Qin Xiangge realized the voice came from right behind her.
She instinctively turned her head.
It was a youth clad entirely in black.
In the dim corner, only a pair of piercing blue eyes shone brightly, reminiscent of the mysterious and vast ocean—deep and captivating.
Qin Xiangge froze, momentarily lost in thought.
When the youth called out "Three billion," countless pairs of eyes in the room turned to him in unison.
The auctioneer exclaimed excitedly, "18 has called three billion once...!"
When announcing the bid a second time, he instinctively glanced toward the direction of the second floor.
In Qingzhou’s realm, the black-clad youth’s behavior was nothing short of provocation.
If Young Master Leng had been merely toying earlier, now he would undoubtedly get serious.
After all, if he truly lost to an unknown youth, the disgrace would fall upon the Leng family’s name.
Sure enough, Leng Yunyang called again, "Five billion."
The entire room drew a collective cold breath.
The Leng family lived up to its reputation, wielding money like a weapon to crush opponents.
The auctioneer’s mouth was nearly stretching to his ears with delight.
The bidding had already broken the record for the highest-priced single item at the auction house in the past five years.
Backstage, Director Dai Zhong stared at the computer screen showing the 360-degree surveillance feed and calmly ordered his staff, "Find out who this customer in Seat 18 is."
The assistant flipped through a tablet and pulled up the information, "A Mr. Wang from Green City Fund. This company was established not long ago, but its background can’t be underestimated. It’s backed by Chunzhou’s Tianxing Real Estate, which recently secured a joint fund project with Qingzhou Bank and Yuanda Group."
Dai Zhong kept his gaze fixed on the black-clad youth on the screen. "Do you think he’s Mr. Wang?"
The assistant adjusted his glasses, "The data shows that Mr. Wang is thirty-five years old and of short stature."
If he wasn’t invited, no matter how wealthy or influential, he wouldn’t have been able to enter.
If he wasn’t Mr. Wang, then who was he?
After Leng Yunyang called out "Five billion," the youth raised his paddle unhurriedly.
His languid tone carried a hint of indifference, "Ten billion."
At this, Dai Zhong’s face darkened completely.
This individual was clearly no friendly visitor.
Dai Zhong picked up his phone and made a call, "Keep a close watch on Seat 18."
Goodness me, a direct jump of five billion.
The entire room was already in absolute shock.
Who was this person to dare challenge Young Master Leng so directly?
Leng Xuexi’s lips curled slightly as she watched the gradually darkening expression on the youth’s face.
Her gaze was filled with a touch of schadenfreude.
Finally met your match, didn’t you?
Leng Yunyang rubbed the rim of his porcelain cup, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing coldly.
The corner of his mouth curved into a sly and roguish smirk.
Leng Yunyang didn’t raise the bid again. He knew that even if he offered one hundred billion, the opponent wouldn’t back down.
Whether the youth was here for the jade or simply to oppose him, Leng Yunyang hadn’t figured it out just yet.
Nonetheless, tonight wasn’t a wasted trip; he’d finally met someone intriguing.
Ultimately, the Emeraldified Jade Token of Qingguo was sold for ten billion.
The entire room was abuzz.
The jade token was indeed exquisite, but ten billion... That was outrageous.
Though curious about the youth’s identity, most assumed he was just a wealthy fool.
The auction house’s higher-ups were probably going to count money until their hands cramped.
Lady Luuo stood up, "Let’s go."
Her goal for the night had been achieved, everything else was irrelevant to her, and she had little interest in lingering.
Luuo Yunqi stared at the black-clad youth downstairs and pursed her lips.
"Offending Leng Yunyang—he’s going to regret it."
At that moment, staff from the auction house entered the room, bringing along the purchased item and contract to witness the transaction on-site.
Everything proceeded smoothly.
The staff gestured, and two tall men dressed in tactical gear and armed walked in.
The staff smiled and explained, "These two are our security personnel. They will escort you home safely."
With customers carrying valuables, to prevent any nefarious plans by thieves, all successful bidders tonight were to be escorted home by security staff.
It had to be said, the auction house’s attention to security and customer service was quite meticulous.
Lady Luuo nodded, "Thank you for this."
She didn’t linger and quickly left the auction house with Luuo Yunqi under the escort of the security personnel.
Meanwhile, Yuan Zhao, Qin Xiangge, and other successful bidders were invited to different areas for signing agreements.
The spectators who were merely there for curiosity orderly exited the auction hall.
"Sir, this way please," the director’s assistant approached the black-clad youth and respectfully addressed him.
The youth stood up, and only then did the assistant notice his lean and tall figure. His hat’s brim obscured the upper half of his face, while a mask covered the lower half. Even under the dazzling lights, he seemed shrouded in darkness, making it impossible to discern his features.