Chapter 418 Can You Be More Generous?
After a brief commotion, the auction got back on track, with the auctioneer continuing to present other items.
But a lot of folks couldn't help but sneak glances at James now and then.
No one knew where this James guy had come from, but he sure managed to make Micah take a big hit.
Micah's face was stone-cold, showing no emotion, but the veins on his hand gripping the gem box were bulging, clearly holding back his anger.
It was understandable.
Today was supposed to be his big day, boosting his status, but James had totally messed up his plans.
Even though Micah ended up with "Chicken Crowing Throughout The World," he had cost too much more than he had expected.
If he had snagged "Chicken Crowing Throughout The World" for two hundred million dollars, everyone would have praised his strategic genius.
But ten billion dollars? That made him look like a fool.
Even the priciest antique in Celestia was only worth five and a half billion dollars.
His grandpa's excitement for the gem would probably fade, and he might even call Micah an idiot.
"Mr. Gonzalez, I'm sorry!" Aurelia sat back down next to Micah. "I let my anger get the best of me and didn't think it through."
She still didn't get the secret behind "Chicken Crowing Throughout The World," but thinking it over, she could sense its importance.
This gem must be a big deal for the Gonzalez Family; otherwise, Micah wouldn't have lost his cool.
"Let's drop it. We'll deal with payback after the auction." Micah's tone was flat. "First, let's secure Cloud Top Mountain."
Aurelia nodded, then changed the subject. "Mr. Gonzalez, don't worry, once we win Cloud Top Mountain, all your losses will be covered."
Hearing this, Micah's expression softened a bit, and he leaned back in his chair, speaking calmly, "How much money do we have available?"
"With the ten billion dollar deposit, we have around thirty billion dollars in total." Aurelia straightened up slightly. "That's more than enough to secure Cloud Top Mountain. Mary doesn't stand a chance against us."
"We've already hit her hard, leaving her in a tough spot."
"Even though she managed to get twenty billion dollars from Hundred Flowers Bank, that money's just enough to settle debts with suppliers, banks, employees, and the auction deposit."
"She doesn't have much left, and Phoenix Corporation's various subsidiaries are still holding back funds. Today, she can only use the ten billion dollar deposit."
"As long as we go over that amount, we'll win." Aurelia shared the gathered intel with Micah. "So, there's no doubt about Cloud Top Mountain."
"After the auction, make sure to take care of James and Mary." Micah's tone was dripping with malice. "Originally, I just need 1.2 billion, but now I'm forced to spend over twenty billion dollars. It's infuriating."
His hatred for James ran deep.
"Mr. Gonzalez, please calm down." Aurelia spoke softly. "Like you said, we'll handle everything after the auction."
"Don't worry, I've already arranged for Delilah to deal with James. He won't be around much longer."
Hearing that someone was handling James, Micah's mood improved significantly. He then asked indifferently, "Will you cover all the losses?"
"Mr. Gonzalez, rest assured, once we secure Cloud Top Mountain, all losses will be compensated." Aurelia chuckled. "This 'Chicken Crowing Throughout The World' can be considered a gift from us to your grandfather."
Micah sighed in relief.
Ten billion dollars wouldn't cripple him, but it was still a significant amount. Having someone else cover it was a relief.
Then, he remembered something. "By the way, since I'm here at Glowing Oasis, shouldn't your boss, Sky Wolf, come out to meet me?"
"I've arranged to meet him so many times, but he never shows up."
Micah's tone carried a hint of accusation. "Why are you hiding his identity from me? Is this a sign of distrust?"
Aurelia's eyelids twitched, then she smiled and spoke, "Mr. Gonzalez, please calm down. Sky Wolf isn't avoiding you; he's seriously ill and can't meet anyone."
"His illness is highly contagious, and I can only communicate with him via video."
"But Blood Medical Sect is treating him with all their might. Once he's better, I'll arrange for him to meet you."
Aurelia's breath was fragrant as she apologized.
"That's a lousy excuse." Micah's tone was mocking. "Do you think I'll believe that Sky Wolf is really seriously ill?"
"With your relationship with Blood Medical Sect and their capabilities, they could bring Sky Wolf back from the dead."
He snorted heavily. "I don't care. Before I return to Stardust City, I must meet Sky Wolf."
"If I don't, don't come to me for anything regarding Wolf Club's future."
Sky Wolf was the leader of Wolf Club, but Micah had never seen him. None of Wolf Club's members had seen him either; only Aurelia knew of his existence.
Because of this, Micah wanted to see who this mysterious figure was.
Aurelia's lips twitched, then she chuckled and nodded. "Alright, I'll arrange for it."
While they whispered, James was sitting in the back, watching the auction refund five billion dollars, smiling lightly.
