Chapter Thirty: Can You Come Up with Two Million?

I watched this scene unfold, a cold sneer rising in my heart. Gao Youde’s tricks were clever, but not flawless. As long as we could find his weakness, there was a chance to strike back.

“Mr. Gao, is this stone really that good?” Hu San whispered, his eyes filled with doubt.

“The quality of this stone is decent, but it’s nowhere near worth that much money,” I replied quietly, keeping my gaze fixed on Gao Youde’s every move.

“One million two hundred thousand!” Another voice rang out from the crowd.

“One million three hundred thousand!” Lu Yier raised the bid without hesitation.

Gao Youde’s smile grew brighter and brighter; he knew he had successfully driven the price of the stone to a staggering level. If anyone else bid, he would be able to complete this auction smoothly and make a fortune.

“One million four hundred thousand!” The middle-aged man was clearly unwilling to give up so easily, his tone resolute.

“One million five hundred thousand!” Lu Yier bid again, his expression tense but still unwilling to back down.

Seeing this, Gao Youde rejoiced inwardly. His plan was already more than halfway to success. If someone else bid, the final price of this stone would far exceed its true value.

At that moment, I suddenly raised my hand and said coldly, “One million six hundred thousand!”

This raised bid immediately drew the attention of everyone present.

Gao Youde’s gaze locked onto me, a flash of surprise and unease in his eyes.

“This gentleman has made a bid. Is there anyone higher?” Gao Youde forced a smile, trying to hide his nervousness.

“One million seven hundred thousand!” Lu Yier gritted his teeth and continued, his expression stiff.

I gave a cold smile and raised the bid again: “One million eight hundred thousand!”

Gao Youde’s face changed slightly. He shined a powerful flashlight into the stone, illuminating its silky patterns and openly displaying them.

“These gentlemen truly know quality. Any higher offers?”

If another bid was made, the price would become absurd, perhaps even arousing suspicion among the crowd.

“One million nine hundred thousand!” Lu Yier’s voice trembled, but he still refused to yield.

I sneered and said, “Two million!”

The crowd erupted in an uproar at this bid.

Lu Yier’s face grew darker.

Gao Youde hurriedly said to me, “Young man, you’re quite aggressive. Can you still go higher?”

He was hinting for me to stop raising the price, fearing the opposition might suddenly withdraw.

If that happened, the game would be over.

At this point, Lu Yier paused his bidding and turned to Gao Youde, “Boss, we’ve already reached two million. Can I take another look at the stone?”

The smile on Gao Youde’s face stiffened for a moment, but quickly returned to normal.

He feigned generosity, waving his hand to let Lu Yier inspect the rough stone closely.

“Of course, sir, please. Business is business, but trust matters most among friends.”

Lu Yier nodded, stepped forward, and examined the stone carefully.

His fingers glided gently over the surface, his eyes reflecting a complex glimmer.

Gao Youde stood nearby, wearing a confident smile, though a trace of tension flickered deep in his eyes.

I stood aside, coldly observing.

The stone’s quality was decent, but it was nowhere near worth two million.

Gao Youde’s tricks were clever, but not impregnable.

If Lu Yier could spot the flaw, we would have a chance to counterattack.

“The pattern is nice, but there are plenty of impurities inside,” Lu Yier muttered, as if reminding himself.

His fingers tapped lightly on the stone, producing a muffled sound.

Gao Youde’s expression shifted briefly, but he quickly regained his composure.

He smiled and said, “Sir, you truly are an expert, able to discern the strengths and weaknesses of this stone. But its size is exceptional—you can see the exterior, but can you see inside? It’s precisely because of its unique texture and rarity that so many are eager to bid.”

“I recall fifteen years ago, I found a similar piece. I intended to carve it into a jade lion, but after cutting, the core was like a droplet, visible under light, flowing as if alive. That was my first bucket of gold, my first imperial green jade!”

Lu Yier frowned, deep in thought.

His gaze swept over the stone again, finally lingering on an inconspicuous corner.

There, a faint crack could be seen—almost unnoticeable, but under the flashlight, it stood out starkly.

“This crack is crucial,” I whispered to Hu San, as if talking to myself.

His fingers gently traced the crack, a determined light in his eyes.

Gao Youde’s face changed slightly, but he quickly steadied himself.

Lu Yier nodded, seemingly accepting Gao Youde’s explanation.

Yet a sly glint flashed in his eyes, showing he didn’t fully trust Gao Youde’s words.

But in the end, he rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought.

Suddenly, he took a step back.

That step made Gao Youde’s body tremble visibly.

If Lu Yier really backed out now, all of Gao Youde’s efforts would have been for nothing!

I glanced up at the electronic trading board.

Gao Youde had already been surpassed by the third bidder, trailing by more than twenty thousand.

Only three people could enter the VIP lounge besides the organizers.

If this deal went through, all would be well; if not, it would be a waste of time.

It was impossible for me to pull out two million in cash right now—my pockets were emptier than a drum.

All I had was a small jade Buddha, nothing else.

Watching the scene, I sneered inwardly.

So even Gao Youde could feel anxious.

“Well, I’ve seen enough,” Lu Yier stood up and turned to Gao Youde, “This stone is indeed nice, but I think two million is a bit steep.”

“Young man, why don’t we talk?”

Lu Yier turned to me.

All eyes in the crowd shifted to me as well.

After all, I was a stranger.

I looked at Lu Yier coldly, “What is there to talk about? If you can bid, do it. If not, leave it to me!”

Lu Yier locked eyes with me and sneered, “But, kid, I suspect you’re setting me up. Do you really have two million on you?”

As soon as Lu Yier finished speaking, the surrounding crowd erupted in excitement.

And I noticed Gao Youde’s expression changed noticeably.