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"In a moment, bid aggressively. Edwin Blake will definitely follow. When you raised the price on the necklace with me earlier, now I'll make you bleed heavily."
Leon Peterson was excited. "Sure!"
The host was incredibly enthusiastic, "All the guests present, this is our main attraction of the night, a century-old Lingzhi! The starting bid is thirty million, with no ceiling!"
As soon as the words fell, the guests began to bid frantically.
Many had seen it on the Dark Web and took a special flight just to seize the two hundred million bounty Ivy River offered.
They liked this kind of business that didn't involve guns or knives.
The scene became chaotic for a while.
But no one from the two rooms on the top floor made a move.
This left everyone puzzled.
Alexander Hodges couldn't suppress a grin; this Lingzhi would definitely fetch a sky-high price, making his wallet grow plump.
Just like that necklace, it would bring him substantial profits.
When Angel Wings came, the seller insisted they be the first to go on stage.
Said it'd bring him very high benefits, and if he didn't agree, then they wouldn't sell it.
Alexander had to agree.
When the Lingzhi arrived, the seller also insisted it be the final item.
The same rhetoric.
Now he had to ponder what secret was behind it all.
There aren't that many coincidences in the world.
The host's loud voice pulled him back to reality, "Now this century-old Lingzhi has reached one hundred million, does anyone else want to bid?"
The people present had almost finished bidding.
Edwin Blake casually raised his paddle, "Two hundred million."
Ivy River playfully raised it higher, "One billion."
Edwin Blake frowned slightly, the opposite side really was here for the Lingzhi.
But the Dark Web bounty was only two hundred million.
It had already far exceeded that price.
Interesting.
Edwin Blake coldly spoke, "One and a half billion."
"Two and a half billion."
Ivy River remained fearless, certain Edwin Blake would keep up.
The mindset of a gambler, she believed she'd win for sure.
Edwin Blake wanted to follow, but Alexander Hodges directly stopped him.
"What the hell is this game? Damn it, not bidding anymore! Just a piece of Lingzhi, find another one instead."
Isla Sutton looked at Alexander Hodges' agitated state and spoke timidly, "Edwin, I don't need this Lingzhi, you've already spent too much money on me, it's unnecessary."
Edwin Blake glanced at Isla Sutton, who was biting her lip, "Three billion."
Alexander Hodges was furious, "Does the Divine Doctor really have to have this Lingzhi? Can't live without it?"
Edwin Blake coldly swept his gaze, "Shut up."
"Fine, fine, fine, I won't care about you, after all, it's your money."
Alexander Hodges knew this was a precursor to Edwin's anger and didn't speak anymore.
Ivy River raised her paddle again, "Five billion."
This number caused a gasp among everyone present.
Members of the Dark Web had long stopped bidding and were watching this feast of a duel between wealthy people.
Edwin Blake's expression was dark as he stood up, "Ten billion."
Upon hearing this number, Ivy River satisfiedly put down her paddle.
Yet she couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness in her heart.
To do so much for a woman.
The host was stunned; he had never seen a piece of Lingzhi auctioned for ten billion.
The guests present couldn't help but cheer.
The host came back to his senses, "Top-floor guest number two bids ten billion, any more bids?"
"Ten billion once... ten billion thrice! Congratulations to guest number one for successfully securing this century-old Lingzhi!"
Alexander Hodges heard ten billion and his mind went blank.
He was stunned.
Isla Sutton was also stunned, but she believed even more in her status in Edwin Blake's heart.
She spoke hypocritically, "Edwin, I spent so much of your money, if it doesn't cure anything in the end, I'd have wasted a Lingzhi and all that money of yours."
Edwin Blake was in low spirits, coldly, "No ifs."
"Second, come out."
Alexander Hodges quickly followed, without any nonsense.
"Must find out what's up with the opposite side, see who else is involved besides the Peterson Family."
Looking at Edwin Blake's calm face, Alexander Hodges nodded, "Hmm, I'll check the surveillance later, and go home to probe the old man's thoughts, though he might not tell me."
At this moment, the opposite door opened.
Leon Peterson stepped out first, he paused at the sight of Edwin Blake and Alexander Hodges.
Edwin Blake's lips curled, eyes sharp and scrutinizing, "The Peterson Family really laid down a massive effort; a piece of Lingzhi could be worth five billion."
"I wanted to purchase this Lingzhi for my elderly father, to replenish him, let him stay in the Peterson Clan a few more years."
Leon Peterson sneered.
Ivy River naturally overheard.
She knew Edwin Blake; hiding wasn't an option now.
Ivy River directly pushed Leon Peterson aside, heading straightforward to the elevator.
Alexander Hodges saw this and intercepted directly.
Ivy River smiled playfully, "Stop me for what? Do you like me?"
As soon as she spoke, Edwin Blake knew Alexander Hodges wasn't her match.
"If I'm not mistaken, you were the one bidding for the Lingzhi just now, right? May I ask which family's young lady you are? Mr. Blake would like to get acquainted."
Ivy River's face showed a bit of panic, "Oh my, President Blake? Are you the infamous ruthless Edwin Blake?"
Despite wearing a mask, upon closer inspection, one could still find a bit of sarcasm in Ivy River's eyes.
Edwin Blake's lips curved in a semi-smile, "That would be me."
Ivy River raised an eyebrow, casually flicked her hair, and teased, "Don't want to know, apologies."
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