Mu Clan’s Auction
Huai Baiwan scaled up their branch at Clearwater City after Sikong Qiwen started his rise to stardom. Huai Baiwan’s company was hired to conduct the auction for Mu Clan’s ancestral home and to spread news of it to the city’s citizens. It wasn’t hard to find interested buyers for the property and its location was highly desirable.
Mu Tianhe intended to migrate to another city with his clansmen after selling off their ancestral home due to a plethora of reasons that rendered it impossible for them to stay in the city.
“Rongxuan, how much do we owe?” Mu Tianhe asked, tone languid.
“Mm… Based off estimation from what we have calculated thus far, we need roughly nine million spirit stones. We need ten million, at least, to pay off our debts after commissions. In addition, we need some spirit stones to cover our migration expenses. Accordingly, we need to sell our estate for twenty million.”
“I have let our ancestors down,” lamented Mu Tianhe.
“Worry not, Dad. Our estate is worth more than that. I saw wealthy and influential people even from other cities here to see Sikong Qiwen and Tian Budai go toe to toe. Twenty million is not a big sum for them.”
“I hope so.”
The conductor for the auction was Huai Beiya, who was already in the city as another person keen on viewing the match between the two powerhouses.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be your host for today’s auction,” Huai Beiya started with a bow, dressed in a qipao. Adopting her signature smile on her lips, she announced, “The only item on auction today is Mu Clan’s ancestral home. I imagine you are all informed this is the largest building in the city. Besides its unique geography, its feng shui is also optimised. Due to the clan’s circumstances, they are auctioning the property for cash flow. The bid shall start at five million. Each incremental increase must be, at least, five hundred thousand. Now, let us commence.”
“Six million,” offered Gu Hongyi.
“Seven million.”
Seven million and five hundred thousand.”
“Eight million.”
Eyes turned to the one who offered eight million – Sikong Clan’s patriarch, Sikong Gaoming.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my son, Sikong Qiwen, is fond of the property and wants to use it as a place for him to train in seclusion. Would you be able to do us a favour and support him?”
People could tell Sikong Gaoming was trying to pressure them with Sikong Qiwen’s status, but what could they do even if they didn’t like it? Was it worth risking their future for an estate?
“Eight million?! Only eight million?!” Mu Tianhe slammed the table and jumped up. “Someone bid! Bid!”
People looked away whenever Mu Tianhe cast his gaze their way. “Sikong Gaoming, you scumbag!”
Remaining professional – more than during those years ago at Floating Celestial Island – Huai Beiya hid her displeasure with Sikong Gaoming’s play and called, “Eight million, once. Any higher bids? … Eight million, twice…”
Mu Tianhe flopped into his chair and closed his eyes, seeing no way of escaping the city alive.
“Eight mill-”
“Nine million.”
Mu Tianhe’s eyes flew open. The audience turned to the restaurant the bidder called from. Nevertheless, the window was shut, so his identity remained a mystery.
“Are you sure you want to compete with Sikong Clan?” Sikong Gaoming glared daggers and asked in a threatening tone.
The bidder marginalised Sikong Gaoming, giving him the silent treatment.
“Nine million, going once,” prompted Huai Beiya.
“9,550,000! My son, Sikong Qiwen, desires Mu Clan’s estate. Please think it through!”
“Ten million.”
Mu Tianhe no longer cared if Sikong Clan took over their property as long as they made enough to clear their debts and get out of the city. Otherwise, they would never escape Sikong Clan’s harassment and heckling.
“I give up. I hope you look after Mu Clan’s estate well,” declared Sikong Gaoming, as a warning, unwilling to play along.
Sikong Gaming’s initial goal was to send Mu Clan to their ruin. If he couldn’t win the nice way, there was always the tougher way.
“Ten million, going once.”
“Ten million, going twice.”
“Ten million, sold!”
“Ten million… That’s not enough… What do I do?” Mu Tianhe murmured despondently in his chair.
Previous Chapter l Next Chapter
