The auction commenced, and bids began to flow.
The first items up for auction consisted mainly of foreign paintings and calligraphy. Henry showed no interest whatsoever, choosing not to bid on any of the artwork. He thought to himself that while engaging in charity, one shouldn't be overly greedy as several attendees would surely want to leave with something.
"Tsk tsk! It's incredible that these modern paintings and calligraphy pieces can fetch such high prices!" Helen exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief.
Henry laughed and replied, "These people aren't just buying art; they're buying status! Charity in the U.S. can earn tax breaks. What's it to them to bid a bit higher, right? Look at the folks bidding high—they're practically seeking the governor's approval and boasting their contributions!"
"Are you looking to curry favor with the Governor?" Helen laughed, teasing him.
"I'm completely different from them!" Henry said decisively. "I really want to do charity work. Helping disabled children is incredibly important; I'm aiming to build schools for them that provide more support. Everyone deserves dignity. Teaching people to fish is more effective than just giving them fish; I want to establish schools that equip them with survival skills to be self-sufficient without relying too heavily on others…"
As he spoke, Henry's eyes began to glisten with emotion. He reflected on the previous life he lived where he had participated in relief efforts after the Wenchuan earthquake. Visiting schools for disabled and intellectually challenged children had left a profound impact on him. He had witnessed their resilience and determination firsthand, and the memories stirred something deep within him now.
Helen looked at him, almost in tears. This was the first time she had seen Henry reveal such vulnerability. To her, Henry had always seemed confident, strong, and composed—impervious to sadness! Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him, comforting him by saying, "It's alright. We will build special schools for disabled children!"
Henry blinked back his emotions and collected himself, saying, "Not just one school! I want to establish these schools all over the world—Cisco Care for Children's Special School, Nicholas Care for Children's Special School, Global Online…."
Henry rattled off with enthusiasm. Helen couldn't help but chuckle, "Are you sure you're not just advertising for one of your companies? It seems like you want their names all over your schools!"
"Isn't it acceptable to combine charity and marketing? What's wrong with that?" Henry questioned. "If someone does a good deed and doesn't receive the recognition or respect they deserve, why would they want to continue doing good? Not everyone can afford to be altruistic. We're just ordinary people, and we all have our vices. I'm just setting an example! People might do good deeds for a little bit of vanity, and regardless of their intentions, they've still contributed to society!"
"Fair enough! What you're saying does make some sense!" Helen nodded. "So, when will you place your first bid? There have been five items up for auction already!"
Henry focused intensely on a dragon head being displayed on stage, his expressions shifting as his tone grew resolute. "I'm bidding on this one!"
Even though Henry had grown up abroad, he still felt a profound connection to his Chinese heritage. Upon seeing the dragon head, memories associated with his roots surged to the forefront of his mind. The lyrics of a well-known song echoed in his thoughts: "Even if my clothes are foreign, my heart remains Chinese…"
The heads of the twelve zodiac animals, relics scattered throughout the world, were a painful reminder of historical injustices. The moment Henry encountered the dragon head, he was determined to acquire it.
At that moment, the host began speaking: "This item is one of the dragon heads from the twelve zodiac animals that adorned the Old Summer Palace during the Qing Dynasty. It is crafted from bronze and features fine carvings, showcasing vivid details. It holds significant collection value! The starting price is $500,000!!!"
Without hesitation, Henry shouted, "One million dollars!!!"
The audience gasped; typically, bids increase in increments of one hundred thousand.
"Is that Simon Jeffrey?" one of Simon's friends exclaimed, pointing toward Henry.
Simon Jeffrey's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing as he shot a glare at Henry and Helen.
"That girl you want is being pampered in another man's arms. If I were you, I wouldn't just stand by and let things go unchecked. I'd teach him a lesson!"
"Jeffrey, are you really going to let him get away with it?" one of Simon's friends chimed in.
"Ha, you think I won't!" Simon retorted, his voice steely.
He raised his hand, shouting defiantly, "One point five million!!!"
Henry turned, surprised to see that Simon, the young director of Xinrui Technology, was the one competing against him. He shook off his surprise and remained calm. How could an ant challenge a dragon? He replied lazily, "Three million!!!"
As soon as Henry made the bid, the hall was silenced. A dragon's head, once considered insignificant, now held a staggering price tag of three million dollars? The atmosphere shifted, and Simon Jeffrey's friends sat in stunned silence, concerned for him.
"Three point five million!" Simon shouted, frantically trying to reclaim his dignity as the pressure mounted. The thrill of bidding was palpable, but he had also realized how costly his vanity was becoming. If his father learned about this expenditure, he would surely be furious.
"Way to go, Jeffrey!" others cheered him on, fueling his ego further.
"Yes, awesome job!" rang out through the crowd, and Simon began to feel invincible again.
But just as Simon was basking in that feeling of superiority, Henry couldn't help but lean over and taunt him, "If you think you have the nerve, why don't you keep it going?" Then he raised his hand again, declaring, "Ten million dollars!!!"
Gasps echoed across the hall.
Though many attendees were wealthy, few utilized their affluence so casually!
Were they simply burning excess cash or envious of Henry's confidence?
Helen grabbed Henry's arm, "Henry, don't get carried away with such high bids! I understand your motives…" she murmured softly, lowering her gaze shily. Deep down, though, she felt a rush of joy, thinking that his extravagant bid was made for her.
Henry chuckled without clarifying his intentions and gently kissed her cheek.
At that moment, Ted Lynch caught sight of Henry. When their eyes met, they both smiled knowingly at each other, but with entirely different meanings in their minds. Ted interpreted Henry's bid as public support, while Henry reveled in the thought of how anxious Clinton must be becoming! Spending ten million dollars on a bronze dragon head? What kind of fool would do such a thing? Henry was certainly no fool—what was he up to?
Simon Jeffrey, however, was red with embarrassment, wishing for nothing more than to disappear. His so-called friends stood in stunned silence, avoiding his gaze in fear of drawing attention to his blunder. The seasoned auction host quickly regained composure and addressed the room. "A ten million dollar bid from this gentleman! Is there anyone willing to bid higher?"
He scanned the crowd for a reaction, but no one raised a hand.
"Leaving the bidding open for three… two… one…" he announced. "Congratulations! This collection now belongs to you; we can complete the transaction in the back!"
Henry nodded, understanding the situation.
Following the auction of the dragon head, the charity gala drew to a close. Henry headed to the back office to finalize his purchase and coordinate deliveries to the designated location. Afterward, he offered Helen a ride home.
Upon exiting the vehicle, Helen leaned in and kissed Henry affectionately.
"I'll remember this day!" she declared, her cheeks glowing.
Henry watched her scamper away, feeling a gentle smile creep across his face. This girl had initiated that kiss! How refreshing and rare!
He chuckled lightly and instructed his driver to take him home.