Chapter 472: Four hundred seventy-three, diamond ring?
Shi Yi couldn’t help but recall what Shen Xu had said to her today, and found it amusing. Back then, didn’t Ouyang Hao love a woman to death? Now, he entangled with so many people. A man’s love really can’t be taken seriously.
However, these were not the issues Shi Yi was concerned with. She didn’t care who Ouyang Hao was involved with, or how many women were in his life. What she cared about was Ouyang Hao’s purpose in attending the auction.
Shi Yi checked the items to be auctioned and found that they were all jewelry and accessories, typically things that women are interested in. Why would Ouyang Hao go to such an auction? Could it be to buy jewelry for his many female companions?
Thinking about it, Shi Yi thought it’s possible. She yawned, closed her laptop, and decided, no matter what Ouyang Hao’s purpose was, she must meet this legendary figure. She must get that plot of land in the new district, even if Leng’s Company is the industry leader.
The next day, Shi Yi arrived at the exhibition center on time according to the address and time stated on the invitation. Although the center was in a remote location, there were quite a few attendees. When she arrived, there were only a few empty seats in the corners of the venue.
Shi Yi did not sit down immediately but instead wandered around the venue seemingly aimlessly. Soon, she spotted Ouyang Hao’s figure sitting in the front row.
In person, Ouyang Hao was even more handsome than in photos. His features were more delicate than a woman’s, yet the distinct contours made him radiate an irresistible charm rather than an effeminate air.
Even though Shi Yi was very particular about men’s looks, she had to admit that Ouyang Hao was extremely handsome.
Her scrutinizing gaze did not attract attention from Ouyang Hao but did provoke dissatisfaction from his female companion beside him. Because Ouyang Hao was present, she couldn’t make a scene, but her eyes were full of hostility towards Shi Yi.
Noticing the female companion’s gaze, Shi Yi instinctively sized her up. She seemed different from those rumored girlfriends Shi Yi saw last night, yet her appearance followed the same template.
The female companion looked quite innocent, but Shi Yi had no idea about her true nature.
She smirked with interest. Ouyang Hao’s taste in women really wasn’t great.
Seeing the woman treating her like a gold-digging vixen, Shi Yi felt a bit wronged. She couldn’t help the face she was born with. Since she was already misunderstood as a vixen, she decided she might as well live up to the title.
Coincidentally, there was an empty seat beside Ouyang Hao. Shi Yi smirked and sat down next to him.
She glanced sideways at the man beside her. He was leaning lazily against the chair, eyes closed as if he was quite fatigued.
After rounds of enthusiastic applause, the auction began. The first item was a jade bracelet. According to the presenter, it was a relic from the Ming Dynasty. Shi Yi wasn’t very knowledgeable about or interested in antiques.
The second item was a diamond necklace with a starting bid of two million. Seeing the necklace, Ouyang Hao’s female companion couldn’t sit still. She turned to Ouyang Hao, sweetly saying, "Hao, my birthday is coming up."
"Is that so?" The man’s sexy thin lips curved slightly, revealing a charming smile, but deep in his eyes lay a strong sense of sarcasm.
The sarcasm in the man’s eyes wasn’t missed by Shi Yi. Intrigued, she raised her eyebrows. She thought this female companion might not last past today with Ouyang Hao.
However, Ouyang Hao was indeed generous. He ultimately spent five million to win the necklace.
When the female companion received the necklace, she smiled like a flower, throwing herself at the man’s neck and giving him a passionate kiss, not caring about the public setting.
Was a five-million-yuan necklace worth it for a kiss?
Shi Yi pondered. She wouldn’t find it worth it, but she understood that sometimes, for men, spending money on women was a form of pleasure.
As the auction neared its end, the final item was a diamond ring. Shi Yi noticed that Ouyang Hao, who had been uninterested, suddenly sat up straight, his eyes locked on the diamond ring.
Normally, Ouyang Hao should be the type of person who hides his emotions, but Shi Yi saw deep pain on his face.
Shi Yi immediately understood that Ouyang Hao attended this auction specifically for that diamond ring.
What is the significance of this ring?
Curious, Shi Yi listened to the auctioneer’s introduction. The diamond ring featured a diamond from South Africa. Although the diamond wasn’t as big as a pigeon’s egg, its cut and clarity were top-tier, making it highly valuable.
Soon, the auction began, with a starting bid of fifty thousand.
"Fifty-five thousand," a man in the corner raised his paddle.
"Sixty thousand," a woman in the front raised her paddle.
"Seventy thousand," another woman raised her paddle.
"Seventy thousand once, any higher bids?" The auctioneer’s voice echoed through the venue. Seeing no one raising their paddle, he continued, "Seventy thousand twice, seventy thousand..."
Just then, Shi Yi saw Ouyang Hao raise his paddle, "One hundred thousand."
Ouyang Hao’s voice was neither loud nor soft, but it drew the attention of everyone in the venue. They were all familiar with his identity and became curious about his interest in the ring. Could it be...
Everyone turned their gaze to the female companion beside Ouyang Hao, speculating that an engagement might be near.
If so, it would definitely be the most sensational news of the year. Everyone temporarily forgot their purpose at the auction, with gossip filling the air.
The auctioneer was the first to regain his composure, clearing his throat, "Mr. Ouyang bids one hundred thousand, any higher offers?"
Everyone knew about Ouyang Hao’s wealth and status, realizing that even if they competed, they wouldn’t win the ring. It was better to give Ouyang Hao some face and refrain from bidding, letting him acquire it for a low price.
Seeing this, Shi Yi immediately lost interest. She suddenly had a mischievous thought—should she bid and make it harder for Ouyang Hao to get the ring?
But then she thought it wouldn’t be meaningful. She needed Ouyang Hao’s help, and raising the price maliciously would only create enmity, which she didn’t want.
Just as she was about to give up, a man’s voice suddenly came from the back of the venue, "Two hundred thousand!"