Chapter 1941: Chapter 1844: What’s the Harm in Spending a Fortune?
The auctioneer at the Philadelphia Black Market truly lives up to the title of top auctioneer. Extensive research has been done on each auction item, and once an item is on stage, he can effortlessly convey the essence of these antiques and artifacts with just a few words.
Moreover, the auctioneer is adept at capturing the emotions of the bidders below. He always manages to pinpoint the words and focal points that attract bidders, leading them to competitively bid. Even items that aren’t particularly popular in the market can fetch a good price at this black market auction, and not a single item was left unsold.
This performance left the audience, including Huo Sining and Zhou Shitao, in silent amazent.
The importance of a good auctioneer to an auction house is self-evident. A skilled auctioneer can increase the successful transaction rate of an auction by half or more. However, an auctioneer unfamiliar with the trade might cause a premium item to go unsold, highlighting the differences between auctioneers.
Therefore, many auction houses are willing to pay a high price to hire top auctioneers. The competition in the auctioneer industry is fierce, with a stark divide. The more famous the auctioneer, the more they earn and the more sought after they are, whereas those with little reputation struggle to find work, hoping one day to make it big.
"It seems like this auctioneer cost Duke Clavell quite a bit," Zhou Shitao couldn’t help but remark.
Next to him, Su Qingqing was curious: "With such a skilled auctioneer, they must be top-tier in the industry, right? What would their price be? A million a year?"
Huang Zhenlong chuckled at this: "Su girl, you’re joking. A million a year? Let
tell you, for one auction, he earns at least that much!"
Huang Zhenlong gestured a number to Su Qingqing, who was instantly shocked, her mouth forming an "O" shape. Even Huo Sining, who wasn’t well-versed in the industry and didn’t pay much attention to seemingly inconspicuous auctioneers, had her eyes widen, thinking how lucrative the industry was, and it was purely a business of eloquence.
The auction paused for an hour around noon. The organizers had a restaurant set up on the fifth floor of the building, where participating guests could dine for free.
However, Huo Sining and her group were respectfully invited to the sixth floor, where a special dining room was prepared, complete with elegant tables and cutlery, presumably to host distinguished guests.
Upon entering, they found Clayflo and Semiya already waiting. Upon seeing Huo Sining’s group, Clayflo enthusiastically ushered them inside, saying with a smile:
"I apologize if the hospitality is lacking, Miss Huo. If you don’t mind, please join my sister and
for a al here. We’ll be sure to treat you to a fine dining experience at a high-end restaurant after the auction tonight!"
Huo Sining replied politely, "This is already quite wonderful. Mr. Duke, you’ve provided us with many conveniences, and we’re very grateful. We’re the ones imposing on you."
Clayflo waved it off: "It’s an honor to serve a lady."
Then his gaze turned to the older gentlen nearby: "This must be Miss Huo’s ntor, Mr. Zhou Shitao. Please take the seat of honor. I’ve always admired you and wished to et you. They say great teachers produce outstanding students, and to have taught soone as versatile and talented as Miss Huo shows how indispensable your role has been, Mr. Zhou."
Zhou Shitao, usually modest in front of others—even when Huo Sining is praised, is secretly proud and happy—but typically maintains a humble deanor. Yet, in front of Clayflo, he showed no intention of concealing his pride, raising his chin and stating calmly:
"To be honest with you, Mr. Duke, this child is the most talented among the disciples I’ve taught. Even combined, my other disciples can’t compare to her. She is my proudest disciple in my lifeti, and the last one I’ll take on before I retire. Having such a student is not just her good fortune; it’s the blessing I, Zhou Shitao, am fortunate to have across lifetis."
When Zhou Shitao said this, the fondness and pride in his eyes for Huo Sining were evident. Even Xie Daoyuan and Huang Zhenlong, who had never seen this side of Zhou Shitao, were taken aback.
Clayflo smiled in acknowledgnt: "Mr. Zhou speaks the truth. If I had such a disciple, I’d cherish them dearly, always fearing they’d disappear or slip away."
After so pleasantries, everyone sat down, and the waitstaff, who had been waiting outside, began presenting dishes. Seeing the dishes, Huo Sining’s group was surprised because they were all Huaxia cuisine, clearly prepared by Clayflo especially for them.
"These are dishes made by a Huaxia chef from my ho. I hope they suit your tastes. I love Huaxia cuisine, particularly the Bashu dishes, which are intriguing. My sister and I never tire of them."
As he spoke, Clayflo lifted the lid of a dish called Mao Blood Wang, revealing the bright red, oily and spicy chilies that made everyone’s mouths water.
In fact, ever since arriving in Philadelphia, Huo Sining and the group had not had a proper Huaxia al, often resorting to fast food. Even the Chinese restaurants they visited had dishes modified to suit Arican tastes, resulting in very peculiar flavors, which were pure torture for the real gourts like Huo Sining’s group.
After the al, Clayflo couldn’t resist asking Huo Sining about the results of the morning session.
Huo Sining didn’t hold back, shrugging and saying: "It seems I didn’t fully understand the situation. My knowledge of black market auctions and preparations were insufficient. I didn’t expect Western high society’s love for our culture to be so fervent, far beyond my expectations. A Gilded Silver Plate went for an astonishing price of eighty thousand, which is simply unimaginable."
While wiping his mouth, Clayflo smiled: "This may have to do with the historical context of Western countries compared to Huaxia. Huaxia is an ancient civilization, while compared to Huaxia, Arica’s history is relatively short. How many years of history do European aristocracies have?"
"The accumulation of civilization requires history and ti. Huaxia’s civilization is splendid, with many exquisite artifacts that amaze not only bidders but also mbers of my family. The cultural accumulation of thousands of years, embodied in each item, likely holds countless gripping stories. Spending a fortune rely for these stories is a small matter, don’t you think?"
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