Chapter 385: Auction Tensions and Hidden Agendas

“What’s really behind this? Could Dino Park be meddling in the antique game?”

After confirming the identity of Ross Consortium’s president, Peter, many citizens grew increasingly anxious; the meager hope they had built up vanished in an instant.

“No! This has nothing to do with Dino Park!”

An insider quickly commented.

“Then what’s the reason?”

“Ross Consortium also runs another museum that is highly regarded in the international collection scene—second only to the legendary Museum of the Great Y!”

“Wow! That’s impressive!”

“Well, times are such that private museums are the trend these days! Isn’t Mr. Sun from Wenmo Group the same? His private collection is the largest in Long Kingdom, housing numerous first-grade national relics.”

“The largest private collection? Not so fast! Don’t forget the Protectorate of West Liang in Mingsha City! They have a top-grade relic there.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Although the Protectorate’s museum is run by Mingsha City, its exhibits belong to the Dragon Kingdom Museum—they aren’t private at all.”

Amid the debate, some citizens sighed in exasperation.

“I see, but I still can’t understand one thing. Why stash so much money in the bank to earn hefty interest every year, only to end up with a private collection? In some ways, it’s a loss!”

“A loss? You’re adorably naive!”

“What? Am I wrong? Do you know how much interest one would earn annually on 100 million Dragon Coins in the bank?”

“I agree with that gentleman above. These fools should keep their money safe! With 100 million in the bank, you get over three million in interest a year—that’s enough to purchase quite a few relics.”

“Exactly! While the interest on 100 million Dragon Coins is considerable, let’s not forget that if a private museum has a top-tier treasure, the ticket revenue alone each year could be staggering!”

And that doesn’t even count the collection’s intrinsic value—timeless treasures that never depreciate!

“So does that mean the Yongle Encyclopedia will end up in the hands of Ross Consortium?”

“Not necessarily! Auctions are the perfect stage for big players to make a move. There might even be other heavyweight consortia. After all, an item’s final hammer price is never certain.”

“Of course. I still hope that Mr. Sun from Wenmo Group can shine through this time and bring honor to Long Kingdom.”

“Shine through? That won’t be easy!”

“Certainly not.”

By then, as some citizens extolled the virtues of saving money, a forum post suddenly updated with live auction details just as one person was about to elaborate further.

“Huh? It’s starting this fast?”

After reading the post, all eyes shifted immediately to the auction hall.

Those holding admission tickets had already taken their seats, and the auctioneer stepped up to the podium with a small hammer in hand.

Once on stage, the auctioneer cut straight to the chase, unlike other grand events with endless opening speeches!

A brief overview and the auction officially began.

“That straightforward, huh?”

Noticing the scene,

many viewers felt a mix of anticipation and surprise.

They had expected the auctioneer to set the mood once on stage—yet the simplicity of the proceedings was astonishing.

“After all, I’d wager that 90% of the collectors or major players here are here for the Yongle Encyclopedia. The earlier lots were just a formality. Everyone can’t wait to get to the main event.”

“Exactly!”

Perhaps due to the media and public focus on the Yongle Encyclopedia, the other exhibited items at the auction barely sparked any interest.

Some raised their paddles while others watched the gavel fall, as if merely following a routine.

Almost everyone was waiting for the appearance of the Yongle Encyclopedia!

In the blink of an hour, “This Silk Road Landscape Scroll is from a collector in R Country, entrusted to auction with a starting bid of 800,000 M Gold. The minimum increment is 50,000 M Gold. Let the bidding begin.”

At that moment, when the auctioneer announced the item up for bid, the attention of the Long Kingdom citizens heightened noticeably, especially Sun Xin, who sat in the front row, his expression changing instantly.

“The Silk Road Scenic Map? That item is also quite valuable.”

Many Long Kingdom citizens sitting at their computers straightened in their seats.

They had assumed that only the Yongle Encyclopedia from Long Kingdom would be showcased at this auction, but another treasure had appeared.

“It might not compare to the Yongle Encyclopedia, but it’s still pretty good. It could easily be worth millions.”

“Millions? Under normal circumstances, it might reach ten million, but with the Yongle Encyclopedia in the picture, many collectors will hold back. Just like Mr. Sun from Wenmo Group! Otherwise, he would certainly nab the Silk Road Scenic Map.”

As reality set in,

a citizen remarked.

“As citizens of Long Kingdom, we naturally care about what’s truly ours. That’s only human.”

However,

just as other citizens were about to continue their discussion, the live scene left many utterly speechless.

Sun Xin, sitting in the front row, raised his bidding paddle and immediately increased the bid by 200,000 M Gold, bringing the price of the Silk Road Landscape Scroll to one million.

“What’s happening? Why is Mr. Sun bidding? Didn’t he come to the auction for the Yongle Encyclopedia?”

Many citizens glared in disbelief.

They simply couldn’t understand.

Both pre-auction media reports and Wenmo Group’s statements insisted that Mr. Sun’s sole purpose in attending was the Yongle Encyclopedia.

So why did he bid early? “Why is he bidding?”

Not only ordinary citizens, but also department heads like Qi Jianwen and Zuo Ping, who had been secretly monitoring the auction, were baffled.

Staring at the screen,

Zuo Ping’s brows furrowed deeply.

To ensure the success of this auction, he had personally met Mr. Sun of Wenmo Group two days earlier, delivering Long Kingdom’s support both materially and in spirit.

In response, Mr. Sun had confidently assured them.

“Don’t tell me you think the starting bid for the Silk Road Landscape Scroll is too low and want to snag it on the side?”

After a brief silence, Qi Jianwen turned to Zuo Ping.

Besides that, he couldn’t fathom any other reason for Mr. Sun to bid so early.

“Maybe. He knows better than anyone the importance of the Yongle Encyclopedia. He probably has his own timeline. One million dollars won’t make much difference to the Yongle Encyclopedia.”

Zuo Ping crossed his arms and nodded ever so slightly.

“Then let’s wait a bit longer.”

“Agreed!”

Outside, various onlookers began forming theories as they watched Mr. Sun’s bid, while inside, as he raised his paddle, a subtle, cold smile crept onto his lips.

“Besides Ross Consortium, several major figures from the Foreign Consortium are seated in the front row. Clearly, they all have their eyes set on the Yongle Encyclopedia!

With such a lineup, even if Wenmo Group sells off all its current collections, they wouldn’t stand a chance against those consortia.

That’s why,

snapping up the Silk Road Scenic Map early is the smartest move.

His bid of one million dollars is nearly equal to the map’s value; if nothing goes awry, the map will soon be a part of the Wenmo Museum’s collection.

As for Long Kingdom’s pride? When the Yongle Encyclopedia comes up, he can easily raise his bid a few extra times to show the authorities and countrymen a good face.

Mr. Sun was convinced his decision was flawless. However, as with all things, uncertainty lingered. Just as he thought the Silk Road Scenic Map would easily land in his hands, the auctioneer glanced over his shoulder and announced,

“Alright, bidder 187 now offers one million dollars!”