Chapter 103: The Spiraling Price

When the price was announced, those with some knowledge at the scene knew this was nearly the highest bid. The item was indeed valuable, and anyone willing to pay such a sum surely understood its worth.

A heavy silence fell over the room, with nearly all eyes fixed on Xu Fan. They believed only Xu Fan might offer a higher price.

Xu Fan was a shrewd businessman and determined to acquire this piece. To silence Jin Jindao, he raised his hand and called out, "8.5 million."

A collective sigh swept through the crowd. They knew if Xu Fan had raised the price by increments of 100,000, Jin Jindao might have continued to bid. But an immediate jump of 500,000 was nearly final. Jin Jindao knew the item might be worth more, but risking such a large sum was not worthwhile.

After exchanging a helpless glance with Jin Jinhui, Jin Jindao spread his hands, signaling his withdrawal.

Liu Yunduo, sensing the end, quickened her cadence.

"8.5 million, once."

"8.5 million, twice."

"8.5 million, thrice."

"Sold..."

Just as Liu Yunduo’s hammer was about to fall, Xu Fan stood to congratulate his people with a respectful fist salute, as if the deal was sealed.

At that moment, a sudden voice rang out, instantly silencing the entire auction hall.

"10 million."

Everyone was stunned. No one had expected this. Ten million—an unimaginable sum to ordinary people, likely more money than they’d ever see in their lifetimes.

Even among prominent families like the Xus and the Jins, ten million was a staggering figure.

Yet here, for this mechanical component, someone had bid that much, leaving even Liu Yunduo on stage dumbfounded.

When all eyes turned to the bidder, they were speechless. It was none other than Fang Nian, who had just spent 1 million on a broken bead.

There he sat, leisurely sipping the tea brought by a server, calmly watching Liu Yunduo.

"My goodness, it’s him again! Is he mad? 8.5 million was already almost beyond this item's worth, and now he wants to pay 10 million? Has he lost his mind?"

"Exactly! Burning money like that—what’s he thinking? If he has that kind of cash, why not just buy some ribs and enjoy? Showing off here like some big shot, I just don’t get it."

"Hey, don’t jump to conclusions. Maybe he has better plans. Fang Nian does build hunting grounds, right? Maybe he intends to create a D-grade hunting ground and recoup his investment."

"Don’t be silly. I don’t think he’s capable. Look at him, acting like a spoiled rich kid. Clearly, he’s just using the Xia family name to show off. If his wife knew, she’d probably skin him alive."

---

Down below, the murmurs grew louder. On stage, Liu Yunduo was at a loss. She’d seen many auctions, some even with 80 or 100 bids, and numerous wealthy patrons. But this level of extravagance was new to her. Prices jumping by 1.5 million without hesitation—it was unbelievable.

For a moment, Liu Yunduo wondered if Fang Nian truly had the means to buy this item.

Fang Nian smiled faintly at Liu Yunduo on stage.

"What are you waiting for? Why not continue?"

Only then did Liu Yunduo remember to proceed. Just as she was about to speak, Xu Fan abruptly stood, anger flashing in his eyes as he addressed Fang Nian.

"Kid, buying things costs money. Are you sure you have that much?"

It was the first time Fang Nian had truly angered Xu Fan, who could no longer hide his frustration.

Fang Nian met Xu Fan’s challenge calmly, offering a wry smile.

"Tell me, is this an auction or a casino? Do we have to exchange chips before bidding?"

Laughter erupted among the crowd. Indeed, it was unusual to see cash directly exchanged at an auction. Xu Fan’s remark seemed unnecessary. Fang Nian could have bluntly said it wasn’t any of his business whether he had the money or not.

Ten million was far beyond Xu Fan’s psychological limit. He never expected such a wild bid today.

At this point, Xu Fan knew questioning Fang Nian was pointless. He had to decide whether to buy or not. Given the importance of this acquisition, he had to win, even if it meant losing millions.

Yet the price still troubled him—it was exorbitant. Even the wealth of the Xu family had its limits.

Liu Yunduo was on her third call, about to bring down the hammer. But just then, unwilling to concede, Xu Fan clenched his teeth and said,

"10.5 million."

The room erupted in astonishment. Nearly everyone stared wide-eyed at the now crimson-faced Xu Fan.

Before they could recover, Fang Nian calmly raised the bid.

"12 million."

Another 1.5 million jump sent the auction into a frenzy. No one understood who Fang Nian really was, how he could spend money so freely. Did he truly have that kind of wealth? Or could the Xia family really back him with such funds?

Xu Fan was near boiling over. His usually composed demeanor was utterly shattered.

"Kid, are you looking for trouble?"

Fang Nian remained composed, but his tone grew icy.

"I have money—mind your own business. If you don’t have it, don’t pretend to be a big shot here. Get lost. Don’t think the Xu family is the only rich one around. To me, the Xus are nothing. If you disagree, bid higher. I’ll always top you by 1.5 million."

Xu Fan’s face twisted with rage, and for a moment, he lost all resolve and raised his hand to bid again. But his aide grabbed him sharply.

"Boss, you can’t raise it anymore. This is too expensive."

But Xu Fan ignored him, slapping the aide’s hand away and shouting at Fang Nian.

"15 million. If you can top that, I’ll give it to you. Go ahead, add another 1.5 million if you dare."

Fang Nian’s expression shifted slightly, the coldness in his eyes softening into something almost amused as he stared back at Xu Fan.