Chapter 222 Bidding for Mr. Brown

Everyone present knew who Antony was. He was like the emperor of New York, someone even Mr. Parker respected. Yet, he still bowed to this young man wearing a mask. This revealed the even more prestigious identity of this mysterious young man.

At that moment, the crowd started discussing. Of course, many people recognized the person wearing the white mask; they were the ones who had seen Mr. Brown at the YJ Club.

"Isn't that Mr. Brown? Is he here to participate in the bidding?"

"It really is Mr. Brown. Is he representing WE ARE Chamber?"

"This just got interesting."

After being introduced by several local tycoons, many people present came to know who the person wearing the mask was, especially the wealthy big shots from outside New York. This was their first time seeing Mr. Brown, and they were once again shocked.

The Brown family was a top-tier family. Even the top ten aristocratic families in the domestic family rankings had to fear them.

At that moment, the previously confident aristocratic families started to worry. Competing against a world-class family like this seemed to leave them with no chance at all, but they were not willing to give up so easily.

Kayla, sitting in the back, saw Mr. Brown for the second time and could only watch from afar due to his unattainable elegance.

Meanwhile, Fiona sat there lost in thought.

"Mr. Brown is similar to Raining in my live broadcast room, wearing a mask and similar height. Could it be that he is Raining?"

Just as she had this thought, Fiona was startled by her own bold speculation.

"It's unlikely. He's a rich second generation from a world-class family. How could he become a fan of a small anchor like me? It must be a coincidence, it must be a coincidence."

Although Fiona thought this way, she had already decided to find an opportunity to test him. She hadn't seen Raining in a long time and thought about him every night.

"I'll find a chance to test him later." Fiona secretly buried this thought in her heart.

William, on the other hand, paid little attention to the gazes of others and calmly sat down in the seat next to Antony.

Antony turned his head and whispered to William.

"Sir, in addition to the surrounding cities, the Wallace family from Canada is also participating in the auction. They are determined to acquire this land." Antony paused before continuing, "Additionally, there is a potential threat from the Fisher family in Pittsburgh. Their influence has spread throughout the entire city, and they have significant financial resources."

"No worries, they can't threaten me. I will acquire all the land in the Bay Area that I can," William said nonchalantly, not taking them too seriously.

"Sir, it's still better to be cautious. If they join forces and compete with you, it could be a great loss," Antony reminded him with some concern.

"I will be careful," William nodded. If several powerful families joined forces, it would indeed be challenging to handle.

Upon receiving Mr. Parker's message, Aurelio quickly composed himself and began to preside over the auction.

After a round of simple greetings, they swiftly moved on to the main topic.

"This Bay Area auction consists of four plots of land. The first plot, A1-A30, borders the North district, covering a total of 30 square kilometers. You can see the exact location on the big screen," Aurelio said.

As he spoke, a huge map appeared on the screen behind host Aurelio, with the A1-A30 plot circled in red, making it very prominent.

"The area outlined in the red circle is the first plot up for auction, covering 30 square kilometers. It is designated for industrial development, with a starting price of 3 billion dollars. Let the bidding begin," the host announced, and someone immediately made a bid.

"4 billion dollars."

"5 billion dollars."

"6 billion dollars."

The bidding price continued to rise. Industrial land doesn't generate much profit, so many wealthy individuals from outside of New York hesitated to participate, instead they silently watched the bidding frenzy among the locals.

"Antony, what do you think would be a reasonable price for this land?" William didn't want to be a fool and consulted Antony before making a bid.

"Around 25 billion dollars, any higher would be a bit excessive," Antony estimated and provided a more conservative number.

"Alright, let's bid 25 billion dollars," William smiled and raised the number plate in his hand, directly making the bid.

"25 billion dollars."

With a single bid, he pushed the price to its highest point, leaving many influential figures in the room gasping. Mr. Brown truly lived up to being the heir of one of the world's top families, casually bidding 25 billion dollars.

How could anyone compete with that? The people from New York didn't even have the strength to vie for it.

Even with the resources, they probably wouldn't dare to challenge Mr. Brown's WE ARE Chamber.

"First bid, 25 billion US dollars," Aurelio began counting on it when nobody else was bidding.

