Jack Enter in Auction

After arriving at the venue, Jack and Leo were promptly guided to their seats, positioned just a few meters away from the auction stage. The proximity allowed for a clear view of the items being presented, as well as the small details that might be missed from farther back. The room buzzed with a low hum of anticipation, the murmurs of conversations barely audible over the soft clinks of glassware and the subtle rustle of clothing. The scent of polished wood and faint traces of freshly brewed tea hung lightly in the air, enhancing the refined ambiance.

Leo's influence was unmistakable. Their seats, right at the forefront, were clearly reserved for those of high status and prominence in the auction community. The chairs were plush and well-upholstered, offering comfort without compromising elegance. A finely crafted table in front of them held brochures that detailed the upcoming lots, each page meticulously designed to reflect the prestige of the event. Jack took in the opulence surrounding them, recognizing the significance of this opportunity.

"Take a look at that," Leo said, leaning in slightly toward Jack with a small smile. He pointed to a sleek, digital bidding device beside Jack's chair. Its screen glowed softly, waiting for input. "When the time comes, if you see something you like, you can place your bid directly from here," Leo explained in a low but confident tone. "We'll be using the Noble Collection's account, so feel free to go for what you think is valuable."

Jack nodded, appreciating the trust Leo had placed in him. "Thank you, Uncle leot. I'll make sure to keep an eye out."

As the treasure appraiser for Noble Collection, Jack understood the weight of his responsibility. Not only was he here to identify treasures, but he also had a chance to secure valuable items for the company — an opportunity that could elevate his own standing if played correctly. The company's arrangement was clear: Jack would receive 20% of any profit made from the items he appraised and secured. And, if anything particularly rare caught his eye, he could use his personal wealth to make purchases for himself, should they prove valuable enough.

After a few moments of settling in, the room's lighting dimmed slightly, signaling the start of the auction. Conversations quieted, the atmosphere shifting from casual to one of eager focus. From the side of the stage, a woman appeared, moving gracefully into view. Her presence instantly commanded attention.

She wore a modest yet elegant deep purple dress, the rich color complementing the soft lighting of the venue. The dress flowed gently as she walked, its hem falling just above her ankles. The fabric, a delicate silk with subtle, intricate embroidery along the edges, shimmered slightly as she moved, catching the light without being too showy. It had a high neckline that hinted at classic refinement, and the sleeves were long and fitted, running down to her wrists with a slight flare at the cuffs. Her modest attire exuded grace rather than seduction, emphasizing her poise and sophistication.

Her hair was styled simply, swept up in a soft, elegant bun that was secured with a delicate silver pin. A few loose strands framed her face, giving her a youthful yet composed appearance. Her makeup was understated, with soft tones that accentuated her natural features. A light touch of blush and nude lipstick gave her a radiant but reserved beauty.

Stepping onto the stage, the woman greeted the audience with a warm, inviting smile. "Good afternoon, esteemed guests," she began, her voice gentle yet confident, cutting through the last whispers in the room. "Welcome to today's auction, where we will be showcasing a selection of rare antiques, each with its own story and history."

Her eyes swept across the audience, making everyone feel as though she was speaking to them directly, creating a sense of intimacy in the grand setting. "Before we begin with the bidding process," she continued, "we would like to give you a one minute to examine each item closely. This will give you an opportunity to decide yourself if it's antique is original or not."

With that, the woman gestured gracefully to the side of the stage. A young maid, dressed in a crisp, traditional uniform, approached carefully, holding the first item — a rolled-up scroll. She handled it with the utmost care, as though it were made of glass. Together with the maid, the woman unrolled the scroll with practiced precision, revealing a stunning landscape painting.

The painting was done in the flowing, ethereal style of traditional ink paintings, depicting towering mountains and mist-covered valleys. In the foreground, a silver river wound its way through the scene, its path rendered with delicate brushstrokes. The composition was masterful, combining both strength and grace in its depiction of nature's beauty.

"This landscape painting," the woman began, stepping aside to allow the audience a better view, "is believed to be from the Ruby Dynasty, attributed to one of the most renowned artists of that era. Though its authenticity has yet to be fully confirmed, it carries immense historical value. If proven genuine, this piece could be worth upwards of three million. However, the starting price today is a modest ten thousand."

Her voice was calm and measured, perfectly suited to the atmosphere of the room. She allowed a few moments of silence, giving the guests time to take in the piece. "Please, take this time to observe the item closely before the bidding begins."

Jack leaned forward slightly, intrigued by the painting's delicate strokes. Several other guests began to rise from their seats, making their way toward the stage to get a closer look at the scroll. Jack noticed how their eyes traced the brushwork, their expressions a mixture of admiration and calculation.