Chapter 86

As soon as the auction began, even before it had a chance to warm up, Xiao Qiang's appearance instantly pushed the atmosphere to its peak.

Especially with his air of not caring about money, he really looked like he was trying to show off.

However, Lu Li felt this was absolutely a true performance, and anyone who didn't believe him would be in trouble.

Xiao Qiang immediately doubled the price with just a few words, and the scene instantly fell into a brief silence.

Many successful people who often attended auctions frowned slightly, adding more doubt to their hearts. Could this guy who suddenly appeared be a shill for Huanyu? How could anyone play like this? His behavior was really unseemly.

But those who recognized Xiao Qiang would never think so. Who didn't know that the Xiao family and the Wang family had deep-seated grudges, from the failed engagement in the past to the present, where the Xiao family was slightly on the rise while the Wang family was at the height of its power.

As members of the Xiao family, no matter how irresponsible they might be, they couldn't possibly be bought by the Wang family.

Could it be... Could it be that they were showing weakness to the Wang family?

In the chairman's office, Wang Rong saw Xiao Qiang bid and suddenly stood up, frowning, looking somewhat puzzled.

Seeing that he had stunned everyone, Xiao Qiang's face showed a hint of satisfaction. He looked up at Wang Jiayang and pointed at him, shouting, "Are you an idiot? Hurry up and continue."

"Oh, oh."

Wang Jiayang finally came to his senses, giving Xiao Qiang a strange look. He thought to himself, "Where did this wastrel come from? If he were my son, I'd beat him to death. Spending money isn't the issue; the key is that everyone here is a prominent figure in Yanjing. This is just making a mockery of poor upbringing!"

"Guest number 17 has bid four million. Is there anyone with a higher bid?"

"Miss this today, and there won't be another chance."

"Bang."

"The first item is sold for four million."

Wang Jiayang asked a couple of times and then dropped the auction hammer. He had figured out that no one would be foolish enough to compete with such a wastrel, as even winning would be embarrassing.

After the first item was sold, Wang Jiayang quickly turned his head and gave a signal to the staff. The staff understood and walked up to Xiao Qiang with a document in one hand and a POS machine in the other.

"Sir, according to the rules, you must sign the transaction agreement and pay on the spot."

Xiao Qiang secretly glanced at Lu Li and saw him nod. His confidence soared, and he stood up abruptly, pointing at the staff and shouting, "What do you mean? Do you think I don't have money? Bring the painting first, I'll have an expert appraise it. If it's genuine, I'll pay on the spot without any hesitation. Otherwise, don't waste my time."

"Exactly, we don't want to buy a fake at a high price," Xiao Yuan added with a cold smile.

Lu Li turned his head to the side, as if to say, "I don't know these two."

"But... But this doesn't quite follow the rules."

"What rules? Cash on delivery, that's my rule." Xiao Qiang pulled out his bank card from his pocket and showed it, "See? Unlimited card."

The staff were almost in tears. After attending so many auctions, they had never encountered such an unreasonable person.

With no choice, he looked at the stage, where someone in the middle had already noticed the commotion. Xiao Qiang's voice was too loud to ignore.

That person, equally exasperated by Xiao Qiang, angrily waved his hand, and someone immediately brought the painting over.

This was, after all, an auction site with many security guards, so there was no need to worry about Xiao Qiang trying to snatch the painting. If he did, even the Xiao family couldn't protect him.

"Sir, this is the 'Moonlit Visit' painting you bid on."

"Obviously, can't I see that?"

Xiao Qiang snatched the scroll and casually threw it to Fang Zhen Ting behind him, "Mr. Fang, you're the expert. Help me appraise it."

Fang Zhen Ting looked helpless, knowing that once he stood up, he would be completely on Lu Li's side. But could he refuse now?

Under the watchful eyes of those around him, he slowly stood up, put on white gloves from his pocket, and took out a magnifying glass. He instructed the staff to unroll the painting and then leaned in.

Lu Li glanced at him and quickly turned his head, finding it quite amusing. It seemed Fang Zhen Ting was quite the actor, clearly well-prepared!

On-site auction, on-site appraisal—this was absolutely the first time in Huanyu Auction Group's history.

Even some guests who were about to bid retracted their arms, looking at this scene with deep eyes, eagerly awaiting the appraisal results.

If the first painting turned out to be a fake, the implications would be significant, as no one could guarantee that the next items wouldn't be fakes.

Perhaps someone had thought about doing this before but never tried it.

Firstly, auction companies, considering their reputation, generally wouldn't openly sell fake paintings. Secondly, anyone who could mix in Yanjing had some background. Even if they discovered a fake later, for the sake of the Wang family, most would downplay the issue, treating it as a lesson learned.

Wang Jiayang soon noticed the unusual atmosphere and frowned, not continuing the auction. He, too, turned his gaze to this scene.

By now, not only he but most people had realized that Xiao Qiang was here to cause trouble.

If the painting was genuine, everything would be fine. But if it was identified as a fake, today's auction might have to end prematurely.

Time seemed to freeze as Fang Zhen Ting's eyes remained fixed on the painting, his expression focused, but his heart almost stopped beating. He felt that this moment was even more tense than his wedding night. He could foresee what Lu Li would do and how the Wang family would react once he announced the final result. A big drama seemed about to begin with his words.

"Phew."

Fang Zhen Ting finally seemed to have made a decision. He took a deep breath, looked around at everyone, and said confidently, "Some of you may not know me, but you should know my father. My father, Fang Gaizhi, is the honorary chairman of the Calligraphy and Painting Association. Who here thinks their expertise in calligraphy and painting surpasses my father's? I won't say more."

"You're Mr. Fang's son?" someone exclaimed.

"Since you're Master Fang's son, we naturally believe your judgment," a voice from the back encouraged him.

"Mr. Xue is right. Whether you speak or not is up to you, and whether we listen is up to us. You don't need to worry."

"Exactly."

"..."

Hearing the discussion, Lu Li first looked at Fang Zhen Ting, showing appreciation. He was self-taught, and his words were well-spoken. Then he turned to look at Xue Weijun, appearing quite satisfied.

"I guarantee, with my father's and my reputation, that this 'Moonlit Visit' painting is—100% a high-quality fake."

Saying this, Fang Zhen Ting seemed to have exhausted all his strength, suddenly feeling weak all over, his back drenched in sweat.

As soon as the words were spoken, the auction site fell into a deathly silence. Everyone exchanged glances, almost having the same thought: It's here, it's really here!

***

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