"Second bid, 25 billion US dollars," Aurelio counted for the second time. Just as he was about to raise the hammer for the third count, a prominent figure sitting in the front row raised his number plate and called out.

"28 billion US dollars," it was the Wood family from Haverstraw making the bid.

Clearly, this was an attempt to drive up the price of this plot of land. Haverstraw was far from the Bay Area, and the Wood family had no industry in New York. Besides speculating on the land, there was no profitable aspect to acquiring it.

If Antony, together with various enterprises in New York, boycotted the establishment of this industrial park, he would not even have a chance to speculate on the land, and by doing so, his 28 billion US dollars would be wasted!

"Sir, the Wood family is intentionally bidding up the price," Antony, being astute, could see their intentions at a glance.

"Do you need me to secretly warn them?"

"No need. Let them play if they want to!" William said, raising his number plate again to make the bid.

"30 billion US dollars."

This display of momentum clearly indicated that William intended to secure this plot of land.

No one dared to raise the price this time. The Wood family's previous bid was just a test for William. Seeing his determination, they didn't dare to go any higher. If no one bid again, they would bear the loss.

"First bid, 30 billion US dollars."

"Second bid, 30 billion US dollars." Host Aurelio counted down from the stage, and the influential figures below maintained their silence.

"Third and final bid, 30 billion US dollars. Sold! Congratulations to WE ARE Chamber for winning Parcel No. 1," Aurelio excitedly announced from the stage.

Meanwhile, some companies sitting below had already made plans to cooperate with WE ARE Chamber, especially the corporate groups in New York. After all, this was a Bay Area industrial park. Establishing a new company there would become an economic hub linking New York and Long Island. It would undoubtedly flourish.

The acquisition of the first parcel of land was easily secured by William, mainly due to the industrial use of this plot. Other prominent figures from different cities wouldn't find much use for it, and it wouldn't be a profitable venture. Therefore, the competition wasn't intense.

"Alright, now for the second piece of land, located in the heart of the Bay Area, primarily for real estate development, with a total area of approximately 20 square kilometers. The specific location can be seen on the screen."

"The B1-B20 plots above are also marked in red circles," Aurelio said earnestly.

Real estate is a profitable venture, and many influential figures below are already eager to try their luck. Even wealthy figures from other regions are prepared to compete fiercely this time.

"The starting price for plot number two is $2 billion, with each subsequent bid not less than $100 million. The auction begins now!" As soon as the host Aurelio's voice fell, many people started bidding, and there were more bidders than before.

"$3 billion."

"$5 billion."

"$8 billion."

"$10 billion."

In less than a minute since the start of the auction, the bidding price had already surpassed $10 billion, leaving everyone astounded.

Kayla sat there, wanting to raise her paddle and place a bid several times, but she was intimidated by the real big shots. Munro felt the same way; this was beyond their small families' league.

Competing fiercely is normal in the real estate market.

"$20 billion," a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd. It was someone sitting in the back row speaking up, showing the strength of this important figure, proving that not all powerful individuals sit in the front row.

Many people turned their heads to look, not recognizing the bidder, but Antony did. He turned to William and quietly explained, "Sir, this person is from the Fisher family in Pittsburgh. Like us, they have achieved a monopoly in the market there and are now expanding outward. I believe they have set their sights on the Bay Area."

"Achieving a market monopoly in a city shows some ability," William admired the Fisher family from the bottom of his heart. He sincerely wanted to compete with them and immediately raised his paddle, saying, "$30 billion." William directly increased the price by $10 billion, leaving the entire venue stunned.

Even the wealthy figures sitting in the front row were astonished.

"This bid is too ruthless, how can we compete?"

"Has anyone bid like this before? Just keep adding $10 billion."

"Mr. Brown is indeed wealthy."

The influential figures present exclaimed in admiration, but the Fisher family calmly placed another bid.

"$35 billion." This price had already exceeded the highest price for this piece of land, and if mismanaged, it could result in a loss.

Many influential figures were taken aback, acknowledging the strength of the Fisher family. However, William was not one to be underestimated. Just as he was about to place another bid, someone suddenly handed him a note.

"Mr. Brown, this is a note from the Fisher family," the man said, delivering the note and then leaving.

