The victory over the bank brought a satisfying sense of power, but it also drew more eyes to my every move. The Black Lotus Corporation was dismantled, Damien Zhao's name dragged through the mud, and now my control over the financial sector was tightening.
The problem with being at the top is that everyone else wants to see you fall.
"Host," the System chimed in as I reviewed the latest financial reports in my office, "a new opportunity has emerged. A consortium of influential real estate tycoons is hosting a secret auction. They are selling prime assets, including properties in critical metropolitan hubs worldwide."
I raised an eyebrow. "And what's the catch?"
> The Zhao Group had secured an invitation before their downfall. The auction is invitation-only, and the organizers are wary of newcomers. Gaining access will require strategy.
"Strategy is my specialty," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Where's the auction being held?"
> A private estate in Monaco. The event will be heavily guarded, and attendees are expected to bring both wealth and influence to the table.
I smirked. "Perfect. Let's make an entrance they won't forget."
Preparations for the auction were meticulous. Eleanor was invaluable, helping me acquire the right connections and ensuring my name appeared on the exclusive guest list.
"You know," she said as we boarded my private jet to Monaco, "these kinds of events aren't just about money. They're about reputation. You'll be walking into a room full of sharks."
I adjusted my cufflinks, my expression calm. "Let them try to bite. I've tamed worse."
She rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement breaking through her professional demeanor. "Just don't get too cocky, Lin."
The estate was a sprawling mansion perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. The night air was cool, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below adding to the atmosphere of exclusivity and power.
As Eleanor and I stepped into the grand ballroom, every head turned. The men were sizing me up, and the women—well, let's just say I wasn't unnoticed.
A server approached with a tray of champagne. I took a glass and surveyed the room.
> Host, key players identified. Several attendees have ties to former Zhao allies. Recommend monitoring their interactions and leveraging their networks if necessary.
"Noted," I muttered under my breath.
Eleanor leaned closer, her voice low. "See anyone interesting?"
"Plenty," I said. "But let's focus on the prize."
The auction began with smaller properties, the bidding fierce but controlled. It wasn't until the grand prize—a portfolio of skyscrapers in London, New York, and Tokyo—was unveiled that the room truly came alive.
"This portfolio," the auctioneer announced, "represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Starting bid: one billion euros."
The air crackled with tension as the first bid was placed.
"One point two," I said, my voice cutting through the murmurs.
All eyes turned to me. Some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled hostility.
"Two billion," another voice countered.
I glanced at the bidder—a man in his forties, exuding confidence. One of Damien Zhao's former allies, if I remembered correctly.
"Two point five," I said without hesitation.
The bidding escalated, each number climbing higher, the tension in the room palpable. By the time it reached five billion, only three bidders remained: myself, Zhao's ally, and an older woman whose sharp eyes missed nothing.
> Host, suggest pausing before your next bid. Allow the others to reveal their limits.
I nodded subtly, letting the silence stretch.
"Five point five," the older woman said, her tone icy.
"Six," Zhao's ally snapped, sweat beading on his brow.
"Six point five," I said calmly, leaning back as if the amount meant nothing to me.
The room murmured, the tension reaching its peak. The older woman hesitated, then shook her head.
"Seven billion," Zhao's ally said, his voice strained.
I smirked. "Seven point five."
Silence.
The ally clenched his fists, glaring at me before finally lowering his paddle.
"Sold!" the auctioneer declared, his gavel striking the podium. "To Mr. Lin Feng."
The applause was polite but restrained, the room now filled with the quiet hum of recalculated power dynamics.
Back in the lounge, I sipped a glass of champagne as Eleanor joined me.
"Seven point five billion," she said, raising an eyebrow. "That's a bold move, even for you."
"It's not about the price," I said. "It's about what it represents."
> Host, the acquisition will position you as a dominant player in the global real estate market. Additionally, Zhao's ally has been significantly weakened by his failed bid. His reputation will suffer, creating further opportunities for you to expand.
"Exactly," I said, a satisfied smirk on my face.
Eleanor shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're dangerous, Lin. In the best and worst ways."
"That's what makes me unstoppable," I replied.
As we prepared to leave, I couldn't help but feel the thrill of the hunt. The game was far from over, and the stakes were only getting higher.
With every move I made, the world bent further to my will. And soon, it wouldn't just be this world—it would be every world.