Hidden truth, intricate love

Chapter 163 Auction

After the successful conclusion of the rural cultural promotion project, Lin Yue and Li Hao returned to the company. The project's accolades boosted team morale, and everyone was formulating new plans for future development. However, Lin Yue sensed a growing tension within the company. After learning Li Hao's true identity, her colleagues seemed to be showing more respect and even politeness towards her.

One day during lunch break, colleague Xiao Zhang sat across from Lin Yue and asked thoughtfully, "Lin Yue, when did you find out that Mr. Li is actually the major shareholder of our company?"

Lin Yue was slightly taken aback. She and Li Hao had grown close during the project, but it wasn't until after its success that she learned of his true identity. She smiled, a touch of self-mockery, "To be honest, I only found out recently. Li Hao had always kept a low profile, and no one had anticipated his true identity."

Xiao Zhang sighed softly, "I see. Actually, it's good to know. He's so devoted to his work, and willing to work alongside us, that's truly admirable. No wonder he's so dedicated to the project."

Lin Yue nodded, her feelings for Li Hao deepening. Li Hao never flaunted his status, but instead devoted himself to understanding employees and projects, a humility that made her admire him even more.

At this time, Li Hao walked into the office and went straight to Lin Yue's desk. He smiled and asked, "Lin Yue, have you made arrangements for attending the auction tonight?"

Lin Yue came back to his senses and smiled slightly. "It's already been arranged. The heads of several other partner companies will also be in attendance. The funds raised by our company this time will be directly used for rural education funds, which should be able to help many children in poor areas."

Li Hao nodded, his eyes showing some anticipation: "Okay, let's participate together, take pictures of the most suitable items, and do our best to contribute to the village."

That evening, the auction took place at an upscale club in the city center. The venue was luxuriously and elegantly decorated, and the guests were formally dressed, creating a solemn, charitable atmosphere. Lin Yue and Li Hao entered the venue side by side, instantly attracting considerable attention. Li Hao, the company's owner, was present, earning admiring glances from his business partners.

Representatives from several companies had been waiting for a while. Lin Yue exchanged a few pleasantries with them before heading to the auction area with Li Hao. Tonight's auction items included antiques, jewelry, calligraphy, and other valuable items. One painting, "Landscape and Rural Feelings," hand-painted by a master of traditional Chinese painting, particularly caught their eye.

Lin Yue's eyes fell on the painting and she exclaimed, "The artistic conception of this painting coincides with the concept of our project. It seems to outline the beautiful villages we strive to protect. If I can take a picture of it and put it in the company's cultural display area, it will surely remind each of us to continue working hard for rural revitalization."

Li Hao smiled and nodded in agreement: "This painting is indeed of great significance. Let's try to take a picture of it."

The auction began quickly, with the host introducing the background and significance of each lot. Lin Yue and Li Hao had kept a low profile, but when "Mountain and Water Countryside Feelings" was performed on stage, Li Hao gently raised the bidding card in his hand and announced his bid.

Just as they looked towards the stage with anticipation, a clear female voice rang out not far away: "One million."

Lin Yue was slightly startled. She looked up and saw Chen Wan standing at the other end of the field. She wore a proper smile, but her eyes were fixed on Li Hao. Her presence made Lin Yue feel slightly unhappy, but she quickly regained her composure.

Li Hao also noticed Chen Wan's gaze. He gently patted Lin Yue's shoulder and whispered, "Her bid is just a strategy. We will proceed as planned and don't need to worry about her behavior."

Lin Yue nodded, and Li Hao raised his bid again, bidding a higher price. However, Chen Wan didn't give up, repeatedly bidding higher and higher, clearly intent on competing with them.

The bidding price climbed rapidly, and Chen Wan made each bid without hesitation, even a hint of provocation in her eyes. Lin Yue's dissatisfaction grew stronger, knowing that Chen Wan's actions were not motivated by her love for the painting, but to demonstrate her "strength" to Li Hao.

As the auction reached its final stages and the bidding approached its maximum, Chen Wan finally put down her bidding card and let out a thoughtful smile. Ultimately, the painting successfully fell into the hands of Lin Yue and Li Hao, and the auctioneer erupted in warm applause.

After the auction, guests gathered in groups of three or four to chat. Lin Yue and Li Hao had just left the venue and were about to leave when Chen Wan approached them, smiling at Li Hao. "Congratulations, Li Hao, you won the painting you wanted."

Li Hao nodded politely: "Thank you, Chen Wan."

Chen Wan glanced at Lin Yue, a subtle smile on her lips. "Li Hao, you really have good intentions. You're willing to invest heavily in supporting rural causes. In fact, I like this painting very much, and I've even considered hanging it in my own company."

Lin Yue smiled slightly, her tone calm yet sharp, "Mr. Chen is indeed very courageous, but we are more concerned about the cultural significance behind this painting. It reminds us not to forget our original aspirations and continue to contribute to rural development."

Chen Wan's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal. She said calmly, "Of course, everyone's understanding is different. I just hope Li Hao can always maintain his original intention."

Lin Yue felt a hint of displeasure, but she didn't show it. She knew what Chen Wan was implying, a clear allusion to her relationship with Li Hao. She raised her head, looked at Li Hao, and said gently, "Li Hao, tonight's auction is truly meaningful, especially with you by my side."

Li Hao smiled and replied to Lin Yue: "Yes, tonight not only won the painting, but also reminded us to keep persisting in the direction."

A trace of disappointment flashed across Chen Wan's eyes, but she quickly concealed her emotions and forced a smile: "You are really a good pair. Then I won't bother you anymore, and I wish you all the best in your future work." After that, she turned and left, with a hint of loneliness in her back.

Lin Yue watched Chen Wan leave and breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that the competition at this auction was not only a support for culture, but also a silent declaration of emotion.

After the auction, Lin Yue and Li Hao walked side by side on the night streets, holding the painting "Landscape and Countryside Feelings" in their hands. The evening breeze was cool, and the city's neon lights cast mottled shadows on the streets.

"Li Hao," Lin Yue said softly, breaking the brief silence, "Chen Wan's words and actions tonight actually made me feel a little uncomfortable."

Li Hao stopped and turned to look at her seriously. "Lin Yue, I'm sorry. Her presence has indeed caused us unnecessary trouble. This auction incident made me realize that I shouldn't let her have any illusions about our relationship."

Lin Yue smiled slightly, her tone soft but firm: "I believe you. But I hope we can be more honest in the future to avoid such misunderstandings from continuing to affect our work and life."

Li Hao nodded solemnly and held her hand tightly. "From now on, no matter what happens, I will tell you the first time. Lin Yue, I will not let anyone affect our relationship, nor will I let Chen Wan interfere in our lives again."

Lin Yue felt a surge of warmth flow into her heart. She leaned gently on Li Hao's shoulder, feeling incredibly reassured. The commitment between the two became even stronger at this moment. They knew that no matter what difficulties they faced in the future, their mutual trust and support would be their strongest support.