Unlimited Black Cards! A Mysterious and Wealthy Young Lady!

"Since the consignor has clearly stated that they are unwilling to negotiate, we, as the trustee, have no right to interfere with the consignor's decision, let alone unilaterally terminate the auction. If you truly want to acquire these cultural relics, you can only do so through bidding, competing fairly with other collectors, and winning them based on your own merits."

Seeing the two men's resolute attitude, Jiang Wenxi knew that the negotiations had completely reached a stalemate. Continuing to argue would not only be fruitless, but would also waste time and delay the opportunity.

She slowly stood up, gently straightening the hem of her suit jacket with a composed and unhurried movement. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, and her tone was steady and powerful, carrying a resolute determination that resonated throughout the meeting room: "Since none of you are willing to cooperate with the negotiations, we will not force you, nor will we waste each other's time."

"However, I must solemnly remind everyone that these cultural relics are national treasures of China, the roots and soul of our nation. No matter the cost, no matter the twists and turns, we will definitely recover them and never give up. Since negotiations have failed, let's meet at an auction. We will use bidding to take back what belongs to our country and let these national treasures return to their homeland as soon as possible!"

After speaking, she didn't look at the two people opposite her again. She gestured to the staff and appraisers around her to pack up the materials and documents. Her movements were swift and decisive. Without saying another word, she turned around and walked out of the meeting room.

Her high heels clicked crisply and firmly on the stone pavement, each step carrying her away into the distance, demonstrating her unwavering determination.

The moment she stepped out of the club, a biting wind swept across her face, ruffling the stray hairs on her forehead, but it could not dispel the determination and persistence in her heart.

The appraiser beside him frowned, his voice tinged with worry. He said in a low voice, "Ambassador Jiang, the other party's attitude is so tough, with no room for compromise whatsoever. Moreover, the auction is attended by top collectors from around the world, worth hundreds of millions. There's a possibility that someone might deliberately drive up the price to obstruct our recovery of the artifacts. Our 5 million yuan special fund might not be enough to support such fierce bidding."

"Moreover, the embassy of the other country did not even step forward, which shows that they had no intention of returning it at all."

Jiang Wenxi turned her head, a calm yet domineering smile playing on her lips. Her eyes were firm as iron, and her tone was resolute and unwavering: "If that's not enough, I'll make up the difference with my personal assets. I truly loathe these 'go' things."

Upon hearing this, the appraiser couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He knew that it was Jiang Wenxi who had brought it to him, and she was Chinese!

On the day of the auction, light snow was still falling in Geneva, but the Cohen auction house was bustling with activity and warmth, filled with the atmosphere of money and power.

Jiang Wenxi wore a simple yet elegant black suit with a white silk shirt underneath. A delicate pearl necklace adorned the collar. Her makeup was exquisite yet understated, and her long hair was neatly pulled back, revealing her smooth forehead and sharp jawline. She exuded a calm, powerful, and authoritative aura, and every step she took was composed and resounding.

Accompanied by two appraisers, and with an exclusive invitation letter coordinated by the embassy and a deposit certificate for 2 million yuan, they successfully entered the auction venue.

Before entering, all personnel underwent strict and rigorous security checks. Electronic devices, recording and video recording tools, and even watches with camera functions were all confiscated. They could only carry the relevant documents required for the auction and a small amount of cash. The bidding paddles were distributed on-site by staff. They were one-time encrypted designs with no markings and could only be used for this auction. The moment Jiang Wenxi received the paddle, she felt the rigor, mystery, and intensity of this auction.

The auction was held in the top-floor banquet hall of Cohen Auction House, which was luxuriously yet understatedly decorated. The marble floor was as smooth as a mirror, and several paintings by modern and contemporary masters hung on the walls. The crystal chandelier emitted a soft yet dazzling light, making the entire banquet hall shine.

The banquet hall, which can accommodate more than two hundred people, was packed to capacity, with not a single empty seat. Many collectors were even standing in the corners, their eyes fixed on the auction stage in front of them.

At each table, elegantly dressed and distinguished bidders were seated, including members of European royalty, Middle Eastern oil tycoons, globally renowned art collectors, and many patriotic Chinese tycoons who had come after hearing the news.

Upon learning that Chinese national treasures from the Tang and Song dynasties were up for auction, they traveled thousands of miles from all over China and overseas, just to do their part in helping these treasures return to China. Even if they ultimately failed to win the bid, they were unwilling to let these national treasures fall into the hands of foreigners.

Among them, a young man in a dark gray bespoke suit stood out in the corner. He was tall and handsome, with a gentle yet commanding presence. He was Yang Linshuo, the only son of the president of the China Jade Association.

He held his bidding paddle in his hand, his gaze fixed on the large screen in front of him. His expression was solemn and determined, with a hint of barely perceptible expectation hidden in his eyes. Occasionally, his gaze would drift unintentionally in the direction of Jiang Wenxi, carrying a complex mix of emotions.

At the last high-end jade auction in China, he took the initiative to invite Jiang Wenxi to dinner, but she politely declined. This time, he wanted to help the national treasure return and also try to have another interaction with her.

The bidders below the stage appeared calm, but in reality, they were all secretly gathering their strength, their fingers pressed tightly on the bidding button, ready to place a bid at any time. A war without gunpowder had quietly begun.

The auction adopts an anonymous bidding mode throughout. Bidders do not need to open their bids. They only need to press the bidding button on their paddle. The latest bid and increment will be displayed on the screen instantly. No information about the bidders is displayed throughout the process, which maximizes the protection of the bidders' privacy. However, it also makes the whole bidding process more tense and unpredictable.

Security personnel were stationed in every corner of the banquet hall, their posture upright and their eyes sharp. High-definition surveillance covered every corner, and even the air was filled with a strong sense of tension. Every movement and every word was closely monitored to prevent any violations. Once an abnormality was discovered, the person would be immediately removed from the venue and may even be held legally responsible.

The bidders below the stage appeared calm, but in reality, they were all secretly gathering their strength, their fingers pressed tightly on the bidding button, ready to place a bid at any time. In particular, the patriotic Chinese tycoons, though they did not communicate with each other, had a silent understanding. Whenever a foreign collector maliciously raised the price, someone would always be the first to raise the price to counter it, trying their best to share the pressure for Jiang Wenxi. A war without gunpowder had quietly begun.