CHAPTER 302: CHAPTER 96: DRAGON AND PHOENIX FLIRTATION (PART 2)

Watching the expected effects unfold one by one, Su Ziceng’s smile grew thicker. People from both the northern and southern halls began to crowd around the platform where Director Luo was standing. At this moment, Zhou Dagen had the receptionists replace the wine cups and deliver the auction paddles to each guest.

The craftsmanship of the auction paddles was also quite special. The ladies noted that several auction paddles were made into delicate fan shapes with a small "New" marking at the bottom of each.

"What a grand gesture," the ladies murmured, holding the auction paddles, indecisive about whether to raise them or not, but they were all determined to take these fan-like auction paddles home after the auction.

Ensuring that no one would leave empty-handed, Su Ziceng’s "consolation prizes" successfully won the ladies’ hearts.

After Director Luo announced the starting bids, each guest stood in front of the auction item they were interested in, carefully weighing their offers with the bidding paddles in hand.

The "modesty covers" of the auction items in the hall were mostly unveiled, except for the one next to Su Ziceng that remained covered. Su Ziceng, at ease, allowed the gaze of some spectators who were still on the fence to gather in her direction.

By its silhouette, this item appeared to be a chair. Since the opening of the national auction market, which allowed for tax evasion and had a good antique market, a collecting frenzy had swept the private sector. Entrepreneurs with keen instincts were at the forefront. At this point, not only the other guests but even Su Qingzhang was curious about the chair-shaped auction item behind Su Ziceng.

"If it’s furniture, then it’s even more valuable for collecting," Old Lady Qiu, well-versed in practical matters, advised Qiu Zhi, "It has both aesthetic and collection value; we can show our support." Qiu Zhi nodded vigorously, agreeing.

Old Lady Qiu’s calculations reflected the thoughts of many. After the guests’ emotions had been sufficiently stirred, it was time to unveil the mystery.

Su Ziceng slowly stepped onto the small platform of about five square meters, her fingers lifting a corner of the golden silk cloth, gradually pulling it down.

In the crowd, Hang Yishao and Qiu Zhi’s attention was mostly captivated by Su Ziceng’s smile. Chang Chi glanced around and saw Shang Yin leaning in the darkest corner as usual. He lifted his glass toward Chang Chi, who responded with a seductive smile, leaning next to Chang Mei and softly chuckling.

"What’s wrong?" Chang Mei sensed that Chang Chi was unusually off today. From early in the morning, she had been clamoring to come to Su Bi to help. Normally, she wouldn’t have been so enthusiastic about Su Ziceng’s affairs.

"I’m just happy for Ziceng," Chang Chi signaled a nearby attendant with her hand and got a glass of wine. Apart from everything else, the wine provided by Su Ziceng was really good, just like the smile on her face. Chang Chi finished her drink in one gulp, quietly waiting for the moment when Su Ziceng’s smile would finally freeze.

A murmur of surprise followed the cloth falling to the floor. Su Ziceng was the first to see Pello, who had just come in from the outside and walked through the crowd. She appreciated his hard work; without Pello’s large projector borrowed from the Kelly Conference Hall, the "Light Wall" broadcasted to the outside world would not have been possible.

From Pello’s eyes, she sensed something unusual. Director Luo, who was fervently prepared to introduce "Yuan Shikai’s Dragon Chair from the Ming Dynasty," stiffened, his arm as if about to point in the direction behind Su Ziceng.

Could it be that the Dragon Chair was damaged in transit? Countless thoughts flashed through Su Ziceng’s mind, but she had triple-checked everything yesterday—the golden body of the chair and its eastward position to attract virtuous energies. She had considered all these details, big and small.

The Dragon Chair beside Su Ziceng was precisely the one she had stepped on that day, which Director Luo managed to get from an antique shop, avoiding the national museum’s watchful eye, and had restored at great expense. Even Su Ziceng was amazed by the dragon carvings and the innate regal aura of the chair.

However, everyone’s reaction was clearly off. Su Ziceng slightly turned her head, maintaining her smile while her eyes fixated on the Dragon Chair behind her. Her pupils dilated involuntarily, and she could distinctly hear herself swallowing. Her feet, slightly sore from standing all day, now started to protest fully, but that was irrelevant.

The chair was still a chair, but the luxurious dragon and grand seat had vanished. In the spot where the Dragon Chair should have been, now sat an ordinary chair. So ordinary it couldn’t be more so, commonly seen everywhere, made of elm wood, with worn armrests and feet—a typical official’s chair.

The saddest part was the grimy old cushion on this ordinary chair. The cushion that Su Ziceng had lazily packed and shipped back with the others from an elder’s home.

Su Ziceng’s eyes raced in their sockets. She turned to face the thousands of questioning glances below, presenting her most radiant smile. Could she tell all the guests that "the Dragon Chair had flown away"?

The Dragon Chair was gone, and Su Ziceng faced a huge debacle that should have never happened. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)