Upon entering, there was a large hall where many high-society individuals walked around, mingling and discussing various business matters. Robin’s gaze quickly found a young man in the center of the room, who was wearing a gray suit. He was somewhat thin, but his bearing was extraordinary, and he wore a ring on his hand. This man was none other than Jimmy Jones.
Robin picked up a glass of red wine and sipped it gently while looking at Jimmy Jones through the wine glass. The young man was obscured by a red hue, as if surrounded by blood. “Pann’s compensation has given you an opportunity,” Robin murmured. “There are some things you can take, while others you cannot. Moreover, you’re an ungrateful wretch.”
The forty million was Pann’s compensation, earned with his life on the battlefield. But it had been stolen by Jimmy Jones. Not only had he taken the money, but he had also continued to exploit Pann’s family. Their home had been demolished, and the one they were living in now was also about to be demolished by Westin Properties. His audacity was astounding; calling him heartless would not be an exaggeration.
“Hey, brother, is this your first time here?” A young man, probably in his early twenties, approached Robin with a glass of wine and greeted him.
“Yes, and you are?” Robin looked up, seeing another young man, but one who carried himself with more confidence.
“Paul. I’m a businessman. Since it’s your first time here, do you need to buy any information? I have intel on everyone here, their families and their influence. For just two thousand dollars, you won’t offend anyone or be cheated. What do you say?” Paul whispered to Robin, somewhat like a street peddler.
No, he was a street peddler.
“How did you get in here?” Robin was curious. How could someone like him enter such an event?
“I have my ways.” Paul patted his chest and continued earnestly, “Brother, do you want a copy? I guarantee you would find it a bargain.”
“No need.” Robin shook his head. No one in this hall was worth his time to deliberately gather information about.
“Brother, you can’t be so stubborn. What if there’s someone here you can’t afford to offend, and you accidentally cross them? That wouldn’t be good, would it?” Paul tried every trick in his book to persuade Robin.
Robin just smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, but there’s no one here I can’t afford to offend.”
“You!” Paul was at a loss for words.
He thought Robin was a naive newcomer who didn’t know anything, refused to buy information, and even claimed that there was no one he couldn’t offend. Little did he know that this event was an auction hosted by Westin Properties. Most of North Town’s high society was in attendance, and there were plenty of people not to be trifled with. What a joke!
He must be some clueless newcomer, or a nouveau riche who thought he was invincible.
At that moment, Jimmy Jones took the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Westin Properties auction. We sincerely thank you all for coming…”
His polite remarks signaled the start of the auction. Paul left Robin’s side, thinking he had found a potential customer but having underestimated his naivety. Robin took his seat among the many guests, all members of North Town’s high society. Westin Properties’ reputation was well-deserved.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today we are auctioning off a valuable item: a military saber. This is no ordinary saber; it is stained with the blood of our enemies. Our experts have verified that this was a high-ranking officer’s weapon. It is invaluable and has great historical significance.”
As Jimmy Jones spoke, a woman in a cheongsam brought out a box. Inside was a rusty military saber that, despite its condition, still exuded a powerful aura. As the box was opened, the crowd felt a sudden palpitation in their hearts, as though they could see a mighty warrior wielding the saber in an unbeatable stance. The bloodstains on the blade had turned to rust, but they seemed like war scars, a testament to the saber’s storied past.
“This knife, it’s good, really good.”
“The owner of this knife was a real man, but luckily he was from another country and is already dead; otherwise, we would be in big trouble now.”
“This knife is Mr. Jones’ prized possession, and he once said he would never sell it, but this time…”
Everyone below was discussing animatedly.
Above them, Jimmy Jones waved his hand and said, “I presume many of you know that this knife is part of my collection, and I once said I would never sell it. But times have changed, and our Westin Properties is about to embark on a major project, a project targeting the entire North Town, so we need a lot of funding.”
“As for the property development plan, I hope everyone is aware and willing to cooperate for our mutual development.”
The people below knew that Westin Properties had a real estate plan, and if successful, Westin Properties would skyrocket in value several times over. Everything was ready except for some funding.
To take out his prized knife for auction serves two purposes: to raise funds and to show that he is serious.
He was not joking, and anyone who felt interested could come to discuss cooperation.
Many people below were thinking about how to join in the cooperation and maximize their benefits. However, Robin and his two companions were staring intently at the knife.
“This is Pann’s weapon!”
Robin’s eyes sparkled.
The military knife was not that of an enemy general, but Pann’s own, awarded to him personally by Robin. It had been used in numerous battles, striking fear into the hearts of many.
But today, it was being auctioned off!
And in such a grand manner!
However, the most crucial point was that the knife had been buried with Pann in North Town Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. The only explanation for its appearance here was grave robbery!
“Jimmy Jones, you have some nerve, and you dare to dig up my brother’s grave.”
A murderous aura seeped from Robin, for this was his sworn brother!
“Sir, I…”
Jeff Reczek could not help but reveal a military knife in his hand, and Nick did the same, their eyes seeking Robin’s approval to kill Jimmy Jones.
This was their old friend’s legacy, after all.
“Wait.”
Robin signaled with his eyes: “Going up now would be too easy for Jimmy Jones. Let’s take it slow and steady, one step at a time!”