Reborn As Super Heiress

As the matter of Shen Zhou’s imitation painting came to a close, Huo Sining planned her return to the Imperial Capital. She intended to go back on the tenth day of the first lunar month. Su Zhenhua had already arranged for someone on that end, so all she needed was to bring Qibao back with her to settle the residence permit. Once this was done, she could take Qibao to report and enroll at S University Attached Primary School.

The plan seemed well-arranged, but plans often can’t keep up with changes. On the eighth day, Zhou Shitao suddenly called her, notifying her to accompany him to attend a charity auction exchange on the tenth day.

”Charity auction exchange, who’s organizing it?” Huo Sining asked curiously.

Zhou Shitao chuckled, ”You might actually know the organizer. Do you remember Xu Shilong, the one who participated with you in recording ’Folk Treasure Hunt’?”

Huo Sining nodded, ”I remember. He’s the general manager of the Imperial Capital Auction House and once wanted to purchase the seven Jade Heaven Beads I have, but I didn’t agree. He also attended Jubao Pavilion’s opening day, but I noticed he only likes jewelry-type antiques and isn’t interested in other artifacts. How did he come up with the idea of organizing an auction?”

Zhou Shitao explained with a smile, ”Businessmen prioritize profit. Xu Shilong has a reputation as an expert in the antiques circle. Of course, he has connections and influence. He isn’t actually interested in the exchange itself, but in broadening his influence. By organizing such an auction exchange, he can advertise his auction house, establish a reputation as a philanthropist, and expand his network, achieving three benefits at once. Why not do it?”

Considering his words, Huo Sining indeed thought it made sense. An auction could bring so many benefits that if it could be organized, many would willingly do it.

”This auction is of a high caliber. I’m taking you along to help you gain insight and to let you make a name in this circle, as you are my closed-door disciple. In the future, when you venture out, you’ll represent my reputation. If people in the circle know you now, even if I’m not around in the future, you’ll still be able to thrive.”

Zhou Shitao continued, ”Since it’s called a charity auction exchange, I suspect most participants will be from the antique circle of the Imperial Capital, with many bringing items along. It’s a rare learning opportunity. I see you have many items; bring one to exchange and interact with others.”

Huo Sining paused, ”Bring an item along, do you mean donating it?”

Zhou Shitao laughed immediately, ”Of course not. You bring your own item; who could force you to donate it? It’s an unwritten rule in the circle; with ’exchange’ in the name, the auction has a ’treasure contest’ aspect. So generally, participants bring items along, implying some private exchanges. Of course, if you want to sell the item, you can absolutely put it up for auction as long as you negotiate with the organizers. The proceeds are entirely yours, but by rules, you’ll need to pay the organizers a fee.”

Zhou Shitao’s words clarified the situation for Huo Sining, but she was somewhat puzzled, unsure of what would be best to bring along.

Zhou Shitao wanted her to bring an item to the auction, obviously with the intent of having her make an impression there. However, if the item was too valuable, that wouldn’t work either, as it would draw too much attention.

Indeed, Huo Sining had good items, but very few ordinary ones. The items from the Dongyang Museum naturally weren’t appropriate to bring out now. She was reluctant to part with the Pigeon Blood Red and the Star Sapphire. The enamel and the Cizhou Kiln pillow were still in the Forbidden City Museum. The water paintings and Shen Wansan’s piece of moonlit White Agate might hide secrets, so Huo Sining was even less inclined to casually display them.

Thus, after some selection, only four items were left.

One was a pair of Tang Dynasty jade cups she acquired from Zhao Mingcheng’s brother, Zhao Yuliang. Another was the Golden Rhinoceros Tianhuang stone carved paperweight found within a Chessboard Stone she bought in Hetian. Another was a set of Dragon stamps she inadvertently exchanged at the Imperial Capital Ghost Market. Finally, the Qixing Longyuan sword crafted by Ouyezi whose rust was removed from the Dongyang knife shop.

The Tang Dynasty jade cups and the Qixing Longyuan sword were too dazzling. Such items could be standalone auction pieces for an entire event. If brought to the charity exchange auction, they might overshadow the items prepared by Xu Shilong, which would be too disrespectful, so Huo Sining eliminated these two immediately.

The Dragon stamps were now one of Jubao Pavilion’s treasures, making it inappropriate to take them out casually. Only the Golden Rhinoceros paperweight, being a personal item of Lu Fangweng and crafted from premium Tianhuang stone held interest both in value and historical significance. At the same time, its value wasn’t exceedingly high or attention-grabbing, so after some consideration, Huo Sining decided to take this paperweight to the auction.

With the item chosen, on the tenth day, Huo Sining accompanied Zhou Shitao to the auction venue.

In earlier years, Zhou Shitao used to attend with Ji Kun, but in recent years he seldom attended such occasions. Even if the hosts invited him personally, he refused directly, without considering courtesy. However, now having taken on Huo Sining as his closed-door disciple, he naturally thought for this young disciple, so this time when Xu Shilong sent the invitation, Zhou Shitao agreed after a brief reflection.

This surprised Xu Shilong greatly because his invitation to Zhou Shitao to the auction was merely procedural. Zhou Shitao was a respected figure in the industry; not inviting him would be discourteous and might lead to gossip and criticism. So he just called to inquire, knowing Zhou Shitao’s temperament and not expecting much.

With this call, hearing Zhou Shitao’s acceptance left Xu Shilong stunned, feeling happiness came too swiftly, without time for mental preparation.

However, with Zhou Shitao attending, Xu Shilong welcomed him enthusiastically. When spreading the news of Zhou Shitao’s attendance, several seniors in the antique circle, who had clearly stated their inability to attend due to time constraints, suddenly had time, expressing interest in attending the auction exchange.

Not only that, even some business leaders outside the antiques circle came rushing to ask Xu Shilong. Upon confirmation, these people put aside their pride, eagerly requesting Xu Shilong for an invitation, boosting Xu Shilong’s reputation while deepening his understanding of Zhou Shitao’s influence in the circle.