Chapter 892: Chapter 892
Lin Chen had just finished his match and stepped out of the training arena. The Phantom sports car was already parked by the entrance.
This time, the driver was A Shi herself. Lin Chen opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat.
As soon as he sat down, A Shi tossed a suit at Lin Chen.
"What's this? Holy crap, eighteen grand?" Lin Chen picked up the suit and was shocked when he saw the price tag.
"This suit is a limited edition designed by a famous Italian designer," A Shi said nonchalantly.
"Damn, A Shi, you're way too extravagant," Lin Chen said helplessly.
"The people at the auction are all billionaires. Dressed , you wouldn't even make it past the door," A Shi remarked coldly.
"Still, changing clothes in the car feels a bit inappropriate," Lin Chen said awkwardly.
"What's inappropriate about it? Haven't you seen me do it often?" A Shi replied frostily.
Lin Chen was speechless and had no choice but to obediently change into the suit.
Although A Shi's eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead, the corner of her gaze still sneaked toward Lin Chen.
"Miss, are you spying on me?" Lin Chen suddenly teased with a smile.
Caught red-handed, A Shi's face turned red, and she hurriedly looked away.
It was undeniable: clothes make the man, just as saddles make the horse. After putting on the suit, Lin Chen's entire demeanor transformed.
A Shi couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. "I didn't expect you'd clean up so well in a suit. You're quite handsome," she said.
"Of course. I'm the legendary combo of good looks and depth," Lin Chen boasted.
Soon, the car stopped at the Zhonghai Exhibition Center. This venue was Zhonghai's political and business hub, where large conferences and auctions frequently took place.
This auction, being one of Zhonghai's major events, had garnered significant attention from the city's government.
Security around the venue was tight, with armed police stationed everywhere. Additionally, many security personnel in black suits were present, emitting an aura that clearly identified them as skilled Martial Artists.
Given the high value of the auction items—many of which were ancient artifacts worth over tens of millions—strict precautions were necessary. If the treasures were stolen, the losses would be catastrophic.
The parking lot resembled a luxury car show, filled with costly vehicles.
Lin Chen and A Shi exited the car. Today, A Shi was dressed in a red cheongsam.
The elegant contours of the dress highlighted A Shi's alluring figure perfectly.
With curves where they should be and a stunningly beautiful face to match, she drew the admiring gaze of many men.
Inside the venue, attendees were dressed in luxurious attire—figures of prominence and influence in Zhonghai. After all, this auction was the largest in Zhonghai in recent years. The rare artifacts and even a few exceptionally valuable jewels on display had attracted an elite crowd.
Tickets for the event had sold out long ago, making entrance nearly impossible for the average person.
Thus, attendees were either exceedingly wealthy or exceptionally powerful. This auction had become a grand gathering for Zhonghai's elite.
A Shi presented two VIP cards, which were checked by the security personnel before allowing them entry into the venue.
Walking into the main hall, Lin Chen and A Shi immediately felt the presence of several formidable entities hidden in the crowd.
"This auction is truly impressive," Lin Chen clicked his tongue in amazement.
A Shi smiled. "This auction was organized by Tianfu, so this level of security is par for the course."
"What exactly is Tianfu?" Lin Chen asked, puzzled.
A Shi chuckled lightly. "Tianfu is a mysterious force within China. No one knows who's behind it, but it's undeniably powerful. Let me put it this way: once, a top-tier Chinese family offended Tianfu, thinking their strength would protect them. Overnight, all of the family's core members were assassinated. Their businesses were either investigated or went bankrupt, and the entire family swiftly fell into ruin."
"That's insane!" Lin Chen couldn't help but be shocked by A Shi's account.
Inside the venue, a formally dressed hostess guided Lin Chen and A Shi to the VIP seating area.
The VIP section consisted of exclusive private boxes offering the best views and utmost comfort. Obtaining VIP tickets was, of course, no small feat.
From the box, Lin Chen scanned the surrounding area and noticed that the seats were occupied by Zhonghai's most affluent families. Surprisingly, he even spotted a few familiar faces.
Before long, the venue was packed, and as music played and spotlights illuminated the stage, a glamorous woman stepped forward.
The woman bowed slightly to the audience and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending the Zhonghai Auction Gala."
The crowd erupted in applause as the hostess continued, "The antiques and jewelry featured in today's auction have been meticulously curated by Tianfu for your enjoyment. We're confident they won't disappoint. Additionally, ten percent of the proceeds from each auction item will be d to charity as relief funds. In this way, Tianfu contributes to society as a whole."
The hostess's words prompted another round of applause, and even Lin Chen secretly marveled at Tianfu's generosity in donating such a large sum to charitable causes.
"Alright, let's officially begin the auction." Soon, the first item was presented on stage.
The first item was an ancient jade piece reportedly worn by a princess during the Western Han dynasty. Its design was exquisitely intricate, and despite the passage of time, the jade remained remarkably pristine.
Bids came fast and furious, quickly pushing the price to 10 million.
However, at the 10-million mark, most bidders stopped, as the price exceeded the jade's intrinsic value.
Ultimately, the jade sold for 11 million.
"Congratulations to this gentleman on acquiring Item One," the hostess said with a radiant smile.
"A Shi, I saw in the program that there's a performance later. Who is Yu Feifei? The leaflet said she's an internationally renowned actress," Lin Chen asked with a grin.
A Shi nodded. "You don't know Yu Feifei? She's one of the most famous stars right now. But it's said that her background is rather extraordinary—she's a disciple of one of China's hidden sects."
"Ah, makes sense. Then I'll make sure to check out her performance," Lin Chen said.
At that moment, Lin Chen's gaze hardened slightly. In a private box not far away, a foreigner emitted an icy aura so chilling it sent a shiver down Lin Chen's spine, even from a distance.
"Xiao Shuai, investigate that foreigner," Lin Chen said coldly.
"Boss, that guy's a member of the Blood Clan. His rank is Earl, and his strength surpasses the blood clan members you've encountered before," Xiao Shuai replied in Lin Chen's mind.
"Master, this auction not only hosts the Blood Clan but also Island Nation's top-tier ninjas, a Red Robe Sect Hierarch from the Cross Church…"
"Why are so many powerful individuals gathering here?" Lin Chen's eyes narrowed sharply.
"A Shi, have you noticed? There seem to be quite a few foreign powerhouses at this auction," Lin Chen said seriously.
"Hmm, I noticed. Could the rumors be true?" A Shi murmured to herself.