CHAPTER 1188: CHAPTER 236: MOTIVES OF FAME AND GAIN, HANDLE IN HAND

The first three items sold for tens of thousands each, but suddenly there’s one fetching over twenty million. Who could it be, spending so lavishly?

The audience began to buzz with chatter. Those familiar with calligraphy and painting recognized "Spring Light"—years ago, it was auctioned off to a wealthy businessman from Country Hua, but inquiries about its whereabouts turned up nothing until it resurfaced here.

Someone in the audience raised a paddle, and the host smiled: "Twenty-two million once..."

The person holding the paddle was a well-known wealthy businessman named Li Yalong, who owned a trading company. Spending money to support charity is something these businessmen often do, and dabbling in calligraphy and painting isn’t out of the ordinary.

Immediately, another paddle was raised: "This lady bids twenty-three million once..."

Yun Ya’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. From the moment she heard the name of the painting from the host, she sensed something was wrong, because that painting was locked in her family’s safe in Jiangzhou. How could it suddenly appear here? There were only two possibilities: either the one at home is a forgery, or the one on stage is.

But she was certain the one at home wasn’t a forgery, because her grandfather had auctioned it. Her grandfather had no other hobbies but a love for collecting calligraphy and painting. When Yun Ya was only two or three years old, her grandfather had held her in his arms to appreciate this painting. Though young, she remembered her grandfather’s words clearly. He said no one could forge Qi Junxin’s paintings, not only because of his unique style but for a crucial reason...

Zhuang Xiyue saw Yun Ya frowning in thought and asked, "Yun Ya, what’s wrong?"

Yun Ya shook her head, "It’s nothing."

She glanced around, leaned closer to Zhuang Xiyue and whispered, "This painting is a fake."

Zhuang Xiyue raised an eyebrow. If it was indeed a forgery, it was a serious matter, a certain deathtrap in such a venue. But she trusted Yun Ya’s words and asked, "How do you know?"

Yun Ya replied decisively, "Because the real one is in my family’s safe."

Zhuang Xiyue gave her hand a squeeze, "Watch closely and stay calm."

Yun Ya smiled and nodded. She only mentioned it to Zhuang Xiyue, reluctant to meddle in such matters needlessly and offend others.

Holding onto this mindset, someone just wouldn’t let her be.

"I’ve heard Miss Ji is passionate about charity. At an event like this, wouldn’t Miss Ji make some form of gesture? With Miss Ji’s fortune, acquiring this painting would be easy—showing her kindness and setting an example for us."

A sharp voice suddenly rang out, gratingly piercing.

Yun Ya sneered inwardly. This Ye Xiaoxiao was forever setting traps for her. If she didn’t bid on the painting, she’d lack compassion; if she did, she’d offend others. So many wealthy merchants were present—it wasn’t her place to steal the spotlight. Yun Ya originally wanted to remain unobtrusive, without seeking attention.

Zhuang Xiyue’s gaze turned cold, but Yun Ya patted her hand, gesturing for her to stay calm. She couldn’t always let Zhuang Xiyue protect her; she wanted Zhuang Xiyue to see that she wasn’t a frail girl hiding behind others seeking protection.

Ye Xiaoxiao stood in the center, her gaze fixed coldly at Ji Yunya.

Ye Xiaoxiao finished her statement, prompting discussions about who this Miss Ji Ye Xiaoxiao mentioned was. Upon realizing it was the young CEO of Ji Group, there was both anticipation and disdain.

A little yellow-haired girl, basking in the shade of her predecessors’ tree, what capability could she have other than spending money to buy a reputation?

Yun Ya gracefully stood up, turned, and smiled at Ye Xiaoxiao: "Miss Ye, you’re too kind. At an event like this, a junior like me shouldn’t steal the limelight. It should be left to the seniors."

Her humble demeanor, standing there with an elegant smile, captured everyone’s gaze, forming a stark contrast to the aggressive Ye Xiaoxiao.

Ye Xiaoxiao forced a smile through her teeth: "Why feign humility, Miss Ji? Everyone knows you’re rich and generous. Or perhaps you can’t even offer two million, or were those past charitable acts all a sham?"

Yun Ya sneered inwardly, maintaining her expression unchanged. She turned to the host, "Bringing out Elder Master Qi Junxin’s most artistically valuable work for auction must come from someone with great compassion. I most admire such individuals and look up to them as role models. Such people deserve public recognition, so may I ask, who is this kind philanthropist?"

The host was in a bit of a bind. The donor’s list was supposed to be confidential, and Ji Yunya’s inquiry put him in a difficult position. Yet he was aware of who it was and instinctively glanced at Ye Xiaoxiao, who raised her chin and gave him a signal.

Yun Ya noticed the host’s glance and raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm beneath her eyes. Just as she was about to nod off, Ye Xiaoxiao handed her the leverage voluntarily.

The host met her gaze, cleared his throat, and said, "The donor of this painting is none other than Miss Ye Xiaoxiao."

Immediately, praises erupted around them, combining Yun Ya’s earlier commendations with Ye Xiaoxiao’s proud demeanor, her face brimming with self-satisfaction.

Yun Ya’s eyes darted, a tinge of sarcasm flickering beneath her gaze.