Chapter 585: Play to the End
Zhou Xiaobin was determined to get his hands on whatever Mo Yibai had to offer, even though he had suffered many losses in his pursuit of this “national goddess.” His resolve as an ardent fan remained unchanged. Of course, the bidding price he was offering now was enough to match his status.
But just as Zhou Xiaobin was feeling confident, an untimely voice emerged.
“Twenty million!”
Naturally, it was Mr. Shen Mohan, who had harbored feelings for Mo Yibai since their university days, going to great lengths during those ignorant years just to become an honored guest of the goddess. Despite numerous rejections, Shen Mohan relentlessly pursued her, seemingly refusing to give up until the bitter end. Today, he decided to no longer stay low-key and make sure Mo Yibai knew of his unyielding determination.
Coincidentally, he was not the only one deciding to come out of the shadows today.
“Twenty million and one dollar!”Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
Xiao Shun lazily raised his sign, exuding an unabashedly arrogant demeanor.
“I’m actually delighted that you’re participating in the bidding,” Mo Yibai said, “but could your offer show a little more sincerity?”
Seeing Xiao Shun competing for her item with others filled Mo Yibai with joy, but the unexpected bid left her feeling somewhat unsatisfied. Suddenly, Shen Mohan, seated in the front row, erupted in anger, leaping up from his chair and glaring at Xiao Shun, his face contorted with malice.
“What do you mean!” he demanded.
“Hmph, he’s just a small-time player with a narrow mindset,” Zhou Xiaobin remarked with a mocking tone, unable to contain himself any longer.
With the leading figures speaking out, the others naturally joined in, creating a bustling atmosphere.
“This is going to be quite a spectacle. Offending two big shots from Northleap in one go, this kid is in for some trouble!”
“Damn, who would’ve thought there would be such a show at tonight’s event. Even if we gain nothing, it’s still worth it!”
“Exactly, my journalist friend was the only one not allowed in. Otherwise, tonight’s auction would have been a major news story!”
Amid the chatter, Xiao Shun glanced casually at the furious Shen Mohan and then at the disdainful Zhou Xiaobin, and said, “Do you have some misunderstanding about me?”
“Misunderstanding?” Shen Mohan sneered. “What are you, to think you could cause a misunderstanding with me?”
“Some people are just like this, thinking they’re all that just because they have a bit of money. What’s that called again… oh right… a nouveau riche!” Zhou Xiaobin sneered with great arrogance.
Seeing this, Cao Wanqing felt it was time to regain control of the situation. If things continued to escalate, tonight’s auction would likely spiral out of control.
“Sir, please be serious. This is, after all, a charity auction. The funds raised are meant to aid disaster victims. If you continue to disrupt the proceedings, I will have to ask the staff to escort you out.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shun replied seriously, “Then I would like to ask, Miss Cao, are their money just money, and mine not? Or perhaps you look down on my bid of twenty million and one dollar?”
Indeed, Xiao Shun’s intent to help disaster victims was genuine. But while making a donation, he also wanted to deflate the egos of both Zhou Xiaobin and Shen Mohan, to prevent these two from barking incessantly. Was that not justified?
Cao Wanqing had not expected this man to be so disrespectful. She had simply reminded him to behave properly, and he had responded with extreme rudeness. Though angered, she couldn’t find any grounds to argue against Xiao Shun, leaving her feeling extremely frustrated.
Just as Cao Wanqing was at a loss for what to do next, Shen Mohan, in the audience, relieved her of her embarrassment.
“Since you, you bastard, want to play, then I’ll play with you to the end and show you the difference between us!”
With resentment, Shen Mohan cast a mocking glance at Xiao Shun, then slowly raised his own sign.
“Fifty million.”
The room was in shock! Fifty million for an evening gown? Even if it had been worn by a queen, it wouldn’t be worth that much!
However, Shen Mohan paid no heed. He was the kind of person who would spare no expense for a smile. What did money matter? As long as it could make his beloved happy, no amount was too much.
Suddenly, in the hushed atmosphere, a hearty laugh rang out.
“Haha, indeed, Mr. Shen, having a rival like you truly ignites my passion!”
With great admiration, Zhou Xiaobin lifted his sign silently anddeclared, “Eighty million!”
Like a thunderclap on a clear day, this number reverberated in the ears of the audience.
“You two are truly admirable, showing such generosity in the face of disaster. On behalf of the people of Northleap, I offer my heartfelt thanks to both of you!” Cao Wanqing expressed her gratitude as she approached the edge of the stage, bowing respectfully to Shen Mohan and Zhou Xiaobin.
Although she knew that these two wealthy individuals were not genuinely concerned for the disaster victims and were merely competing for Mo Yibai’s favor, their contributions were substantial. With this sum of money, many suffering individuals could receive aid, unlike some who merely paid lip service.
Having this thought, Cao Wanqing couldn’t help but cast a somewhat unfavorable impression on Xiao Shun. As the applause surged like a tidal wave once again, it was evident that the accolades were directed at Shen Mohan and Zhou Xiaobin for their “enthusiastic participation.”
As for Xiao Shun, it seemed that no one paid him any mind. In the eyes of the crowd, he simply didn’t have the qualifications to compete with either Shen or Zhou. He was nothing more than a clown.
The consensus was that a couple of million was something this youngster could easily produce. However, Mr. Zhou had just raised the bid to eighty million, making it clear that Xiao Shun, an unknown, had no chance of continuing to participate.
Would the situation truly shift from the earlier equilibrium of three to a head-to-head contest between dragons and tigers?
Amid the thunderous applause, Xiao Shun rose to his feet.
Then, he glanced at Shen Mohan, Zhou Xiaobin, and Cao Wanqing, taking in their expressions, and with a faint smile, he called out a figure.
“Two hundred million!”