Chapter 102: Bazaar, Evening Wear

Bazaar announced this year's guest list on Weibo.

With over a hundred first and second-tier celebrities from the industry, the scale is even grander than in previous years.

It’s just hard to say how much money will actually be donated by the end of it all with so many people here.

Not long after finishing lunch, Lin Nan began teasing the cats and walking the dogs in Liu Yifei’s garden.

He didn't quite understand; since she was already so beautiful, why was there a need for makeup?

Lin Nan would go in to check every now and then. Good grief, it was truly slow, and he couldn't tell which part was taking up all the time.

"So, about how much longer will this take?"

"About two hours; there's still the hair to style," the makeup artist said.

"What's the point of makeup? It makes no difference whether you wear it or not, you're beautiful either way."

Lin Nan’s one sentence made everyone, including Liu Yifei, laugh.

"Hee hee, don't be impatient, just wait a little longer," Liu Yifei said with a soft, playful rebuke.

"Fine, I’ll go walk them for another round..."

Lin Nan sighed inwardly; he feared he would have to wait like this often for the rest of his life.

Ning Hao even called to say he’d see him tonight; this was the first time he and Xing Aina were attending, as they hadn't been able to make time before.

After walking the dogs for a few rounds and calculating the time, Lin Nan returned.

By this time, Liu Yifei had just finished changing into her gown.

A pure white strapless long dress, a pair of crystal high heels on her feet, and her hair was pinned up.

A pair of diamond earrings, a top-tier pearl necklace around her neck, and a bracelet on her right wrist.

Simple and noble!

Liu Xiaoli had practically dressed her daughter like a princess.

Lin Nan stood at the doorway, staring blankly.

"Does it look good?"

"Ah, yes, it looks good."

Lin Nan snapped back to reality and nodded repeatedly.

"This probably wasn't an outfit you chose yourself, haha."

One sentence was all it took to break Liu Yifei’s composure. "You know, yet you still ask..."

"Alright, alright, you two can head out now."

Liu Xiaoli reminded them at the right moment.

The car pulled up to the villa entrance, and Lin Nan helped Liu Yifei into the back seat before getting in himself.

After the assistant sat in the passenger seat, the car slowly started and headed toward the Yintai Center.

Last year, due to special circumstances, the Bazaar Charity Night was very low-key.

This year was different.

Outside the Yintai, a red carpet dozens of meters long had been laid out, with media reporters on both sides and a large crowd of fans further out.

Jackie Chan and his son, Wang Zhongjun, Wang Zhonglei, Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing...

Hu Jun, Liu Jialing, Huang Xiaoming, Chen Kun, Zhao Yanzi, Lu Yi, Tong Dawei...

…………

A large number of stars and artists, either alone or with partners.

In front of the signature wall, Su Mang was all smiles, greeting various big shots and first-tier celebrities.

A business sedan slowly pulled to a stop, the door opened, and Lin Nan stepped out.

"It's Director Lin Nan!"

Su Mang greeted them enthusiastically.

Liu Yifei held Lin Nan’s hand as she stepped out of the car.

In that instant, the cameras in the reporters' hands were raised immediately.

"Director Lin, Yifei, welcome to the Bazaar Night. You two may step onto the red carpet."

"Mm, thank you," Liu Yifei replied softly, very politely.

Lin Nan nodded and led Liu Yifei onto the red carpet.

This was their first public appearance in the country since going public, and the media reporters were incredibly excited.

After signing, the two entered the Yintai Center.

Car after car arrived.

"It’s President Lu from Starlight, and Miss Jing Tian..."

…………

Compared to last year, this year’s Liu Yifei appeared even more poised and graceful.

Lin Nan held her hand as they walked into the venue.

Everyone around them was taking the initiative to greet them.

The further forward the seat, the higher the status.

Many second-tier stars watched Lin Nan and Liu Yifei walk past them, feeling both envious and jealous.

"Yifei, Director Lin."

Jiang Yiyan was truly sharp; she stood up to greet them.

Liu Yifei, being kind-hearted, waved with a smile, "Come find me to chat later."

"Hehe, okay."

Lin Nan couldn't be bothered to pay attention to such little schemes.

The two only stopped once they reached the round tables in the first two rows.

"Yifei, you’re really slow. When we were on the phone earlier, Lin Nan said you were doing your makeup. Look at your sister, she doesn't... hiss..."

"Are you calling me a haggard old woman?"

"No, let go quickly, there are so many people here."

The consequence of having a fast mouth is just like this; Ning Hao deserved it. Xing Aina was experienced, and her movements were so subtle that no one noticed.

There were indeed four people at this table; it must have been a special arrangement by the organizers.

In the second row, right next to Lin Nan’s table, were Zhou Xun, Zhang Ziyi, the two Bings, Huang Xiaoming, Chen Kun, and the others.

As for Jackie Chan, Wang Zhongjun, and the others, there was no need to guess; they were definitely at the first-row round tables.

"These seats are the most realistic reflection of the circle. Even if the front isn't full, those in the back wouldn't dare to crowd over..." Ning Hao scanned the room and remarked with a sigh.

Ning Hao’s paddle number was 12, shared with Xing Aina.

Lin Nan saw that his paddle was number 8, and Liu Yifei’s was 25. They weren't sharing? How inconsiderate!

Could it be because Ning Hao was married?

Lin Nan saw Lu Zheng and Jing Tian enter the venue, and the latter also saw him.

Guided by a waiter, they went to the second row and sat with the Wanda people, quite far from Lin Nan’s side.

"Tiantian, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just saw Brother Lin..."

