Guo Xuyang glanced at Cheng Xiuping, not expecting Cheng Xiuping's connections to be so extensive.
"Old Jiang heard about the charity gala tonight and stayed. I don't have that much influence," Cheng Xiuping said with a chuckle. "Come, come, let's all raise our glasses to our reunion."
As they still had the gala to attend that evening, the group had only a few drinks and didn't overindulge.
By the time they descended the stairs, the exhibition hall for the gala was already set up.
Attendees gathered in small groups, chatting.
This was both a charity gala and a networking platform.
Exchanging information, building connections, expanding business – everyone had their own objectives.
Cheng Xiuping led Guo Xuyang and the others to seats closer to the front, finding their designated spots.
Li Minxi and Su Ran, however, had wandered off somewhere.
Guo Xuyang figured they had gone to find Lin Ziyang and didn't pay it much mind.
"Esteemed guests, dear friends: Thank you all for attending the Autumn Melody Charity Auction. Please be seated; the event will begin shortly. Staff, please project the presentation onto the big screen."
A striking woman in a qipao walked onto the stage, picked up the microphone, and invited the attendees to take their seats.
"Esteemed guests, dear friends, we gather here today to participate in a noble cause.
Helping others is the seed of morality, a testament to a compassionate society, an expression of empathy, and a reflection of one's virtue, conscience, and upbringing.
To proactively and warmly offer help and support when others are in urgent need, to address their pressing concerns, and to rescue them from peril – this is a noble act in human interaction.
Today, we are holding this charity auction. First, let us welcome Ms. Lin Ziyang, Chairperson of the Central Plains Children's Relief Foundation, with a round of applause."
Guo Xuyang was taken aback when he saw Lin Ziyang, surprised that the "powerhouse" Li Minxi spoke of was also the Chairperson of the Children's Relief Foundation.
"Esteemed guests, dear friends, good evening to you all. On behalf of the children in impoverished mountain areas, I first express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence.
Today, we are hosting the Autumn Melody Charity Auction. All auction items are donated by the participants. All proceeds will be fully donated to children in need in mountainous regions to fund school construction, purchase school supplies and clothing for children, and so forth. All funds will be used exclusively for their designated purpose.
Now, without further delay, I will hand over to Ms. Xiao Ran, who will continue to host."
Lin Ziyang handed the microphone to the host, Xiao Ran, and bowed to the audience before stepping down.
"Let us now display the first auction item. This is 'Daozi's Calligraphy' by the famous Tang Dynasty painter Wu Daozi, donated by Mr. Jiang Qixin, President of Far East Trading Corporation. The starting bid is five million yuan, with increments of no less than one hundred thousand yuan. Please direct your attention to the big screen."
The host announced, "The auction now begins."
"Five and a half million," said a distinguished-looking young man.
"Six million," followed a middle-aged man who appeared to be a businessman.
After several rounds of bidding, "Daozi's Calligraphy" was ultimately purchased by a stout man with a slicked-back hairstyle for eight point two million yuan.
"Thank you, Mr. Jiang Qixin, and thank you, Mr. Chu Shimiao," the host said.
"Next, we will display the second auction item. This is a jade bangle, donated by Ms. Li Minxi, Chairperson of the Three Dao Liang Film and Television Group Company. The starting bid is six million yuan, with increments of no less than one hundred thousand yuan. Please direct your attention to the big screen."
The host announced, "The auction now begins."
What? Li Minxi was the Chairperson of a film and television group company? Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover.
Who would have thought that this petite woman, who drove so aggressively and argued so fiercely, was the Chairperson of a film and television group?
This came as quite a surprise to Guo Xuyang.
As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together; in a gathering of strong individuals, there are no weaklings.
He had been surprised by Lin Ziyang's appearance earlier, but Li Minxi's revelation was even more unexpected.
Guo Xuyang didn't pause to consider himself; everyone around him was worth over a hundred million.
He was too busy admiring others, failing to realize that he had unknowingly entered the circle of the elite.
"Six million," Wu Youzhi called out.
"Six point five million," the middle-aged businessman from before bid again.
"Seven million," Wu Youzhi shouted once more.
"Seven point eight million," the distinguished young man stated.
"Eight point three million," Wu Youzhi persisted.
"Nine million," the distinguished young man increased the bid by seven hundred thousand directly.
"Are there any further bids? Nine million for the first time, nine million for the second time, nine million for the third time. Sold."
"Thank you, Ms. Li Minxi, and thank you, Mr. Li Ziyu," the host said. "Now, for the third auction item..."
Hearing the name Li Ziyu, Guo Xuyang couldn't help but smile. These two really knew how to play the game; one donates, the other bids, and it all ends up within their control.
The ancient jades and emeralds brought by Wu Youzhi, with a total starting bid of ten million yuan, were also successively auctioned off.
"Today's charity gala has raised a total of thirty-two million, eight hundred and ten thousand yuan. This sum will be managed by the Central Plains Children's Relief Foundation for its designated purpose, all for the educational support of children in impoverished mountain areas. Giving roses leaves a fragrance on the hand; once again, we thank everyone for their warm donations. Today's charity gala has concluded. Friends, goodbye!"
The host's pleasant voice resonated.
The charity gala had successfully concluded.
As Guo Xuyang and Cheng Xiuping exited, they encountered Jiang Qixin again. He was waiting for them.
"I plan to travel to Shanghai tomorrow. Might Mr. Guo be able to accompany me?" Jiang Qixin asked.
"Certainly. Please have your staff send me the flight information, and we will arrange for ticket purchases." Guo Xuyang replied.
"How about this: send me your identification information, and I'll have someone handle it. We can meet at the airport early tomorrow morning."
"That would be most appreciated," Guo Xuyang said, sending the information to Jiang Qixin.
The Kyoto shop had been secured, and the task here was complete.
He had already been planning to go to Shanghai. Traveling with Jiang Qixin to see the crystal and diamond trading he mentioned would be good, and even better if he could invest in it.
Money was always welcome. Through several uses of his abilities, he felt that he was being held back everywhere and desperately needed to upgrade.
After parting ways with Jiang Qixin, Guo Xuyang discussed with Cheng Xiuping and Wu Youzhi. He would accompany Jiang Qixin to Shanghai to find suitable shop locations and explore further cooperation opportunities.
Cheng Xiuping would return to the provincial capital to oversee the rapid construction of the King's Villa, aiming for completion within a month so they could procure jade at the next Myanmar gem show.
Wu Youzhi would remain in Kyoto to renovate and upgrade the Zhenbao Pavilion, aiming for prompt completion to facilitate the shelving and sale of the jade from the villa.
Concurrently, he would communicate with Pi Xiaoqian to sign a letter of intent for cooperation, distributing jade to his shops for sale.
After their discussions, the three returned to the hotel to rest.