Chapter 10: So Who Exactly Is She (Seeking collections, seeking follow-reads, seeking investment)

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to grandly present to you a masterpiece that can be called a miracle of this auction, and indeed, of the entire history of jewelry!"

Laimu's voice, previously high-pitched, suddenly dropped low.

"It comes from an unknown, legendary mine, a geological miracle, and is unique to this day."

The tone suddenly became high-pitched!

"It is the finale of this auction... Rainbow!"

Laimu's voice dropped low once again, slowly recounting the history and the unknown side of the Moissanite.

More mysterious, more magnificent, and even more alluring!

If Lu Chen didn't know the true nature of Moissanite, even he would have believed it!

The corners of Lu Chen's mouth lifted slightly, yet there was not a trace of joy on his face.

The surrounding guests, following Laimu's narrative, let out gasps of amazement and sighs of regret from time to time...

Even Luosha, caught in his peripheral vision, seemed to have had her interest piqued.

"So, ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your bidding paddles; don't accidentally drop them."

Laimu's teasing caused the guests to burst into laughter!

Although there was infatuation in Li Xuanhua's eyes, the expression on his face grew increasingly serious.

Lu Chen nodded slightly; he was performing well.

"The starting price for Rainbow is 10 million pounds, with each increment no less than 100,000."

Following Laimu's quote, the sound of people gasping in shock was incessant!

It took quite a while before it quieted down.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the auction officially begins now!"

"11 million!"

It wasn't until the high price of 35 million was reached that the atmosphere at the venue completely cooled down.

Everyone subconsciously held their breath, leaving only the shouts of those determined to win.

Even Li Xuanhua was staring at the Moissanite with somewhat rapid breathing.

But Lu Chen's attention had shifted to Wei Er.

Wei Er was looking at the Moissanite with burning eyes; seemingly sensing Lu Chen's gaze, he raised his wine glass for a distant toast.

With a smile on his face, he beckoned to a waiter and whispered a few words.

Lu Chen smiled slightly and nodded in acknowledgment; he had no wine glass by his side.

"45 million! Is there any higher bid!!!"

Laimu shouted passionately in the center of the stage, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness.

The venue gradually quieted down, yet it held a fanatical atmosphere.

It made Lu Chen feel slightly uncomfortable.

If Laimu went into motivational speaking, he could probably swindle quite a few people...

In his mind, there automatically appeared...

Lu Chen shook his head, shaking off the somewhat hypnotic image.

"I like Rainbow very much; 50 million pounds."

A cold, serious female voice rang out in the silent venue.

Everyone was instantly as if throttled by the throat, looking at Luosha in disbelief!

Even Laimu opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

"Ms. Luosha, you should not cause trouble at the auction. According to our agreement with the seller, your bid is invalid."

Wei Er stood up and clapped gently, then, with a calm look in his eyes, drew everyone's attention back to himself.

Lu Chen glanced cautiously at Luosha, trying his best not to let her discover anything unusual...

But Luosha did not speak; instead, after giving Lu Chen a deep look, she said: "I abide by the rules of Crown, however..."

Luosha stood up and gently brushed back her hair.

"Crown also needs to compensate me; hmm, let's go with that painting from Lot 1, 'Mourning Increase 37.5 Degrees'."

There was no change on Wei Er's face; he still wore a smile.

The surroundings, however, were deathly silent; no one made a sound.

"I can introduce you to the buyer who won it; Crown cannot directly decide the fate of the lots."

Wei Er raised his glass and finished it in one gulp.

"Everyone, do not let the small interlude just now interrupt you; I now announce that the auction has resumed."

Seeing Wei Er's signal, Laimu spoke again.

"The starting price begins at 45 million. The rules remain unchanged. If it does not exceed 50 million, it will be counted as unsold, and we at Crown will acquire this diamond at the price of 50 million."

"Starting now!"

Laimu was not affected by the previous incident; on the contrary, he adjusted even better!

The buyer who had made the previous bid also added another 100,000.

Lu Chen's heart, however, sank.

Luosha was interested in the 'Mourning Increase 37.5 Degrees' he had bought!

Did she know the secret inside the painting?

Or...

Lu Chen's heart sank further and further; regardless of whether Luosha knew or not, he was now at odds with her!

This is something Lu Chen is extremely unwilling to see!

It is simply too...

Damn it!

The Crown really doesn't treat people like human beings!

On the surface, it looks like they are discussing it with Luosha, but in reality, I fear Lu Chen wouldn't even be able to see this painting before it was taken away by Luosha.

At most, there would just be a little compensation!

And more importantly, even if he got his hands on the painting now, he wouldn't have the chance to see the secrets inside clearly...

Damn!

I actually forgot about this!

Lu Chen ignored the venue, which had become noisy again, and walked straight toward the trading room!

A highly charming smile appeared on Luosha's face; she seemed completely unconcerned about Lu Chen's actions.

But it gave Lu Chen a rather ominous feeling.

She knows I was the one who won the bid!

Yes, she has been observing the whole time!

Lu Chen's footsteps were slightly unsteady.

No, this won't do!

He must get his hands on the painting, even if he has to hand it over in the end.

At the very least, Lu Chen must see what secrets are actually inside the painting!

Besides, with the painting in hand, there might still be a sliver of a chance for negotiation.

If Luosha is truly as the rumors say...

"Sir, the 'Shang Zeng 37.5' you won is not here; someone has already paid for it and taken it away in advance. This is the envelope she left behind."

Lu Chen took a deep breath, took the envelope with the wax seal into his hand, and put it back into his personal space.

He returned to the venue, took a deep look at Luosha, sat down, and stared fixedly at Wei Er.

Wei Er looked at the gaze Lu Chen cast his way and helplessly spread his hands, as if to say there was nothing he could do either.

"65 million!"

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"Congratulations to Mr. Liu for obtaining this one-of-a-kind Rainbow!"

Laimu's voice remained high-pitched; his hoarse voice did not affect his passion in the slightest.

A waiter walked to Lu Chen's side, leaned over, and whispered: "Mr. Lu, Director Wei Er invites you to talk in detail after the auction; he will provide an explanation that satisfies you."

Lu Chen glanced at Luosha again, only to see her make a gesture of tearing open an envelope, her charming smile appearing on her face once more.

It was as if taking the painting before him was a matter of course.

Of course, Lu Chen had no mind to be angry now; on the contrary, he was terrifyingly calm!

The painting is only temporarily placed with you!

Until the auction ended, Lu Chen sat straight, never looking at Wei Er or Luosha again.

"BOSS, we should go."

Li Xuanhua walked through the dispersing crowd somewhat awkwardly, walked up to Lu Chen, and gently patted his shoulder.

"You go to the banquet hall to eat first; I'll be over in a moment."

Lu Chen stood up and straightened his clothes before slowly speaking.

He walked straight in the direction where Wei Er was.