CHAPTER 638: 245 THE EVIL OF HUMAN NATURE_2

Without an invitation, you think you can just walk in? Do you really believe this auction is a place where any random riff-raff can enter?

Just as the group sneered dismissively, a series of hurried footsteps sounded from inside.

Soon after, the glass doors swung open, and a sharply-dressed man strode out briskly.

Upon spotting the blond-haired youth, his expression grew serious, and he quickly walked up, "Young Master Amos, my apologies for not receiving you sooner. It’s an oversight on our part."

The security guards froze, and the onlooking guests were equally stunned.

"M-Mr. Cui... he doesn’t have an invitation..."

"Young Master Amos is my esteemed guest. Do you think he needs an invitation?" the man responded coldly.

The security guard dropped his head in embarrassment.

Lanqiao Auction had been entrusted with handling this event by Tianbao Group. Although it seemed like just a typical auction, in reality, it involved collaboration with notary offices, administrative bodies, financial institutions, and more—all requiring intricate negotiations by the third-party auction house. Lanqiao Auction, with its renowned reputation in the industry, specialized in handling judicial auctions, bankruptcy sales, financial assets, and other high-stakes matters. Despite being a third-party organization, its complex connections ensured no one dared to cross them.

And this man, Cui Qi, was the general manager overseeing Tianbao’s auction. Even Tianbao Group’s president had to show him respect. Pulling together a few invitations for an auction? That was a simple matter for him.

A guest personally welcomed by Cui Qi? The person’s background must be extraordinary.

The onlookers quickly concealed their mocking expressions and gave the blond youth a careful once-over, silently speculating on his identity.

The security guard hurriedly opened the barrier and stepped back respectfully.

Cui Qi stepped forward: "Young Master Amos, your seat has been specially reserved. Please follow me inside."

The young man gave a lazy yawn. "What a hassle."

Finally moving his feet, he followed Cui Qi inside.

As the group disappeared, chatter broke out among those left behind.

"Who the hell is that foreigner? He looks so young, can’t be more than twenty. Why is Lanqiao’s Cui Qi treating him so deferentially?"

"I heard Cui Qi call him Amos. Could he be that rising star in the investment world?"

"What rising star?"

"Don’t tell me you don’t know! Clearly, you haven’t been following the financial news. This young foreigner has become the industry’s latest dark horse, with laser-sharp judgment, investing successfully in one project after another. He’s already a trendsetter in the investment world. They say he’s got striking blond hair and blue eyes, is unnervingly young, and exceptionally handsome. Doesn’t that description fit perfectly? Just meeting him is a privilege for many, yet here he is at this auction!"

"Looks like tonight’s going to be eventful."

After the group entered, another young man approached.

Following the earlier incident, the security guards were on high alert, especially the younger ones, who dared not slack off.

This young man was polite, proactively presenting his invitation.

The guard hastily scanned the QR code on the invitation, which verified successfully, and opened the gate.

"Please proceed, sir."

"Thank you."

The youth smiled faintly.

His eyes reflected the deep blue of water, while his demeanor carried the radiance of blooming peach blossoms.

The guard froze for a moment, watching the slender figure gradually disappear into the distance.

Cui Qi personally escorted the blond youth to a second-floor private box. The view from here was the best in the venue, offering both excellent privacy and an unrivaled vantage point. Within all of Jingzhou, the number of people qualified to occupy one of these boxes could be counted on two hands.

From his assistant, Cui Qi took a numbered paddle and placed it on the table in front of the youth. "This is your bidding paddle. If Young Master Amos finds any item to his liking, feel free to raise it to place your bids."

A server dressed in a lake-blue qipao held a celadon teapot, pouring tea into the youth’s cup with practiced precision.

Casually picking a grape from the fruit platter, the youth tossed it into his mouth, his posture lazily indifferent as he cast a glance at the guests entering below.

"A thousand-year-old purple Ganoderma. It’s said to have longevity-enhancing properties. My father’s birthday is coming up, and I still need a gift. I suppose this purple Ganoderma will do."

Cui Qi raised his gaze toward the youth. His tone was so nonchalant, as though the legendary purple Ganoderma were merely a head of cabbage from the market.

So, he was here for the purple Ganoderma as well.

"Young Master Amos has excellent taste. This purple Ganoderma is indeed extraordinary. I wish you success in winning it."

Cui Qi left the box, pausing in thought before turning to his assistant and saying, "Take me to see Old Sir Leng."

Leng Shan was in another box, admonishing his granddaughter when an assistant approached and whispered something in his ear.

Leng Xingshuang snorted. "What could be so secretive that we can’t hear it?"

Leng Shan stood up. "You and Bichen behave yourselves here. I’ll be back shortly."

Leng Xingshuang bit into a pastry, immediately spitting it out with disgust. "Ugh, this tastes awful."

Gu Bichen held an intricately designed auction catalogue in his hands. Flipping to the last page, he noticed a question mark next to the featured item.