Xiao Xuan was both excited and in turmoil.
Amidst the murmurs and speculations, the auctioneer prompted Yuan Liangping, "Young Master Yuan?"
"Four hundred and ten million!"
Yuan Liangping had considered many things. Upon regaining his senses, he decided to make one last bid.
The Zijing Dragon Card was unrestricted. Purely based on financial strength, he knew he was already outmatched by Chen Fan—or more accurately, by the owner of the Zijing Dragon Card!
The price of four hundred and ten million already made his heart ache.
He had already taken control of the Yuan family and could mobilize funds exceeding two billion.
However, spending too much on a diamond that couldn't be eaten or used was not worth it.
He still needed sufficient wealth to command the major influential families of the two rivers. Money had other important uses.
"Young Master Yuan bids four hundred and ten million!"
The auctioneer repeated, then turned to Chen Fan.
Chen Fan smiled, raised his paddle, and bid, "Four hundred and twenty million!"
This time, he only added ten million.
Yuan Liangping was somewhat surprised.
Earlier, Chen Fan had increased the bid by ninety million, but now only ten million. What did it mean?
Could it be that Chen Fan had also reached his limit?
The owner of the Zijing Dragon Card also had a spending limit for Chen Fan, not allowing him to spend too much?
He pondered this, finding it a plausible possibility.
When the auctioneer called for the second time, Yuan Liangping decided to try again and immediately raised his paddle, "Four hundred and thirty million!"
Another ten million was added.
Chen Fan remained silent for a long time.
"Four hundred and thirty million once, four hundred and thirty million twice, four hundred and thirty million..."
Just as the auctioneer was about to strike the gavel, Chen Fan finally raised his paddle.
"Four hundred and forty million!"
Chen Fan's behavior seemed a bit strained, as if he desperately wanted to acquire 'Sky Blue' but was on the verge of collapse.
After some thought, Yuan Liangping decided to continue, "Four hundred and fifty million!"
This diamond from the Wen family was no longer that important to him personally.
But since he had entered the bidding himself, he had to win it to showcase his immense financial strength, making the numerous influential families and wealthy individuals of Hangjiang look up to him.
This would make his efforts to consolidate the business world of the two rivers smoother.
At the same time, he wanted to test Chen Fan's standing in the eyes of the villa's owner—to ascertain how much funds Chen Fan could actually access.
"Four hundred and seventy million!"
Indeed, Chen Fan hesitated and reluctantly announced this price, appearing to be struggling.
Yuan Liangping sneered, feeling he had grasped Chen Fan's mindset. Without further delay, he announced loudly, "Four hundred and eighty million!"
"Four hundred and ninety million!"
Chen Fan frowned, bidding again before the auctioneer could strike the gavel.
"Five hundred million!"
"Five hundred and ten million!"
"Five hundred and twenty million!"
"..."
Thus, their bids were no longer as extravagant as before but continued to rise in alternating increments.
When the price surpassed that of the 'Canglan Map,' the atmosphere in the entire venue became fervent.
The 'Canglan Map' had already set a record for auctions in Hangjiang, and now, the 'Sky Blue' diamond ring was breaking that record.
Xu Shengqing watched from the side, feeling something was amiss. However, after some thought, he ultimately refrained from advising Yuan Liangping to be more level-headed.
This auction was orchestrated by Yuan Liangping, in collaboration with Xingyao Auction Company and the major local affluent families. Although the bidding price was already outrageously high, there shouldn't be major issues.
At worst, Yuan Liangping could instruct the auction company and the owner of the auctioned item to adjust the price downwards.
For instance, regarding the 'Canglan Map,' even though its auction price was a staggering five hundred and one million, as long as the Lin family agreed and Xingyao Auction Company also consented, Xu Shengqing could technically take the 'Canglan Map' without paying the full auction price.
Of course, Xu Shengqing would still need to pay a portion, otherwise, the Lin family might not agree, and it would also damage his reputation.
In essence, Yuan Liangping was in an invincible position.
Even if he would owe the Wen family a favor afterward, it wouldn't be a significant issue.
"Seven hundred million!"
Unbeknownst to them, Yuan Liangping's bid had reached an astonishing figure.
The normal auction price for 'Sky Blue' should be around two hundred million. Even with a premium, three hundred million would be considered excessive.
Yet now, Yuan Liangping had bid seven hundred million.
He himself was starting to falter. After each bid, he considered giving up if Chen Fan increased the price again, but he couldn't resist.
Each time, Chen Fan's apparent struggle made him want to push him further. Coupled with his certainty that the Wen family and the auction house wouldn't refuse him, a gambler's mentality took hold.
At this point, Chen Fan suddenly smiled.
He said lightly, "Young Master Yuan is indeed wealthy and generous. You win, I withdraw!"
Seeing Chen Fan finally give up, Yuan Liangping breathed a sigh of relief, a sense of immense accomplishment welling up within him.
However, as he looked at Chen Fan's smile, he couldn't feel genuinely happy.
In Chen Fan's smile, he seemed to detect a hint of mockery.
Upon calming down and thinking carefully, he realized he seemed to have unknowingly fallen into a trap laid by Chen Fan.
With just a few words, without spending a single cent, Chen Fan had caused them to spend hundreds of millions more.
This person was truly terrifying!
For a moment, his gaze towards Chen Fan carried a newfound respect.
But since the matter had progressed this far, he could only continue.
He forcefully suppressed this feeling and, after the auctioneer struck the gavel, waved his hand to the entire venue.
Instantly, applause erupted, extremely enthusiastic.
Many female guests and wealthy socialites shrieked, their gazes so fervent they seemed ready to devour Yuan Liangping!
"Young Master Yuan is so handsome and so wealthy! If only I could marry Young Master Yuan!"
"Alas, if only I could marry Young Master Yuan! Then, 'Sky Blue' could be worn around my neck!"
"As expected of the Yuan family of Jiangbei. Their wealth and power are unmatched by any family in Hangjiang. Even the Tang family pales in comparison, right?"
"..."
Feeling the lively atmosphere and the many admiring, reverent, and even infatuated gazes, Yuan Liangping's slight melancholy vanished.
Although the price was a bit high, the immense stir it created was worth it.
As for Chen Fan, he was ultimately just a stepping stone for him!
Amidst the fervent atmosphere, Old Tang smiled and glanced at Yuan Liangping, saying, "Indeed, the younger generation has more spirit. The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves before!"
"Young Masters Xu and Yuan are truly remarkable individuals. However, I wonder, how much money do their families actually possess to spend so lavishly?"
Sitting next to Old Tang was none other than Luo Jiuzhang.
His eyes held a deep amusement.
Old Tang smiled and replied, "Perhaps, what they truly have to pay is only one-third, or even less?"
As the saying goes, old foxes are shrewd. While Old Tang couldn't be certain, he could discern the signs of impropriety in this auction.
"Is that so?" Luo Jiuzhang chuckled, "With such a high standard for this auction, how could there be any deception?"
Old Tang was somewhat surprised. As far as he knew, Luo Jiuzhang was not a law-abiding businessman. Why would he have such a naive idea?
However, his gaze swept past the calm and indifferent Chen Fan and he said, "That is beyond my knowledge."
He paused and then sighed, "Some people do not understand that what they receive is actually what others wish them to receive!"
Luo Jiuzhang suddenly understood. He exchanged a look with Old Tang, both revealing the cunning expressions of old foxes.