In the hotel lobby, the crystal chandeliers shone brightly, illuminating the clean marble floor and luxurious furnishings. Rows of long tables were adorned with exquisite food.
Waiters in tuxedos walked among the guests, carrying red wine and champagne.
Successful individuals dressed in vibrant attire engaged in conversations with each other. Each one of them was impeccably dressed, wearing designer suits and exuding an extraordinary aura.
Accompanying them were elegantly dressed ladies in evening gowns.
Clearly, this was a highly prestigious gathering, attended by renowned entrepreneurs from Langstel.
“Mr. Weeks, long time no see.”
“Mr. Moon, we should strengthen the cooperation between our companies.”
“Mr. Woodard, I heard your company is about to go public. Congratulations!”
“…”
The successful individuals held glasses of red wine as they gathered in small groups, engaging in conversations.
Some business collaborations were initiated during these casual exchanges over drinks.
Even if they were busy, the CEOs would make time to attend such gatherings.
Leo and Coral were also present.
Leo was Coral’s companion for the evening, as there was a charity auction taking place.
While Coral conversed with various CEOs, Leo, who had no interest in expanding his network, indulged in the delicious food.
After about ten minutes, a luxury car pulled up outside the hotel entrance. Under the protection of several bodyguards, a middle-aged man walked into the lobby.
“Mr. Mcguire has arrived!” someone shouted, though it was unclear who.
The guests in the lobby ceased their conversations and turned their attention towards the entrance.
The man who appeared was named Kihachi Mcguire, the head of Riceland the Mcguire family. He had arrived in Langstel three days ago and was leading tonight’s charity auction.
In the gaze of everyone present, a refined middle-aged man smiled as he walked into the lobby.
Behind Kihachi were two young bodyguards, one male and one female.
“Hello, Mr. Mcguire.”
“Welcome back to Mr. Mcguire’s homeland.”
“Mr. Mcguire is as impressive as ever…” The guests greeted him one after another.
“Good evening, everyone.” Kihachi smiled and replied, exuding an elegant and charismatic demeanor.
Tonight’s charity auction was a simple event where wealthy individuals would auction off items from their collections, with all proceeds going towards charitable causes.
Kihachi’s arrival signaled the official start of the auction.
A female host in an evening gown stepped onto the stage.
The first item up for auction was a porcelain piece from the Qing Dynasty, with an appealing design.
Several wealthy individuals who were interested began bidding, easily surpassing the price of one hundred thousand dollars.
While most of the auction items were not exceptionally valuable, occasionally there would be rare treasures.
Of course, if someone took a liking to an item, the wealthy individuals would not hesitate to bid generously.
Leo wasn’t interested in any of the items on display and just wanted the auction to be over so he could return to his clinic.
However, after another item was successfully auctioned off, Leo’s attention was caught by what the female host said next.
“Now, let us welcome Miss Amaya Mcguire, Mr. Mcguire’s beloved daughter, to the stage!” The beautiful host extended her hand after speaking.
Applause erupted throughout the venue.
Coral noticed the change in Leo’s expression and couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Do you know Amaya?”
“She is my wife’s best friend,” Leo replied with a sheepish smile.
Amaya, dressed in a light purple evening gown, radiated beauty as she gracefully walked onto the auction stage.
“Good evening, everyone. I am honored to participate in tonight’s charity auction and hope to help impoverished children in mountainous areas through this charitable event.” Amaya smiled and addressed the entrepreneurs below the stage.
After speaking, she placed a redwood box she was holding onto the display table.
“I wonder what Miss Mcguire has brought for us this time?” The female host asked.
“This is a jade bracelet that my mother gave me as a birthday gift. I want to use it for a more meaningful purpose, such as helping underprivileged children in mountainous areas return to school.” Amaya smiled as she spoke.
Amaya opened the redwood box and tilted it at a forty-five-degree angle.
Spotlights immediately focused on the jade bracelet inside the box.
“Wow, what a beautiful jade bracelet with excellent ice and glutinous texture! Miss Mcguire’s willingness to auction such a precious item truly shows her compassion. On behalf of the children in impoverished mountainous areas, I thank Miss Mcguire.” The female host’s words were followed by enthusiastic applause from the audience.
“This jade bracelet is quite valuable. Miss Mcguire, at what price should we start the bidding?” The female host looked at Amaya and asked.
“Five million dollars,” Amaya replied with a slight smile.
Although it was a bit far away, Leo could clearly see the bracelet inside the box with his sharp eyesight.
Indeed, it was top-grade jade with a value of at least one million dollars or more.
“Alright, let’s start the bidding at five million dollars. CEOs and lovely ladies, if you are interested in this ice and glutinous jade bracelet, please don’t hesitate to bid. The auction begins now!” The female host said with a beaming smile.
“Six million.”
“Seven million.”
“Ninety million…”
The bidding prices continued to rise after reaching five million dollars.
Presumably because Amaya was Kihachi’s daughter, after surpassing one million dollars, the price continued to climb rapidly. It quickly exceeded two million dollars and then three million dollars.
“Three million three hundred thousand.”
“Three million five hundred thousand…”
The bidding gradually slowed down but still showed no signs of stopping.
In front row seats sat seven or eight of Langstel’s most prestigious entrepreneurs.
Kihachi sat in the middle, with two restrained young men standing behind him.
Next to Kihachi sat a well-off middle-aged man.
“Mr. Mcguire, I never expected your daughter would be willing to auction off her own birthday gift.” The well-off middle-aged man chuckled.
“Hehe, doing good deeds is worth it. If it can help children in impoverished areas, then it’s worthwhile. Besides, Amaya receives many birthday gifts; she won’t mind parting with one for auction. Haha…” Kihachi replied with an air of elegance and laughter.
“Four million!”
“Four million five hundred thousand!”
“Five million!”
After reaching five million dollars, no one else made any bids.
“Five million dollars. Bidder number nine has bid five million dollars. Is there anyone willing to offer a higher price?” The female host scanned the entire venue and asked.
No one raised their paddle to bid any further. After all, five million dollars was already quite high for a charity auction. Although it was for a good cause, wealthy individuals didn’t acquire their money through windfalls.
Leo pondered for a moment and decided to make a contribution to charity as well.
“Ten million dollars.” Leo raised his paddle and made a casual offer.
From five million to ten million dollars-a doubling of the bid!
Almost everyone’s gaze turned towards Leo.