In fact, this new bid was so over the top that even auctioneer Wang was shocked silly, she couldn’t believe that someone was actually willing to bid that high for the pearl alone.
Of course, her sense of disbelief was instantly followed by a wide shiver of glee and pleasure at the mere thought of the incoming commission money she was going to receive because of this.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, seeing who had bidden against him, red veins started to cover Fan Tong’s forehead as an aura of hatred began exuding from all over his body.
To him, this was no longer a matter of money or the pearl by itself. It was about him not losing his dignity to the enemy!
He couldn’t allow an ant to humiliate him like this!
And thus, having decided on what to do, gritting his teeth in rage, he muttered, "You wanna compare money with me? The favored son of Shanghai? Well, bring in it on! I have nothing but money to throw away!"
"$201 million!" He screamed proudly.
However, before anyone could react to it, a new worthless number was thrown into the fray again, "$300 million."
This instantly made everyone present at the scene dumbfounded!
The entire salesroom turned so silent that one could even hear a pin drop!
"Oh my God! Are they crazy? The initial bid was a mere $2 million! This thing’s at most worth around $60 million!" A rich boyfriend uttered feeling disbelief only to be pinched by her girlfriend who voiced, "Hmph! You wouldn’t understand! This is no longer a matter of money! They’re fighting for the love of their life! For the happiness of their lover! Wish you were like one of them too... especially that handsome man... omg, how can he be so dashing? Just who is he?"
This immediately triggered that young man so much that he wanted to throw himself into the middle of the bidding war out of jealousy. Unfortunately, recalling how many liquid assets he had access to at the moment, he could only give up the idea helplessly.
The same kind of situation was occurring on many seats as most women admired the two while men could only call them idiots, especially Virus who was raising the numbers like there was no tomorrow!
Meanwhile, the auctioneer was currently screaming in utter delight and excitement while maniacally chanting inside, ’Come one, now $301 million, more, more, $301 million I want, don’t stop there, come one!’
And of course, not disappointing her at all, a muffled offer was heard, "$301 million!"
Although Fan Tong had bidden again, everyone could hear the pain apparent within his tone.
On the other side, drinking some more from his cup of tea, Virus declared much to the stupefaction of others, "$500 million."
This instantly resulted in Fan Tong’s saliva uncontrollably being stuck in his throat as he coughed like crazy. Honestly, he had at most expected a $350 million bid, not 500!
Calculating the money he could get his hands on, other than the liquid assets he had on hand which was specially prepared by his father for the two Red-Crystals and other essential items sold today, he could only fight over the item for a little while before powerlessly surrendering and giving up.
Still, with his ass feeling burned, he bid, "5-$501 million!"
After catching Fan Tong’s offered money, as if they had practiced, everyone’s head turned in Virus’ direction simultaneously, waiting for him to talk.
Not disappointing them indeed, a round number was heard, "$700 million."
"Oh my God! $700 million! Did you hear this everyone? Look at the extent of which this gentleman Is willing to go for his lover!" Announced the auctioneer with glimmering eyes of anticipation before starting the count, "$700 million, going once..."
Finally, feeling utterly helpless, Fan Tong could only sit back while cursing inside nonstop, ’Fuck! He’s a mad man! A mad man I say! How can someone be so crazy to just throw away $700 million for a woman!!! Fuck you! I’m out!’
"Going twice," taking a final glimpse of Fan Tong, a glimpse that was filled with disdain toward the loser, the auctioneer announced, "Sold! Let’s congratulate this gentleman for valuing his lover that much! The only person willing to go that far for his special lady!!!"
Hearing the words ’the only person willing to go that far’, deep frowns creased the male guests’ foreheads while they felt as if the auctioneer was scolding them for being such a calculative pussy.
...
Time elapsed quickly while a few more items were brought on the stage, however, since none of them caught his attention, Virus could only stay quiet until, at last, something drew him to itself.
"Behold... A painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci himself, ’Salvator Mundi’ everyone! As you can see, this painting depicts Jesus in Renaissance dress, making the sign of the cross with his right hand, while holding a transparent, non-refracting crystal orb in his left!" Exclaimed the auctioneer in admiration.
This instantly brought looks of shock and incredulity on the face of nearly everyone present at the auction as they looked at this great piece of art in both wonder and awe.
"I’ll say no more since there is no need to. Just the fact that the starting price is $200 million. Let’s begin!"
"$250 million!"
...
Immediately, one bid after another reverberated within the hall.
Meanwhile, all Virus did was to stare at the painting silently while gradually sinking into a deep state of contemplation.
Soon, wanting to understand this masterpiece thoroughly, he released his special sense of awareness which covered the entirety of the piece of art without anyone noticing.
Since Virus was considered a ’VVIP’ with his name already mentioned within the circles of the wealthiest people in the world, one of the most luxurious seats with unique privileges had been arranged for him prior. The seat was also very close to the stage, so he could leisurely cover the items with his unique sense of awareness and study them very closely.
And now, the moment his eyes fell upon this magnificent masterpiece, he had this strong urge to study it fully, as if there was more to it. Thus, he focused his sense of awareness on the item completely.
But the next instant, a scene he would never forget displayed itself before him.
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