Translator: _Min_ Editor: Caron_
The auction was the last part of the charity ball. The proceeds from the auction would be used to help civilians and orphans in war-torn areas. In addition to the “Pearl of the Pacific” by Julian Schnabel, there were many things Jiang Chen was interested in at this auction. If the prices weren’t too far off, he intended to take a few pieces of artwork back to hang at home.
Natasha had been criticizing him as classless. Although Jiang Chen himself didn’t think he was that bad, since he had the opportunity now, it would be better to buy a few pieces of art and fake it. Of course, in addition to these artworks, several rich people also said they would auction off some collectible items. The organizers didn’t disclose what these were, drawing people in with the mystery.
Not wanting to chat with the organizers for too long and since Mr. Galloway also had other guests to greet, Jiang Chen took the initiative to end the conversation.
When he walked into the venue with Xia Shiyu holding her hand, the party had already begun.
The magnificent, elegant and gorgeously decorated hall was surrounded by transparent graphene boards. The reflection of the blue sea and blue light added a touch of mysterious coolness to the venue.
Waiters with champagne moved between the long tables and crowds to present guests with wine and towels. This submarine restaurant was one of Penglai’s famous attractions. Whether it was the decorations, service, or food on the table, it was built according to a three-star Michelin level, which made it a “it’s worth a special trip to visit” restaurant…
At the party, Jiang Chen saw many acquaintances and many strangers greeted him.
What surprised him most was that he actually saw Carmen Rothschild here. This guy quietly came to Penglai City to participate in a charity party without telling him in advance.
When he saw Jiang Chen, he greeted him with a warm smile while showing off his glistering teeth and shook Jiang Chen’s hand, full of energy.
“We meet again, my old friend.”
“Haha, it’s been a long time.” Jiang Chen smiled and let go of his hand. “This is my partner, Ms. Xia Shiyu.”
“Hello, Mr. Rothschild.” Xia Shiyu smiled.
“I’m honored to meet you, beautiful and wise Ms. Xia. Your male companion is really an enviable guy.” Carmen made a joke with great demeanor.
Xia Shiyu smiled politely and courteously, but it was obvious she was still very fond of compliments.
Jiang Chen also followed with a smile then said, “How are you, my old friend? Have you resolved the trouble on your side?”
From daily international news, the situation in Europe had become increasingly unstable. Last year, when Frankberg chose a new party to take power, the entire European political arena began to move to the right. Especially at the end of the year, several consortiums invested in the construction of refugee camps in the forests bordering Norway and Sweden. This completely ignited conflicts between cultists and mainstream society… and also incited conflicts between social justice warriors and the rest of society.
“My troubles will never end.” Carmen skillfully took a cup of champagne from the waiter’s tray and made a toast to Jiang Chen. He self-mockingly shrugged and said, “It’s like the champagne this evening.”
“Is there any problem in this world that the Rothschilds cannot solve?” Jiang Chen smiled, took some champagne and toasted Carmen.
“Of course there are. For example, there are problems that can’t be solved with money.” Then, Carmen put the empty glass aside. “I recommend that you pay attention to the auction coming up; there are many good things for sale.”
“For example?”
Carmen only smiled mysteriously and didn’t answer. He then went to join other circles.
Carmen’s mysterious smile made Jiang Chen’s heart itch, but since the auction was beginning soon, he didn’t dig deeper.
Although the party was held in the name of charity, there was no shadow of charity at all at the party. In this kind of upper-class society, the common “hobby” of charity work was just a reason for wealthy celebrities to gather together, fulfill social needs, and meet business partners.
Of course, it didn’t exclude the few who really wanted to do something for poor people.
Walking through the party venue, Jiang Chen felt that the weight on his arms was no longer so stiff. He suddenly said, “Beautiful.”
“Hmmm?” Xia Shiyu didn’t understand what he meant.
“I meant you’re beautiful today.”
While he said this, Jiang Chen smiled and gazed at her. She, however, was embarrassed by his sincere look. With a blush beginning to form on her face, she rigidly avoided his gaze.
“Why-why did you suddenly say this?”
“I noticed that from the time you entered the venue until now, at least 100 people have looked in your direction. Of the 100 people, 99 have escaped your line of sight,” Jiang Chen whispered to Xia Shiyu.
“Is it because my dress is too strange?” Xia Shiyu quickly lowered her head anxiously, looked at the dress on her body and compared it to the clothes of other women around her.
Her evening gown was borrowed from Ayesha. It was her first time wearing this type of dress and now that she was singled out by Jiang Chen, she suddenly felt a bit awkward.
“No, it’s just because you are so beautiful,” Jiang Chen said with a smirk.
“Nonsense.” Xia Shiyu blushed and gave him a hard stare.
After a few laps around the venue, because she had quite a few cups of low-degree champagne, Xia Shiyu went to the bathroom midway through and Jiang Chen began to wander alone
At that moment, someone suddenly shouted out his name.
“Jiang Chen?!”
“You are?” Jiang Chen looked puzzled at the man who said hello to him. He didn’t remember this person at all.
Even with Asians’ perspective on beauty, this man could be considered handsome, and he was the complete opposite of the European and American sense of beauty of being free-spirited. However, while eagerly being watched by a man, Jiang Chen didn’t feel good at all. In particular, this man still looked rather handsome and gave him even more goose bumps.
“You certainly don’t know me. I’m Alex Watson.” Alex took the initiative to extend his right hand.
[Alex Watson?]
Jiang Chen frowned slightly. Even though Alex said his name, Jiang Chen didn’t have the slightest impression of him.
Alex only smiled helplessly and shrugged.
“Well, it seems that my sister rarely mentions her disobedient younger brother.”
Suddenly, Jiang Chen noticed his surname while he mentioned about being a brother.
“You are… Emma’s brother?”
“Yes, you finally recognized me. My sister is also at the party. Do you want me to take you to see her?” Alex Watson asked enthusiastically.
“No, it’s okay. If she wants to see me, she’ll come and find me,” Jiang Chen said with a smile.
The two people weren’t familiar with each other and it seemed there was no need to say hello. What’s more, Emma was the ambassador of Future Biology, and Jiang Chen could be considered her boss’s boss. If he had the choice, he himself would not want to see his own boss during his time off.
At that moment, there was suddenly a sound of broken glassware.
Including Jiang Chen, the guests next to him all looked to the direction where the sound came from…
