There were two donations at this charity gala: one voluntary donation and one collective donation.
There is no limit to the amount of voluntary donations; everyone can contribute as they see fit, mainly for good luck. Collective donations, however, are the highlight of the dinner. Representatives from each family will take turns going on stage to announce their donation amounts, creating a slightly competitive atmosphere.
Although there is no minimum donation amount, it has been a long-standing custom and a tacit understanding that for a dinner party like this where celebrities gather, the minimum individual donation will not be less than 200,000 yuan, and the minimum collective donation will be 2 million yuan.
For convenience, Qin Jia took off her shawl and placed it on the sofa chair. Then, wearing high heels, she carefully walked towards the crowd.
The further into the crowd she went, the brighter the lights became. Beams of light shone down, bathing Qin Jia in a soft golden glow, subtly outlining her graceful figure.
Standing to the side, Luo Shiqing was stunned and involuntarily stopped in her tracks, momentarily forgetting that she was going to continue walking.
Qin Jia had been wearing a shawl, so Luo Shiqing hadn't seen it clearly until now, under the light, that she realized how beautiful Qin Jia's dress was.
Most importantly, the dress was beautiful, and so was she; the two complemented each other perfectly. Looking around, no one there was as striking as Qin Jia; anyone standing next to her would pale in comparison.
"Miss Luo, what's wrong?"
A clear voice drew Luo Shiqing's attention back. Her dilated pupils gradually focused, and she calmed herself down, saying, "I'm fine, let's go over there."
Qin Jia smiled faintly, "Mm."
The donation was about to begin. The host stood in the center of the crowd, next to a large LED screen displaying a few simple donation procedures.
Everyone took turns drawing a card, scanning the QR code on the card, and making a donation according to the instructions. Each card had a unique number, which was automatically generated when the QR code was scanned to avoid confusion about the source of donations due to duplicate names.
After the donations are completed, the donation amounts will be sorted on the screen at the scene, and the top three will be recognized in the final group donation session.
Time ticked by, and it was Qin Jia's turn. She walked from the back row to the front, entering people's field of vision. The crowd was silent for a moment, then a murmur arose.
"Who is this girl? She's so pretty! I've never seen her before!"
"She seems to be Qin Mo's girlfriend. She works in Zhenyuan Design Department and is a jewelry designer."
"Qin Mo's girlfriend? No way. He told me a while ago he was single. Even if it were true, would he really spend millions on a dress?"
"That dress cost millions?"
"I noticed the V-brand limited edition when I was attending a fashion show in Paris recently."
"Isn't today a charity gala? Why is she dressed so extravagantly? How much money is she planning to donate?"
"Who knows? We'll just have to wait and see."
"..."
Most of those who participate in outdoor voluntary donations are second-generation rich kids and daughters. Since they don't control the family finances, they don't want to donate much.
Some entrepreneurs also participate, but they put the bulk of their money into the later stages and don't contribute much in this part. They usually just donate around 200,000 yuan and call it a day.
And so, because of a haute couture gown, everyone's attention was drawn to Qin Jia. Everyone was curious about how much money this unfamiliar face would donate.
Although there is no limit, it would be interesting if she couldn't even come up with a minimum price of 200,000.
The host paused for two seconds in surprise, then picked up the microphone to defuse the situation: "It seems this young lady values our dinner party very much. Thank you very much for participating."
"It's fate that we're all gathered here today to do charity. It doesn't matter how much or how little we donate, as long as it's the thought that counts. Don't feel pressured."
Qin Jia walked to the table to draw a card. After taking the card, she stepped aside and took out her phone to scan the code.
At this moment, Luo Shiqing suddenly leaned over, tugged at her arm, and whispered, "Qin Jia, do you want to wait for your boyfriend to come over before you do it?"
Qin Jia looked up and glanced outside, but Qin Mo was nowhere to be seen; he'd disappeared somewhere socializing. By the time he arrived, this part of the event would probably be over.
"It's nothing." Qin Jia lowered her eyes, her raven-white eyelashes casting a small shadow beneath her eyelids. "I have money."
As soon as he finished speaking, a low laugh came from behind him, carrying a hint of mockery.
Qin Jia didn't look back. She took out her bank card from her bag and filled in the card number into the transfer box.
Luo Shiqing glanced anxiously into the distance, and when she came to her senses, she found that Qin Jia had already completed the donation. She didn't see the specific amount, only a congratulatory message.
"Oh, I forgot to mention earlier, there are no restrictions on voluntary donations, but…" she whispered, "in reality, you need to give at least 200,000. If that's not enough for you, I can give you a portion of the amount."
Qin Jia carefully put away the bank card, fastened her handbag, and smiled gently, "Don't worry, I've already exceeded the limit. You can donate your money yourself, no need to give it to me."
Luo Shiqing was momentarily stunned. "Okay."
A few minutes later, the donation ended.
A staff member came over and whispered something to the host, who immediately smiled upon hearing it.
He picked up the microphone, turned up the volume, and said in an inspiring tone, "Ladies and gentlemen, the results from the backstage statistics are in. This donation drive had 52 participants, raising a total of 47.7 million yuan, breaking previous records."
"Among them, the most kind-hearted friend donated five million yuan. Let's all raise our hands and give this friend the warmest applause!"
After the host finished speaking, the crowd was stunned.
The crowd applauded, puzzled, and began to discuss among themselves, speculating about who was so generous as to donate so much money.
Amidst the murmurs, the host interrupted with a smile: "If you want to know the results, please look at the big screen next to me. We're now announcing the third place winner, number 0255, Xu Shuang, with 8.5 million. Thank you, Ms. Xu."
