Chapter 56: Don’t bid
Translator: _Min_
Upon Gu Dai’s declaration, a hush descended over the auction house. All eyes snapped towards the direction of Gu Dai’s booth in shock.
Once Wang Lan had announced her interest, the consensus amongst the attendees had been that the painting was effectively hers. No one wanted to provoke the Song family over a mere piece of painting. But, to everyone’s astonishment, someone had chosen to challenge this unspoken agreement by bidding against her.
Stunned expressions mirrored not just among the spectators but also on Wang Lan who was directly involved. She thought she had this one wrapped up, but Gu Dai’s unexpected appearance threw a spanner in the works.
Wang Lan’s expression darkened noticeably. Recalling the earlier incident, she defiantly hoisted her bid card, declaring, “1.1 million!”
Without missing a beat, Gu Dai countered, “5 million.”
Provoked, Wang Lan retaliated with “5.1 million.”
Watching Gu Dai escalate the bidding war from his side, Su Ting softly asked, “Sister, are you fond of this painting?”
Gu Dai offered a slight nod, “It’s alright.”
Following her confirmation, Su Ting asserted, “Sister, allow me to take over the bidding.”
With his declaration still lingering in the air, Su Ting lofted his bid card, announcing, “10 million.”
His deep voice, akin to a stone plopping into still waters, sent a ripple of shock throughout the room. The attendees were taken aback at the audacious bidding for a painting that was initially worth 500,000.
“Who is this magnanimous person not only defying the Song family but also dishing out 10 million in a single move!”
“I saw Su Ting entering that booth.”
“All, it’s Su Ting. That’s not surprising. Given his reputation, there are numerous families with clout equal to the Song family who want to collaborate with him. Even if he offends the Song family, those other families will undoubtedly protect him.”
“With Su Ting as a contrast, the Song family suddenly appears petty. While others are raising the stakes by millions, she merely increases by one hundred thousand.”
Despite not being soundproof, the murmurs from the crowd on the plaza below seeped into the auction house booths. Hearing the buzz, Wang Lan’s already grim face twisted further.
Wang Lan was poised to raise her bid card yet again, but was taken aback when she heard Song Ling say coldly, “Don’t bid.”
Incredulously, Wang Lan asked, “Why?”
Exasperated by Wang Lan’s obliviousness to the malicious strategies in business, Song Ling snapped, “They are baiting you to inflate the price, making you waste your money. Stop bidding now, let them have the painting.”
Wang Lan gleaned Song Ling’s intention. However, the thought of the painting being snagged by Gu Dai, coupled with the public scorn, left her seething. Her gaze, filled with hatred, fixated towards Gu Dai’s booth.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in her mind.
Wang Lan proposed, “Since they intend to inflate the price to trap us, we should reciprocate. Let’s jack up the price and ensnare them. Once the price escalates enough, we’ll back out.”
Without waiting for a consensus, Wang Lan promptly hoisted her bid card, announcing, “20 million.”
Since her goal was simple, she was far more resolute now in driving up the price.
Song Ling hadn’t anticipated Wang Lan to bid again. His eyebrows knitted together, and his voice dripped with displeasure, “Mom!”
Su Ting spoke out, “30 million.”
Wang Lan, initially somewhat apprehensive that Su Ting might back out, exhaled in relief upon hearing his bid. Smugly, she glanced at Song Ling, “See, they’re still bidding.”
Song Ling also breathed a sigh of relief and cautioned, “30 million is enough. Don’t bid anymore.”
While Wang Lan conceded, understanding that Song Ling was displeased and continued bidding would genuinely anger him, she nodded, “Okay.”
Song Yu was far from satisfied. Having been publicly humiliated by Gu Dai and seeing Su Ting spend so lavishly on Gu Dai’s behalf was something she couldn’t stomach!
And if Su Ting was so reckless as to disregard her feelings, then she would show no mercy in making him pay the price!
Song Yu pulled Wang Lan aside and suggested in a whisper, “Mom, 1 think they are truly desperate for this painting. Let’s push the price a bit more.”
Coaxed by Song Yu, Wang Lan wavered, sharing similar thoughts, but apprehensive about Song Ling’s disapproval.
Sensing Wang Lan’s dilemma, Song Yu turned to Jiang Yue, posing the same question, “Sister Jiang Yue, do you also believe that Gu Dai and the others are adamant about acquiring this painting?”