At the large auction, it was customary for various businesses to hold their own smaller auctions. However, no one had ever done it so extravagantly.
It was almost as if they thought they were the main event today. How amusing.
“Spirit Moon Antiques?” Quentin read the banner and then saw Leo’s annoying face.
“Ethan, they’re too arrogant. I’ll call security to kick them out. Today is Bonham Auction’s main event!”
“No need,” Ethan said, watching Leo on the screen as if he were a clown. “Let them do as they please. When the auction officially starts, no one will go to their stall anyway.”
“Let’s show everyone what Old Mr. Dan’s antique shop has become under those two girls!”
“Quentin, notify a TV station to record their entire event and broadcast it during prime time. No matter the cost!”
Quentin’s eyes lit up at this idea and quickly went to arrange it.
This would embarrass them more than kicking them out.
Watching the big screen, Ethan’s eyes narrowed again. “Western Xia Treasury? What nonsense! Only fools would fall for this.”
In the antique market, trends often appeared out of nowhere.
Whatever was hot, everyone followed, inflating the value of otherwise ordinary items in no time.
These trends depended on funds, preparation, and luck-mostly luck.
If luck wasn’t on their side and the market didn’t take notice, those who had stocked up early would be left with nothing but losses.
“I’d like to see how you end this!” Ethan sneered, watching Christine and Leo on the monitor.
Ethan hadn’t expected Christine to show up, so he didn’t give them a bad spot.
Anyone entering Zone E would first see Spirit Moon Antiques’ stall.
Ethan pointed at Henry on the screen and asked, “Who’s that?”
Quentin had returned by then and stared at the screen for a while but couldn’t recognize him.
“Hold on,” Quentin said, pausing the video and capturing Henry’s face.
Soon, information came back. Quentin frowned and said, “Ethan, he’s from Triple Element Commerce Association.”
“Triple Element Commerce Association? When did they start collaborating with Spirit Moon Antiques?” Ethan looked thoughtful.
“They’re at the bottom anyway. This evaluation might even push them out of Langstel’s top twenty-seven businesses.”
“I heard they’ve been targeting low-end markets recently, selling cheap stuff to old folks. It’s bustling but not profitable.”
Quentin had attended Triple Element Commerce Association’s auctions and was disgusted by Leo, so he knew the situation well.
Ethan also knew about Triple Element Commerce Association but understood their strength better than Quentin.
David wasn’t an easy person to deal with. It was said that some past incident had caused Triple Element Commerce Association’s decline.
“Brother, Landon Locke from the evaluation team is here. Do you want to meet him?” Quentin reminded.
“Where is he?” Ethan asked.
Landon Locke was the special envoy for this evaluation.
Ethan had done a lot to secure his position and even aimed for the top spot, so he couldn’t neglect Landon.
As for the collaboration between Triple Element Commerce Association and Spirit Moon Antiques, it was like a fleeting cloud-casting a quick shadow but not affecting him much.
As Quentin said, what could two bottom-ranked businesses possibly stir up?
At Spirit Moon Antiques’ stall, Leo was setting up a loudspeaker on stage.
Henry stood awkwardly on the makeshift stage with a microphone, looking at Leo in distress. “Mr. Bloomer, do we really have to do this?”
Henry hadn’t expected such a tough task. He had been doing well at Triple Element Commerce Association but couldn’t resist when Mr. Ball mentioned a project with Spirit Moon Antiques and volunteered himself.
Damn it, if he had known it would be like this, he wouldn’t have come even if beaten to death.
“Yes, Mr. Jefferson, it’s crucial. None of us are good at this. Mr. Ball said you’re an expert; we’re all counting on you,” Leo nodded.
Big Al and Little Al set up the stall, arms crossed, muscles bulging as they nodded in agreement.
Henry’s gaze swept helplessly over Leo, Christine, and Arlene before settling on Arlene.
“Miss Arlene looks great; she’d be much more effective on stage than me. Mr. Bloomer, why not let her try?” Henry suggested.
Arlene’s eyes curved into crescent moons at Henry’s compliment but she shook her head. “No way, I’m not as good as you in this.”
“Let’s start. The success of this joint auction depends on you,” Leo patted Henry’s shoulder and handed him a wireless microphone.
Then he joined Christine and Arlene below the stage.
They all stood with arms crossed, heads held high, looking at Henry with encouraging eyes.
Henry felt immense pressure. There weren’t many visitors in Zone E yet; most were gathered in Zone A at Bonham Auction House, waiting for the legendary Dragon Pearl to appear.
Henry cleared his throat into the microphone, glancing at the few passersby who looked curiously at the well-dressed man standing awkwardly on stage with a microphone.
“Screw it! Let’s do this!” Henry steeled himself and nodded at Big Al.
Big Al went to the control panel behind the stage and flipped a switch, filling the air with loud music.
Henry began to move his hips to the rhythm.
It was a simple hip movement, swaying back and forth at the corners of an imaginary rectangle in time with the music.
Leo’s eyes lit up as he leaned down to whisper in Arlene’s ear, “Professional.”
Arlene nodded, eyes fixed on Henry.
Henry started singing along with the music.
At first, he was a bit embarrassed; his voice trembled and his eyes squinted into slits. He wished he could swap his glasses for sunglasses so no one could see his face.
But applause and cheers came from below.
It was Leo and Arlene cheering him on.