Chapter 92:
Profits were enticing, but legal windfalls were even more captivating. With a profit of thousands of bucks at the flip of a hand, some may resist participating at the beginning, holding onto their principles. However, when everyone began to go crazy for the sake of gains, some people's positions would start to waver gradually.
Watching others enjoy the benefits was not a pleasant experience. People would most likely enter a restaurant they were not familiar with for two main reasons: the enticing aroma wafting from within or the tempting images of food in the advertisements plastered on the windows. Similarly, with interests, witnessing others join the wealth feast could be uncomfortable. People would convince themselves that they would also be able to obtain the same benefits if they just reached out their hands.
The escalating prices heated up the atmosphere, and the final price for the apartment settled at twenty-seven thousand seven hundred and fifty bucks, two thousand more than Lin Qi's estimate. He initially thought that pushing it to around twenty-five thousand bucks was the limit. After all, the audience at this second-hand goods auction wasn't the middle class; here, ninety-nine percent were poor people, some of whom might not even have two thousand bucks in savings. However, they surprised Lin Qi.
What surprised him even more was Wood's reaction. With a flushed face, he left his seat and ran over to Richard uncontrollably. The two lowered their heads and had a brief conversation, with Richard even giving him a punch, followed by putting his arm around Wood's neck and vigorously messing up his hair.
Grinning with his teeth showing, Wood, this promising young man, clearly wasn't upset by Richard's actions. It seemed they had a good relationship
A profit of six thousand seven hundred and twenty bucks; Lin Qi had promised to split it evenly with him. In other words, Wood earned three thousand three hundred and sixty bucks by just sitting there and shouting a few words into the microphone. Combined with some previous bonuses, he had earned more in a day than half a year's worth of salary as an undercover agent.
This was just one auction in the middle of the month, and there would be four such auctions every month. He didn't dare to hope that he would be as lucky in every one of them, but he believed that even if he wasn't as lucky in other auctions, there would still be some profit.
It turned out Richard's words were true. He just wanted to share his joy with everyone and, incidentally, show off.
Finally, he looked up and saw Lin Qi. His excited expression calmed down slightly. He just realized he wasn't a real salesperson; he was here undercover.
This prompted him to rein in his emotions, and he slightly bowed to Lin Qi, who responded with an encouraging smile.
During this time, Ferrall was also chatting with Lin Qi. When he learned that Lin Qi promised the salespeople to split half of the profits on the profit-generating product, he could hardly believe his ears.
"That young man looks ecstatic. Can you reveal how much money he made with this deal?" Ferrall also noticed Wood's reaction; the young man's excited reaction made him very curious.
Lin Qi glanced at him, smiling, "A little over three thousand bucks."
"Three..." Ferrall took in a sharp breath. Over three thousand bucks for one deal. "Don't you think you're being too generous? Three to five hundred would have been enough for him to appreciate your generosity. Why give him so much?"
This was not a polite remark; it was Ferrall's genuine opinion. He wanted to understand what kind of person Lin Qi truly was to maintain long-term cooperation.
This was a good opportunity to deepen their understanding of each other, so Lin Qi didn't hide anything. "I once met someone who told me that when you try to keep all the benefits to yourself, even your brothers will leave you." He slowly turned his head towards Ferrell, his eyes showing no fluctuation or sparkle, remaining as steady as a rock.
"But if you're willing to share your success with others, everyone will treat you like their biological brother. Wealth gathered in your hands may make others leave due to unmet interests, but when you are willing to share a portion of that wealth, they will erupt with unprecedented motivation. We are not in a superior-subordinate relationship; we are partners."
If Wood heard this sentence, he would definitely cheer in excitement, finally convinced that Richard was telling the truth. However, Lin Qi had many more things left unsaid.
This was a relatively complex game. Once people joined in, it would be very difficult for them to leave. As they continued to rake in a substantial amount of money, the challenge of returning to a normal life would only grow more daunting.
Take Richard, for example. After Lin Qi stopped his coin-exchanging business, Richard preferred lying in bed at home rather than finding a regular job outside. Once people like him left Lin Qi, they would lose their passion for life. It was only with Lin Qi that they could radiate the miracles of life.
Moreover, Lin Qi had more tricks and moves waiting for them.
Taking back his gaze, Lin Qi hinted, "In fact, looking at it from a different perspective, one could say that I took away the wealth they earned; it's all relative."
"I am a generous person, Mr. Consultant. You'll come to understand that in the future."
A flat and a profit of thousands on paper were enough to set the entire scene abuzz with excitement. The following items mainly included some used cars and other large items.
The prices of these items were not cheap. One particular item, a used washing machine priced at 3,999 bucks, surprisingly sold for a high price of 2,050 bucks. This item was actually brought back by Lin Qi from Mr. Fox's warehouse as an afterthought, not expecting it to sell for so much.
The buyer was actually not a fool either. In the lower-middle-class neighborhoods, the laundromat was an essential part of life. Previously, one could wash all their clothes for 25 cents, but since laundromats started charging per pound, 25 cents would only cover a few pieces. If the buyer commercialized the washing machine, washing all clothes for 50 cents, their neighbors would surely be delighted to be friends with them.
Richard, with his unique talent and keen sense, was the one who facilitated this deal. He was a young man Lin Qi appreciated even more.
In the second stage of the auction, the prices of the items generally maintained between 50% and 70% of their original prices. This might seem unreasonable, but the prices achieved in trade fairs and auctions were never rational.
As long as there was competition and a vibrant atmosphere, individuals would often unveil aspects of themselves they didn't know existed.
As the third stage began after a ten-minute break, the host maintained his energetic state and introduced the auction. If a regular auction involved setting a starting price and continuously raising bids, with the highest bidder winning, then the third stage operated in the entirely opposite manner.
Each item started with its original store price, and during the process, the host would continuously lower the price until someone was tempted to raise their hand.
This was still a fixed-price rush auction, but without the participant calling out prices. As the host put it, it required speed, precision, and no hesitation.
Perhaps just in the blink of an eye, an opportunity could slip away.
"In the third stage, the first item we are auctioning is a set of ivory and sterling silver cutlery. Let's first take a closer look at it..." Soon, people saw these items, including enlarged copies of promotional posters, enough for even those in the last row to get a glimpse of them.
"The price of this tableware in the store is 3,899 bucks. When your friends and family come to your house, bringing out this set of tableware will surely make everyone jealous..."
After promoting it as a tool for success in life, the host began the unprecedented shouting of prices.
"3,899. Any takers at this incredible price?""No takers? Alright, let me sweeten the deal. How about a special discount? I'm willing to drop the price to 3,600! That's three hundred reduced in price. What do you say?"
"Good, it seems everyone understands this bidding method now. 3,400..."
"3,150!"
"2,980..."
As the prices got lower, the initially quiet crowd began to stir. An item approaching four thousand bucks was now priced at two thousand two hundred bucks. Although this price was still relatively high, it had already made some people completely understand the rules. Sometimes people's thoughts were quite simple; as long as everyone refrained from raising their hands, ultimately, that thing would only be worth a buck.
But if people were that simple, Lin Qi wouldn't have put this discounted bidding method in the third stage.Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/
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