Chapter 50: The Land Auction
It was an ordinary afternoon. The outside world buzzed with the joyful atmosphere of the holiday, but this tranquility hadn’t reached the ancient, peaceful Siheyuan complex.
Sunlight streamed through the clouds, casting dappled shadows on the red walls. The alley was exceptionally quiet.
In this alley, nestled deep within the Qingnan Hutong, stood a large five-courtyard Siheyuan at number 10.
After many years, number 10 finally welcomed its new owner. A brand-new, imposing sign bearing the elegant characters “Gu Residence” had been hung.
Su Min’an, finishing his evening shift, returned to his ancestral home in Qingnan Hutong. Passing number 10, he was surprised to see the long-dormant Siheyuan with a new sign.
Fu Zhenzhu Bao, headquartered in Jinghai International, was a century-old jewelry company in Si Jiu City, renowned for its reputation, quality, and profitability.
Yet, no one could have predicted that the former secretary of the owner would announce that Fu Zhenzhu Bao now belonged to Qian Yuan Group. The company’s executives were stunned.
Gu Wanrong knew nothing of this. She was instructing Tong Shenyi on the tasks following her acquisition of Fu Zhenzhu Bao and the planned relocation of its headquarters to Jinghai International.
Then, she slept peacefully, awaiting the next day’s land auction and the system’s upgrade in ten days.
The next day, Gu Wanrong rode in the hotel’s limousine to the auction venue.
In Si Jiu City, where land was incredibly valuable, land auctions were always a major event. The parking lot was filled with various high-end but understated vehicles.
Gu Wanrong arrived just as the auction was about to begin.
It was her first time attending an auction alone. The room was bustling with people in suits, laughing softly in small groups. Nobody recognized Gu Wanrong, and she didn’t see anyone she knew.
Gu Wanrong found a corner and sat down, quietly waiting for the auction to begin.
The companies and families attending this auction were all top-tier. While Gu Wanrong’s exceptional beauty might have drawn attention elsewhere, here, the focus was on power, wealth, and status. A beautiful stranger was simply insignificant to them.
Su Min’an came down from upstairs and entered the auction hall, socializing with people as he walked. His gaze fell on Gu Wanrong, sitting alone in a corner. He politely ended his conversation and walked towards her without hesitation.
“Ms. Gu, how long have you been sitting here?”
A shadow fell over her, followed by Su Min’an’s gentle voice. Hearing the familiar voice, she looked up to see his kind face.
He was wearing a light blue short-sleeved shirt tucked neatly into black trousers, and black polished leather shoes. His eyes were gentle and focused on her.
“I just arrived. I didn’t see you when I came in,” Gu Wanrong replied, a smile in her eyes.
Su Min’an smiled. “I just got here too.”
Xie Xian entered the auction hall and saw Su Min’an talking to a young woman with her back to him. He walked over.
“Su Min’an.” Xie Xian’s deep, magnetic voice greeted Su Min’an.
Xie Xian’s eyes turned to the young woman, recognizing Gu Wanrong from their previous encounters, though he was just a stranger to her.
Su Min’an nodded. “You’re here.”
“And this young lady is…?” Xie Xian pretended not to know Gu Wanrong, feigning curiosity.
“Xie Xian, this is Ms. Gu Wanrong of Qian Yuan Group. Ms. Gu, this is my friend, Xie Xian of Xie Shi Group,” Su Min’an introduced them.
“Ms. Gu, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Mr. Xie, the pleasure is mine,” Gu Wanrong awkwardly stood up and shook Xie Xian’s hand.
Oh no, isn’t this the man from the Donglai Hotel before school started? I overheard his phone call and snuck away. I wonder if he realized I was there!!!
Xie Xian’s lips curled into a subtle smile as he looked at the slightly embarrassed Gu Wanrong. Lost in thought, she still held his hand, forgetting to let go.
Xie Xian gently squeezed her hand, bringing her back to reality.
Realizing she was still holding Xie Xian’s hand, a blush crept onto Gu Wanrong’s cheeks. She quickly withdrew her hand, offering an awkward smile.
Someone save me! This is so embarrassing! Gu Wanrong thought frantically.
Then, a voice announced:
“Attendees, the auction will begin in one minute.” The auctioneer’s voice rescued Gu Wanrong.
Gu Wanrong excused herself from Su Min’an and Xie Xian, finding her seat according to the number on her invitation.
Xie Xian and Su Min’an also left, one to his seat in the auction area, the other to the organizer’s section.
The auction began.
Plot after plot was offered, but none met Gu Wanrong’s requirements. She watched as plots were fiercely contested and purchased.
Finally, her target appeared – a rare plot. The auctioneer’s gavel fell.
The atmosphere intensified. This was a large plot on the edge of Si Jiu City, close to the inner city, with convenient transportation, complete infrastructure, and surrounded by various industrial parks.
Gu Wanrong’s recent land purchases were mostly nearby.
Even if companies weren’t targeting this specific plot, they’d still want it, as it was a sure bet for appreciation or resale at a much higher price.
“2.6 billion.”
“3.7 billion.”
“4.8 billion.”
…
“5.3 billion.”
Companies bid one after another, the price quickly reaching 5.3 billion and still climbing.
Tension filled the hall.
“7.8 billion.”
Fewer companies remained.
“10 billion.”
Gu Wanrong confidently bid, increasing the price to 10 billion.
Bidding paused for three seconds. No one bid that much at once.
All eyes turned to Gu Wanrong, a mixture of surprise, doubt, envy, and jealousy in their expressions.
“Whose daughter is she?”
“I don’t know.”
“Qian Yuan Group, have you heard of it?”
“No.”
“What’s her last name? Which family does she come from?”
Those who had dropped out whispered and discussed Gu Wanrong.
“11.5 billion.”
…
“15 billion.” Gu Wanrong bid again, this time raising it even more.
…
More companies dropped out.
Xie Xian, seeing Gu Wanrong’s determination, abandoned his bid. He had already won his target plot, and his bid on this one was tentative.
Su Min’an, watching Gu Wanrong from the organizer’s section, was increasingly curious and puzzled by her.
Mysterious wealth, mysterious origins, mysterious power.