199: Chapter 199 Clever Mary!

"Shen Zhou, stop it. My painting isn't nearly as outstanding as you say it is."

Being praised by Shen Zhou so suddenly made Monica feel incredibly shy, and she didn't dare accept such wanton praise from him.

"It's fine, Monica. We're friends; I'm the person who understands you best."

"You underestimate your own work too much. Besides, I happen to really like this painting. How about this: I'll bid two million euros."

Shen Zhou said with a chuckle.

"Shen Zhou, I already thought one million was too expensive, and you're offering an even higher price?"

Monica felt somewhat helpless.

She knew, of course, that Shen Zhou didn't lack this bit of money; two million euros was a mere drop in the bucket for him.

But even if one is wealthy, money shouldn't be spent like this.

Furthermore, she had long since considered Shen Zhou a true friend and naturally didn't want him to spend excessively on something like this.

Hearing the price of two million euros, Carlos, who was standing nearby, subconsciously furrowed his brows.

At this moment, he felt even more stunned inwardly.

To be honest, if it weren't for his pursuit of Monica, he wouldn't even have offered ten thousand euros, let alone one million.

"Is this Chinese man crazy? What couldn't he do with two million euros? Why must he buy a painting that's worth nothing?"

Carlos thought to himself, but he didn't say another word.

Shen Zhou, looking confident, turned to Monica. "Monica, you should know my situation. I've always only bought things I like, regardless of the price."

"I don't want this extremely brilliant painting of yours to gather dust, so I think the price of two million euros is very appropriate."

Hearing this, Monica found it difficult to try and persuade him further.

At worst, she could just secretly return all the money to Shen Zhou in private.

However, she also felt very shy inside because Shen Zhou liked her painting.

"Does Shen Zhou really think my painting is that good?"

"It seems I should take him to my house next time. I have many more paintings there that I haven't put on display."

Monica's cheeks turned slightly red.

This scene was fully observed by Carlos.

"This damn Chinese man is definitely coming for me!"

"No, I absolutely cannot let Princess Monica be spirited away by this guy!"

The more Carlos thought about it, the angrier he got, wishing he could punch Shen Zhou in the face right then and there.

But for now, he could only speak up and raise the price again. "I bid two and a half million euros. I also like this painting very much, and I hope this friend from China can part with it for me."

Carlos spoke slowly, while scanning Shen Zhou with a threatening gaze.

"Heh!"

Shen Zhou immediately scoffed. "Mr. Carlos, the number two hundred and fifty is very unlucky in China, so this time I'll bid three million euros."

"Moreover, if Mr. Carlos truly likes this painting, then please continue."

"I am willing to slowly compete with someone who appreciates this painting."

Shen Zhou spoke unhurriedly, not caring at all about this sudden incremental increase.

The farce occurring here had already attracted the attention of many people in the venue.

Some people couldn't even resist moving closer.

Sensing that the situation wasn't quite right, Carlos took a deep breath and then said coldly:

"Since you like this painting so much, I won't bother competing with you, lest I affect the atmosphere of Princess Monica's private exhibition."

Carlos spoke stubbornly, but he soon left dejectedly.

He could tell that Shen Zhou had far more capital than he did.

He was currently just a second-generation heir waiting to inherit his family's wealth; continuing to compete with Shen Zhou would only result in his own humiliation.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, Monica approached, filled with emotion.

"Shen Zhou, don't worry. I'll return all the money you pay in a moment."

"We're friends; there's no need to be so formal."

Monica could easily see that Shen Zhou was helping her deal with Carlos, who was like a piece of sticky candy.

She was already very grateful that Shen Zhou had stepped in to help.

She could never casually accept Shen Zhou's money.

"Monica, I really do want to buy that painting. Even without that guy, I would have made a move."

"And I didn't come here today just to buy one painting. I'll buy anything I find beautiful."

Shen Zhou said with great magnanimity.

To be honest, since Monica hadn't distanced herself from him because of the other women by his side,

then naturally, he had to continue increasing his pursuit of Monica.

Furthermore, Shen Zhou firmly believed that he and Monica would have a home together in the future.

In that case, why shouldn't he collect some of Monica's paintings in advance and then surprise her by decorating that new home with them in the future?

Beside him, Monica said with complete helplessness:

"Shen Zhou, you're making things really difficult for me. You've always been the one helping me, and I've done nothing to help you."

Monica even felt a bit guilty.

Back then, Shen Zhou had spent a fortune at the gala.

Now, he was unhesitatingly paying several million euros for her.

How was she supposed to repay this favor?

"It's nothing. I'm spending this money willingly."

Shen Zhou subconsciously patted Monica's shoulder with a smile.

Monica's body stiffened slightly, and she instinctively lowered her head, her cheeks burning hot, but she didn't say anything.

Maria, standing to the side, watched this scene with wide eyes.

"Wait, the boss is already making physical contact?"

"I knew there must be something more between them!"

A melodramatic romance immediately began playing out in Maria's mind.

Then, she took it upon herself to add a large number of pink bubbles to the images in her head.

In the end, Maria, lost in her fantasies, couldn't help but giggle foolishly.

Shen Zhou glanced back and happened to see his private secretary giggling, and he shook his head helplessly.

"Maria, hurry up and settle the bill."

Shen Zhou couldn't help but urge her.

Maria's body jolted as she snapped back to reality, and she hurriedly took out the bank card Shen Zhou had given her for safekeeping and handed it over.

Before Monica could speak up to refuse, Maria said with a smile:

"Princess Monica, if you really don't want it, you can completely donate this money to your Private Foundation."

"Just consider it a bit of support from our boss for your charitable causes."

"This money should be able to help many children escape displacement."

Maria's words immediately moved Monica.

Shen Zhou, meanwhile, secretly gave Maria a thumbs-up.