Chapter 422: Winning Without Spending a Dime
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Twenty-four million,” Sheng Jian spoke up again.
“Thirty million,” came a voice, cool as an old pine tree.
“Heh…” Sheng Jian chuckled softly. “It seems you’re determined to go head-to-head with me. Very well, I’ll be generous. The artifact is yours.”
“Mm,” the voice responded, regal and unyielding.
For thirty million, someone had just bought a small ceramic piece that, to most, seemed hardly worth the price. The auctioneer could barely suppress his gleeful grin. He hurriedly ordered his staff to deliver the ceramic to ‘Mr. Thirty Million.’
However, the high bidder simply said, “No need to bring it to me. Send it to number 22.”
The auctioneer looked puzzled for a moment but complied.
Rong Qi took the ceramic piece wordlessly. Considering it had cost her thirty million, the acquisition suddenly seemed less than thrilling.
Eighteen out of the twenty precious items had already been auctioned off, and still, the Mystic Berry, the item Rong Qi had been waiting for, had yet to make an appearance. Only two items left. Her heart pounded in anticipation. The nineteenth item was yet another antique, not the Mystic Berry.
Rong Qi’s fingers clenched slightly on her lap, her eyes fixated on the stage. The twentieth, and final item, was finally brought out. It was the Mystic Berry! She had waited, and now it was here. The Mystic Berry looked like a kiwi.
Its appearance intrigued the crowd below the stage. Few understood its significance unless they were experts in traditional medicine. Even as the auctioneer described its functions, not many seemed interested in placing a bid.
Not because they weren’t enticed, but because the starting bid was a staggering 800 million. That was more than the working capital of countless companies. Nevertheless, Rong Qi cast a sideways glance at Sheng Jian.
Then, Rong Qi raised her paddle and said, “One billion.”
She had just upped the ante by a whopping 200 million. The room fell into a stunned silence. Even the auctioneer was speechless. One billion—that was truly an astronomical sum.
Upstairs, Sheng Jian’s hawk-like eyes met Rong Qi’s. His piercing gaze lingered on her for quite some time. She knew she was being watched, but she didn’t care. The Mystic Berry had appeared, and it would be hers.
In a surprising twist, Sheng Jian didn’t raise her bid. Rong Qi felt a small sense of relief as she secured the Mystic Berry. The only problem was she didn’t actually have a billion to spend.
After the auction ended, Rong Qi moved to the back to finalize her payment and claim her prize. She stood before the counter, eyeing the Mystic Berry with a sense of guarded delight.
“You dare to bid for such an item without having the money?” A raspy voice typical of middle-aged men emanated from behind her.
Rong Qi turned to find Sheng Jian approaching with a couple of his minions. Frowning, she replied, “As long as Mr. Sheng doesn’t back out, I’ll find a way to pay.”
“Heh, what could a young girl like you possibly do?” Sheng Jian sneered, moving to reclaim the Mystic Berry. But Rong Qi blocked him deftly.
Sheng Jian scanned Rong Qi from head to toe, emanating an aura of dignified menace. He said, “Young lady, a deal’s a deal. No money, no item. Haven’t your parents taught you it’s not okay to take things without paying?”
Rong Qi looked down, snorted softly, and retorted, “Who said I wasn’t going to pay?”
Sheng Jian raised an eyebrow, his expression saying it all.
Silent, Rong Qi took out her phone and found a document. She showed it to the attendant at the counter.
The attendant’s demeanor turned serious. “I apologize, miss, but we’ll need to verify this.”
Rong Qi nodded and handed the attendant the phone. Moments later, the attendant respectfully returned the phone and handed the Mystic Berry to Rong Qi with both hands.
“Miss Rong, please take good care of your Mystic Berry.”
Sheng Jian looked on, utterly stunned..