69novels Chapter 59 You didn't actually need to do this for me
Chapter 59 You didn't actually need to do this for me
The person holding the sign was Qi Yue.
The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a pebble thrown into a seemingly calm pond, instantly creating ripples.
"What?!"
Attorney Zhang's smile froze, and she turned her head sharply, staring at Qi Yue in disbelief.
Professor Li and the female writer were also stunned, their mouths agape as if they had heard something out of a fairy tale.
Everyone else at the table, including Assistant Lin and Nazha, was dumbfounded.
A million? Just for this old camera?
The people at the next table were also stunned, then revealed expressions of anticipation for a good show.
The auctioneer was also taken aback for a moment, but his professionalism made him react quickly, and his voice suddenly rose, filled with excitement:
"One million! This gentleman has offered one million! One million for the first time!"
"Director Qi! What...what do you mean by this?"
The female writer was the first to lose her composure; the elegant facade on her face crumbled, and she demanded, "Are you deliberately making things difficult for us? Stealing our things?"
Professor Li's face also darkened: "Young man, you need to follow the rules! Don't you understand the concept of first come, first served?"
The once noisy banquet hall quieted down considerably because of the sudden argument at this table, attracting many curious glances.
Qi Yue slowly put down the number plate, raised his eyes, and calmly swept his gaze over the faces of his classmates, which were distorted with shock and anger.
His face still showed no intense expression, but his eyes appeared exceptionally clear and sharp.
"First come, first served?" Qi Yue asked, his voice not loud, but loud enough for everyone around to hear.
"I thought the rule of auctions was that the highest bidder wins. When did it become a matter of first come, first served, or... cancer research, how many books someone has read, or whether their money is clean?"
He paused, but his tone remained steady.
"Just now, when you were all talking at length, criticizing others for not understanding the latest trends, for being pretentious, and for having shady money, you must have thought yourselves to be very sophisticated and classy. So why, when it's someone else's turn to bid according to the rules, are you accused of not understanding the rules and deliberately making things difficult?"
His gaze swept over his classmates: "Researching cancer is about saving lives, not about dividing people into different classes at the dinner table. How many books you've read is for enriching yourself, not a yardstick to look down on others. As for whether your money is clean or not..."
He looked at Attorney Zhang, a faint hint of sarcasm playing at the corners of his mouth. "Lawyers should know best the principle of presumption of innocence before trial. And where were you looking just now?"
Attorney Zhang's chubby face immediately turned a deep red. Qi Yue continued:
"I filmed this camera because of its intrinsic value, but you all probably want to film it more to win, to maintain your pathetic sense of superiority built on belittling others."
After saying that, he stopped looking at the flushed or ashen faces, turned to the somewhat dazed auctioneer, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
The auctioneer, as if waking from a dream, excitedly shouted three times, "One million for the third time! Sold! Congratulations, sir!"
"Bang!"
As the gavel fell, thunderous applause erupted!
Naza watched from the side, her earlier grievances and embarrassment unconsciously replaced by the scene before her.
This man... actually spent a million for me?
Assistant Lin's eyes widened, feeling like he was about to suffocate, his mind filled with:
Oh no, I'm doomed! If President Cai finds out, he might kill me!
Professor Li, the female writer, Attorney Zhang, and others exchanged bewildered glances, wanting to lash out but unsure how.
......
Amidst a sea of complex yet intense gazes, Qi Yue did not linger.
He completed the payment process quickly and efficiently, briefly handed over the matter to the auction organizers, and instructed them to deliver the Arriflex camera directly to his hotel.
Then, he took Naza, who was still in shock, and left the still noisy banquet hall.
The waiting driver was somewhat surprised to see them come out so quickly, and hurriedly started the car's heater.
"Master, could you please help me?" Qi Yue said to the driver as he got into the back seat, "Are there any authentic local restaurants in Shanghai? Preferably ones that are still open at this hour."
"Yes! At this hour, those big hotels outside don't have much of a lively atmosphere anymore, but I know a place, a late-night food stall in an alley, that's been open for decades, and the taste is absolutely authentic! It's just the ambiance..."
"Let's go there."
The car wound its way through the brightly lit Bund area, disappearing into a cluster of old, run-down lanes. Finally, it stopped at an inconspicuous alleyway.
A few steps further in, under the dim streetlights, stood a simple yet steaming stall.
A few low tables, a few plastic stools, a large pot of broth bubbling on the stove, and the air filled with the enticing aroma of lard, scallions, and chili peppers.
Several workers who were working overtime were engrossed in eating, their noise and activity a stark contrast to the reality of the scene.
Compared to the elegant banquet hall we just left, this place is like another world.
Qi Yue naturally found an empty table and sat down, saying to the stall owner:
"Two bowls of signature rice noodles, with toppings, one bowl without chili."
Naza sat down somewhat awkwardly opposite him. Her expensive cashmere overcoat and exquisite makeup clashed with the simple environment, attracting curious glances from the diners nearby.
She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.
The steaming hot rice noodles were served quickly. The snow-white rice noodles were soaked in a rich and fragrant broth, topped with a thick layer of braised meat and bright green scallions, and the aroma was irresistible.
Qi Yue picked up his chopsticks and ate with relish, seemingly completely unaffected by the commotion just now.
Naza, however, held her chopsticks but didn't move them for a long time.
She stared at the rising steam from the bowl, finally unable to resist, she looked up, bit her lower lip.
"Senior Brother Qi..."
"Hmm?" Qi Yue looked up at her.
"Actually... you didn't need to spend that million for me."
"???"
Naza's voice was very soft, but her face was slightly flushed.
"I know what you did at the banquet just now... was to stand up for me? But actually, I'm not that angry. Sister Cai said those people are special judges for this TV festival. If you offend them all now, they probably won't have a good impression of us anymore."
Her voice was low, but her heart was filled with ripples.
After all, who wouldn't be tempted by a man who would spend a fortune just because of someone else's words!
Qi Yue paused for a moment, holding the chopsticks, before realizing she had misunderstood.
"It's not for you."
"..."
The color drained from Naza's face instantly; the subtle thoughts that had just arisen were shattered by those words.
After a long while, she finally composed herself.
"Not for me? Then it's for..."
Instead of answering directly, Qi Yue asked, "Who donated that camera?"
Naza's mind went blank for a moment, and she subconsciously recalled:
"Yes... Director Zhang Li."
"Mm." Qi Yue nodded, gently stirring the rice noodles in the bowl with his chopsticks.
"Zhang Li is also the chairperson of the judging panel for this year's Magnolia Awards."