Chapter 55: Auction
Translator: _Min_
Song Ling came to the exhibition not because he had received a message from Wang Lan, but because he had learned about an auction at the exhibition that would feature the works of the esteemed Master Cui Song. He had planned to purchase a piece and gift it to Miss Gu, of Gu Group, during their upcoming meeting.
Because of this plan, he didn’t take Wang Lan and the others home, despite the embarrassing encounter earlier.
The auction had yet to commence, and they found themselves wandering around the exhibition hall.
Song Yu, finding the paintings uninteresting, felt notably irritated. His annoyance only deepened when he unexpectedly spotted Gu Dai.
Upon seeing Gu Dai, the memory of being slapped because of her came rushing back.
Observing Gu Dai standing before a rather unremarkable painting, Song Yu sidled up to Jiang Yue, commenting sarcastically, “Sister Jiang, observe Gu Dai, quite the country girl. She clearly has no taste, spending her time with such an unremarkable piece.”
Following Song Yu’s pointed look, Jiang Yue glanced at Gu Dai. A flicker of disdain crossed her eyes, but her voice was gentle as she responded, “Any painting displayed here at the exhibition won’t be ordinary. Perhaps she sees something special that we, ordinary people, cannot.”
Song Yu disagreed instantly, “How is that possible?” She then asked Jiang Yue, “Then, Sister Jiang Yue, do you see anything special in this painting?”
Jiang Yue subtly shook her head and replied, “No.”
Song Yu triumphantly stated, “Sister Jiang Yue, you have been exposed to art since childhood, even minoring in it abroad. Your understanding is exceptional, and if even you couldn’t find any merit in this painting, how could Gu Dai, a country girl, know better? She’s obviously feigning knowledge.”
Jiang Yue did not contradict Song Yu’s assertion. In her heart, she shared the same sentiment. She laughed lightly and suggested, “The auction is about to begin; let’s head to our box.”
Song Yu agreed enthusiastically, “Okay!”
Arm in arm, Jiang Yue and Song Yu departed, their closeness resembling that of sisters.
They didn’t notice the elderly man who had been standing behind them. The man was none other than the celebrated artist, Cui Song. He had overheard their conversation, and now his gaze fell upon Gu Dai.
When Gu Dai asked the curator about purchasing the painting she had been admiring, she was informed, “I’m sorry, miss, but we don’t have the authority to sell this painting.”
Disappointed, Gu Dai further asked, “Could I possibly meet with the owner of the painting? I’d like to discuss it with them.”
Again, the curator had to refuse, “I’m afraid we can’t facilitate that.”
Accepting the situation, Gu Dai nodded, “Okay.”
The curator then suggested, “Our exhibition will hold an auction later, and it will feature works by Master Cui Song. You might want to check that out.”
Gu Dai’s face lit up at the mention of Master Cui Song’s name, “Master Cui Song?”
The person in charge affirmed, “Yes.”
Delighted, Gu Dai pulled Su Ting with her, following the person in charge towards the auction.
After taking their seats, she felt a wave of surrealism wash over her. She whispered to Su Ting, “My father used to adore Master Cui Song’s paintings. He’ll be thrilled if we could present him with one.”
Su Ting, who had been attentively watching Gu Dai, softly reassured her, “Yes, let’s bid for a painting and gift it to Uncle Gu.”
Gu Dai nodded in agreement, “Okay.”
By the time Su Ting and Gu Dai arrived, the auction was just about to begin. Moments after they had settled into their box, the proceedings commenced.
The host gave a brief introductory speech, quickly moving to discuss the pieces to be auctioned off that evening.
Master Cui Song’s work was the highlight of the event and was reserved to be auctioned last. Currently, they were starting with some less prominent pieces.
Leaning slightly towards Gu Dai, Su Ting whispered, “Sister, feel free to bid on anything you like. 1 brought plenty of money.”
Gu Dai hesitated, intending to say she could pay for herself, but reconsidered and simply responded, “Okay.”
The first painting was introduced by the host, who hit the gavel and announced, “Lonely Starry Sky, starting price 500,000, let’s begin!”
Gu Dai wasn’t particularly interested in this piece. However, she was taken aback when she heard a familiar voice from the neighboring box, “600,000.”
It was Wang Lan.
Lowering her gaze, Gu Dai softly outbid her, “1 million..”