Chapter 199: This Is Your Appearance Fee

Perhaps Han Xi’s decisive bid for the antique drew a lot of attention.

Several people who knew her turned their gazes toward her, offering praises.

“As expected from the Han family! Such grandeur is unmatched by ordinary people!”

“President Han, you’re so generous! Adding bricks to the foundation of charity, we all admire you!”

“For the next item, President Han, please show some mercy. I really like this flower and bird painting. Don’t compete with me for it.”

Han Xi responded to them all with a smile, remaining mostly composed as if spending three million was an ordinary affair.

But to Fang Zhou, this scene was incredibly impactful.

Three million!

For an antique vase he didn’t even appreciate?

Fang Zhou admitted he didn’t understand art or the cultural significance of the antique.

He only knew that Han Xi had told him it was his.

“Are you serious? It’s really for me?”

Fang Zhou’s expression was a mix of disbelief, unsure if Han Xi was joking or serious.

From what he knew, Han Xi rarely joked.

Sure enough, when she heard Fang Zhou’s question, Han Xi glanced at him and adjusted her posture, crossing her right leg over her left, saying coolly, “Yes, it’s real.”

“Consider it your appearance fee for being my companion tonight.”

Fang Zhou was speechless, stunned by Han Xi’s generosity.

Who gets an appearance fee of three million?

Except for extremely important figures or big celebrities, and even celebrities don’t charge for attending charity events, right?

He thought of Qiao Sisi—was she here just to support the event too?

Moreover, Fang Zhou understood the concept of not biting the hand that feeds you. He had learned from past experiences and was too cautious to accept.

“Such an expensive item, I can’t take it. You should keep it for yourself. I don’t even understand this stuff.”

Han Xi smiled lightly, seeing through his thoughts.

She leaned in closer and whispered, “Actually, this item isn’t worth three million. It’s only priced that high today because of the event.”

“The money will be donated to the orphanage, and we have a budget for charity expenses. If we don’t spend it today, we’ll spend it tomorrow.”

“Just consider yourself participating in this charity event. You can handle the antique however you wish afterward.”

This was the most Han Xi had spoken to Fang Zhou since their reunion, all to persuade him to accept the antique.

Fang Zhou hesitated, clearly tempted.

Han Xi leaned in closer, closing the distance further and said, “Of course, it’s not entirely free. I need a regular companion for future events. Just come whenever needed.”

She was essentially hiring Fang Zhou as her regular companion with the antique as payment, eliminating the need to find someone new each time.

It sounded like a great deal for Fang Zhou.

He earned fifty thousand on the show, and this antique was worth at least a hundred thousand.

Fang Zhou suddenly felt that even if Han Xi wanted to buy him, it might not be so bad…

Wait, not buy—hire.

Thinking of the medical expenses needed for his sister’s recovery, Fang Zhou hesitated only briefly before agreeing.

“Alright, consider this an advance on my salary!”

Even if future events were a trial by fire, he would brave them!

For the first time, a slight warmth melted the constant frost in Han Xi’s eyes, revealing a hint of spring.

“Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Fang.”

“Pleasure doing business.”

They exchanged smiles, both pleased to have achieved their goals.

This intimate conversation and mutual smiles didn’t go unnoticed. For some, it was like a needle piercing their hearts.

Chu Xinran and her mother, Chu Xuan, sat in the third row, directly behind Fang Zhou and Han Xi.

Initially not paying attention to the people in the first row, Chu Xinran looked up reflexively when the auctioneer congratulated President Han.

Her first sight wasn’t Han Xi but Fang Zhou sitting beside her.

Chu Xinran’s heart leaped, wanting to greet him, but then she noticed their close conversation and smiles.

That smile, to Chu Xinran, was an eyesore. He rarely smiled at her like that.

Thinking of the rumors about him and Qiao Sisi earlier that day, Chu Xinran felt even worse.

He could have rumors with anyone, but not her?

She clenched her skirt, her eyes filled with turmoil.

Fang Zhou, what must I do to get your attention?

Can you not smile so happily at others?

It hurts me. It feels like my heart is being plunged into an icy cave on a scorching summer day, leaving me shivering.

Help me, please? I want to escape this cold world with you.

Only you can save me, Fang Zhou.

The more Chu Xinran thought, the more she trembled.

Noticing her condition, Chu Xuan grasped her hand, asking softly, “What’s wrong, Xinran? Is the air conditioning too cold?”

“Shall I have someone bring you a blanket?”

Her words of concern snapped Chu Xinran back to reality.

Forcing a smile, she shook her head and replied softly.

“It’s not the air conditioning.”

Mom, it’s my heart that’s cold.

Air conditioning won’t help with that.

Seeing her daughter’s desolate state, Chu Xuan felt a pang of sympathy.

She had hoped to cheer up her precious daughter and introduce her to some new male friends tonight.

But it seemed ineffective.

Never mind, maybe I should buy her something to distract her.

Just then, the fourth auction item was brought up.

It was a peacock blue filigree and gold-embroidered phoenix coronet, shining beautifully under the lights.

Chu Xuan looked up and immediately took a liking to the coronet, her face showing determination.

This should be perfect for Xinran’s trousseau.

Chu Xuan made two bids, and upon seeing it was her, others respectfully refrained from bidding further.

In the end, Chu Xuan won the coronet.

The auctioneer, thrilled, congratulated her repeatedly.

“Congratulations to President Chu for acquiring this phoenix coronet for five million!”

Everyone turned to look toward Chu Xuan, including Fang Zhou.

Seeing Chu Xinran and Chu Xuan’s faces, Fang Zhou was flustered.

What are they doing here too?