"Second place, number 0984, Luo Shiqing, 2.2 million. Thank you, Ms. Luo."
Both the Xu and Luo families are wealthy merchants in Yucheng, and their power should not be underestimated. This result was not unexpected. But excluding Luo Shiqing, who else present possessed such strength?
Just as everyone was wondering, the screen changed and a line of text appeared.
"First place, number 5032, Qin Jia, 5 million. Thank you, Miss Qin!"
Qin Jia donated five million?!
Luo Shiqing stood there, stunned, staring at her in disbelief, unable to recover for a long time.
"Where is Miss Qin? Please come and collect the first-place exclusive commemorative gift box."
At the host's call, Qin Jia slowly stepped forward, lifting her skirt, and handed him the card in her hand.
The host stared blankly as he scanned the QR code, then stared at the string of numbers in the center of his phone screen, completely bewildered.
Not only the host, but the crowd was also stunned. They never expected that the female white-collar worker they had just looked down on would donate five million in one go!
"Really? Is this money laundering? How could she possibly have five million?!"
"It was given by Qin Mo. The Qin family is rich and powerful; five million is nothing to them."
"Don't you know Qin Mo's reputation? I suspect this money is ill-gotten. I hope it's not dirty money, or the foundation might get into trouble."
"..."
Amidst the whispers, a richly dressed lady pushed through the crowd and walked confidently to the screen, grabbing Qin Jia's hand.
Everyone looked closely and realized that the newcomer was Mrs. Qin, a notorious shrew in Yucheng. Seeing her holding Qin Jia's hand, they were even more puzzled.
This woman is incredibly arrogant, having fend off countless suitors for her son Qin Mo, making Qin Mo a Voldemort-like figure in Yucheng's high society. She would never be interested in an ordinary jewelry designer.
Shen Yushu ignored the stares of others. Her anxious heart was soothed the moment she saw her daughter was unharmed. She looked at Qin Jia and asked with concern, "Jiajia, what are you doing here? There are so many people here, are you alright?"
Qin Jia held a bag in one hand and a gift box in the other, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "I'm fine."
Shen Yushu was about to leave with Qin Jia when she was suddenly stopped by the host next to her: "Mrs. Qin, Miss Qin just generously donated 5 million yuan. According to the procedure, she should give a speech to bring this segment to a perfect close."
Shen Yushu frowned slightly, snatched the microphone from the host's hand, and glanced at the crowd.
The woman exuded an imposing aura without anger, her presence intimidating and sending chills down everyone's spines.
"Let me formally introduce you all. This is my eldest daughter, Qin Jia. She donated the pocket money I gave her today. If you're not convinced, you can go home and ask your parents for it. Stop making up lies and spreading rumors."
"If I hear another word from you, you'll face the consequences."
"I'm done speaking." Shen Yushu tossed the microphone to the host. "You can continue with your summary."
Many of the second-generation rich kids present felt that these words struck at their weakest point, hitting them right where it hurt.
Hearing that they could donate five million in pocket money so easily, they shed tears of envy.
At this moment, the host awkwardly raised his lips and tried to smooth things over: "Thank you Mrs. Qin for your wonderful speech, and thank you all for your generosity. This voluntary donation event is now over. Please leave and proceed to your seats in the banquet hall."
After the host finished speaking, the crowd dispersed like birds and beasts.
Many people watched Shen Yushu and Qin Jia leave with their backs and felt envious: "Look at that mother, she's so generous to her daughter. She gave her five million in pocket money without hesitation, and she didn't scold her even after the money was donated."
"What an amazing mother!"
"Come on, didn't you say she was terrifying before? What was that, the number one shrew in Yucheng? Didn't you say that?"
"Those are all rumors. Like the rumors that the eldest daughter of the Qin family is not favored and is like a ghost at home. But look at her now! She buys dresses worth millions just like that, and gives out millions in pocket money just like that. How can you say she's not favored?"
"Stop talking, the Joker is actually myself!"
...
Just as everyone was taking their seats in the banquet hall, Qin Jia was pulled by Shen Yushu to the top floor of the hotel.
Outside the presidential suite on the top floor, Shen Yushu cleared her throat and softly instructed Qin Jia, "Jiajia, next we're going to see Second Master Lu and settle things with An Jun completely. Watch my every move. When I start playing the victim, you start crying, understand?"
After saying that, she thought about her daughter's occasional koala-like mindset and suddenly felt a little uneasy. "Jiajia, do you know what it means to play the victim?"
Qin Jia replied: "Show weakness."
Shen Yushu nodded affirmatively, "You're so smart. Mom will transfer some money to you when I get home so you can buy ice cream."
Qin Jia felt a warmth in her heart at her mother's unconditional acceptance and smiled from the bottom of her heart.
She took Shen Yushu's arm and followed beside her, waiting for the door to the presidential suite to open.
Not long after, footsteps could be heard from inside the house.
The door opened from the inside out, and Qin Jia blinked, her amber eyes meeting a pair of peach blossom eyes.
The moment their eyes met, a hint of warmth flashed in the man's icy, indifferent eyes, as if snow were melting.
"Miss Qin, are you here to see me?"
Qin Jia looked at Lu Tingzhou, pondered for a moment, and said, "No."
"I came to find you..."
Many names flashed through her mind, and she couldn't quite put them all together, so she blurted them all out.
"Uncle? Uncle? Cousin? Aunt?" Qin Jia muttered to herself, "Or maybe..."
"The second grandfather?"
Human kinship is so complicated!
Inside the room, Lu Erye, who came upon hearing the noise, twitched at the corner of his mouth, and his gaze toward Qin Jia instantly turned to affection.
Such a beautiful girl, what a pity.