I walk sideways in the game world

Chapter 267: Auction changes unexpectedly, crisis lurks

Ren Xiaoyao wasn't surprised to receive the invitation to the auction. He knew that with his current reputation in the commercial capital, he wouldn't be left out of any major event. He carefully read the invitation, his eyes finally set on the rare treasure that "could significantly enhance the Chamber of Commerce's reputation and fortune."

"It seems like we have to go and see it." Ren Xiaoyao put down the invitation and said to Xia Lin who was sorting out the accounts on the side.

Upon hearing this, Xia Lin frowned slightly. "But, Xiaoyao, this auction is definitely going to be quite large, and the prices of the rare items are inestimable. With our current funds..."

Ren Xiaoyao certainly understood Xia Lin's concerns. Since arriving in this world, they had always acted cautiously and carefully, which had led to their current success. This auction was like a gamble; if they won, they would reap a fortune, but if they lost, their hard-earned fortune would be lost.

"I know. I've already considered the funding issue." Ren Xiaoyao stood up and walked to the window, gazing deeply into the distance. "I've already arranged for someone to mortgage some of my property, which should be enough to raise some funds. Combined with our existing liquidity, it should be enough to support us in the auction."

Although Xia Lin still had some concerns, she also understood that Ren Xiaoyao's decision was difficult to change. She walked over to Ren Xiaoyao and said softly, "I trust your judgment, but you have to promise me that everything will be done with caution."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Ren Xiaoyao gently held Xia Lin's hand with a firm look in his eyes.

The auction took place as scheduled. The magnificent hall was packed with merchants, toasting and drinking. Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin entered the venue discreetly and sat down in an unassuming corner.

"Xiaoyao, look, it's President Wang." Xia Lin reminded softly.

Ren Xiaoyao followed Xia Lin's gaze and saw the Chamber of Commerce President, Wang, slowly entering the VIP seats, surrounded by a crowd. Wang was a highly respected figure in the commercial capital, and his every move was closely watched.

After the auction began, various rare and exotic treasures took turns to appear, each one triggering fierce bidding. Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin remained calm throughout, closely monitoring the pace and prices of the auction, patiently waiting for their target to appear.

Finally, the legendary rare treasure was presented. Just as the auctioneer was about to announce the starting price, Ren Xiaoyao suddenly felt a hostile gaze falling on him. He turned around and saw...

He saw that the person sitting not far away, staring at him with a sinister look, was actually the shopkeeper Zhao, with whom he had a previous feud. Beside the shopkeeper Zhao sat several burly men, who had obviously come prepared.

"It seems that tonight will not be peaceful." Ren Xiaoyao calmly withdrew his gaze, secretly alert in his heart.

The auctioneer loudly announced the starting price. The reserve price for this treasure was surprisingly high, and many wealthy businessmen present were hesitant. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the bidders, and the price soon soared to an astonishing height.

"One million gold coins!" A sharp voice sounded. It was Boss Qian who was sitting in the front row. He had a determined expression, as if he was determined to get this treasure.

"One million and one hundred thousand!" Ren Xiaoyao raised the sign in his hand slowly and tested his opponent's strength according to the strategy he had discussed with Xia Lin before.

"One million and two hundred thousand!" Shopkeeper Zhao followed almost the moment Ren Xiaoyao made the bid. He looked at Ren Xiaoyao provocatively with a sneer on his lips.

"One million, three hundred thousand!" Ren Xiaoyao raised the price again, his tone steady, as if he was not affected by Manager Zhao.

"One million and a half million!" Shopkeeper Zhao suddenly stood up and shouted loudly. The sudden price increase made everyone present gasp.

"Xiaoyao, Shopkeeper Zhao isn't here with good intentions," Xia Lin whispered, a hint of worry in her tone. "He's clearly trying to undermine us with price."

Ren Xiaoyao naturally saw what Manager Zhao was up to, but he didn't flinch at all. His eyes were firm: "Don't worry, we'll proceed as planned."

The auction continued, prices climbing. Every clash between Ren Xiaoyao and Shopkeeper Zhao felt like a war without the smoke of gunpowder. Although Boss Qian was wealthy, he gradually gave up on the meaningless competition and instead watched this fierce competition with a cold eye.

"Two million!" When the price was raised to two million by Shopkeeper Zhao, everyone present held their breath. This price was far beyond the actual value of the treasure. Obviously, this was no longer just a simple auction, but also a contest of face and dignity.

"Two million, one hundred thousand." Ren Xiaoyao raised his hand again, his tone still calm, but his palms were sweating slightly. He knew that his funds were almost exhausted.

"Two million and two hundred thousand!" Shopkeeper Zhao laughed triumphantly. "What's the matter, Boss Ren? Are you out of money? Do you want me to lend you some?"

Ren Xiaoyao ignored Zhao's ridicule. He turned to look at Xia Lin, a hint of anxiety in his eyes. Xia Lin shook her head gently, signaling him not to be impulsive.

"Two and a half million!" At this moment, Boss Qian suddenly made another move. He slowly raised his sign, his tone a little playful, "Gentlemen, how can such a good thing be achieved without my participation?"

"Boss Qian, what are you doing..." Shopkeeper Zhao's face changed. He obviously didn't expect Boss Qian to interfere at this time.

Boss Qian ignored Shopkeeper Zhao. He looked at Ren Xiaoyao with a smile and said, "Boss Ren, I'm counting on you. Don't let me down..." Ren Xiaoyao felt a surge of irritation. Boss Qian's sudden intervention, seemingly a bid for the auction, was actually putting pressure on him. Could it be that Shopkeeper Zhao and Boss Qian had reached some kind of agreement? The thought flashed through Ren Xiaoyao's mind, but he had no evidence and could only suppress his suspicions for the time being.

"Two million and six hundred thousand!" Shopkeeper Zhao gritted his teeth and raised the price again. He glared at Boss Qian fiercely, as if blaming him for meddling in other people's business.

Boss Qian seemed not to notice the look in Shopkeeper Zhao's eyes. He said with a smile, "Hey, Shopkeeper Zhao, don't be anxious. We've only just started. I haven't had enough fun yet!"

"Three million!" Ren Xiaoyao suddenly shouted loudly, his tone firm and without any hesitation.

His offer startled everyone present. Boss Qian's smile froze for a moment. He narrowed his eyes and carefully examined Ren Xiaoyao, as if trying to discern something from his face. Shopkeeper Zhao was even more furious. He pointed at Ren Xiaoyao's nose and shouted, "Are you crazy?! Do you know what you're doing?!"

Ren Xiaoyao ignored Shopkeeper Zhao's roar. He turned to look at the auctioneer and said in a deep voice, "I'm offering three million. Is there anyone else bidding higher?"

The auctioneer was stunned for a moment, then reacted and shouted loudly: "Three million once! Three million twice! Anyone else want to bid? Three million..."

"Three million and one hundred thousand!" Boss Qian's voice sounded again, with a barely perceptible chill in his tone.

Ren Xiaoyao's heart sank. He knew he was caught in a dilemma. If he continued to raise the price, he would likely face a cash flow crisis. But if he gave up now, all his previous efforts would be wasted, and he would also be looked down upon by Shopkeeper Zhao and Boss Qian.

Just as he was hesitating, Xia Lin gently pulled his sleeve and whispered, "Xiaoyao, don't be impulsive. We still have a chance..."

Ren Xiaoyao took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. His gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on the treasure being fought over. He suddenly remembered the idea he had used to decipher an ancient formation, and a bold idea gradually formed in his mind...

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Boss Qian, with an intriguing smile on his face. He slowly said, "Since Boss Qian is so interested, then I will..."