Chapter 255: Charity Auction
Chapter 255: Charity Auction
……
"Many people bring their female companions today, why didn't Mr. Guo bring your fiancée?" Prince William asked with a smile.
"She's pregnant, there are too many people here, it's not suitable!"
"Wow, that's a congratulations!" exclaimed the young Prince William. In contrast, Li Zeju is much calmer.
"Mr. Guo, congratulations! My father's profession is the happiest in the world!"
Guo Shouyun nodded, and said with an expectant smile on his face: "I think so too." In addition, when it comes to doing a good job as a father, I will have to ask Mr. Li more for advice in the future!"
"Welcome. I promise to 'know everything, say everything'!"
"I envy you two! It's a pity that I haven't even found my other half now!"
"Your Highness William, with your charm, I believe that girls all over England will fall for you. It's just a natural thing to find a good partner, get married, start a family, and become a father!" Li Zeju said.
Guo Shouyun nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, but the wait is not pleasant. ”
"Hehe, then you should hurry, I believe that 19 years old is also the time to think about personal problems. Even if it's the royal family, I'm sure they'd love to see the next generation born. Guo Shouyun said with a smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen...!"
While the three of them were chatting, a loud voice echoed through the hall, drawing the voices of everyone present to it.
In the center of the hall, an old man in a black suit and a red bow tie with gray hair and meticulous care appeared in front of everyone.
"You are welcome to attend this charity gala hosted by myself, and there will be a small auction in the following gala, with lots donated by some caring people, and all the proceeds of the auction will be donated to 43 orphanages in Greater London, England. We hope that you will actively support this auction, thank you...... Let's welcome Mr. Steve Schiller, a white-glove auctioneer from Bronlong Bodefu Auction House!"
To the welcome applause of the crowd, a middle-aged white man in the same suit and leather shoes and with a smile on his face walked up from the stage.
I don't know much about Baolong Bodefu Guo Shouyun, but he knows that the other party is one of the world's top five auction houses, although not as famous as Sotheby's and Christie's, but it is also one of the largest companies in the international auction industry. Founded in 1793, it not only has a long history, but also has a wide influence in the art market of Western countries.
"It is a great honour to receive an invitation from Mr. Viscount Cercy to preside over this auction. I am also very happy to do my part for charity. I promise in the name of a white glove that I will do my best to host this auction. Thank you!"
"Whoa...!"
Amid the applause, Joseph Robert Sersi, as the host, took over, "Then there will be waiters who will give bidding signs to everyone present!"
After his words fell, one by one, the waiters in black vests and white shirts walked towards the crowd with silver-white trays. Soon, they took the bidding cards out of the tray and distributed them to the crowd.
Guo Shouyun got No. 7, Li Zeju was No. 25, and Prince William was No. 19. Obviously, these bids are not assigned according to the status of the crowd, but are completely random. In fact, this is normal, but if you think about status, it is too energy-consuming.
"Looks like everyone has got the bidding cards, so let's talk about the rules. Once any of your friends present have taken a bid, please make it available to the account behind the sign within three days. If payment is not due, we will cancel the result of the auction and transfer the lot to the next highest bidder. After explaining the rules of the charity auction again, Joseph Robert Sersi officially announced the opening of the charity auction. The first thing was also brought up.
"The first lot was the Beatles' first album 'Please Please Me' offered by Mr. Richard Modigliani. It once topped the British pop album chart for 30 consecutive weeks, and I believe most of those present have heard it. It should be noted that the album also has autographs on it by all the members of the Beatles, including John Lennon. For those who love music and love the Beatles, this is a top collection not to be missed. So... The reserve price is £4,500, and each increase cannot be less than £200, so please bid from interested friends. ”
"Who likes the two?" asked Guo Shouyun.
"By the time I was sensible, it wasn't the Beatles that were in vogue in England!" William shook his head.
"The Beatles are great, but I still prefer Hong Kong pop music from the 80s!"
After seeing Li Zeju's refusal, Guo Shouyun shrugged his shoulders, "I like music, but only by listening, I don't have any admiration for singers, and I don't have a hobby of collecting records!
"Dish?"
William wondered. Obviously, he didn't know the meteor language on the Huaxia Internet in later generations.
"It's just a metaphor!"
"What an interesting analogy!" Li Zeju laughed.
William nodded in agreement.
As they chatted, the Beatles record had been bought for £27,000 by a customer with the number 12 bid.
