Christian raised his paddle without hesitation. "Two billion."
His bid immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. Christian basked in the spotlight, lifting his chin proudly. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived, as a paddle was raised from the back of the room.
"Two billion and one hundred million."
Christian froze, then quickly raised his paddle again. "Two billion and ten million."
"Two billion and twenty million," another real estate company joined the fray.
Christian responded immediately, "Two billion and thirty million."
Evan silently raised his paddle. "Two billion and thirty-one million."
Christian was irritated. Why was this person only raising the bid by one million?
"Two billion and forty million," he said loudly, glancing towards Evan's direction.
The appraiser tugged at Christian's sleeve and whispered, "We can't bid any higher; it's beyond our estimate."
Their original assessment was two billion, and they were already forty million over.
Christian dismissed the concern, "It's just forty million more; the Lin family can afford it."
The appraiser looked to Zhang, the secretary, who didn't object, so he said no more. After all, his job was to advise, but the final decision lay with the Lin family.
After Christian's bid, the other competing real estate company withdrew, leaving only two bidders.
"Two billion and forty-one million," Evan calmly raised his paddle.
Christian was infuriated by the one million increase and raised his paddle again. "Two billion and fifty million."
"Two billion and fifty-one million."
"Two billion and sixty million," Christian's temper flared.
Zhang was about to speak, but Zuri intervened first. "Christian, this is not a time to show off. Stop bidding. The price is too high; it's not worth it. If you're worried about losing face, I promise I won't laugh at you. Don't act impulsively."
Zhang nodded in agreement, seeing that Zuri was right. Christian seemed to be competing out of stubbornness.
Evan, clutching his paddle, was sweating but raised it as he caught Zuri's signal, though he was internally panicking.
My goodness, this is almost three billion! What if the other side stops bidding? Their company would be in trouble.
Evan, outwardly calm and composed, was inwardly terrified, unsure of what to do next.
Christian, also feeling uncertain, was provoked by Zuri's words, especially when she mentioned his potential embarrassment. Resolving himself, he raised his paddle again.
"Three billion."
The room erupted in murmurs, all eyes on Christian. Although Plot 1 had great potential, its limited size meant developing it would require a substantial investment, pushing property prices sky-high.
Many secretly marveled at the Lin family's boldness.
Zhang and the appraiser were pale with fear. They hoped another bidder would step in and relieve them of the situation.
Evan, hearing the three billion bid, felt relieved, thinking he wouldn't need to bid anymore. But then he saw Zuri signaling him to bid again.
No way!
Three billion!
Evan was torn, unsure whether to continue or listen to her.
The auctioneer, seeing no more bids, called out, "Is there a higher bid? Anyone?"
He glanced towards the back of the room, looking at Evan.
Evan remained silent.
Zuri raised her eyebrow and sent a pre-written message.
Evan's phone buzzed. He read Zuri's urging message, feeling more conflicted.
Should he really bid?
That's three billion!
Seeing Evan hesitating, Christian smiled triumphantly.
Hah, thought you could beat me!
The auctioneer began the countdown.
"Three billion, going once."
"Three billion, going twice."
Just as the third call was about to be made, Evan silently raised his paddle.
"Three billion and one hundred million."
The room buzzed with excitement, eyes now turning towards Evan for the first time.
Evan, maintaining a composed demeanor, seemed unfazed, earning silent admiration from those around him.
Christian was seething!
This guy was definitely doing this on purpose!
Zhang and the appraiser breathed a sigh of relief, grateful someone else was taking over.
But their relief was premature.
Christian, blinded by anger, raised his paddle once more, gritting his teeth.
"Three billion and ten million!"
He thought this bid would be the end of it.
Christian's eyes were bloodshot, like a gambler betting everything.
Evan glanced at him and raised his paddle again. "Three billion and eleven million."
The room erupted again.
Everyone's attention turned to Christian.
Feeling the pressure, Christian hesitated, wanting to bid but also afraid.
As he wavered, Zuri grabbed his hand and sternly admonished, "Christian, are you insane? Just because someone provokes you, you act rashly. With this attitude, you'll ruin the Lin Corporation if it ever falls into your hands. Thankfully, the other party is bidding; otherwise, you'd be in a mess."
Zhang, equally frustrated, said, "Young Master, we can't bid any higher."
The appraiser nodded, "The price is too high; you'll lose money."
"Fool, stop bidding. You're being played and don't even know it," Zuri scolded harshly, making Christian feel humiliated.
The crowd chuckled softly, adding to Christian's embarrassment.
He hated Zuri and Evan alike.
They set him up; why couldn't he do the same to them? Let's see who laughs last.
The auctioneer resumed the countdown.
Zhang and the appraiser, seeing Christian quiet, focused on the auctioneer's gavel, waiting for the final hammer.
But to their shock, Christian raised his paddle again.
"Three billion and fifty million."
The room buzzed again, all eyes on Christian.
A real estate company CEO whispered to his colleague, "Lin Jiacheng raised a good son."
The comment dripped with sarcasm.
Christian, after placing his bid, looked at Evan with a defiant stance.
He thought, as soon as Evan raised his paddle, he would stop bidding and let him suffer the consequences.
Christian smiled, smugly.
Zuri glanced at him, noting the anticipation and excitement in his eyes. She smirked slightly.
Fool.