The auctioneer's voice was hoarse, bordering on a screech.
Only Yiqin Chu could increase the bid to five hundred million in one go.
And judging by his demeanor, it seemed like a piece of cake for him.
"Going once for five hundred million!"
"Going twice for five hundred million!"
"Going three times for five hundred million!" The gavel came down with a decisive thud. "Sold!"
Jasmine slumped back in her chair, her back drenched in sweat. Her emotions had been on a roller - coaster ride, and now, a hint of exhaustion showed in her clear, black - and - white eyes.
It was sold!
She was an employee of the Chu Consortium, Yiqin Chu's secretary. She'd be among the first to know what plans there were for the land.
However, seeing Zhenguo Qin's triumphant look made her seethe with anger.
He had made a fortune!
As the auction of the three plots of land concluded, the tense atmosphere in the hall gradually dissipated. The music from the banquet hall outside started playing, its lively notes soothing everyone's nerves.
Some were nervous, some excited, and some disappointed.
"Please, the winning bidders, come over to sign the contracts," the auction organizer called out enthusiastically. These were the big - spenders, after all.
Jasmine was half - lying in her chair, her legs too weak to stand. Suddenly, a man's warm, dry hand took hold of hers. He pried her fingers open and placed a clean handkerchief in her palm.
"Wipe yourself," he said, his tone laced with mild disgust, his features as cold and aloof as ever.
Jasmine took a deep breath, looking at the beige - checked handkerchief. Resignedly, she used it to wipe the cold sweat from her palms.
Zhenguo Qin and Yun Shu hadn't yet moved to the banquet hall. Instead, they were chatting with the organizer and several other company presidents. Zhenguo Qin never missed a chance to network with the powerful.
The Wen family had also won the bid for Lot Two. Qingqing Wen was trailing behind President Wen, but her eyes were glued to Yiqin Chu.
"Young Master Chu..."
"Congratulations, Mr. Chu," came the greetings.
Yiqin Chu, the youngest among them, exuded an imposing and noble aura.
"Young Master Chu, you're truly a remarkable young man," Zhenguo Qin complimented after signing the document and handing it to Yiqin Chu. "A pleasure doing business."
"Jasmine, sign," Yiqin Chu said casually.
The simple statement left everyone in the room stunned. Zhenguo Qin's smile froze on his face. "Your signature is required for it to be valid, Mr. Chu. It needs your personal autograph."
"I know. Jasmine, sign," the man repeated. "Sign your own name."
Jasmine was completely taken aback.
Sign her name? Was Yiqin Chu out of his mind? This was five hundred million, not fifty thousand!
"What do you mean, Young Master Chu? Is this plot of land being bought for this young lady?"
"Young Master Chu sure has a unique way of showing his affection, buying a plot of land for a woman," some of the older gentlemen joked, laughing heartily.
Qingqing Wen stared at Jasmine with jealousy. Why her?
"Brother Yiqin, are you sure you're not mistaken?" Qingqing Wen asked, reluctant to accept the situation.
Zhenguo Qin instinctively retrieved the agreement.
The air around Yiqin Chu grew even colder. "You chose to give it up. Then..."
"I'll sign! I'll sign right now!"
Jasmine snatched the agreement from Zhenguo Qin's hand and quickly scribbled her signature. Her handwriting was delicate, learned from Manni Yin, but with a hint of sharpness beneath its softness.
Yun Shu's face turned extremely ugly.
"Jasmine, don't be silly. If you sign this, you'll be responsible for five hundred million," she said, feigning concern.
Five hundred million! She didn't have a dime to her name!
Jasmine instinctively looked at Yiqin Chu, who then gave Yingyao a subtle glance.
"This is a plot of land purchased by the Chu Consortium. Naturally, the Chu Consortium will foot the bill."