HLM – Chapter 1001 Eva’s Gemstone

In the Western world, people adore rubies, seeing them as symbols of love, passion, noble character, and brilliance.

When this gemstone was first discovered, the earliest European Gem Association designated ruby as the birthstone of July. July symbolizes nobility, love, and compassion, and many people choose to get married in July.

Of course, Wang Bo knew that Europeans chose July weddings mostly because the weather was ideal—warm but not hot, breezy but not harsh.

Still, traditions tend to stick, giving July a special meaning, and naturally lifting the value of its birthstone.

To this day, rubies remain a staple in royal weddings across Europe. For example, during the recent British royal wedding, the sash on Prince William’s chest was adorned with a pigeon-blood ruby, and the bouquet Princess Kate held had a pink ruby embedded at the center of one of the blossoms.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this ruby set still has no official name. As tradition goes, its first owner holds the right to name it. Distinguished guests—especially those who cherish their other half—please place your bids!”

“Starting price: one million! Minimum increment: one hundred thousand!”

The words had barely left the white-gloved auctioneer’s mouth when a middle-aged man in the front row called out:

“Two million!”

“Two point five million!”

“Two point six!”

“Two point seven!”

“Three million!”

The price shot up rapidly—two to three million in barely thirty seconds.

Ye Qipeng gave a wry smile. “Brother Wang, if you’re planning to win this set today, you might have a hard time. This auction house really knows how to play—using naming rights to lure people.”

For women, naming rights could be even more tempting than the jewelry itself.

Because of how power works in the world, it’s extremely difficult for women to leave their names in history through official channels. (Of course, infamous figures like Pan Jinlian or certain scandals don’t count—here we’re talking about good names, not notoriety.)

But if they could name a fine jewelry set, and if the piece was valuable enough to be circulated for generations, their names would spread far and wide on their own.

Take for example the most famous ruby in history: The Carmen Lúcia Ruby. Carmen Lúcia was the beloved wife of jeweler collector Peter Buck.

In 2002, when she first heard about this ruby, she yearned to see it someday. But illness claimed her life quickly—she passed away from cancer in 2003.

Her grieving husband bought the ruby for a tremendous sum to fulfill her wish, named it after her, and eventually donated it to a museum.

On the projection screen was a quote related to that story. After buying the ruby, Peter Buck once said during an interview: Love should never wait. The auctioneer used this to stir the men in the room.

Wang Bo understood all this, but he was determined to win the jewelry. Eva loved this set—and it was the first time he’d seen her like a piece of jewelry so much.

The price climbed from three million to five million. The first small climax of the auction was approaching.

Wang Bo remained calm. When the price reached 7.5 million and almost everyone had dropped out, he suddenly raised his paddle.

“Eight million!”

At this stage, the bids had been going up by a mere hundred thousand each time, so his half-million jump created quite the shock.

Yes, everyone here was wealthy—anyone attending a Christie’s fall auction had to be. But even the rich didn’t mint money. They spent generously when needed, but when something became unnecessary, they exercised caution.

And this was clearly the “unnecessary” stage of the bidding.

Wang Bo’s eight-million offer drew many eyes. Several people in the front rows turned around; seeing the serene Eva beside him, they showed expressions of comprehension.

A handsome young man even clapped for Wang Bo, smiling in congratulations.

The middle-aged bidder who’d offered 7.5 million shook his head and gave up. With the price suddenly raised by half a million—and the opponent being a passionate young man—he decided it wasn’t worth continuing.

After the auctioneer called out the price three times, the ruby set was awarded to Wang Bo.

Because the item was clearly tied to the theme of love, the audience cooperated wholeheartedly, applauding. For these Westerners, love and chivalry were always among their favorite ideals.

Wang Bo and Eva stood, hand in hand, to thank everyone. Adams Georgetown came onto the stage and, in his theatrical style, asked:

“Sir, now that you’ve obtained the naming rights for this ruby set, please give it a name.”

Wang Bo replied, “My fiancée’s name is Irina Sharapova. I want to name it Eva.”

Another wave of applause followed. Several people stood up to shake his hand and congratulate Eva.

With the ruby auction concluded, the first small climax of the night had passed. Later items were more valuable, but none drew as much emotional attention.

When a Chinese item finally appeared, both Ye Qipeng and Yang Zhilong straightened their backs.

The lot was a Fuweng Cloud-Dragon Yellow Jade Brush Washer, said to have belonged to Huang Tingjian—the famous Song dynasty calligrapher and writer. Of course, he used many brush washers in his life, but this was the only one from his later years that had survived to the present.

Yang Zhilong explained, “This brush washer is carved from yellow jade. Look here—because it absorbed soil over time, the surface has a waxy luster. The jade shows mottled textures with reddish-brown streaks—classic characteristics of top-grade yellow jade aged beautifully.”

Even without the cultural background, the piece was visually stunning. Shaped like a dragon boat, its flowing lines, delicate carving, and strong, confident cuts gave it an air of soaring through the wind.

“We came for this national treasure,” Ye Qipeng said gravely. “This brush washer originally belonged to a great scholar, but during the Eight-Nation Alliance’s invasion, an American looted it. We must bring it home.”

After the display, the auction began. Starting price: six million. Minimum increment: two hundred thousand.

They were clearly confident Chinese buyers would compete for it.

But the brush washer was undeniably valuable. Even some Westerners began bidding. The price climbed steadily until it reached eight million—the same price Wang Bo had paid earlier for the ruby set.

Yang Zhilong raised the bid. Someone else countered. The price soared again.

When it reached ten million NZD, Ye Qipeng shook his head regretfully. “We can’t go any higher. That’s our limit.”

Eva raised her brows meaningfully and gave Wang Bo a subtle signal.

Wang Bo’s heart stirred.

“Keep bidding,” he said. “I’ll cover the rest—let’s take it together!”