Chapter 65: Spending a Fortune Without a Second Thought!

"I refuse," Ye Tian said flatly, his face devoid of emotion. "Don't impose your family's values on others. I will never allow my child to become a tool for someone else's breeding ambitions!"

"It's alright," Gu Qing'er replied without looking at Ye Tian, her gaze fixed on the auction floor. "I can buy the item first. You have plenty of time to consider."

A smile played at the corners of her lips. The so-called continuation of excellent bloodlines for her family was nothing but an excuse. In truth, Gu Qing'er was simply captivated by Ye Tian's excellence, unable to resist a surge of desire to conquer. She was curious about one thing: would a man as outstanding as Ye Tian, after spending just one night with her, become infatuated and subservient in love, just like those men in TV dramas? That would be truly entertaining!

The Gu family had always been known for their boldness, and their views on love were even more indifferent. Growing up in such an environment, only these unusual experiences could provide Gu Qing'er with a thrill.

"The bidding begins!"

"Each increment must be no less than five hundred thousand!"

As the auctioneer finished introducing 'Ocean Blue Love,' a fierce bidding war erupted in the hall. A young master from the western 'White Tiger' clan immediately raised the price to four hundred million national coins, drawing exclamations from the crowd.

"An instant one hundred million raise!"

"Young Master Li Shuze has opened with a price of four hundred million—remarkable! Clearly, he intends to outshine his competitors with sheer momentum and take 'Ocean Blue Love' outright. Does anyone else wish to bid?"

The auctioneer's expression was exaggerated, but his tone remained calm, clearly experienced with such bidding tactics. Far from being flustered, he was even stoking the flames, subtly signaling that this Li fellow was already at his limit.

"Four hundred and ten million!" called a masked merchant from the corner, raising his paddle. The glint in his eyes beneath the mask showed real interest in the sapphire pendant, but under pressure from the White Tiger clan, he only made a tentative offer.

Sure enough, the price was quickly pushed higher:

"Four hundred and twenty million!"

"Four hundred and fifty million!"

"Four hundred and eighty million..."

In less than two minutes, the pendant's price soared to five hundred million, and still kept climbing.

Astounding!

Watching the near-continuous paddles being raised, Ye Tian could not help but marvel in secret. He had thought that the windfall he had wrung from Xu Manjin already placed him among the wealthy, but arriving at the Qinglong Society's auction, he realized that his mere two billion plus in savings wasn't enough to buy even a few items here.

It truly stung.

But the next moment, Gu Qing'er's move nearly startled him out of his seat. She signaled her servant to raise the paddle and, on top of the current six hundred thirty million, added another one hundred seventy million!

'Ocean Blue Love' instantly shot up to a staggering eight hundred million.

A collective gasp swept through the hall.

"They say the Gu family is rich, and it's clearly no exaggeration. I must say, Miss Gu Qing'er, your generosity is impressive," commented one guest in admiration.

"So, is there anyone else who wishes to bid?"

But after those words, no one else spoke up. Fondness was one thing, but no one wanted to go up against their own wallets! Eight hundred million—any further and the price would hit ten digits. The premium was simply too high, not worth it! And for personal preference alone, mobilizing so much capital would only draw the family's displeasure. Most in attendance were rational enough not to make trouble for themselves.

"Eight hundred million, first call!"

"Eight hundred million, second call!"

"Third and final call—sold! Congratulations to Miss Gu for securing the first lot of the day!"

With the auctioneer's pronouncement, 'Ocean Blue Love' was officially claimed by Gu Qing'er.

"Eight hundred million—are you scattering beans?!" Ye Tian could not help but look at Gu Qing'er in shock, momentarily at a loss as to whether she was truly foolish or simply feigning it.

"Eight hundred million for a high-grade, external bloodline for the Gu family—not a loss," the girl replied carelessly, her gaze boldly appraising Ye Tian.

"Well, your scheming is bound to come to nothing," Ye Tian sneered, ignoring her further.

While they conversed, the second item was quickly brought to the stage. But since it was just a painting by an ancient master, only a few collectors showed interest. In the end, it sold for just barely above the reserve price to an elderly tycoon.

The following lots held even less interest for Ye Tian, so he simply leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes to rest.

An hour passed.

"And now, our penultimate lot has found its owner. Next is the highlight of the evening!"

The host, surnamed Ji, suddenly raised his voice, jolting Ye Tian awake.

"It's time. Let's get ready," Gu Qing'er said.

She led Ye Tian to stand and head to the exhibition area behind the stage as the auctioneer pressed a remote. The curtain behind him parted to reveal a vast space, nearly as grand as the main hall.

"And now, the final lot of the night: the Xuanwu Head!"

Projected on the screen was a small turtle-shaped head of unknown material, with a black serpent coiled around it. The craftsmanship was exquisite and mysterious. The delicate head was bound with a red cord, as if fashioned into an ornament.

For a moment, countless attendees turned their heads in curiosity.

The auctioneer gave a simple introduction: "This is the Xuanwu Head, said to have been crafted by the True Martial Emperor himself. Wearing it is rumored to have the miraculous effect of prolonging one's lifespan."

"As for exactly how many years it can grant, suffice it to say that its previous owner lived to over two hundred years old!"

"And his death was the result of an accident, not the natural end of his years!"

The crowd erupted in an uproar at these words. Clearly, many had not expected such a secretive item, known only to a handful of families, to appear at auction.

"The president has instructed that this item is open only to special participants!"

"Those without the proper qualifications may observe, but must not interfere!"

He continued to explain the rules:

First, only individuals with access to at least ten billion in liquid assets may participate.

Second, each participant may either enter personally or appoint a representative to compete in the great stone-gambling contest.

As for the third rule, it was as Gu Qing'er had mentioned earlier: each person selects ten raw stones, and whoever's stones yield the highest value of jade is entitled to claim the Xuanwu Head.

"I'll go with you," Gu Qing'er said, ignoring her cousin's fiery glare as she pulled Ye Tian onto the stage and into the raw stone exhibition area backstage.

At the same time, the various family factions each sent a representative, more than twenty in all, including both jade experts and martial artists.

However, as only one competitor from each family was permitted, most chose to send their top jade appraiser to select the stones on their behalf.

Some families, however, opted to send their martial artists instead.

There was an ulterior motive behind this.

Namely, these martial artists could directly snatch the raw stones chosen by the jade experts, a tactic known as 'picking the wisdom of others'!

It was a truly sinister move!

Though the experts were skilled in evaluating the stones, the rules of the competition allowed for such snatching. And these veterans of the gemstone world had no combat ability—leaving them at the mercy of the strong.