Three hundred million, an absolutely astronomical figure. For ordinary people, it's an amount they couldn't earn in a lifetime.
But!
At today's event, three hundred million doesn't seem so expensive.
Because everyone present is among the wealthiest in Jinling, with each company's market value at least in the billions.
Even a declining family like the Jiangs has a market value of over three billion.
Therefore, many had the financial capability to acquire this crown.
It all depended on who wanted it.
Xu Jun added, "This crown also possesses a very special 'romantic value'. Legend has it that gifting this crown to one's beloved will surely win her sincere love!"
Everyone chuckled.
Wasn't that stating the obvious? A crown worth three hundred million, what woman could resist such a temptation?
Amidst the crowd.
Only Lu Ming's expression was somewhat unusual.
He had always been uninterested in jewelry and ornaments, but the appearance of this crown today instantly captured his attention.
Solely because this crown once belonged to the Lu family!
Ten years ago.
When the Lu family was at its peak, Lu Ming's father spent a considerable sum to purchase this crown and presented it to Lu Ming's mother.
This crown had always been a treasured possession of the Lu family.
Later, after the Lu family was annihilated, a large amount of their wealth mysteriously disappeared, including this crown.
Unexpectedly, after ten years, Lu Ming encountered the crown once more at the Jinling charity auction.
At this moment, Lu Ming gazed foolishly at the crown, recalling the joyous times he spent with his father and mother in his childhood, remembering the warmth of his family.
The resolute Dragon Warlord's heart, for the first time, was touched in its most tender spot.
He took a deep breath and secretly made a decision: to acquire this crown at all costs!
Coincidentally.
Not far away, Shen Yushu also intended to acquire the crown.
The charity auction today was thronged with wealthy merchants. Anyone who could make an appearance on such an occasion would have a chance to become a kingpin in Jinling's business circles.
To showcase the Shen family's immense wealth, Shen Yushu was determined to seize this opportunity.
Thus.
He raised his paddle without hesitation and shouted, "320 million, I'll take it!"
An increase of twenty million at once, a truly extravagant bid.
Everyone turned their attention to Shen Yushu.
Jiang Mengxin whispered, "I knew the Shen family was wealthy, but I didn't expect them to be this rich; a crown worth 300 million, and he just bids on it without a second thought."
Shen Yushu arrogantly declared, "I'm determined to have this crown today. None of you should compete with me. No matter how much you offer, I will match it!"
The other wealthy individuals simply smiled and did not respond.
They could see Shen Yushu's fondness for the crown and his desire to establish dominance.
The others exchanged glances and decided not to contend.
Jiang Mengxin remarked, "It seems this crown is destined to be Shen Yushu's."
Before she finished speaking.
A familiar voice emanated from beside Jiang Mengxin, saying, "400 million!"
Huh?
Who?
Who dared to bid against Shen Yushu when he had clearly stated his intention to purchase the crown?
Wasn't that showing a lack of respect for the Shen family?
Everyone turned to look and exclaimed, "Good heavens, the one bidding is actually Lu Ming!"
"No way, is that grave-watcher gone mad? What capital does he have to contend with Shen Yushu?"
"Even the Jiang family doesn't have the strength to compete with the Shen family."
"He's gone crazy, truly gone crazy."
Upon seeing Lu Ming, Shen Yushu was furious.
He hadn't even settled the score with Lu Ming for the previous 'poaching of a lover', and now he was trying to snatch the crown from him again?
Heh!
Shen Yushu muttered to himself, "Good for you, grave-watcher, you've decided to go head-to-head with me, haven't you? Fine, I'll play along! I'll let you know what it means to be out of the Shen family's league!"
Settling old and new grudges together.
Shen Yushu raised his paddle and shouted, "420 million!"
He increased the bid by twenty million from Lu Ming's offer. To be honest, this was already a significant overpayment.
Everyone once again marveled at the Shen family's immense wealth.
However...
Before Shen Yushu could lower his paddle, Lu Ming raised his almost simultaneously and bid, "500 million."
Lu Ming's bid was delivered casually.
But those who heard it were astonished, their mouths agape.
"What's wrong with this guy? You can bid, but not like this. 400 million, 500 million, can he only count in increments of a hundred million?"
"An increase of eighty million in one go. Is the crown really worth that much? This is utter madness."
Jiang Mengxin, standing nearby, turned pale with fright.
Five hundred million?
Even if she emptied her entire assets, she couldn't come up with five hundred million!
Jiang Mengxin glared at Lu Ming and whispered in annoyance, "Are you insane? Offering such a high price for a crown that's utterly useless? Can you even afford it?"
Lu Ming ignored her.
Jiang Mengxin said irritably, "Do you think bidding is just for fun? If you bid and can't afford to pay, you'll have to compensate with money and even go to jail! This auction is no joke, it's not for messing around!"
Lu Ming replied indifferently, "I'll pay for it myself. I won't spend a penny of yours, so don't worry."
"You'll pay? Heh heh." Jiang Mengxin sneered, "You, a useless grave-watcher, where would you get the money to buy it? Lu Ming, your ability to brag is getting better and better!"
Lu Ming no longer paid attention to her, his gaze fixed on the crown.
Today, he was determined to win!
Shen Yushu's brow furrowed. Five hundred million, that was indeed a very high price. Spending so much on a crown seemed like a bad deal.
But!
The atmosphere had reached this point.
If Shen Yushu backed down, what would happen to the Shen family's reputation? Wouldn't Shen Yushu have lost to Lu Ming?
How could he lose to a grave-watcher?
Continue bidding!
As Shen Yushu raised his paddle to bid, to his utter astonishment, Lu Ming spoke before he could utter a word, "1 billion!"
What?
One billion?
The entire venue was shocked!
One billion, that was an astronomical figure beyond belief. Many companies couldn't earn that much in ten years.
Using one billion to buy a crown, was he crazy?
Even Murong Shuang, one of the Three Star Generals, couldn't help but frown. Such financial strength would make even the Murong family hesitate.
Everyone simultaneously looked at Lu Ming.
They couldn't understand where a useless grave-watcher obtained so much money.
Jiang Mengxin, enraged, stomped her foot and cursed, "Fine, very good! Lu Ming, you keep going crazy! If you can't afford to pay later, don't come to me. Even if you do, I won't help you! Useless, idiot, clown!"
At this moment.
Shen Yushu cursed in exasperation, "Increasing the bid by five hundred million in one go? Doubling it? Lu Ming, do you bid like that? Is your head filled with water?"
Lu Ming chuckled mockingly, "Didn't you just boast that no matter how much others bid, you would match it? Now I've bid one billion, why don't you follow along?"
Follow?
Follow what!
Spending one billion on a crown, how much water would one's head need to be filled with to do such a foolish thing?
Furthermore, this price far exceeded the Shen family's financial capacity.
Shen Yushu waved his hand, "I'm done playing. I withdraw!"