardless of others’ provocations or insinuations, for every Hua Xia item brought forth.
For the sake of the organizers, it wasn’t appropriate to have items left unsold or sold too cheaply.
In the end, every Hua Xia antique at the auction was purchased by others.
After the auction, Jiang Cheng and her group were confronted.
"Jiang Cheng, I thought you had more spirit."
"Seems like President Jiang ran out of money?"
"You couldn’t even reclaim your nation’s artifacts; you’re too compliant."
...
Amidst the sarcasm and mockery, Jiang Cheng merely watched indifferently, as if their words were not aimed at her.
"Finished talking?"
"Besides these child-like tactics, do you have any practical measures?"
"Everyone’s exhausted; I’m tired of playing with you."
Jiang Cheng’s sarcasm left the others fuming.
"Jiang Cheng, even if our methods seem childish, at least we have a chance to buy back items! You’ve got none!"
"Indeed, you’re just obviously here to accompany, but you’re still here, aren’t you pitiful?"
"Pitiful people endure, don’t complain when you lag behind."
Jiang Cheng listened calmly, applauding at the end.
"Well said, never complain when lagging, actively seek a way out. I hope you maintain this viewpoint tomorrow."
"By the way, I quite love Hua Xia antiques myself."
After Jiang Cheng finished speaking, she left the baffled group behind.
What is she really saying?
