Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1553 - 1527: Bad Friends

Sun Bolin did not expect Zhang Ming to use Ye Chen’s calligraphy work for this charity auction to achieve his own goals.

The Literary Society and the Calligraphy Association have always been outwardly harmonious but secretly at odds, and the two people have been competing with each other in the shadows.

Neither is willing to fall behind, and talents like Ye Chen are greatly cherished by both sides.

Sun Bolin and Zhang Ming have tried every trick in the book to get Ye Chen to join them, and they both succeeded in the end.

However, they both know that Ye Chen is not easily manipulated, nor is he likely to reveal his identity to the public voluntarily.

Zhang Ming’s move was brilliant, directly putting Ye Chen in the spotlight.

Once the author of this calligraphy piece is announced, everyone present will know that Ye Chen belongs to the Calligraphy Association.

Without anyone saying a word, Zhang Ming’s goal is accomplished, and he avoids offending Ye Chen.

This piece of calligraphy, delicate as a dragon swimming in water, graceful as a swan in flight, is incredibly true to its source.

Before the host reveals the author, no one dares to make a bid.

Spending so much money on a piece by someone with limited fame might not be worth it.

The room is silent; no one bids.

At this moment, Sun Bolin breaks the silence.

He speaks up.

"Twenty million."

The crowd sees that the person bidding is none other than the doyen of the Literary Society, Sun Bolin, and realizes the painting’s high value.

Suddenly, everyone becomes very interested in the painting.

Zhang Ming feels a sense of unease when he sees Sun Bolin stand up and bid.

He whispers to Sun Bolin.

"Elder Sun, what are you up to?"

"I think it’s clear, I intend to win this piece," Sun Bolin replies with a laugh.

Zhang Ming never expected that once Ye Chen’s calligraphy was displayed, Sun Bolin would be so interested.

After all, Ye Chen’s two previous poems were already with Sun Bolin, but why did he insist on this piece, too?

Seeing Zhang Ming’s puzzled expression, Sun Bolin chuckles and says.

"Zhang Ming, you and I both know Ye Chen’s temperament. While he joined the Literary Society and the Calligraphy Association, it’s merely nominal, nothing substantial."

"Moreover, convincing him to attend events is impossible. Based on my understanding of Mr. Ye, I can say that those two poems and this piece of calligraphy are likely Mr. Ye’s only masterpieces."

Hearing this, Zhang Ming finds Sun Bolin’s reasoning very plausible. Even if people know Ye Chen has joined the Calligraphy Association,

it’s estimated Ye Chen won’t easily produce any more work.

If that’s the case, then these are indeed masterpieces.

Even though he agrees with Sun Bolin, he believes this calligraphy piece ultimately won’t fall into Sun Bolin’s hands.

"Elder Sun, I must remind you, the others here don’t lack money either. You, a literary person, how can you compete with them?"

As he finishes speaking, Su Wanyi suddenly stands up and says.

"Forty million."

Actually, Su Wanyi has no expertise in calligraphy and paintings, but she bids because it’s the last auction item, and also because ever since this piece was presented, Ye Chen’s eyes haven’t left it.

She speculates that Ye Chen must be interested in this piece, hence his reaction.

Su Wanyi had already decided to purchase at least one item, and with Ye Chen’s apparent fondness, her motivation only grew.

Ye Chen never expected his girlfriend would stand up and bid.

He hesitates, pondering whether to tell Su Wanyi the truth.

At that moment, Zhang Shuang stands up again, with a smug look, showing five delicate fingers.

"Fifty million."

When Xu Kai saw Elder Sun from the literary world bid, he began to have thoughts of his own.

Since this piece of calligraphy could capture Elder Sun’s interest, it must have considerable collectible value.

Plus, with Wu Tong by his side, constantly praising the piece, his desire to win it increased.

But these weren’t the main reasons he had Zhang Shuang bid; the main reason was his knowledge that Su Wanyi was Ye Chen’s girlfriend.

Su Wanyi’s bid surely was for Ye Chen.

Earlier, he secretly vowed not to let Ye Chen win any auction item.

Seeing Xu Kai instruct Zhang Shuang to bid, Wu Tong chuckled and praised him.

"Young Master Xu, your determination truly commands respect."

Even though he said so, Wu Tong secretly laughed inside.

Because on that day in the calligraphy classroom, he saw with his own eyes Ye Chen creating this piece.

Xu Kai mistakenly thought it was a masterpiece because of Sun Bolin’s bid.

Wu Tong thought to himself that when Xu Kai learns of the real author, his expression would surely be astonishing.

These major families are competitors in the business world, their young masters hardly genuine friends, merely glad to watch each other’s downfalls.

At this moment, that’s precisely Wu Tong’s mindset.

Xu Kai proudly states.

"I already said Ye Chen won’t win any item today, and I mean it."

"Young Master Xu, with such boldness, I doubt anyone dares to bid against you."

Wu Tong says, smiling.

Hearing this, Xu Kai nods in agreement.

"Little Shuang, feel free to bid today; I’ve got plenty of money."

Zhang Shuang, hearing this, felt very pleased inside.

Since learning that Ye Chen was living off a woman, she has looked down on him greatly,

considering it a disgrace to know such a man, so she is determined to oppose him.

With Xu Kai as her backing, she has no qualms.

"Darling, you’re so good to me."

Zhang Shuang said, batting her eyes flirtatiously with a smile.

She thought being with Xu Kai was the best decision she ever made.

Not only does this man love and adore her, but he also provides her with everything she desires.

Wu Tong sees the affectionate couple and pretends to be angry.

"Mind the occasion, you two, stop flaunting your love here."

Su Wanyi, hearing Zhang Shuang’s bid, looked displeased.

It seemed this girl was bent on opposing them; though Ye Chen might have reservations and show mercy, she wouldn’t.

Thinking about Zhang Shuang being Ye Chen’s first love, Su Wanyi felt compelled to suppress her.

As the business world’s goddess, Su Wanyi certainly doesn’t lack money.

Zhang Shuang is merely relying on Xu Kai, to whom she can hardly compare.

Besides, in terms of wealth, Xu Kai is no match for her.

Sue Wanyi always strives to obtain what she wants and will never concede to others, especially not to Zhang Shuang.

Just as Su Wanyi was about to stand up and bid again, Ye Chen gently tugged her hand and whispered something in her ear.

Upon hearing it, her expression turned utterly surprised.