Feng Xiaoyu, caught between suspicion and a desire to appease Wang Jian, sighed. "Fine," she conceded.
"Twenty-five thousand."
Dong Aigou felt a surge of despair.
But the thought of losing the stone, of losing the chance that destiny offered him, fueled his determination.
"Thirty thousand!" he roared, his voice hoarse with strain.
The crowd gasped. The price for an unremarkable stone had skyrocketed, leaving everyone bewildered. The auctioneer, her eyes sparkling with excitement, egged the bidders on.
"Thirty thousand going once, going twice…"
Wang Jian, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, leaned over to Yin Lian and Mu Xuanyin, who were giggling uncontrollably. "See, ladies? A little competition always makes things more interesting."
