Seventy million was already a high price, but compared to his cost price of one hundred million, it was still far from enough. To break even, the price needed to be driven up to at least ninety million!
Leo’s attention was completely off the auction; he kept staring at the large screen behind Ethan. The screen was showing a live broadcast, as per Ethan’s request. In other words, if any major news broke, it would be broadcasted directly.
Has it not come yet?
Leo and David exchanged worried glances, each seeing the concern in the other’s eyes.
“Eighty million!”
The atmosphere in the venue suddenly tightened. Eighty million was already a rare high price, and the bidding pace slowed down. However, the excitement hadn’t waned; reaching ninety million was just a matter of time.
Ethan breathed a sigh of relief and finally noticed Leo and David from the Triple Element Commerce Association sitting below. His lips curled into a mocking smile.
“These two losers sitting together, birds of a feather,” Ethan thought his earlier worries were somewhat unnecessary.
At this moment, the auction process of The Dragon Pearl at Bonham Auction House was being broadcast on the city news channel. Once the auction ended, this grand event would be known throughout Langstel and even the entire antique community nationwide. Bonham Auction House’s reputation would reach new heights.
Ethan felt as if he were floating, as if something was lifting him into the sky. Leo and David’s faces grew smaller and blurrier, like ants.
“From now on, I’m not in the same league as them,” Ethan mused.
Suddenly, a clear female voice came from the large screen behind him: “Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this program for an important news bulletin…”
Everyone turned to look at the screen, where a female anchor in office attire appeared. It was Domingo, a famous host and reporter from the city station, who usually only appeared during city news broadcasts. What major event had occurred today?
Ethan turned back angrily; just when they were about to reach ninety million, this sudden news interruption disrupted everything.
Domingo held a piece of paper, occasionally glancing down at it. It seemed like a last-minute news report with no preparation time. However, her strong psychological resilience and professionalism allowed her to deliver the news fluently.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have breaking news.”
“The Langstel Museum recently discovered Emperor Lee of Western Xia’s treasury at Black Tiger Mountain’s Black Wind Pass, unearthing numerous precious artifacts.”
“Next, we have an interview with Chloe, the project leader from Langstel Museum, at Black Wind Pass.”
A beautiful woman with long hair appeared on screen. The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles, amazed by her beauty.
Leo was surprised to see Chloe in the news. Her long hair was still disheveled over her shoulders, likely due to her busy excavation work. It lacked its usual luster, clumping together as if wet. However, Chloe’s eyes sparkled with unprecedented brilliance, completely different from her cold demeanor at Langstel Museum.
“Miss Chloe, could you describe the discovery process of the Western Xia Treasury?”
“Initially, we found clues about the Western Xia Treasury in historical records. With help from a related individual, we overcame project obstacles and found the treasury map. After comparison, we confirmed its location.”
“Could you tell us more about this individual?” The on-site reporter asked curiously. “We heard your project was about to be canceled before this breakthrough. Their help must have been significant, right?”
“Sorry, I can’t disclose information about that individual,” Chloe refused directly.
The reporter didn’t know what to say after being refused. The director in the studio promptly switched back to the main signal.
“Alright, dear viewers, we’ll continue to follow up on this story. Most of the unearthed artifacts will be displayed at Langstel Museum, with some select pieces participating in international exhibitions. Thank you.”
The breaking news ended.
Ethan stared dumbfounded at the screen, his head still raised. A series of terms flashed through his mind: Black Tiger Mountain, Western Xia Treasury, Langstel Museum, Spirit Moon Antiques, Triple Element Commerce Association, treasury artifacts…
Ethan’s head buzzed.
Then he heard the audience’s discussions drifting into his ears.
“Western Xia Treasury? Isn’t that from that singing and dancing stall in Area E? What’s it called?”
“Spirit Moon Antiques?”
“Yes! I heard they have a 50% discount promotion?”
“I know! It’s only valid until 5 PM.”
“Let’s go grab some treasures from Western Xia!”
“But here…”
“What does it matter if The Dragon Pearl sells for a billion? We can’t afford it anyway. If we go to Area E now, we might get some Western Xia antiques. Didn’t you see the news?”
“Right! Let’s go to Area E!”
Ethan panicked: “Everyone, please calm down. Let’s continue the auction. Eighty-two million! Any higher bids than eighty-two million?”
The venue was chaotic; no one listened to him or bid anymore.
Seeing things fall apart, Ethan watched as half the audience left within moments. Those who remained were stuck in the crowd and had no interest in watching The Dragon Pearl auction anymore.
Ethan closed his eyes, thinking only one thing: “It’s over! It’s over!”
“Brother, quickly announce the auction result! At least we still have eighty-two million!” Quentin’s voice sounded in his ear.
Right!
Although eighty-two million was far from his target, now wasn’t the time to be picky.
Ethan opened his eyes; there were still some lingering stars in his vision. He picked up the gavel and shouted: “Eighty-two million once!”
“Eighty-two million twice!”
Just as he was about to say “third,” Ethan scanned the audience and realized that the person who bid eighty-two million had disappeared.
“Unsold!?” Ethan staggered and almost fell but was caught by Quentin beside him.
Ethan could see nothing now; losing a hundred million was heartbreaking.
He glanced back at the stage and noticed that Landon from the grading committee had also disappeared-probably gone to Area E too.