Chapter 436 - A Complicated Auction (2/3)
From the start, the enthusiasm in the auction wasn’t that great as the auctioned items were mainly irrelevant. Although the items were popular amongst the noble ladies, Rhode had no interest in them at all. He was waiting for the opportune timing patiently. Natasha had successfully bid herself a beautiful crystal sculpture with 1500 gold coins while Grendy was eager to give bidding a try as he seemed to have taken a liking for a magical sword.
Soon, the auctioneer revealed his 13th auction item… That was a pair of beautiful Emerald Earrings. The auctioneer explained that this pair of earrings was made with an ancient craftsmanship and it was perfectly preserved. Fine silver lines wrapped around the emerald, arousing everyone’s hearts. This pair of earrings had a starting bidding price of 800 gold coins…
However, this price was nothing for the vain nobles. The bidding for this item began and its price rose to 1600 gold coins. Normally, it would be rare for a pair of Emerald Earrings to be sold at this price. However, Natasha and Grendy didn’t have any reactions because it seemed that they were used to the lavish splurges of these nobles. On the other hand, Anne widened her eyes in shock as she laid by the window and stared at the earrings
“That’s ridiculous… A pair of earrings can be sold for at least 1000 gold coins… Anne definitely can’t afford it…” Anne gawked at the pair of earrings on the auctioneer’s hand and shook her head. Rhode squinted his eyes slightly before raising his arm and gesturing to the old butler. The butler announced.
1800 gold coins.
After hearing Rhode’s bidding price, many bidders had given up. Within all the bidders, only one was left and he bid after hesitating for a long time.
2000 gold coins.
Rhode’s expression remained unchanged as he raised his arm again.
2500 gold coins.
Rhode had no intention of giving up.
7200 gold coins.
The other bidder went into silence for a moment and announced their price.
7500 gold coins.
Now, it was Rhode’s turn to fall into silence. He didn’t respond immediately; instead, he sat on the sofa, lifting the wineglass casually while gazing down at the auction venue. At this moment, the others in the compartment were looking at Rhode with uncertainty because they knew that the bidding for this item that Rhode wanted wasn’t that easy.
“Leader?” Anne puckered her brows and gazed at Rhode. However, Rhode was as though a sommelier, appreciating the delicious wine in his wine glass. It was only after the auctioneer knocked on his gavel once when Rhode made a hand gesture.
7700 gold coins.
This time, no one challenged him.
“Ivan?” The man shrieked in shock while his companion hiding in the shadows groaned. “Give up.”
“Give up? Ivan, are you sure? That guy seems to want this thing a lot.” The man gazed in doubt and frowned. “You see, that guy is willing to pay 7700 gold coins and although we don’t know what’s so special about that thing… Shall we experiment it?”
“There’s no need to.” The man in the shadows gestured with his hand decisively. “Didn’t you see? That man didn’t respond instantly after the second bid from the other bidder. He must be hesitant of his desire for this item; if not, he wouldn’t decide to bid for it only after the auctioneer strikes the gavel once. This shouldn’t be the item that he wants because there is no reason for him to hesitate for so long. Also, he raises the bid by 200 gold coins every time and didn’t attempt to raise the price by a huge amount to force the other bidder away. This goes to show that this thing isn’t necessary for him… Continue to observe. It’s not over yet.”
“Alright, I understand.” The man nodded convincingly as he indeed didn’t notice these behaviors… It seemed rather logical to him.
The gavel struck thrice.
Rhode let out a sigh of relief and placed the wine glass on the table. At the same time, he retrieved a handkerchief and wiped the sweat in his palms. As a matter of fact, Rhode was nervous even though he seemed nonchalant. Ever since he entered this auction venue and sensed some malicious stares, he was worried that someone would give him a hard time during the auction. Indeed, there were a few occasions when someone rose the bidding price purposely. Rhode had observed that the opposing bidder came from a particular seat below him.
Rhode bid for a handful of accessories previously in order to bait out his enemies. After confirming who his enemies were, he gave up on a few bids on purpose and took down a few at the same time. This was to confuse the enemies of his real intentions and apparently, it worked out pretty well.
However, it wasn’t over yet.
Rhode couldn’t let off these people with potential threats to him.
The keys to the maze were delivered to Rhode and he kept it in the Spatial Bag safely. Then, he picked up the list of auction items again, focusing his attention on the finale of this auction.