C13 Bidding

Yang Qi was on the verge of completing his purchase when Tantrum's comment made him furrow his brow in irritation.

The old man had left the Noble Building mere minutes ago; surely no one could have discerned the provenance of these iron pieces so swiftly? Tantrum's sudden interference caught him off guard.

Yet, since he hadn't finalized the deal with the old man, and someone else was offering more, Yang Qi was at a loss. Being new in town, he was unaware that Tantrum didn't actually have the funds he claimed.

He hadn't even noticed that Tantrum had already acquired one of the metal pieces.

After a brief pause, Yang Qi spoke up, "My friend, could you do me a favor? I'll offer two thousand apiece for these items. Let's not compete over them, shall we?"

"Why should I do you any favors? The items are here for the bidding. I'll offer two thousand five hundred each," Tantrum retorted with a sneer.

Just the day before, Yang Zun of the Noble Building had tried to outbid him for a small cauldron using the same tactic. Now, turning the tables felt immensely satisfying to Tantrum.

Though he was unclear about the relationship between Yang Qi and Yang Zun, they were both associated with the Noble Building, and that was enough reason for Tantrum to ensure they paid dearly. He wouldn't rest until he had his way.

Yang Qi's expression darkened considerably at Tantrum's words, and he shot him a frosty glare.

"I'll go three thousand! Friend, it's wise not to let pride cloud your judgment, or it could cost you dearly," Yang Qi countered, his voice laced with a veiled threat.

Tantrum chuckled coldly, "I'm fine with taking a loss. What's it to you? I bid three thousand five hundred!" His defiant demeanor infuriated Yang Qi, turning his face an ashen shade of anger.

Meanwhile, the old man, overhearing their escalating bids, was nearly moved to tears with excitement. His daughter had been right; these iron pieces were indeed valuable antiques.

Thoughts of his daughter filled him with a pang of heartache. He was eager to get the money to the hospital so her surgery could begin.

But with the bidding war still raging, all he could do was wait, fraught with anxiety.

"I'll go four thousand!" Yang Qi declared through clenched teeth.

"Four thousand five hundred," Tantrum responded coolly, exuding an air of someone who wasn't worried about the cost.

The bystanders were thoroughly entertained by the spectacle. They recognized the potential value of the iron piece, but seemingly out of respect or fear of the Noble Building, none dared to jump into the fray.

Tantrum sensed that there was more to the Noble Building than met the eye. It likely wasn't just an antique shop; it must hold some other significance to command such caution from the crowd.

"Five thousand!" Yang Qi shot a venomous look at Tantrum, as if he were ready to devour him whole.

As the nephew of Yang Zun, the Noble Building's proprietor, Yang Qi was under orders to acquire the iron pieces. A steep price would mean slim profits, and disappointing Yang Zun was not an option he wanted to entertain.

After Tantrum raised the bid to five thousand five hundred, Yang Qi hastily dialed Yang Zun's number, asking the old man to hold on while he stepped aside to talk.

Tantrum, curious, followed stealthily and tuned in with heightened awareness to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"Uncle, we've hit a snag. It seems someone has caught wind of the iron pieces' origins and is driving up the bid. It's at five thousand five hundred now. Do we keep going?" Yang Qi whispered.

Unbeknownst to him, Tantrum was listening intently, catching every word from both sides of the call.

After a moment's thought, Yang Zun inquired, "Who's the other bidder?"

"A young guy, maybe in his twenties," Yang Qi described. "He's got a strong presence, like a rookie making his debut. Doesn't look wealthy, but he's bidding as if he's got a personal vendetta against me. I suspect he's just trying to make life difficult for us. The old man left our place mere minutes ago; it's unlikely anyone else would've figured out the iron pieces that fast."

"Could be," Yang Zun mused. "Keep up the bidding, but if it goes beyond twelve thousand, back off. The profit margin won't justify it. Afterwards, have someone tail him to find out more. If he's really targeting the Noble Building, he'll have no cause to complain when I, Yang Zun, return the favor."

Yang Zun's mind kept returning to the young man he had encountered the day before. If not for that unexpected interference, the small cauldron would surely be in his possession by now. The thought ignited a fierce determination within him; he was resolved to track down the young man and recover the missing artifact.

Currently stationed on the third floor of the grandest edifice at the heart of the Antique Market, Yang Zun ended a phone call and brooded over a colorful flyer in his hands.

Printed on the paper was the image of a small cauldron.

"A hundred million cash reward from the Qin Army for anyone who finds this cauldron," he mused, scrutinizing the image. The more he looked, the more convinced he became that it was the very cauldron he had lost. The realization filled him with frustration.

Meanwhile, Yang Qi, empowered by Yang Zun's authorization, was locked in a fierce bidding war with Tantrum once more.

Tantrum, aware of Yang Qi's threshold, bid with a strategic calmness, incrementally raising the stakes from five thousand five hundred to eleven thousand five hundred. Yang Qi, through gritted teeth and with a venomous intensity, countered with a bid of twelve thousand.

Tantrum recognized this as Yang Qi's limit. Any further bids would push him to forfeit.

With a knowing smile and a casual shrug, Tantrum conceded, "These items are now yours."

Yang Qi's glare could have sliced through flesh. Tantrum's abrupt withdrawal from the bidding at the final moment was a bitter pill to swallow. Nevertheless, Yang Qi understood that securing the items at this price meant that Noble Building hadn't lost face, and though the profit was slim, their reputation remained intact. Resigned, he paid the price and acquired six metal plates.

The old man, upon receiving the windfall of over seventy thousand dollars, was visibly shaken with elation. The sum far exceeded his expectations; he had initially hoped to fetch a mere thousand per piece to cover his daughter's surgery costs.

Observing the old man clutch the hefty sum, Tantrum expressed concern for his safety. "Sir, carrying this much cash is risky. If you trust me, I'll escort you from the Antique Market and help you into a cab."

"Thank you, thank you, young man..." the old man said with a tremor of excitement in his voice. He was well aware that without Tantrum's bidding, he never would have sold the metal shard for such a high price.

Deep down, he felt a profound sense of gratitude toward Tantrum.

Having helped the old man into a cab, Tantrum made his way back to the Antique Market. He hadn't secured the remaining six metal pieces, but there was no hint of disappointment in him; he had already acquired the most valuable one, the piece adorned with yellow runes.

His next step was to seek out Elder Qi for an appraisal, to uncover the true nature of the metal piece and determine its worth.

But first, Tantrum needed to shake off the person tailing him — the spy sent by Yang Qi.

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