William frowned, wondering what the Fisher family had in mind to send him a note at this time.

"Be careful, there could be traps in this auction," Antony whispered, taking the note and opening it. The message on it was clear.

The Fisher family wanted Mr. Brown to abandon competing for the land and offered to sell him 51% of the shares at a low price.

"The Fisher family wants to exchange 51% of the shares for your withdrawal from the competition," Antony unfolded the small note and showed it to William.

With just a glance, William's lips curled slightly.

"The Fisher family is indeed cunning," William saw through their intentions at a glance.

Meanwhile, Aurelio began counting.

"35 billion dollars, first bid."

"35 billion dollars, second bid." Just as Aurelio was about to count the third time, William raised his number again.

"40 billion dollars." William wanted more than just 51%, he wanted 100%. Moreover, he saw the verbal promise from the Fisher family as a mere ploy. Once they acquired the land, they would probably raise the price and disregard the contents of this small note.

The Fisher family couldn't afford the price of 40 billion dollars.

"Mr. Brown doesn't seem to be fooled," murmured Jorge, the representative of the Fisher family.

"Do we need to increase it further? If we do, we might not be able to afford it," said an assistant beside him, wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"Let's skip this round! Contact the Wallace family in Canada and prepare to cooperate with them; otherwise, Mr. Brown will snatch all four pieces of land," Jorge thought quickly. He immediately thought of conspiring with the Wallace family in Canada to frame Mr. Brown.

"Alright, I'll contact them right away," the assistant replied and went down to handle the matter.

Seeing no one raising the bid any further, Aurelio began counting again.

"40 billion dollars, first bid."

"40 billion dollars, second bid."

"40 billion dollars, third bid. Congratulations to WE ARE Chamber for winning the second piece of land."

The whole room erupted once again. Mr. Brown was unstoppable, and other wealthy families didn't dare to compete.

Even Fiona and Kayla were amazed by this.

"Mr. Brown truly lives up to his reputation as the heir of the world's top family. At this rate, no one will be able to stop him from conquering and expanding."

"There will be a ten-minute intermission, followed by the auction for plot number three." Aurelio announced with Mr. Parker's instructions.

As soon as the words fell, everyone got up and began to move around. Many prominent families started discussing how to deal with the competition for the next two plots. Mr. Brown's aggression left no room for anyone.

So they had to unite and resist. Some brave girls took advantage of the intermission to approach William slowly.

Upon seeing this, Fiona also felt a stir in her heart. She wanted to ask him if he was Raining.

However, another girl approached William before she could, taking the initiative.

"Mr. Brown, may I add you on WhatsApp?" A beautiful girl, who was quite attractive and had delicate makeup, stepped forward to ask for William's WhatsApp contact.

William was taken aback when he saw this, and only then did he realize that many girls wanted to approach and talk to him. He was surprised and confused.

"Antony, call the security." William had no time for these women. His mind was constantly occupied with the ideas of getting close to a wealthy family, so he couldn't be bothered to give them a second glance.

"Understood, Sir," Antony replied and called his private bodyguard over, driving away these girls and calling a few more security guards to protect William.

By the time Fiona arrived, she was stopped by the security guards ten meters away. She was not willing to stop; she had been waiting for him to show up during her live broadcasts these past few days and he hadn't replied to her private messages. This made Fiona miss Raining more and more.

"Mr. Brown, I'm Fiona!" Fiona tried to shout loudly, hoping to get Mr. Brown's attention. However, it was of no use. The venue was too noisy, and William didn't hear Fiona's cry. Even if he did, there were too many people calling Fiona's name, so he wouldn't pay attention.

"Miss, please behave yourself. Mr. Brown doesn't like being disturbed," the security guard stopped her.

Fiona felt frustrated. She forcefully squeezed past the security guard's arm and approached closer, shouting at Mr. Brown's back again.

"Raining."

That was the name William used in her live chat room, and it was unique.

Fiona's frantic behavior worried Kayla, and she was also concerned about Fiona's father. Hearing his daughter calling out to Mr. Brown like a moth to a flame made him worried.

Rushing over, he quickly pulled his daughter back.

"Fiona, what are you doing? Mr. Brown likes peace and quiet. Are you just asking for trouble? Besides, there are so many people here," Cesar advised kindly.

