Chapter 47

The charity auction began shortly thereafter.

Director Liu and Wu Tianhao each took their seats. Chu Tianhe turned his gaze to Director Liu and asked, “Director Liu, will all the proceeds from this auction be donated to children in need?”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Director Liu replied quickly, nodding. “This is a charitable initiative organized by the Inspection and Security Bureau. We’ve been holding it for nearly ten years now. We’ve funded six Hope Primary Schools, and over a thousand children have received a proper education thanks to these donations.”

Chu Tianhe nodded in acknowledgment. He had to admit, Director Liu was a decent man. At the very least, organizing such charity events had indeed helped many impoverished children—an act of genuine kindness.

“May I also participate in this charity auction?” Chu Tianhe looked at Director Liu, his gaze also sweeping over to Wu Tianhao.

At once, Wu Tianhao trembled, his face changing color. He hurriedly replied, “Of course, Mr. Chu! If you wish to join the auction, we’d be more than delighted. It’s all for a good cause, helping disadvantaged children.”

“Director Liu, what were the usual winning bids in previous years?” Chu Tianhe glanced at him, inquiring further.

“Generally, they go for several tens of thousands,” Director Liu replied with an awkward smile. “The items auctioned are mostly trinkets—not worth much. Honestly, it’s more about making a donation, the auction is just a formality.”

He spoke frankly. Most of the lots up for bidding were from Director Liu’s own collection—not valuable at all. It was only out of respect that these businesspeople attended and supported the event. Raising several tens of thousands to help children in the mountains was already quite an achievement.

“Very well, I understand,” Chu Tianhe replied with a smile. Just then, Qin Xiaomeng, who was seated nearby, couldn’t help herself. She leaned over and whispered in his ear, “Brother-in-law, do you even have money?”

“The starting bid here is ten thousand. Do you even have ten thousand yuan?”

At that moment, both Director Liu and Wu Tianhao were intently focused on Chu Tianhe. Although Qin Xiaomeng had spoken softly, both men heard her clearly.

“No,” Chu Tianhe replied without hesitation, smiling. Qin Xiaomeng looked mortified at his response.

Their own family was so poor they could hardly feed themselves. How could they possibly have money to help needy children? Even if they wanted to, they simply couldn’t.

“If you have no money, can you still participate in the auction?” Chu Tianhe asked with a laugh, turning to look at Director Liu and Wu Tianhao again.

“Well…” Wu Tianhao was momentarily stunned. How could someone join the auction without any money?

He couldn’t quite fathom what Chu Tianhe meant, but Director Liu quickly interjected, “Of course, of course! As long as Mr. Chu is here, it doesn’t matter whether you have money or not—you are welcome to participate!”

As he spoke, Director Liu nudged Wu Tianhao with his elbow, a subtle reminder. Wu Tianhao, shrewd as ever, promptly nodded in agreement. “Yes, yes, Mr. Chu, as long as you’re willing, you’re more than welcome.”

“Good. Since both of you have said so, I will take part in this charity event and do my part for the children in the poor mountain regions,” Chu Tianhe replied with a calm and easy smile.

But his words made everyone frown, especially Qin Xiaomeng. Her beautiful eyes turned toward Chu Tianhe, full of doubt.

Chu Tianhe clearly didn’t have a cent—how was he planning to participate in the auction? Even if he won a bid, how would he pay?

“The first lot, provided by Director Liu: a pair of high-quality imitation Ming Dynasty official kilns, blue-and-white porcelain bowls, starting at ten thousand!” announced the host.

Qin Xiaomeng was stunned. She hadn’t expected a replica. Calling it “high-quality imitation” was generous—truthfully, it was the kind of craft sold at tourist attractions, worth a few hundred at best.

The business leaders present weren’t fools; they knew well enough what it was really worth.

It seemed this auction was, indeed, just for show—a way for these businesspeople to make donations to needy children under the guise of an auction.