Chapter 2305: Discordant Atmosphere
Qiao Mei sat in the first row and felt a little emotional. Back when she first married into the Xia family, many wealthy ladies had come to visit her while bearing invitation cards to their banquets, but all the cards had the words "Mrs. Xia" written on them. Everyone only invited Qiao Mei to show respect to the Xia family. The Qiao Mei now could call the shots on her own. Everyone in the capital knew who the name "Qiao Mei" was referring to.
"I know that you have big businesses in this country, but I never expect you to be so influential in the capital. It looks like you must be listed among the top 10 richest people in the country," Gao Long said admiringly.
Qiao Mei smiled and did not say anything. It was no exaggeration to proclaim that the value of Qiao Mei"s current total a.s.sets meant she was ranked first in the country, not just one among the top 10! However, most of her a.s.sets still could not be taken out to be accounted for, otherwise she might be in danger! It was not time for the rare treasures underground to make
an appearance.
"In the beginning, I also had to tap on the Xia family"s influence. Then again, it must also be due to my good genes. How can any of our family members be incapable?" Qiao Mei said proudly.
Gao Long smiled dotingly. Before he met Qiao Mei, he had tried to imagine what her personality was like. He felt that she had to be as gentle and charming as Gao Tao. Most of the Gao family members were mild and refined and he definitely did not expect Qiao Mei to be the only Gao family member with such an unruly personality.
Everyone sat down in their respective seats one after another. Qian"e led Nan Dong over to Qiao Mei"s side. Before Qian"e even sat down, Qiao Mei sensed a strange aura that made her feel very uncomfortable.
Even though Nan Dong was wearing a mask, Qiao Mei could clearly feel that he had a provocative expression behind the mask.
"Mei Mei, you must have waited a long time," Qian"e said as she held Qiao Mei"s hand.
"It"s fine with me. About this gentleman... Do you want to make an introduction?" Qiao Mei asked as she raised her chin and threw Nan Dong an arrogant look.
"He"s Nan Dong, my... boyfriend," Qian"e said shyly.
Nan Dong smiled and said, "Am I just your boyfriend?"
"Actually, we"re already... engaged..." Qian"e continued.
Qiao Mei was very shocked. She did not expect Qian"e to fall in love so quickly. This did not gel with everything she knew and definitely not what she expected.
"You must still let your elders know about your marriage plans. You"ve already cut ties with your parents. Since you acknowledge my mother as your adoptive mother, you must introduce him to my mother," Qiao Mei said sternly.
Qiao Mei had never been so formal with Qian"e before. Qian"e could sense Qiao Mei"s hostility towards Nan Dong and quickly said, "Of course. I have to seek G.o.dmother"s opinion."
Nan Dong smiled nonchalantly, as if he did not take all these words to heart. He did not even look unhappy at all. At this moment, Qiao Mei was very certain that Nan Dong did not meet Qian"e by chance.
The gala was soon under way. After the emcee briefly introduced the rules for the night, the items on the auction list were brought out one by one.
The auctions held in this country were similar to those held overseas, so Qiao Mei was not really very interested. Instead, it was Gao Long who bought a lot of things and about 30% of the auction items went to him.
"Uncle, do you really like these things? They don"t really match your style. Do you even like a pink court dress from the last century?" Qiao Mei asked as she looked at Gao Long in disbelief.
"I think it looks alright. It"s mainly because this is such a rare opportunity. In the future, I can always give these things away as gifts," Gao Long said.
Qiao Mei silently gave him a thumbs up. Gao Long knew how to do his sums well. If not for the fact that Gao Long felt that it was too tiring to continue bidding, he would definitely buy everything on the auction list.
"This is an extraordinary hairpin! The gem on it may look black, but when the light shines on it! Everyone, please take a look! This is actually black jadeite! Moreover, it has excellent purity and color! The starting price is 200,000 dollars!" the emcee shouted.
Qiao Mei could tell at one glance that it was one of Gao Tao"s belongings and part of that jewelry set. She had thought that most pieces from the jewelry set were overseas and did not expect to see a piece within the country.
Before Qiao Mei could even make a move, Nan Dong yelled out, "500,000!"
All the attendees were very shocked. Many women leaned forward to see which family this generous man was from.
"Mr. Nan, are you buying it for my elder sister?" Qiao Mei asked.
If Nan Dong"s intention was to buy it for Qian"e, Qiao Mei could offer him a good price or use other jewelry she had at home to exchange for it. However, Qiao Mei did not expect that Nan Dong did not intend to let her have it.
"No, I really like jade. This hairpin is a very rare item and I want to buy it for my own collection," Nan Dong said.