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Chapter 69 What is this thing worth 88 million?!
The orchestra switched to another soft piece of music.
The stars, who had disappeared for a moment, suddenly appeared on the stage in the center of the banquet hall.
Several spotlights shone down, illuminating the jewelry they were wearing.
And the dinner was the climax of the high jewelry exhibition.
Because the second most valuable piece of high jewelry would be displayed during the dinner.
Naturally, it was worn by the global brand ambassador, He Xin, imbuing it with the aura of a celebrity's choice and showcasing it at the private dinner venue.
As soon as she appeared, she drew everyone's attention.
No one had the time to look at her face.
Instead, they stared intently at the sunflower diamond necklace around her neck and the matching diamond ring on her finger.
Sparkling red diamonds; the necklace was 10 carats and the ring was 8 carats, with Excellent cuts, both D-grade color, and reaching collection-grade IF clarity.
Under the soft, warm light, the diamonds radiated a captivating luster, with a hazy halo blooming around the edges.
Worn against her fair skin, it looked like striking cinnabar, a blazing red sun!
Before the exhibition, Cheng Jiao had briefed Ling Yue on jewelry-related knowledge.
IF clarity is rare in the industry and belongs to the collection grade, usually circulating in auctions or a brand's private customizations.
Ling Yue received the high jewelry information card.
These two little trinkets were selling for 88 million?!
At the head table, someone raised their information card and nodded to the host on stage.
After a while, another person raised their hand.
Cheng Jiao's explanation continued to echo in Ling Yue's mind.
This was a blind auction, but not the traditional "highest bidder wins." Simply put, whoever among those who raised their hands had the highest spending record at Chaumet would win the high jewelry set.
Ling Yue thought to herself, Should I give it a try too?
Even if I don't get it, I can experience the feeling of raising the card.
It wasn't like she couldn't afford to raise it anyway.
Ling Yue casually picked up the information card and gave it a lift.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—
It felt like many gazes were cast her way at the same time.
Those stares made Ling Yue's ears feel itchy.
She looked around and found that... no one else was raising their card anymore.
To the side, Zheng Sen opened his notebook again and added a note: Purchased the 2005 final work of designer XU, the Sunflower series worth 88 million.
After checking and finding no omissions, he reported it to the headquarters.
He Xin looked in Ling Yue's direction and gave her a faint smile.
Afterward, Ling Yue was invited backstage by the staff.
So, she actually won it!
The items were removed from He Xin by staff wearing gloves and placed on a black velvet tray.
It was that set of clarity-checking instruments again.
Once Ling Yue confirmed the products were correct, they would be stored and sealed.
Then, witnessed by the bank, 88 million would be transferred from her account.
It was just like buying radishes.
Ling Yue wasn't particularly excited.
Returning to the banquet hall, the next round of blind bidding began.
The products worn by the next few celebrities were much more ordinary.
At least to Ling Yue, they only reached an ordinary level.
She didn't buy anything else.
The blind auction ended, and a pair of dancers began to dance gracefully in the banquet hall.
This must be the closing performance Cheng Jiao had mentioned.
During the remaining time, Ling Yue added several celebrities on WeChat, and even people from Chaumet headquarters came over to ask for her email and phone number, which she provided.
Perhaps because she had woken up too early that morning, she was feeling a bit sleepy now.
After dealing with the first wave of people, she left early.
The hotel had just delivered dinner for the staff.
Ling Yue went back to her room to remove her makeup and shower, telling Cheng Jiao and Zang Lanyi, who had accompanied her all day, to go eat first.
Since even showering could be dangerous, Zang Lanyi insisted on waiting until Ling Yue finished her shower before going to eat.
She stood guard by the door, eating biscuits.
The water splashed and gurgled.
Outside the door, there was a crunching sound...
Finally refreshed!
"Miss, Ms. He's assistant came by just now and asked me to give this to you."
Cheng Jiao was holding a kraft paper bag.
Ling Yue took it and opened it to find signed posters, personal photo portraits, and postcards.
She casually placed the items on the sofa.
She got a cup of warm water from the instant water dispenser to soothe her throat. "What time is it now?"
"Eight-twenty." Cheng Jiao glanced at the time on her wrist and then lowered her hand. "The drive home from here takes about 80 minutes. Do you want to go home, Miss?"
Ling Yue didn't want to move at all, but she was sensitive to her sleeping environment.
She couldn't sleep in a place where she didn't feel completely at ease.
"Pack up, we're leaving." Ling Yue yawned, slumped on the sofa, and started watching a TV series on her tablet.
Cheng Jiao left the packing to the bodyguards.
They were more than happy to do it.
She then came to Ling Yue's side to report new information. "Miss, the makeup artist Hu Liyun and her team are willing to join us. The annual fee they quoted is 6 million."
Ling Yue double-tapped the screen to pause.
Cheng Jiao continued, "Based on their industry status and popularity, the quote isn't inflated; it's within a reasonable range."
"Have Qian Xu prepare the contract... sign them for two years first."
One's aesthetic taste can change; maybe in two years, she would fall in love with a different makeup style.
Cheng Jiao's phone vibrated with another new message.
She read, "It's General Manager Zhang's assistant, asking if you have time in a bit. General Manager Zhang would like to pay a visit."
The dinner was over now; what was she coming for?
"We depart at nine-twenty. I'm free until then." Ling Yue set a time limit.
She didn't want to talk for too long.
Ten minutes later.
General Manager Zhang Ya arrived.
She had changed out of her evening gown and was wearing casual clothes.
Her heavy makeup was gone, replaced by only a thin layer of foundation, yet she looked even healthier and younger than before.
"Please have a seat, General Manager Zhang." Ling Yue stood up to welcome her.
General Manager Zhang Ya offered a few brief greetings before getting straight to the point. "It is Chaumet's good fortune that Ms. Ling chose us.
Headquarters has granted you top-tier access. If you need anything, you can visit the headquarters' diamond vault at any time to select the gemstones or diamonds you desire and enjoy the highest level of exclusive private high-end customization."
Cheng Jiao had mentioned this as well.
Once a consumer reaches this level, they have essentially reached the top.
They are no longer just a consumer.
But a partner of the brand.
In other words, the brand's ultimate VIP.
Ling Yue's expression was indifferent. "I have no plans to go abroad in the near future."
She hadn't even started traveling around her own country yet; she was in no mood to go abroad.
"We can bring the jewelry to your city for you to choose from," General Manager Zhang Ya stated sincerely. "Whatever service you require, we will do our best to arrange it."
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
This must be the power of throwing money around.
Ling Yue twirled a strand of her hair. "I need large-carat, D-grade color, Excellent-cut FL high-net-worth yellow diamonds, and top-grade emeralds.
I want to create two sets of collection-grade jewelry. Price is no object."
General Manager Zhang Ya's brows rose, and she broke into a wide smile. "I would be delighted to be of service."
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