Trillionaire's Slice of Life

However, now was clearly not the time for a trip down memory lane; she was still preoccupied with worry for her companions, fretting over the several hundred million in compensation at the bottom of her heart.

The New Year's money and pocket money she had saved for eighteen years, when combined, amounted to no more than a measly 1.3 million, not even enough to plug a gap between her teeth.

Zhao Lili, not in the mood for conversation, gave a slight nod to the young man opposite her as a way of greeting. Just as she was about to divert her gaze, she suddenly saw the young man before her reveal a smile.

A bright smile, the kind where even a row of pearly whites was on full display.

With wide eyes full of astonishment, Zhao Lili's face registered her surprise. Then, the smiling Chu Mo casually said:

"You're called Zhao Lili, right? Since this brother here is your friend, I'll take this matter off his hands for your sake, Lili."

As his words fell, amidst everyone's touched reactions, Chu Mo gently lifted the wine glass in front of him.

Half a glass of red wine remained; when they had toasted a moment ago due to the accident, they clinked glasses but had not actually drunk.

Chu Mo dipped his finger into the wine glass, carelessly dabbed some wine, and then touched the wine-wetted fingertip to the already stained artwork, adding two dabs.

Suddenly, two more red dots appeared on the artwork before him.

After using a paper towel to wipe his fingertip, a smiling Chu Mo said:

"Lu Ye, today I accidentally dropped some wine onto the scroll, and you, for symmetry's sake, did the same. Now that the painting has your true mark, I'll take it off your hands for five billion, hoping you'll part with it."

In an instant, the painting, now stained in four places, had not depreciated in value, but rather increased by fifty million from its original price.

The elder surnamed Lu, with a solemn expression, hesitated briefly. He then said quietly:

"Chu, this matter has nothing to do with you. I, Lu Meiqiang, am not the sort to shirk responsibility."

Hearing this, Chu Mo took another look at the elder, seeing his sincere expression devoid of any excitement of profiting from an advantage, couldn't help but respect him more.

Indeed, the title of 'Lu Ye' of the Magic Capital didn't come for nothing; this man was genuinely forthright.

Such a person was worth making connections with for Chu Mo.

His eyes shone brightly as he spoke in an even tone:

"Lu Ye, this calligraphy and painting is your treasured collection. Now that both of us have spilled wine on it, my offer of five billion to purchase it can be considered a beautiful transaction. When my club is established, I'll hang this calligraphy and painting in the most prominent position for the guests to admire. By then, Lu Ye, you must come and support the event."

Chu Mo slowly revealed his purpose, and the elder across from him no longer dwelled on it.

After sizing up Chu Mo with a serious look, the elder Lu knew that Chu Mo cared not for the artwork itself, but for his influence. His purchase of the painting was also a request for a favor.

Turning his gaze towards the painting now tainted with stains, possibly worthless or perhaps invaluable, Lu Meiqiang after a moment of consideration nodded earnestly and said:

"Notify me, Chu, and I'll bring several good friends to enjoy your treasured collection."

Chu Mo had thus achieved his goal.

Whether the painting cost four or five billion, Chu Mo had no interest whatsoever. Not to mention that the painting was originally worth a fortune—even if it were just a blank sheet of paper, it made no difference to Chu Mo.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

What he valued was the vast network of the elder before him. Earning his approval was far more important than a few billion in funds.

After pouring himself another glass of wine, Chu Mo raised his glass, his face sincere as he said:

"Thank you, Lu Ye, for parting with your treasured artwork; I drink to you."

This was the epitome of flattery; although hardly anyone besides Chu Mo would buy the painting, his words naturally aimed to forge a good relationship with the other party.

Lu Meiqiang raised his glass again to meet Chu Mo's, his mood now noticeably different from before.

When Chu Mo first made an offer of 4.5 billion, he merely considered the gathering a transaction, possibly without further relationship after today.

Yet with Chu Mo's second offer of five billion, for the same piece of artwork, Lu Meiqiang began to see Chu Mo not just as the heir of a hidden wealthy family, but also as someone worth befriending.

Lu Meiqiang himself liked making friends from all walks of life, but very few truly caught his eye. And now, there was another, the Chu Mo before him.

The two clinked glasses.

The sound of glass striking glass was exceptionally crisp, and at that moment, the previously tense atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted.

Liu Ming, the boy referred to, looked utterly bewildered. He had been the central figure in the entire incident and was on tenterhooks.

Having previously resolved to 'break the pot and sell the iron,' ready to be skinned by his family, a sudden turn of events transpired, and the painting was sold. He no longer needed to sell everything he had.

The twist of events unfolded so swiftly that his brain completely short-circuited, leaving him unsure of what expression to wear.

The ponytailed girl beside Liu Ming gaped in disbelief.

Was the young man who had met her just once at the auction, willing to spend a whopping five billion for her, buying a worthless piece of calligraphy?

Was her charm that overwhelming, or was the world just too insane?

While Zhao Lili's face was a mask of confusion, her companions suddenly tugged at her sleeve, whispering admiringly:

"Lili, you've struck it rich! How have we never realized you're so amazing, to know such an impressive friend? Five billion, just spent like that because of you?"

Upon hearing her friend's words, another girl likewise said excitedly:

"Lili, how can your face be worth five billion?"

Zhao Lili, having no idea what was happening, pinched her thigh hard with her fingernail.

A stabbing pain.

So all of this is real?

The young man, who had met her just once, spent five billion for the sake of her friend.

"How should I thank him?"

As Zhao Lili was inquiring quietly to the friend beside her, turning to see the handsome young man and Lu Ye of the Magic Capital laughing and talking, they all cast her strange glances.

"Shouldn't this be a matter of pledging yourself to him?"

The cheongsam-clad Lu Siyue suddenly spoke up quietly.