"Thank you to guest No. 12 for his kindness, and to Richard Modigliani for the dedication of this record! The grade is red, flawless to the naked eye, the clarity is S1, the cut grade is excellent, and the craftsmanship grade is excellent. The reserve price is £128,000, with a minimum of £1,000 per markup. ”
"Stephanie Shirley, I've heard her name more than once in the United States!" Guo Shouyun sighed.
"Me in Hong Kong too!"
"She's the finest woman in England, and she deserves everyone's respect!" William revered.
Guo Shouyun and Li Zeju nodded in agreement.
Stephanie Shirley, who experienced the Nazi persecution as a Jew, became one of the most successful high-tech companies in Britain as an entrepreneur with a market capitalization of over $3 billion, a mother who struggled to care for her autistic child, and a philanthropist who generously donated tens of millions of dollars. Because of this, she was awarded the Queen's Order of the Order of the Knighthood, appointed by the British government as the first Charity Ambassador, named one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom" by the BBC, and was named one of the "Ten Greatest People in IT" by Computer Weekly, along with Steve Jobs, Gates and others!
Because her story is almost universally known in England, the price of this ruby ring has nearly quadrupled.
Not only because of the collection, but more importantly, her character is worthy of admiration.
"Thank you to Ms. 21 for your bid, and thank you to Ms. Stephanie Shirley for your kindness, thank you!" After a round of applause, a third lot: an 18th-century silver cutlery was offered. Through the badge on the tableware, it is known that this set of cutlery comes from the French Orleans family, who once belonged to the branch of the French royal family. Inherited things are naturally expensive. This set of cutlery was auctioned for 530,000 pounds!
Later, there were autographed posters of celebrities, and artwork and jewelry were brought up. The value is not too high. Most are under £500,000. In terms of Guo Shouyun, Li Zeju and William's net worth background, these little things are not the type they like. Therefore, most of the hour passed, and none of the three made a move.
“… Let's move on to Lot 13!"
With the sound of the auctioneer, the red silk cloth on the tray was revealed, and a fine piece of porcelain was presented to everyone.
Although it is far away, when he saw the shape and decoration of porcelain, Guo Shouyun knew that it came from China. So the interest was raised at once.
"This is a pair of court porcelain from the Qing Dynasty in China, and it is a pair of 'Yellow Ground and Green Color Infant Play Bowls' used by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. In appreciation of the donation of this fine pair of Chinese porcelain from Mr. Sandy German, I would like to announce that the starting price of this pair of porcelain bowls for the Qing Dynasty Emperor of China is £40,000, with a minimum price increase of £1,000 each time!"
"Two, it seems that there is something worth your hands on!" William laughed.
"Mr. Guo, this pair of Daqing Yongzheng's 'Yellow Ground Green Color Baby Picture Bowl', let's give it to you!" Li Zeju said.
Although this collection is precious, there are many more precious in the Li family's collection. Therefore, there is no need to argue with Guo Shouyun on this.
"Thank you very much!"
Guo Shouyun said with a smile.
Although this pair of Yongzheng pastel porcelain does not seem to be worth much now, as long as it is placed for ten years, its value can increase by 20 times, or even higher. Whether it's a personal collection or from an investment point of view, it's an excellent choice.
Although he wanted to win the pair of Yongzheng Imperial Kilns, Guo Shouyun was not in a hurry to make a move. But when its price rose to 87,400 pounds and there were only two competitors left, he decisively raised his brand.
"Oh, our Mr. 7 is bidding £87,500, is there anything higher?"
The auctioneer's words attracted the attention of some people around him to Guo Shouyun. In fact, they did not lack attention, because the famous Prince William sat right there. In addition, the two Orientals sitting in the middle of a group of white men are indeed quite conspicuous.
"£90,000, Mr. 11 bid £90,000, is there anything higher?"
Holding the No. 11 warp sign was a middle-aged man in a brown suit with a proud face, and when he noticed Guo Shouyun looking over, his face obviously showed a touch of contempt. It didn't just make him frown.
In addition, this No. 11, like him, is a bidder who pops up out of nowhere.
"£91,000, Mr. 7 bid £91,000, and more...?"
Before he could finish his words, the man holding the No. 11 plate had already held up the warp sign in his hand and increased the price to 100,000 pounds.
This time, Guo Shouyun clearly felt some kind of hostility.