Jiang Tian saw Jiang Yi remain silent and assumed he was displeased, so he wisely stayed quiet.
Jiang Yi was Meinaisha's personal bodyguard. Although Jiang Tian didn't hold Jiang Yi in high regard, he dared not offend him.
"Don't worry, this matter won't involve you!"
"No matter what happens, I can handle it myself!"
Jiang Yi smiled faintly.
"Brother, you are the Special Envoy's personal bodyguard, so your skills must be astonishing!"
Jiang Tian said busily.
Jiang Yi raised an eyebrow. Jiang Tian was truly skilled at flattery; it felt quite pleasant to hear.
Twenty minutes passed quickly.
A middle-aged man wearing glasses walked onto the stage. After scanning the crowd, he began his introduction.
"Distinguished guests, as you are likely aware, our auction company is auctioning a diamond today. It is our honor to have you grace us with your presence!"
Applause erupted from the crowd.
"This diamond was accidentally discovered in the colony and is, to date, the largest diamond ever found there!"
the host announced.
At that moment, several maidservants carried exquisite trays onto the stage and placed them on a table.
The projector lens and the spotlights were all focused on the table.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please behold the diamond being auctioned today!"
With that, the host lifted the red cloth from the tray, revealing an enormous diamond displayed on the large screen on stage.
The audience gasped in unison upon seeing the diamond, their faces etched with greediness, wishing they could possess it immediately!
"Such a large diamond is truly rare, exceptionally precious!"
"Even if I have to bankrupt myself today, I must acquire this diamond!"
"I'm calling someone to bring money right now. This diamond is mine!"
...
The audience could no longer sit still!
A smug smile flickered across the host's face. This diamond would bring their company significant profit once again!
This auction company had numerous branches in the colonies of Eagle Country. They used various methods to plunder precious items and then brought them back to Eagle Country for auction.
Because their methods were crude and cost-effective, this auction company reaped immense profits!
However, the people in the colonies suffered greatly. Plunderers from Eagle Country were ubiquitous.
As long as the colonies held value for exploitation, they would not stop, continuing their endless plunder.
This auction company was merely a microcosm of this broader issue.
"It seems all these wealthy individuals here are targeting this diamond. The competition will surely be fierce!"
"Young Master Jiang, have you brought enough money?"
Jiang Yi asked Jiang Tian with a smile.
"Actually, I haven't prepared much money, but I'm determined to have this diamond!"
A cold sneer flashed in Jiang Tian's eyes as he spoke.
Seeing Jiang Tian's confident demeanor, it was clear he already had a plan.
Jiang Yi was curious, wondering what method Jiang Tian intended to use to acquire the diamond.
"Distinguished guests, I shall forgo further pleasantries. The auction officially begins now!"
"The starting bid is one million, with increments no less than one hundred thousand!"
the host declared loudly.
"One million one hundred thousand!"
"One million two hundred thousand!"
"One million three hundred thousand!"
...
The audience began a fierce bidding war, the atmosphere becoming incredibly intense.
Jiang Yi estimated that this diamond was worth at least two hundred million.
If the bids increased by only one hundred thousand each time, it would likely take a full day to auction.
Jiang Tian, however, remained seated, watching the spectacle with a half-smile, as if observing a troupe of clowns. He had not participated in the bidding.
Just then, the suited man Jiang Yi had beaten earlier entered the auction hall and took a seat nearby.
Upon spotting Jiang Yi and Jiang Tian, his eyes immediately flared with killing intent.
The suited man had already branded Jiang Yi and Jiang Tian as being together!
Ten minutes quickly passed, and the bidding reached over ten million!
"Twenty million!"
Jiang Tian shouted, then stood up from his chair, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.
"Distinguished guests, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jiang Tian, and my father is Jiang Wanli. I intend to secure this diamond today. I hope everyone will grant me this favor."
"As for the consequences for those who do not show me respect, I needn't elaborate!"
His words caused all eyes to turn towards Jiang Tian.
"It's Jiang Tian, the son of Jiang Wanli, chairman of Jiang Group! Why is he here to bid on a diamond?"
"The Jiang family is not someone we can afford to offend. Our current influence pitted against the Jiang Group is tantamount to seeking death!"
"Indeed, the Jiang family not only possesses terrifying influence but also has the backing of Eagle Country's royal family. Such people are beyond our provocation!"
...
The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves.
Many were indignant but dared not offend the Jiang family, so they reluctantly withdrew from the bidding.
Not a single person dared to step forward to compete with Jiang Tian.
It had to be said, Jiang Tian's move was highly effective. Once he revealed his identity, everyone backed down!
"Thank you, everyone, for giving me this face!"
Jiang Tian's face displayed a smug expression.
The host on stage felt a surge of anger. He had intended to auction the diamond for a high price, but unexpectedly, Jiang Tian's intimidation had effectively silenced all bidders.
If Jiang Tian managed to acquire the diamond for twenty million, their auction company would suffer a complete loss this time!
Although this diamond had been plundered from the colony by the company, it had still incurred significant costs.
The advertising expenses for today's auction alone exceeded one million, and with various other expenses added, twenty million wouldn't even cover the initial investment.
"Young Master Jiang, your actions make it impossible for us to conduct business!"
"Please, Young Master Jiang, grant us some face and give our company a lifeline!"
The host dared not offend Jiang Tian and could only plead.
"That I am interested in the diamond your company is auctioning is an honor for your company. You should be thanking me!"
Jiang Tian sneered.
The host felt helpless but utterly powerless.
Jiang Tian's behavior was no different from outright theft.
"Isn't he just some young master from the Jiang family? What's so great about that!"
The suited man scoffed and then shouted, "Twenty million and ten thousand!"
The suited man was clearly deliberately opposing Jiang Tian.
Everyone's gaze shifted towards the suited man. They were astonished that he showed no fear of Jiang Tian.
This also piqued Jiang Tian's curiosity. He wondered about the man's background, as very few dared to defy the Jiang Group in Ximeng Province!
"You have quite the nerve! Knowing my identity, you still dare to oppose me. Are you tired of living? Do you know how to write the word 'death'?"
Jiang Tian furrowed his brow and asked the suited man.
The suited man's deliberate provocation annoyed Jiang Tian immensely.