"Shopping..." Ai Hongcheng looked meaningfully at Shang Yunyan, then smiled. For someone at their level, an auction was just another form of shopping. Plus, Shang Yunyan's funds clearly exceeded the limits set by the verification system, which explained the alerts saying it couldn't be identified. As the auction began, Shang Yunyan settled down, glancing around and unexpectedly spotting many celebrities not far away, dressed provocatively and adorned with dazzling jewelry, casting glances in his direction. To his amazement, he even saw his crush, Xu Yiru!
At that moment, Xu Yiru was in a simple business outfit, wearing no heavy makeup, but her unique charm stood out. Her light makeup gave her a fresh and ethereal vibe. Shang Yunyan was drawn to her because she had an amazing figure, flawless skin, and her eyes sparkled naturally without any makeup. There was a purity in her gaze that was rare for him to find!
Having been hurt and deceived in the past, Shang Yunyan longed for a simple girl. Compared to the surrounding celebrities, Xu Yiru felt like she belonged to a world untouched by reality!
The two exchanged smiles and nodded at each other!
Xu Yiru had accompanied her father to this auction for two reasons: to witness the grandest auction in the capital and northern region, and to express gratitude to Shang Yunyan for helping her family temporarily escape a tax crisis. The auction was also a chance for her to gain experience, as many of Xu family's businesses were present. Her brothers and father had promised that if she found any beautiful jewelry or accessories, she could consider buying them, as long as the prices were reasonable. They planned to use their personal accounts to let Xu Yiru make the purchase!
Apart from numerous celebrities, all five major families, excluding the Jiang family, were present, quietly discussing behind Shang Yunyan and Ai Hongcheng!
"Dad! Is that Ai Hongcheng?" the Zhao family's young master asked his father in a whisper.
"Yes. After the auction, during the cocktail party, remember to try and get to know him. It'd be best to get his contact details without making him uncomfortable. He's the head of the Northern Chamber of Commerce, very young but extremely capable!"
"And who's that next to him? He seems to match Ai Hongcheng's vibe, showing no fear. I saw them enter together. Dad, could he be the head of the Southern Chamber of Commerce?"
"Don't talk nonsense. The head of the Southern Chamber is already in his seventies! I don't know who this guy is, but anyone who can laugh and joke with Ai Hongcheng shouldn't be offended. Did you see that scarf he's wearing? I had your mother custom one for me before. Do you know how much it cost?"
"How much? A hundred thousand?"
"Hmph, you underestimate that scarf. It cost three million! So this young man has a terrifying background! Try to stand out during the auction so that Young Master Ai notices you. That way, it'll be easier to connect with him at the cocktail party!"
"Got it, Dad!"
"Zhao Ziyan, you too! Tone down that young lady attitude of yours. Don't offend anyone, understand? Look at what happened to the Jiang family! You all should know who's calling the shots now!"
"I understand, Dad! I'll be careful, but it's hard to choose between those two men. Sigh, I still prefer the fair-skinned one!"
"Shut up! Don't stir up trouble! Otherwise, I'll kick you out immediately!" The head of the Zhao family shot a fierce glare at his daughter and fell silent, though he was equally anxious about whether the upcoming grand auction could salvage the Zhao family's struggling companies. If successful, the family could stabilize; if not, they'd have to find another way!
Others from the families were also warning each other to keep a low profile. This wasn't their territory, nor was it a place to throw around demands like they could with entertainers. It was an auction organized by the chamber of commerce, and they needed to control their emotions and make a good impression!
Meanwhile, Shang Yunyan was unaware of the hushed conversations around him; he didn't care. His gaze was fixed on the stage as the auction officially began!
Before coming, Shang Yunyan had checked the auction's schedule. The first day was focused on items like precious collectibles, stocks, super jewelry, jade, and some ships and planes!
The second day would feature real estate, land, and company shares!
The third day would be the overall auction of various businesses being sold by other companies!