"Mm. Just raise your paddle if you see anything you like later," Lu Zheng said, glancing into the distance and changing the subject.

…………

The Bazaar banquet was actually quite decent.

Lin Nan and Ning Hao had reached the level of thick-skinned where they no longer needed to care about other people's gazes.

The two had already started eating and were chatting as they did so.

Liu Yifei and Xing Aina were much more refined; they had to mind their manners.

"This steak is quite tender. Honey, if you aren't going to eat it, give it to me?" Ning Hao commented, then said.

"Take it, take it, you glutton."

At this moment, Su Mang stepped onto the stage.

The main event of the Bazaar Charity Night had begun.

"The first auction item tonight, a Tiffany gold diamond-encrusted men's watch, starting bid at 238,000 yuan..."

……

"So extravagant, it doesn't suit me. If it were a women's one, I could buy it for you."

Ning Hao said to Xing Aina, trying to curry favor.

This made Lin Nan and Liu Yifei unable to help but laugh.

Soon, the watch was bought by someone for 450,000 yuan.

"The second auction item, a commemorative Olympic opening ceremony album signed by Director Zhang Yimou, starting bid..."

Jackie Chan was indeed a big spender, spending one million to buy the item provided by Zhang Yimou.

When it came to the various leather bags and handbags, the female celebrities on the scene were practically going crazy.

Even Ning Hao bid on an LV bag to give to Xing Aina.

Liu Yifei didn't see anything she liked.

However, Jing Tian’s actions took Lin Nan by surprise.

Good grief, Jing Tian raised her paddle for every single Hermes bag!

In the end, three items were actually auctioned off!

The prop armor worn by Jackie Chan while filming "The Myth" was bought for 2.18 million.

A sandalwood palace model provided by Jackie Chan was bought for 3.99 million.

……

Lin Nan felt a bit emotional; with hundreds of celebrities here, were they really just here to walk the red carpet and gain exposure? He highly doubted they would donate any money before leaving when it ended.

Jackie Chan was very generous tonight; he truly both paid money and provided personal collections for auction.

After waiting a long time, he finally waited for the gown that Liu Yifei had taken a fancy to several days ago.

"The next auction item, an Armani multi-colored printed haute couture evening gown, starting bid 180,000."

When this gown was displayed, Lin Nan could feel that Liu Yifei instantly perked up.

Inside the black gauze was an evening gown with various floral patterns; it was indeed very beautiful.

If worn on Liu Yifei, her snow-white skin……

"Big Brother Jackie Chan, 200,000 once."

"Miss Fan Bingbing, 210,000."

"Miss Xu Ruoxuan, 220,000."

"Miss Zhang Ziyi, 230,000, once."

……

"Miss Jing Tian, 260,000."

"Miss Liu Yifei, 280,000 once."

……

There were quite a few people watching the spectacle.

This haute couture evening gown was indeed beautiful, but only A-list actresses could afford to spend this kind of money.

"Jing Tian……"

"Liu Yifei……"

"Jing Tian……"

"Liu Yifei……"

……

"Lin, are young girls these days all this fierce?"

Ning Hao nudged Lin Nan with his elbow and asked in a low voice.

Lin Nan was quite nervous at this moment, but he didn't know why he was nervous; he was just bewildered.

Just as he was about to answer Ning Hao, he heard Su Mang speak on stage.

"Director Lin Nan, 520,000 once."

Lin Nan was truly stunned this time; was he having auditory hallucinations?

Looking back, he saw Liu Yifei holding up his number 8 paddle.

The venue instantly went silent.

"Director Lin Nan, 520,000 twice."

……

"Tiantian?"

"Uncle Lu, forget it……"

……

"Lin Nan" thus successfully won the haute couture evening gown that Liu Yifei liked.

The girl wore a smile, stepped onto the stage in crystal high heels, and went to take a photo with her multi-colored printed evening gown and the host.

"Lin Nan, your number 8 paddle is quite useful! Hehe……"

"You talk too much……"

After Liu Yifei left the stage, the charity auction continued.

Ning Hao bought a pair of jade earrings; he was quite good at handling things.

Quite a few items failed to sell, but jewelry did not, and neither did the haute couture gowns.

Jackie Chan was truly ruthless; in the end, when his spirits were up, he took off the wristwatch on his arm, the pendant on his neck, and took off his clothes on the spot, and it turned out someone actually bought them……

…………

This Bazaar Charity Night was finally over.

Lin Nan ended up donating another 500,000; it seemed to be for children with serious illnesses from poor families this year, just a small gesture……

Zhou Xun walked over, "Director Lin, you hid quite well on the set of 'Painted Skin' back then. Let me take a look at this little sister."

"Oh my, these little hands, so smooth and tender, haha." Zhou Xun held Liu Yifei's hand, acting like a female rogue.

Liu Yifei just smiled, feeling that this big star was very fun.

"Keep an eye on your Director Lin, who knows when he might get lost one day." Zhou Xun winked and teased.

"It won't happen, he won't get lost." Liu Yifei smiled very confidently.

"I've had enough, Brother Xun, did you drink again just now?"

Lin Nan said with annoyance.

"Just had two glasses, it's only red wine."

At this moment, Zhou Xun's assistant ran over in a hurry, "Director Lin, I'm sorry. Brother Xun, we have to go back, you've had quite a bit to drink……"

……

……

Watching the two walk away, Liu Yifei asked Lin Nan curiously: "Is she always like this?"

"That's right, just like a boy. Let's go too."

"Mm, okay."

Lin Nan felt a gaze watching him from behind.

A feeling like needles on his back.