"Fiona, what's gotten into you today?" Kayla also found it strange. Fiona was really different from her usual self.

"Raining." When Fiona was being dragged away by several security personnel, she couldn't help but shout again.

And this time, William heard it, and he heard it clearly.

He instinctively glanced at the source of the sound and saw Fiona being driven away by several security guards. Feeling a slight pang of sympathy and remembering the misunderstanding caused by Elisa at the YJ Club last time, William resisted the urge.

"Sorry, Fiona," William turned his head away, cold-hearted.

Seeing that Mr. Brown only glanced at her once before returning his attention elsewhere, Fiona felt a wave of disappointment.

Soon, the halftime break was over, and the third piece of land was presented by Aurelio.

"The third piece is adjacent to the second one, with a total area of 15 square kilometers. It's mainly for the construction of commercial streets, shopping centers, cultural centers, film and television studios, and more. The starting price is 2 billion dollars," Aurelio described as a large screen behind him displayed the location of the third land.

Upon seeing it, everyone prepared to make their move once again.

Commercial market land was definitely a profitable project. It might not bring as lucrative profits as real estate in an instant, but it was sustainable and long-lasting. Moreover, commercial stores could sell at higher prices. Therefore, all the big shots were ready to compete for this piece of land, especially since they had briefly formed an alliance during halftime.

"Now the bidding can begin," Aurelio's voice fell, and the big shots below immediately started their bidding.

"2 billion dollars."

"5 billion dollars."

"10 billion dollars."

In no time, someone bid up to 10 billion dollars, and then they waited for William to make a bid.

But William, knowing that the hammer had not yet fallen, decided to wait and let them compete amongst themselves for a while.

Sure enough, someone couldn't wait any longer.

"10.5 billion dollars."

"11 billion dollars."

"12 billion dollars."

Seeing that William still hadn't made a bid, those big shots started increasing their bids little by little. It seemed to reach a point of difficulty at 28 billion dollars.

However, a few scattered big shots continued to raise their bids.

"30 billion dollars."

Finally, the Wallace family from Canada made their move for the first time, and they did it with an astonishing price. They won the bidding war among the big shots for the third piece of land at 30 billion dollars.

This price for a commercial market land was quite remarkable, considering the previous record being around 10 billion dollars.

Twenty years is not enough to recoup the investment, and other wealthy noble families dare not raise the bid any further. Even the bigshots from Long Island hesitate.

For them, this price requires their entire family's effort to compete, but even if they succeed, it would take them twenty years to earn back the amount. That would make the return on investment too long, which could potentially lead to a complete financial collapse of the entire family. It wouldn't be good.

When they all fell silent, William raised his bidding number and said, "40 billion dollars."

William increased the price by a clean 10 billion dollars. He had plenty of money, so even if it took fifty years to recoup the investment, he had no problem.

However, the same couldn't be said for those big families. They simply couldn't match the financial resources of the Brown family.

The representative of the Wallace family had an unpleasant expression, but Mr. Brown was eager to win all the land regardless. He forced himself to raise the bid and said, "41 billion dollars."

It was clear that there was an element of raising the bid.

"It's interesting that you want to compete with me," William smirked and raised his bidding number again. "45 billion dollars." He wanted to see if the Wallace family dared to continue or if other families would dare to join forces with them.

Kenneth, the chairman of the Wallace family, glanced at Jorge, who nodded at him, signaling him to continue. But Kenneth hesitated. If the bidding went any higher, their family's financial chain would break. Even if they could share the commercial market land with the Fisher family, it would still take countless years to recover the investment. If the Fisher family backed out and left them to bear it alone, it would be disastrous.

Kenneth chose not to continue.

Seeing that no one else bid, Aurelio announced again, "45 billion dollars, first time."

"45 billion dollars, second time." Just as everyone believed that the third parcel of land would fall into Mr. Brown's pocket, a melodious voice, as pleasant as a lark, sounded from the crowd.

"50 billion dollars."

The whole place erupted with astonishment, even the Wallace family and the Fisher family were shocked. William frowned as well. There was actually another influential figure hiding among the crowd.
Millionaire Overnight
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