As soon as Rory stepped out of the car at the underground auction venue in Fhongsoly, a staff member rushed over, bowing and scraping with a fake smile. “Ms. Miller, you’re here. We’ve prepared a VIP room for you on the second floor”
Rory didn’t even spare him a glance, her tone icy. “Lead the way The staff member was used to Rory’s attitude and didn’t bat an eye.
On the second floor, Yvette and Rory walked through the VIP corridor, bypassing the crowd, and entered Room 201. The underground auction venue in Kransbay was specially designed for such events.
From the VIP room on the second floor, they had a clear view of everyone and everything on the first floor, including the items on display. If anyone wanted to place a bid, there were attendants stationed at each of the VIP room doors to help out.
Once one placed their bid, the attendant would call it out for them, ensuring both safety and privacy for the VIP guests. After all, only important people could access the VIP rooms on the second floor.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Inside the room, Yvette stood at the window, hands in her pockets, gazing down at the bustling hall below that could accommodate thousands.
The crowd was a mix of all kinds of people, each holding a special paddle to bid. Underneath the display stands, plenty of round tables and chairs awaited higher–tier bidders, complete with seat numbers.
Rory picked up a glass of red wine, took a sip, and wrinkled her nose. “This brand again? Same old wine, nothing new
Yvette turned around, casually taking a seat with her chin resting on the table, pursing her lips as if she had no interest in replying to Rory.
Rory huffed, “Yvette, your uncle struggles every year to pull in a few million from our business deals. He’ll never experience, a life like this. If he attended the auction, he wouldn’t even get a seat on the first floor with his wealth. This is reality.
“You’re going nowhere if you head back to Dungo Village. Why not consider teaming up with me? I can elevate your status Soon, even your uncle will have to look up to you. Isn’t this the life you want?”
Rory’s intense gaze bore into Yvette, trying to persuade her to stay.
Yvette crossed her legs, expressionless at first, but then tilted her head slightly, a ghost of a smile curling her lips. Her eyes sparkled with an alluring light as she replied casually, “You really know how to paint a pretty picture.”
Rory’s grip tightened around her wine glass, trying to suppress her growing frustration. She kept telling herself, ‘Don’t get angry… Calm down…‘
Yvette remained unfazed, continuing to play her game while Rory simmered in silence, left with no outlet for her feelings. She ended up downing glass after glass of red wine.
Half an hour later, the underground auction began. A glamorous woman emerged from the side of the stage, strutting confidently. The crowd erupted into cheers and whistles.
Most of the people here weren’t engaged in serious business. The underground auction had a more relaxed atmosphere compared to formal auction houses.
The glamorous woman, used to such scenes, flashed a seductive smile and tossed her hair, exuding charm. “Alright, everyone, I know you’re familiar with the rules of the underground auction. For the new folks, just a quick reminder: we only recognize cash, not names. The highest bidder wins. Let’s get started!”
The audience could hardly contain their excitement.
“Let’s go! We’ve been waiting forever!”
“Yeah, bring out the good stuff! I’ve got cash ready!”
“Marina, what’s up for grabs first? Last year it was a fifty–carat pink diamond. It’d better not be just jewelry this time!”
On stage, Marina observed the restless crowd below, her eyes filled with a hint of disdain. Then, she glanced up toward the second floor, and her expression changed entirely.
The people on the first floor were never the real targets of the underground auction; it was the guests on the second floor who truly mattered.
Marina smiled and spoke into the mic. “Alright, everyone, don’t rush. Our first auction item today is a magnificent beast brought in from a mysterious donor in Southtoria: a lion.”
With a swift clap, a group of burly men walked out, carrying a large cage. When the crowd on the first floor saw the sleeping lion inside, their eyes widened in disbelief.
“No way, am I seeing this right? That’s a lion! Who in the world sent this thing for auction?”
“Who would even bid on a lion? What are they thinking at this underground auction house?”
“Hey, don’t knock it! Just because you’re not interested doesn’t mean the esteemed guests on the second floor won’t place a bid.”
Marina’s voice boomed over the microphone. “The starting bid for the lion is 300 thousand dollars.”
On the second floor, Rory and Yvette stood by the window, watching the lion clearly sedated. Rory remarked, “I bet that young mogul will love this.”
Yvette, hands in her pockets and a slight intensity in her gaze, raised an eyebrow. “I know a kid at home who loves animals like that too.”
Rory shrugged it off, thinking Yvette was referring to a younger relative. After all, what kid wouldn’t be fascinated by such a cool animal?
In the end, the lion was successfully bid on by someone in Room 201 on the second floor. The auction continued
effortlessly, featuring everything from porcelain and jewelry to rare herbs and potions. The variety was endless; they had it all.
At the display stage, Marina watched the crowd with a mysterious smile. She knew the last item on the auction block would cause quite a stir. Truth be told, if she had the money, she would keep this gorgeous treasure for herself.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she called out, “for our final auction item, I know you’re all aware that the last item at our underground auctions is always unique and precious. I am announcing that the starting bid for this final item is 30 million dollars.”
Gasps erupted throughout the venue. Everyone wondered, ‘What could this item possibly be with such a high starting bid?‘ On the second floor, Rory was momentarily stunned, thinking, A starting bid of 30 million dollars? The underground auction must have discovered something truly incredible to set that price.‘ Now even she felt a spark of interest, eager to see what it was.
Marina let the suspense build and then shot a glance down at the staff. In the next moment, a cage covered with a black cloth was hoisted up. No one could see inside.
Marina surveyed the eager expressions around her before confidently walking over to the cage. With a sharp tug, she ripped off the black cloth.
As the cloth fell away, a solid gold cage standing ten feet tall came into view. The crowd on both floors gaped at what lay inside.
Silence enveloped the room. Everyone was frozen, no sounds breaking the awe. But in their eyes were reflections of amazement and frenzy.