"1.01 billion!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Xiao Tian Ce made his move. He had to have Tian Hai University; it was the gift he planned to give Luo Tian Yi when he confessed his feelings. After three years apart, Tian Yi must be even more beautiful than before.
In the auction hall, various wealthy tycoons and merchants frowned slightly, but then they paid little attention to the Tian Hai Xiao family.
"1.02 billion!"
"1.03 billion!!"
Soon, the bidding for Tian Hai University reached 1.5 billion. Seeing this, a sharp glint flashed in Xiao Tian Ce's eyes. "2 billion!!"
After stating his bid, Xiao Tian Ce spoke again, "I ask everyone present to give Tian Ce some face."
Hmm??
As expected, when Xiao Tian Ce's determined voice echoed, the wealthy bidders who had intended to raise the price fell silent. They couldn't afford to ignore Xiao Tian Ce's words, especially since he was the future head of the Xiao Group.
"Young Master Xiao is mighty and domineering!"
"Heh heh, with that statement out, anyone who isn't foolish knows what's more important."
"Pressuring others with status, Young Master Xiao is impressive~~"
A few second-generation heirs seized the opportunity to flatter him, calling Xiao Tian Ce wise and revealing their sycophantic nature in full display.
"2.5 billion!"
Before Xiao Tian Ce could even form a smile, a voice rang out from not too far away. This utterance instantly drew everyone's attention.
Holy cow!
Someone actually dared to disregard the face of the eldest young master of the Xiao family!??
Li Ruo Bing's expression changed drastically upon hearing the voice by her ear. Her pretty face instantly turned ashen. This was bad.
Was Young Master Ye crazy? To make a move at this time... it was no different than slapping Xiao Tian Ce directly in the face. He was the eldest young master of the Xiao family, one of the few first-tier aristocratic families in Tian Hai!
"That brat is seeking death!!"
Beside Xiao Tian Ce, a second-generation heir named Lin Ye from a third-tier aristocratic family had a displeased look on his face. Although the Lin family Lin Ye belonged to was a third-tier family in Tian Hai, it was far superior to the likes of Zhang Ze.
"Oh, is it that brat?"
Xiao Tian Ce had clearly seen Ye Xuan. A mocking smile played on his lips, but a cold glint flickered in his eyes. "Interesting. Then I shall play with you."
"2.51 billion!"
Xiao Tian Ce bid again without much hesitation.
"3 billion!"
As soon as Xiao Tian Ce spoke, Ye Xuan directly escalated the bid to 3 billion. Damn it, the mission was finally going to be completed, screw this.
However, upon hearing this, Li Ruo Bing's heart trembled. "He's gone mad! Boss has gone mad! Young Master Ye... what is he doing? Going head-to-head with the eldest young master of the Xiao family? Has he not considered the consequences?"
The auction hall erupted in an uproar!
"My heavens, that brat has guts!"
"Heh, Xiao family's brat, it seems he's met his match~"
Even Xia Ming Hai on the auction stage looked surprised, his gaze resting meaningfully on Ye Xuan. Who was this young man? To bid like this, and with such an unwavering tone? What formidable composure and resilience.
"3.01 billion!"
Xiao Tian Ce called out another bid, his voice now carrying an undisguised chill. Clearly, Xiao Tian Ce was provoked.
"3.5 billion!"
A calm voice echoed again. The jade thumb ring in Xiao Tian Ce's hand snapped with a crunch, startling the second-generation heirs around him. This jade thumb ring had just sold for over twenty million, and it was now crushed by Young Master Xiao.
That brat is finished!
"Brat, you... are very good!!"
Xiao Tian Ce's icy voice resounded. The anger in his heart surged to its peak.
3.5 billion?
This figure was too much even for him as the eldest young master of the Xiao family to access without authorization. Doing so would affect the normal operation of their vast Xiao Group's industries. If any problems arose from this, his father would unleash immense fury.
"3.5 billion!"
"Does anyone have a higher bid?"
Xia Ming Hai's lips twitched. Damn it, were all young people these days so extravagant? The eldest young master of the Xiao family was one thing, but who was this fellow?
"Since there are no higher bids, then..."
With a snap, Xia Ming Hai brought down the gavel, not bothering to announce thrice. "Congratulations to this gentleman for acquiring the ownership of Tian Hai University for a sky-high price of 3.5 billion. From now on, Tian Hai University is yours."
"Seeking death!!!"
Xiao Tian Ce's eyes turned icy. The reason he came to Jiuchonglou today was to bid for Tian Hai University. But now... he was returning defeated and humiliated. How could he not be enraged?
"Young Master Xiao, no need to be angry."
Lin Ye, with a displeased expression, volunteered, "After the auction ends, I'll have someone beat him up. He dares to offend Young Master Xiao in Tian Hai, does he really think he's a scion of one of the four top families?"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Tian Ce glanced at Ye Xuan. "Then thank you, Young Master Lin. After this is done, I will ensure the Xiao Group has more dealings with your Lin family."
"Really, Young Master Xiao? Then thank you."
Lin Ye became even more motivated upon hearing this. His father would surely be pleased if he knew.
"Young Master Ye, you... are you mad!?"
Li Ruo Bing whispered in astonishment. She couldn't believe where Ye Xuan got the nerve to go head-to-head with the eldest young master of the Xiao family. He was the young master of the Xiao Group!
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Li Ruo Bing, "Uh..."
Hearing Ye Xuan's words, Li Ruo Bing felt like her mind was about to explode. He knew what he was doing? What could he possibly know?
After the auction concluded, in a room on the ninth floor of Jiuchongtian.
"Mr. Ye, this is the principal of Tian Hai University, Mr. Xu Zimin. You two can discuss the next steps."
"Thank you, Old Xia."
Xu Zimin smiled at Xia Ming Hai upon seeing Ye Xuan. For some reason, he felt that the young man who bought their school seemed familiar.
Soon, only Xu Zimin, Ye Xuan, and Li Ruo Bing remained in the room.
"Young man, what is your surname? Have we... met somewhere??"
Xu Zimin looked at Ye Xuan suspiciously, finding him more and more familiar, but he couldn't recall where they had met.
Seeing Xu Zimin's expression, Li Ruo Bing smiled slightly. "Principal Xu, Young Master Ye is a student of Tian Hai University."
"Hmm!?"
"A student of Tian Hai University? Young Master Ye... Ye..."
Xu Zimin suddenly thought of something. His gaze snapped to Ye Xuan, his eyes filled with disbelief. "You are... Ye Xuan, the campus heartthrob of Tian Hai University's sophomore class!!"
Xu Zimin finally remembered. The young man before him was indeed Ye Xuan.
"I didn't expect the principal to recognize me."
Hearing this, Xu Zimin gave a wry smile. "You are a prominent figure on campus; it would be hard for me not to recognize you. However... you actually have 3.5 billion to bid for Tian Hai University."
"From now on, you are my boss." Su Dan Novel Network
Xu Zimin said with a peculiar expression. He never imagined that their campus heartthrob would buy Tian Hai University. Even a TV drama wouldn't dare to portray something like this. At this moment, Xu Zimin was filled with emotion. If this news were to spread back to Tian Hai University, the entire school would likely turn upside down.