Chapter 59: The Auction (Part 1)

Lin Fan watched silently as the invisible forces clashed, a cold sneer curling in his heart. The world was always this pragmatic, which was why he had led Dragon Soul to climb, step by step, ever higher—to stand at the very pinnacle, to act entirely by his own will, no longer beholden to anyone.

At that moment, the wealthy tycoons scattered about the hall began to find their seats, forming a semicircle facing the podium. A hush fell over the entire hall.

Once everyone was seated, the auctioneer tapped his gavel and addressed the crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, the auction hosted by Zhentian Group is about to begin. As you all know, ten percent of the proceeds from every Zhentian auction are donated to help children in impoverished regions, so every bid you place is a contribution to charity!”

He continued, “Now, please keep your eyes wide open. You are about to behold a series of exquisite collectibles—jewelry, antiques, and many works of art. Without further ado, let us present the first item up for bid this evening!”

Immediately, all the lights dimmed, leaving only the spotlights converging on the T-shaped stage. Then, a stunningly beautiful woman—her figure and features among the finest—emerged, carrying a tray. Her attire was daring in the extreme, revealing all that ought to be shown, while artfully concealing what should remain hidden. For a moment, Lin Fan found himself thoroughly distracted by the sensual models rather than the auction items themselves.

Truth be told, he had always been this way; in the past, he would often attend fashion or auto shows, his sole purpose being to admire the alluring models—though, of course, it was only ever to look.

The early auction lots were merely paintings or antiques, in which Lin Fan had little interest. The crowd below, on the other hand, was brimming with enthusiasm, eagerly calling out bids. Though this was a charity auction in name, it was an auction nonetheless. They could acquire something they fancied and gain a charitable reputation at once—who would refuse such an opportunity?

In fact, the idea of donating a portion of the proceeds to impoverished children after each Zhentian auction was originally Lin Fan’s suggestion to Lin Yan. The number of underprivileged children in China was beyond counting; to help even one was worthwhile. Lin Yan had agreed at once, recognizing the goodness of such a deed.

About half an hour passed, and the first dozen or so items were sold. The majority of the businessmen and CEOs present had acquired suitable, though not necessarily beloved, possessions at prices they could bear. The auction now entered its final phase.

Now came the auction of a dagger. According to legend, after Jing Ke’s failed assassination of the King of Qin during the Warring States period, the dagger fell into the king’s hands. The King of Qin then had his nation’s finest smiths reforge it, dispelling its murderous aura and enhancing its power, before rewarding it to Gai Nie, his loyal protector…

The auctioneer’s introduction droned on, but Lin Fan barely listened. He did, however, catch the dagger’s name—Crimson Remnant. After being given to Gai Nie, it became a symbol of protection for ancient emperors. Watching its form projected from every angle on the screen, Lin Fan immediately thought of his brother, Ren Qianxing—this dagger couldn’t suit anyone better.

“Brother, do you like that dagger?” Feifei suddenly asked, watching Lin Fan’s face.

Lin Fan was intently focused on Crimson Remnant when Feifei’s question startled him. He nodded subconsciously and grunted in acknowledgment.

“If you like it, just bid for it. You have plenty of money anyway,” Zhao Ying remarked, sensing Lin Fan’s genuine interest in the dagger. Little did she know, Lin Fan intended it as a gift—for it was a perfect match for his brother.

Lin Fan shot Zhao Ying a puzzled glance. She had just told him to save his money, and now she was urging him to spend it. He found himself completely unable to fathom her reasoning.

“Now, let’s begin the bidding. The starting price for the Crimson Remnant dagger is seven million yuan, with each increment not less than half a million. The auction begins now!” The auctioneer struck the gavel.

Daggers held little allure for most women, so the tycoons who kept mistresses showed no interest in the weapon. Still, a few men began to bid, recognizing the dagger’s exquisite craftsmanship and value as a collectible.

“Seven and a half million.”

“I offer eight million.”

…

“Eight point eight million.” Sensing the time was right, Lin Fan raised his brows with a faint smile and declared, “Ten million!”

He had raised the price by a full one point two million at once, causing many to frown and look back at him. Auctions had their own unspoken rules: unless there were many rivals, incremental bidding was always safest.

In modern times, people only bought daggers as collectibles; this was not ancient times—no one would purchase such a weapon for murder. Thus, most felt that eight million was already the upper limit for such an item.

Yet here was someone raising the bid by another one point two million. Eyes searched the crowd and, upon settling on Lin Fan, quickly turned away in silence.

For a young man who had just made a hundred million in a matter of minutes, he had every right to disregard such conventions. Nevertheless, there was always someone unhappy to let things rest.

Just as Lin Fan believed he would secure the dagger for ten million, a discordant voice rang out, “Eleven million!”

Lin Fan narrowed his eyes and immediately spotted the young man who spoke—it was Wei Liang. At first, Lin Fan was surprised by his sudden bid, but as he saw Jin Baiwan slip away from Wei Liang’s side, he instantly understood. Clearly, this was Jin Baiwan’s doing. Who would have thought these two spoiled heirs would team up so quickly? Then again, birds of a feather flock together—there was nothing so surprising in that.

Trying to force up my bid?

A wicked grin curled at the edge of Lin Fan’s lips. He called out, “Twelve and a half million!”

“Thirteen million!”

“Fourteen million!”

“Fifteen million!”

“Sixteen and a half million!” Lin Fan’s smile grew more devilish, and his bidding came faster and faster—almost before Wei Liang could finish, Lin Fan would call out his next number, as if victory was already assured.

Wei Liang began to smile triumphantly, keeping pace, “Seventeen million!” Onstage, the auctioneer was nearly dumbfounded, yet his face shone with excitement as he clutched his gavel, cheering the two on in his heart.

It’s heating up, it’s heating up! Wonderful! Finally, someone’s getting into a bidding war! Every auctioneer dreams of this moment—the more powerful the rivals, the fiercer the contest, the better. The auctioneer even wished he could jump in and fan the flames, for only then could he showcase his magical skills in turning mediocrity into miracles!

…

“Nineteen and a half million!”

“Twenty million!”

When Wei Liang reflexively called out “twenty million,” he suddenly realized the bidding had stopped. He couldn’t help but shudder and slowly turned his head.

Lin Fan stood up, raised his hand, and with the look of a plot fulfilled, the wicked smile still hanging on his lips, said, “It seems Young Master Wei truly desires this dagger. A gentleman does not covet another’s beloved; this dagger is yours now.”

Wei Liang trembled again under Lin Fan’s grin. He wasn’t poor, but to spend twenty million on a dagger he had no use for—his father would surely break his legs. His face crumpled in misery, but he dared not argue with Lin Fan. All he could do was regret agreeing to Jin Baiwan’s empty promises and thinking he could make trouble for his rival.

Now, instead of causing trouble, he’d ensnared himself.

The auctioneer had no idea what was going through Wei Liang’s mind—his face was wreathed in smiles, like a chrysanthemum in full bloom. “Twenty million, third call! Done! This legendary dagger, Crimson Remnant, now belongs to our number twenty-five gentleman! Let’s all applaud his generosity and for giving so many children the chance to attend school—our deepest thanks!” The host laid on the praise thickly, though inwardly he cursed, “What a fool, blowing twenty million on a useless dagger.”

Lin Fan shrugged, sat down, curled his lip, and laughed, “That kid’s too reckless.”

“Brother, you’re getting worse by the day.”

Hearing Feifei’s comment, Lin Fan was left speechless. What sister describes her own brother that way?

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