novelzi Chapter 439 The Bustling Auto Show
Chapter 439 The Bustling Auto Show
He leaned forward slightly, revealing genuine interest: "With this kind of setup, the 'goods' inside are definitely not ordinary!"
His fingertips tapped unconsciously on the leather armrest, with the keen eye of a collector: "I bet there are a few limited editions that you'd never normally see, maybe even one-of-a-kind with serial numbers, brought out to make an appearance!"
"If I ever have the chance to meet someone like that..."
Fang Yu's gaze sharpened and hardened, his tone carrying an undeniable possessiveness: "What else is there to say? Take it! Who cares if we drive it or not! Just having it in the garage is a collectible in itself!"
Ye Fan listened and nodded in deep agreement.
Although Fang Yu's words were incredibly extravagant, he completely understood the logic behind them.
Top-tier cars, especially those with limited production, unique designs, or landmark status, have long transcended the realm of mere transportation.
Like rare paintings, antique porcelain, or even priceless limited-edition figurines or sports cards from later generations, they carry symbolic value in terms of craftsmanship, design, history, and even scarcity.
For players of Fang Yu's caliber, collecting these "moving works of art" and "crystallizations of industrial civilization" is itself a display of status and an accumulation of wealth.
For them, cars are nothing more than more expensive, more sophisticated, and more ostentatious "big toys."
Liu Ruyan listened quietly from the side, a hint of understanding flashing across her delicate features.
Although she is not obsessed with this path, being in the business world, she is well aware of the consumption logic and symbolic meaning of the top circle.
Fang Yu's seemingly casual yet confident "theory of collecting" precisely confirms his unfathomable wealth and extraordinary vision as a top-tier rich second-generation heir in Jinling.
......
About half an hour later.
The Toyota Alphard slowly drove into the International Expo Center area.
The scene before them instantly shattered the casual atmosphere of conversation inside the car.
Crowds!
The long, winding queue at the entrance stretched like a dragon, a dense, dark mass that seemed to have no end in sight.
The air was filled with excited shouts, the low growl of engines, and the massive roar of countless people talking.
The parking lot has been transformed into an open-air showroom for top-of-the-line luxury cars—Phantom, Mulsanne, 488 GTB, Aventador...
These mechanical artworks, each worth millions or even tens of millions, are now crammed together like ordinary vehicles, shimmering with a dazzling luster.
In contrast, Fang Yu's understated yet luxurious Alphard became almost a background figure in the "supercar jungle," inconspicuous and even somewhat "shabby."
Qin Kun, sitting in the back, couldn't help but click his tongue and exclaimed through the car window, "Wow! It feels like half of Nanjing has squeezed in!"
He pointed to the surging crowd at the entrance: "When will we ever get to finish this queue?"
As far as the eye can see, there are not only throngs of spectators.
The open space has long been occupied by various "content producers".
Media reporters and car reviewers carrying professional cameras and lighting equipment; internet celebrities holding selfie sticks, with exquisite makeup, enthusiastically explaining to their phone screens; and even many well-dressed cosplayers wandering among them, adding a touch of quirky anime and manga style to this industrial extravaganza.
Like bees drawn to the fragrance of flowers, they were attracted by the unprecedented popularity of the auto show, acting as both promoters and traffic generators for themselves.
Fang Yu frowned slightly as he looked at the long, slowly creeping queue at the entrance.
Given their status and purpose, they would naturally not waste their precious time queuing.
He deftly pulled out his phone and dialed a pre-set number.
Just a few minutes later, a staff member dressed in a sharp suit, wearing a high-level employee badge from the organizer, jogged over to the Alphard, a respectful and professional smile on his face, and bowed slightly to Fang Yu as he lowered the window.
"Mr. Fang, welcome! This way, please!"
He quickly handed several hard access cards with gold-stamped VIP logos and special chips into the car and distributed them to everyone.
Please follow me to the VIP entrance.
Ye Fan accepted the pass calmly, showing no surprise.
Given Fang Yu's status in Jinling City and his family's influence in the automotive industry, especially as a major consumer of top-tier luxury cars, this treatment is only natural.
Major automakers understand this well—maintaining relationships and experiences with top-tier customers is a key element in ensuring brand image and sales performance.
A dedicated lane is merely the most basic service offered under this tacit understanding.
Everyone then got off the bus.
Almost at the same time, the door of an inconspicuous black Escalade next to it slid open silently.
Seven or eight burly men, dressed in black custom-made suits, with strong physiques and stern expressions, filed out.
They moved swiftly and were highly trained, with miniature communication devices hidden in their collars and almost invisible earpieces clipped to their ears.
After getting off the bus, these people did not huddle together, but dispersed very naturally.
Some casually strolled to the side and in front of Fang Yu, Ye Fan, and the others to clear a path.
Some lagged a few steps behind, their eyes scanning the surroundings like hawks; others seemed to be admiring the luxury cars next to them, but in reality, they were cleverly positioned to protect the core group within an invisible semi-circular protective circle.
They maintained a seemingly relaxed yet instantly responsive distance from Fang Yu and his group, their sharp eyes constantly watching the slightest movement around the core figures in the protection circle, subtly keeping away unrelated individuals or overly enthusiastic media and fans who tried to approach.
Their presence was deliberately minimized, yet they were omnipresent like air, creating a silent barrier.
Ye Fan was used to this.
Having known Fang Yu for so long, he was well aware of this top-tier second-generation rich kid's travel habits. When they had private get-togethers, he usually didn't bring any security personnel for the sake of comfort.
However, in large public venues like today's, which are unprecedented in scale and involve a diverse mix of people, safety is always the top priority.
This is not an overreaction—while China's security environment is indeed world-class, "there are all sorts of birds in a big forest," especially in the face of huge crowds and displays of wealth. It is necessary to be wary of potential accidents, such as stampedes caused by overcrowding, harassment from fanatical fans/media, or even malicious individuals.
The presence of these professional bodyguards is primarily to ensure that key personnel can move freely in a relatively comfortable and controlled environment, eliminating any "trouble" that might interfere with their experience.
Under the respectful guidance of the staff, the group, holding VIP access cards, ignored the curious, envious, or resentful glances from the long queue next to them and headed straight for the fast, quiet, and exclusive passage that was only open to a very few people.
Behind me, the background noise was a cacophony of voices and the roar of engines. Ahead lay a dazzling stage showcasing the pinnacle of the global automotive industry.
The security team blended into their surroundings silently and efficiently, like an invisible shadow.