Zhou Qing, sandwiched between the two, gave an embarrassed smile.
...
Meanwhile, in a room backstage, an elderly man with white hair was sitting on a chair, sipping tea to soothe his throat.
In his hand, he held an auction manual, which he kept muttering to himself.
He was Elder Sun, the chief auctioneer of Wanxiang Auction. Over the years, he had hosted countless auctions, both big and small.
At this moment, the door gently opened, and Zhang Wanbao walked in with a cheerful smile, holding a pot of tea.
"Grandpa Sunā" Zhang Wanbao called out softly.
Elder Sun turned his head and showed a kind smile, "Oh, itās Mr. Bao. What brings you here today?"
"I was free, so I thought Iād come by. By the way, I brought some fine tea especially for you. Give it a try!"
Zhang Wanbao said, pouring a cup of tea for Elder Sun.
Elder Sun took a sip and nodded, "Good tea, and itās very thoughtful of you. But whatās the occasion for this sudden kindness? Do you need something?"
Zhang Wanbao immediately started massaging Elder Sunās shoulders with a grin, "Well, actually there is something, Grandpa Sun. Iāve been reflecting lately. Iāve been living like someone useless all these years, always carefree, with everything handed to me. No wonder Cancan looks down on me."
"Donāt say that. Everyone has their own worth. You must not undervalue or belittle yourself."
Upon hearing Zhang Wanbaoās somewhat dispirited words, Elder Sun hurriedly encouraged him.
Zhang Wanbao nodded, "Thank you, Grandpa Sun. Thatās why I want to prove to everyone that Iām not a worthless bum."
Hearing this, Elder Sun turned in surprise and looked at Zhang Wanbao, whose face had reddened with excitement. He felt a wave of comfort.
"How do you want me to help you?" asked Elder Sun.
Looking seriously at Elder Sun, Zhang Wanbao said, "I want to host this auction."
Elder Sunās expression changed immediately.
"Does your father know?"
"No!"
"This wonāt do. Itās too risky."
"Thatās why Iām asking for your help, Grandpa Sun. Please back me up. Let me give it a try. If anything goes wrong, Iāll take full responsibility!"
"Are you really sure about this?"
"Yes, I am. After all, Iāve grown up!"
"Alright, since youāve decided, Grandpa Sun will join you in your adventure. We still have some time; let me teach you a few techniques."
"Thank you, Grandpa Sun!"
...
In VIP Room No. 1, Mansion Master Xiao Ji sat quietly in a black long robe. He had a handsome face and, though middle-aged, showed no signs of aging. His demeanor exuded elegance.
Who would have thought that the man before them was the high-ranking Mansion Master of Lingyun Mansion?
At this moment, he turned to look at his daughter, Xiao Cancan, who seemed to have something on her mind these past few days.
"Here is the auction list. See if thereās anything you want. Iāll buy it for you later," Xiao Ji said lovingly.
Xiao Cancan shook her head, "Nothing, father. You decide."
Xiao Ji was about to say more when they heard a knock on the door.
Soon, a rotund figure squeezed into the room sideways.
He wore a bright red brocade robe embroidered with large golden patterns. His round face was shining with oil, his small eyes almost disappearing in the folds of his flesh, and his lips were thick and slightly upturned. Adorned with several gemstone rings, he looked every bit the rich tycoon.
Compared to him, Zhang Wanbao seemed quite slim.
"Old Xiao, youāre here!" Zhang Yifu laughed heartily.
Xiao Ji stood up and looked him up and down, "Just a month without seeing you, and you seem to have put on weight again."
Gasping slightly, Zhang Yifu said, "Canāt help it. Itās a family trait. No matter what I do, I canāt lose weight. I live each day as it comes."
"Greetings, Uncle!" Xiao Cancan also rushed to greet him.
Seeing the graceful Xiao Cancan, Zhang Yifu was delighted, "Itās Cancan. Youāre becoming more beautiful by the day."
"Thank you for the compliment, Uncle!" Xiao Cancan smiled gently.
After a brief chat, Zhang Yifu said to Xiao Ji, "Alright, you sit here. I need to go back and keep an eye on things. Thereās always so much to worry about."
Xiao Ji nodded, "Take your time. Iāll find you for a drink later."
"Alright, Iāve got some things to discuss with you..." Zhang Yifu was cut off as the Spirit Light Crystals in the hall emitted a rainbow glow, converging on the central stage.
A crisp bell chimed, echoing through the vast auction hall.
Immediately, the bustling venue fell silent.
"It seems thereās still some time before the auction starts. I knew it, as soon as I take my eyes off, something happens..."
"President, that seems to be Wanbao!" Fu Kui behind him suddenly pointed to the stage.
Zhang Yifu took two steps forward and looked down through the crystal wall.
Sure enough, a chubby figure was on the auction stage, slightly nervous under everyoneās gaze but quickly calming down.
Zhang Yifu was stunned and looked at Fu Kui, "Whatās going on? Whereās Elder Sun?"
Fu Kui shook his head immediately.
Mansion Master Xiao Ji looked at Zhang Wanbao, then at Zhang Yifu, and smiled.
"Brother Zhang, it seems this child has grown up and wants to share your burdens."
Zhang Yifu frowned and sighed, "He couldnāt share my burden if he tried. Iād be thrilled if he didnāt cause more trouble. Uncle Fu, go and find out whatās happening, will you?"