Volume One, Chapter 19: Where the Blossoms Fall, the Disruptor Appears

It was clear that the Tang Sancai horse, for which he had just spent a hundred million, was a counterfeit. Tang Songyun paid no heed to Wang Qi’s reaction and instead turned to Chu Ming, saying, “Young man, your appraisal skills surpass mine. Perhaps I misjudged the Tang Sancai horse.”

Chu Ming replied, “You did not misjudge it. The Tang Sancai horse is indeed a fake.”

Tang Songyun was taken aback. “Are you certain?”

Chu Ming smiled. “Of course. But I am not a renowned expert; my words may not carry much weight. If you wish, you can take the Tang Sancai horse elsewhere for a thorough appraisal.”

At that moment, Wang Qi’s face had turned the color of pig liver.

A fake?

He had spent a hundred million on a counterfeit?

Since Chu Ming had seen through the false Tang Sancai horse, why had he kept bidding so aggressively?

Could it be…

Very quickly, Wang Qi understood the reason for Chu Ming’s bidding. He glared at Chu Ming, gritting his teeth. “You set me up! You knew there was something wrong with the Tang Sancai horse, yet you kept raising the price!”

Chu Ming replied with a playful smile, “Young Master Wang, you can’t put it that way. I was merely participating as any bidder would. What does the authenticity of the Tang Sancai horse have to do with me? When I called out bids, I didn’t force you to raise your own; you chose to keep bidding yourself. What could I have done?”

Wang Qi snarled, “Fine, I’ll remember you. Just wait!”

Chu Ming shrugged, ignoring Wang Qi.

The auction continued. After several more pieces of antique calligraphy and painting were sold, the event reached its climax.

Fu Donghai, after invigorating the atmosphere, announced the final lot of this auction—the development rights to the Huang family’s land, the very reason many had attended.

Everyone was well acquainted with that parcel, so Fu Donghai offered only a brief introduction before announcing the starting price.

As his words faded, bidding erupted across the venue.

The starting price was one billion, but within mere seconds, it soared to two billion, and enthusiasm showed no signs of waning. The price climbed in a straight line.

Soon, the land reached three billion, then four billion. The pace slowed after four billion, yet there were still plenty of bidders, including Wang Qi and Zhao Feng.

Although the Tang Sancai horse had cost Wang Qi a needless hundred million, the Wang family had prepared six billion to secure the Huang family’s land. Wang Qi was determined to win it.

Not long after, the price reached five billion. Though many dropped out, the bidding remained fierce.

When the price settled at five and a half billion, Yun Xueyan raised her paddle.

“Five point six billion.”

Hearing Yun Xueyan’s bid, Wang Qi snorted, “The Yun family can barely protect itself, yet they want this land? Do you really think a single parcel can revive your family’s fortunes?”

Yun Xueyan responded with a cold snort, ignoring his provocation.

Wang Qi, undeterred, raised his paddle and called, “Five point seven billion.”

Without hesitation, Yun Xueyan said, “Five point eight billion.”

Zhao Feng, watching nearby, remarked, “It seems President Yun is determined to win the Huang family’s land. But securing it won’t be so simple.”

“My Zhao family offers six billion!”

Yun Xueyan’s brows knitted slightly. The Huang family’s land was crucial to the Yun family’s survival. If she could acquire it and develop it successfully, the Yun family could find new life amidst the siege from the other major clans.

However, she valued the parcel at only six billion; anything above would exceed her budget. Yet if she failed to secure it, the Yun family would be left without a project. Real estate was their foundation—without suitable land to develop, the Yun Group would stall, hastening its collapse.

After a moment’s hesitation, Yun Xueyan decided to continue bidding. She would win the land at all costs.

She raised her paddle again, bringing the price to six point one billion.

Though Wang Qi withdrew, Zhao Feng refused to let Yun Xueyan win easily.

Now, only Yun Xueyan and Zhao Feng’s voices remained in the auction hall. Their rivalry drove the price ever higher, reaching seven and a half billion.

Zhao Feng lowered his paddle and glanced at Yun Xueyan. “President Yun, your family must need this land desperately. Rest assured, if your bid exceeds seven and a half billion, I will withdraw.”

A trace of hesitation appeared in Yun Xueyan’s gaze. Though seven and a half billion far exceeded the land’s worth, the Yun family truly needed a prime parcel to develop their next project.

After pondering for a while, Yun Xueyan clenched her delicate fist and raised her paddle. “Seven point six billion!”

As Fu Donghai’s gavel fell, Yun Xueyan finally secured the land at seven point six billion.

A smug smile crossed Zhao Feng’s face. “Congratulations, President Yun! You won the land for seven point six billion, but its real value is only five to six billion. If the Yun family hopes to profit from this, I fear it will be difficult.”

Yun Xueyan shot him a cold glare. “The Yun family’s business is none of your concern.”

Zhao Feng shrugged. “Of course, I don’t care about your affairs. But do you really think that by winning this land, your family can develop it smoothly? As far as I know, those eyeing this parcel are not limited to today’s bidders.”

No sooner had Zhao Feng finished than a loud crash echoed—the doors to the auction hall were kicked open from outside.

A group of burly men in suits and sunglasses strode in, forming two lines and leaving a path down the middle.

A bald man with a thick gold chain swaggered in, his face heavy with muscle and a fierce expression.

Upon seeing him, everyone in the hall held their breath. Fear flickered in their eyes.

Huang Biao, known as “Bald Biao,” was the local boss of the Triad. Besides his formidable martial prowess, his methods were ruthless and notorious for vendettas in Donghai.

Once, a foolish young heir offended him and was burned alive in his car. When the victim’s family tried to confront him, he left them crippled; they remain bedridden to this day, living lives worse than death.