Boss Qian’s roar drew the side glances of the crowd, and everyone knew that the bid of 560 million came from him. Compared to the first place bid of 580 million, it was only a mere 10 million less, which for Boss Qian was truly just a slight difference.
The people around all started to laugh, looking at him with pity. Just because of this slight difference, Boss Qian had narrowly missed out on the second block of rough jade, and his regret and anger were unspeakable.
"The first round of bidding in the Gambling Stone Festival is now concluded. Please, all successful bidders, present valid documents and identification cards on the third floor for transaction procedures. Failure to comply within the time limit will be regarded as forfeiture of the bid. Additionally, there are still some jade roughs left in area two; those interested may continue. As it is almost noon, the public stone-cutting event will be postponed until the afternoon. Thank you!"
The host loudly announced the end of this bidding session and exited the stage. Below the stage, there were mixed emotions: joy for those who won their bids and clear disappointment for those who returned empty-handed or faced too many intercepted bids.
True, there were still unbid roughs left in area two, but most of them were of poor quality, and they barely raised any interest anymore. The only thing that they were looking forward to was the public stone-cutting in the afternoon, which was something everyone anticipated.
"Miss, the bidding session is over. Let’s go up to the third floor. It would be unfortunate to miss out on processing due to the crowd and have our bid disqualification." Lin Tian stood up and said.
"We’ve invested so much capital this time; I hope it will yield good jade, otherwise..." Xiao Manxue still felt a bit worried.
Previously, Xiao Jewelry Store always considered multiple factors before purchasing jade roughs and deployed several Gambling Stone Masters to inspect. The sources of the roughs were also more reliable. The roughs at the Gambling Stone Festival came from various places, which increased the risks. Even though she trusted Lin Tian, she couldn’t help but worry.
"Sister, don’t worry. I believe in Lin Tian’s judgment; he always brings us surprises." Xiao Manxuan knew Lin Tian well, he was casual about trivial matters but meticulous when it mattered. In a significant matter , possibly concerning the company’s bankruptcy, little girl felt he would still bring surprises as before.
"President Xiao, with Lin Tian being so confident, there should be no problem." Secretary Xu also said softly.
Miss was merely pondering. Once she had made a decision, how could she regret it? She said, "Of course, I trust him. Hmph, I’m just reminding you not to worship him blindly."
After saying this, she also felt that she was becoming increasingly dependent on Lin Tian, her pretty face blushing involuntarily. To hide her blush, she was the first to head towards the entrance to the third floor.
Lin Tian, on the other hand, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire, thinking to himself if having skills was also wrong? But again, that saying, "Don’t be enamored with me, for I am but a legend." He cheekily chuckled and followed the three beauties.
The third floor at this moment had fewer people than the second floor, but the area for processing was smaller, making it feel more crowded. Despite having several windows open for processing, the speed was still very slow.
"Looks like it’s going to be a long wait." Lin Tian stood at the end of the line, letting out a bored sigh.
At that moment, a young beautiful woman approached Lin Tian and asked, "Are you Mr. Lin?"
"Yes, does the lady need something from me?" Lin Tian asked curiously, sure that he had never seen this woman before.
"You are the successful bidder for the last piece of rough, you can process the transaction through a special channel. Please follow me." The woman stated her purpose directly.
Lin Tian and Miss exchanged a glance, then nodded, "Then please lead the way, Miss."
Following the beautiful woman around the crowd, they walked to a passageway on the left, turned a corner, and Lin Tian and his companions arrived at an office door. After knocking, the beautiful woman pushed the door open and entered, with Lin Tian following. Inside, several people were already standing.
The Bai family, father and son, sat on the sofa, while Ou Qinglan, Zhou Botong, and Ou Mengmeng sat on the other side. Lin Tian was not surprised to see the Bai family members; he had known beforehand that they would take the number two bid of Xikou City. But why was Ou Qinglan here? Handling a transaction didn’t require the big boss’s personal involvement.
"Miss Xiao, please sit," said Ou Qinglan, standing up and looking at Xiao Manxue. "I’ve long heard of a capable and intelligent beauty from Xikou City, and today I finally meet you."
"You flatter me, Miss Ou," replied the young lady calmly.
While speaking, Ou Qinglan addressed only the young lady, treating Lin Tian as merely an attendant. However, Lin Tian didn’t mind and sat down beside the young lady. He knew Ou Qinglan was a powerful woman but felt she had nothing to do with him, and he certainly wasn’t going to stand foolishly.
She merely glanced at him indifferently and said nothing. However, Bai Yuze wouldn’t let this opportunity slip; he shot Lin Tian a look and said, "Lin Tian, you’re merely Miss Xiao’s bodyguard. There’s no place here for you. Sitting casually like that is highly disrespectful to Miss Ou."
"Sister Lan, Lin Tian is a friend of mine..." Zhou Botong glared at Bai Yuze and spoke to Ou Qinglan.
However, Ou Qinglan gestured with her hand to stop him from continuing, and simply turned her head to look calmly at Lin Tian.
Bai Yuze truly harbored deep resentment; seizing any chance to give Lin Tian a hard time. Lin Tian, however, couldn’t bother with him and instead exchanged looks with Ou Qinglan. I’m not afraid of you, he thought. If you think you can make things difficult for me because of what happened in the elevator last night, you’re mistaken; Lin Tian was not one to fear trouble.
"Miss Ou, I wonder why you have asked us here? Handling a procedure surely doesn’t require your personal involvement. I’m quite busy, and if there’s nothing else, I will not stay," said Lin Tian indifferently.
"Whatever Lin Tian says can represent our decision. Miss Ou, if there is nothing else, we need to proceed with the transaction," Xiao Manxue confidently stood by Lin Tian, speaking calmly.
She was about to stand up, her commanding presence undisguised. No matter how powerful the Ou family might be, they couldn’t bully the Xiao family. Lin Tian secretly gave the young lady a thumbs up, amazed that she would offend the Ou family for him.
"Lin Tian, I’ll go with you!" Zhou Botong also boldly stated. He and Ou Mengmeng were in a romantic relationship, and this action could displease Ou Qinglan, possibly leading her to oppose their relationship, but he went ahead all the same.
If his brother was treated unfairly, Zhou Botong was ready to stand by him—it was just his nature.
"Ha ha, Miss Xiao, do not be hasty. I haven’t said anything just now. With Mr. Lin’s abilities, he is a welcome guest wherever he goes, and I can hardly welcome him enough," laughed Ou Qinglan, her words bearing sincerity, making it seem as though the earlier awkwardness had never happened.
"Did you know me before?" asked Lin Tian, surprised; otherwise, how could she know his capabilities?
"As the organizer of the Gambling Stone Festival, I of course know that you held the 1314 tag, taking over three hundred bids by yourself, including the number one raw material—a record that is unprecedented!" smiled Ou Qinglan, her eyes gleaming with deep meaning as she looked at him.
"Lin Tian, you are the 1314 tag holder? I don’t believe it!" Bai Yuze stood up abruptly, his face showing shock.
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