James had just spent five billion dollars on the gem, but due to Hundred Flowers Bank's system restrictions, the funds would be delayed by two hours, arriving before the auction ended.
The auction house, worried about potential issues, deducted the amount directly from the hundred billion dollar deposit.
Simultaneously, they canceled the bank card transaction.
James glanced at his bank card and sent a quick text message.
For the next hour, the atmosphere was much calmer, with attendees bidding on items in an orderly fashion. Mary continued to wait for Cloud Top Mountain.
Half an hour later, the auction reached its climax, and the auctioneer struck the gavel and announced, "Next, we'll bid on the final item."
"Cloud Top Mountain, located in the prime area of Rosewood City, is a famous local mountain with lush vegetation and beautiful scenery, a top-tier tourist destination..."
The auctioneer praised the mountain to the crowd, while playing video clips of Cloud Top Mountain, making it look majestic and like a paradise.
Many young men and women were amazed, their excitement rising, imagining how incredible it would be to own such a famous mountain.
Those familiar with Cloud Top Mountain exchanged knowing smiles, put down their paddles, and made no further moves.
It wasn't something ordinary people could afford, requiring vast funds, extraordinary strength, and powerful connections—all essential.
Even the top five families wouldn't easily make a move, so why would others overestimate themselves?
Mary and Micah both sat up straight, their eyes fixed on the property deed for Cloud Top Mountain.
Aurelia's lips twitched, her eyes gleaming.
"Besides its scenery and prime location, Cloud Top Mountain's Fengshui is among the best in the country."
"Rumor has it that a dragon resides beneath it. Living or being buried there, one can absorb the dragon's aura, ensuring prosperity for generations."
After the auctioneer's pitch, he passionately announced to the crowd, "Now, let's start bidding for Cloud Top Mountain, with a starting price of one billion dollars, and minimum increments of one hundred million dollars."
"No upper limit." He waved his hand. "Raise your paddles and fight for the reputation, fight for your descendants!"
"Begin!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Micah coldly declared, "Two billion dollars."
When he raised his paddle, many young buyers fell silent, hesitated, and didn't bid.
Micah had just been tricked by James, and his anger was simmering. Challenging him now would be suicidal.
Despite feeling regretful, most chose to give up. Compared to owning a mountain, preserving their lives was more important.
Micah's aggressive bid had the desired effect, keeping others from impulsively raising the price.
"Three billion dollars!" Mary declared coldly.
Seeing someone challenge Micah, the crowd was surprised. They didn't expect someone to be so fearless, and their interest in the drama grew.
Micah turned to Mary. "Five billion dollars!"
The auctioneer became excited. "Mr. Gonzalez bids five billion dollars, five billion dollars for the first time, five billion dollars for the second time..."
Mary didn't hesitate. "Six billion dollars!"
She had James's substantial financial support and was completely unafraid of today's battle.
"Seven." Micah raised the bid. "Mary, I'm telling you, you may be bidding now, but you'll regret it later."
He issued a stern warning. "If you know what's good for you, stop causing trouble."
Many sensed Micah's anger, surprised by his determination to win Cloud Top Mountain, and puzzled by Mary's confidence in challenging the Gonzalez Family.
"Eight billion dollars!" Mary didn't back down. "Whether I win or not, I'll give it my all."
"Nine billion dollars!" Micah's voice was icy. "Even if you win it, you won't be able to handle it."
Amid the crowd's excited gazes, the auctioneer shouted again, "Nine billion dollars for the first time, nine billion dollars for the second time..."
In less than five minutes, the price had soared from one billion to nine billion dollars. It seemed today's task would be completed smoothly.
The auctioneer had been instructed countless times that other items didn't matter, but Cloud Top Mountain must not go unsold.
No matter what, even if the base price was reduced by eighty percent, Cloud Top Mountain had to be sold today.
Though the reason was unclear to him, the auctioneer still felt like he was selling a hot potato for more than ten times its worth. He was beyond excited.
"Ten billion dollars!" Mary raised her paddle again. "Mr. Gonzalez, even if I buy it just to keep it, I won't let you have it easily."
Micah was furious. "You're asking for trouble."
Mary mocked coldly, "I've endured a lot of your trouble, but it hasn't meant anything."
"Miss Smith bids ten billion dollars, ten billion dollars for the first time, ten billion dollars for the second time..."
The auctioneer's voice was hoarse with excitement. "Is there anyone else bidding?"
"Come on, you wealthy folks, can't you be more generous?"
Micah was about to laugh angrily and raise the bid when he heard an impatient voice.
Then, James, who had been resting with his eyes closed, stood up and raised his paddle. "One hundred billion dollars!"
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