The seller of the obsidian was in the backstage, watching the auction firsthand.
He had initially estimated it would fetch no more than two hundred million, but hearing the bid reach three hundred million, he flushed with excitement.
He clenched his fists, watching it all with elation.
Wen Qiang chuckled as he looked at Chen Jie.
It was clear this fellow was determined to get the obsidian. Since he hadn't managed to ruin Chen Jie's plans, he didn't mind bleeding Chen Jie dry.
With that thought, he called out again, "Four hundred million!"
Chen Jie frowned.
This piece of obsidian was an essential material for crafting storage rings, and he absolutely had to get it. Otherwise, he couldn't make any storage rings.
In fact, storage rings were invaluable to ordinary people, their worth immeasurable in money.
While the obsidian might not be as crucial to others, for Chen Jie, any price paid for it would not be a loss.
But he couldn't just be openly fleeced like this, could he?
However, Wen Qiang was clearly set on opposing him. It was unlikely he could acquire it so easily.
"Why is this trash so wicked? I wish I could tear him apart!" Jiang Xue said, clearly displeased.
Wang Xiaoyan was also furious.
They weren't fools; they could see at a glance that Wen Qiang was deliberately antagonizing Chen Jie.
He clearly had ill intentions.
At this moment, even Xiao Ding on stage frowned.
When he had the obsidian brought up, he had specifically avoided detailing its properties, only giving a vague introduction.
The intention was to downplay its value, making people believe it wasn't worth that much.
This way, no one would compete with Chen Jie.
Who would have thought an unexpected challenger would appear?
This put him in a difficult position.
Chen Jie hesitated for a moment, then his eyes soon showed a determined look.
He had to obtain the obsidian, or he wouldn't be able to craft storage rings.
With that in mind, he declared, "One billion!"
The entire venue erupted in an uproar at his declaration.
No one expected a mere stone to fetch such an astronomical price of one billion!
Even if it were made of pure gold, it wouldn't be this high, would it?
Even for an antique, this was an exceptionally rare price.
After all, some priceless treasures might possess such high inherent value, but there might not be many buyers for them.
Rich people weren't fools.
"Hahaha... The higher your bid, the more excited I get. This shows the obsidian is of great use to you! I bid two billion!"
Wen Qiang exclaimed excitedly, standing up.
Chen Jie's expression darkened.
Wen Qiang's face was full of smugness.
He just wanted Chen Jie to pay dearly!
Even if the item ended up in his own hands, it didn't matter as long as Chen Jie couldn't get what he wanted, he would be satisfied!
Only in this way could he avenge Chen Jie's victory over him and his dismissive attitude, and simultaneously curry favor with Gu Yue.
Chen Jie narrowed his eyes and raised his paddle again. "Three billion!"
Everyone gasped.
This was terrifying.
A mere stone selling for three billion!
How extravagant was this?
Even though the attendees were all important figures, they found this price unacceptable.
It wasn't that they lacked the money, but rather they felt spending three billion was a complete waste.
"Four billion!"
Wen Qiang sneered again.
Chen Jie said calmly, "Ten billion!"
"As a native from a small place, you certainly have money to be able to afford ten billion. But unfortunately, no matter how rich you are, you're not as rich as I am!"
"I bid fifteen billion!"
Wen Qiang declared.
"Damn it, Chen Jie, don't be scared! If you don't have the money, I can lend it to you! Are we going to be outdone by him?" Wang Xiaoyan was so angry she swore.
She could clearly see the importance of this obsidian to Chen Jie, and she didn't want her boyfriend to lose face and status.
She was determined to outbid Wen Qiang, no matter what.
"Don't worry, stay calm!"
Chen Jie patted her hand.
Then, a look of hesitation crossed his face.
On stage, Xiao Ding sighed inwardly.
According to his calculations, two hundred million was already a sky-high price. He never expected it to rise by nearly a hundred times.
Indeed, no matter what Chen Jie intended to use it for, spending twenty billion on a piece of obsidian was not a wise choice.
He couldn't help but say, "One hundred and fifty billion once, one hundred and fifty billion twice. I'll ask one last time, are there any other bids?"
Wen Qiang looked in Chen Jie's direction with a cold smirk.
It seemed this was Chen Jie's financial limit.
He probably felt the pinch spending ten billion on the obsidian, didn't he?
Let alone bidding fifteen billion like himself?
Little trash, still want to compete with me?
Learn your lesson!
However, he could now see Chen Jie's limit. He thought that even though the item would fall into his hands, he would have over-spent by more than ten billion.
If Chen Jie could be the one to spend that money, it would be an even more perfect outcome.
He made a decision then: as long as Chen Jie made one more bid, he would transfer the item to him.
"One last time, are there any more bids? If not, then..."
"Wait!"
Chen Jie raised his hand and called out.
Then, he turned around and said in a slightly louder voice, with a solemn expression, "Xiaoyan, can you lend me ten billion?"
"I'll pay you back later!"
*Pfft...*
Wen Qiang almost burst into laughter.
He had to borrow money from a woman for a mere ten billion? Didn't he feel ashamed?
He turned his head and indeed saw Gu Yue's look of disdain.
As someone from an ancient family, knowing Chen Jie had to borrow even ten billion, she indeed looked down on him.
As for Wang Xiaoyan, she was slightly stunned.
She knew very well that with Chen Jie's current financial strength, a hundred billion was nothing to him.
Even thirty billion was a small matter.
What did it mean for him to borrow ten billion from her now?
Her company was valued at hundreds of billions. If he were truly borrowing, would he only borrow ten billion?
This was a bit far-fetched!
With that thought, she immediately understood Chen Jie's intention.
She couldn't help but chide him, "It's just a stone, why spend so much money?"
"I really like that stone, Xiaoyan, please lend it to me." Chen Jie said.
"Then..."
"Don't worry, if my company hadn't just launched several new projects recently, this would be a piece of cake for me, and I'd definitely be able to repay you." Chen Jie emphasized.
Wang Xiaoyan then said, "Alright, but don't do anything rash. If it doesn't work out, just give up on this item."
Chen Jie whispered, "Don't worry, I'll make one last bid! If he still competes with me, I'll make him lose another billion!"
Although Chen Jie's voice was low, Wen Qiang, who was far away, heard it clearly.
As a master martial artist, his eyesight and hearing were naturally incomparable to ordinary people.
"One last time, huh? Still want me to lose?"
"Heh, you might profit, but I will never lose!"
Wen Qiang's face was filled with a cold sneer.
Immediately after, Chen Jie raised his paddle. "I bid seventeen billion!"
The crowd had lost count of how many times they had gasped in disbelief.
An item worth less than one hundred million had fetched such a sky-high price!
Incredible!