The person bidding in the VIP room was, of course, Ye Chen. He hoped no one else would join the competition—he only needed about 12 million dollars. If the other wealthy bidders in the VIP rooms got involved, he knew he wouldn't stand a chance.
Liu Yue glanced at him curiously. "Ye Chen, you're into antiques too? But this item's origin and purpose are completely unclear. It might just be some random pendant from the past."
Ye Chen's eyes stayed locked on the item. "I'm interested in that pendant necklace."
He couldn't exactly explain its value—he doubted Liu Yue would understand even if he did.
---
Announcer: "Ladies and gentlemen, any more bids? If not, the master in the VIP room will win this pendant necklace."
Ye Chen felt a surge of relief. No one else seemed interested—this was going better than expected.
"Two million five hundred thousand!"
A sudden voice echoed from another VIP room. A woman had joined the bidding.
Ye Chen frowned. He hadn't expected anyone else to compete. This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.
"Two million six hundred thousand," Ye Chen called out through gritted teeth.
Mysterious Woman: "Four million."
The woman instantly doubled his offer—an absurd jump.
Ye Chen was intrigued. Who is this woman? Does she also know the true value of this pendant? Could she be a cultivator?
He reached out with his spiritual sense but found nothing. She was just an ordinary woman—no cultivation aura at all.
Still, he had no choice but to continue.
"Four million one hundred thousand."
Mysterious Woman: "Five million."
Her bids came effortlessly.
Liu Yue leaned in. "Ye Chen, just let it go. Five million for something so uncertain? It's not worth it."
She was suspicious. A woman who could sit in a VIP room and throw money around like this wasn't ordinary. Maybe she was just playing games.
Ye Chen's voice was firm. "No, Liu Yue. I must have that pendant."
He couldn't let it slip away. Some things were worth far more than money. This pendant… he had a feeling it was something priceless—something divine.
He clenched his fists. "Six million."
Mysterious Woman: "Seven million."
Still unfazed.
"Ten million!" Ye Chen suddenly shouted.
His voice shook the room. Everyone at the auction turned in shock. Even Liu Yue, sitting beside him, was startled.
After that, the mysterious woman went silent. She made no further bids.
Ye Chen narrowed his eyes. I'll find out who you are.
---
Announcer: "One… two… three! Congratulations to the master in the VIP room for winning the pendant!"
The room burst into light applause.
Ye Chen slumped slightly. He had just spent the ten million he earned today—now only two million remained.
---
Announcer: "Next item: a painting from the B.C. era, starting at two million dollars. It has been authenticated."
Bidding quickly intensified among antique collectors. The painting finally sold for fifteen million to another VIP bidder.
Announcer: "And now, the final item of tonight's auction!"
Waiters stepped onto the stage carrying a sealed document.
Announcer: "This is a certificate for a villa and the land it's on. Starting bid: one million dollars. Minimum bid increase: one hundred thousand. Bidding starts now."
Strangely, no one raised a bid.
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. A villa for just one million dollars? That was too cheap. Still, he did need a place to live…
"One million one hundred thousand," Ye Chen offered casually.
A voice from the audience called out, "Which villa is this exactly?"
The lack of bids wasn't because people were stupid—there had to be something wrong.
Announcer: "It's Villa Number 22 in the Golden Eagle District."
The moment the name was announced, the room went cold. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
That villa had a dark reputation—it was known as the Cursed Villa. Strange occurrences, unexplained illnesses, tragic accidents, and sudden bankruptcies had all plagued its former owners.
Ye Chen turned to Liu Yue. "Do you know anything about this place?"
Liu Yue frowned. "It's just a few houses away from mine. I've heard all the rumors—people going mad, getting sick, freak accidents… But I won't lie, it's a beautiful place. Much better than my own home."
"So that's why no one wants it," Ye Chen said thoughtfully. "Because of all the rumors."
He wasn't afraid. If anything, he was more curious.
Liu Yue's voice lowered. "Ye Chen, maybe you should back out. I can help you withdraw your bid."
He smiled warmly at her concern. "Thank you, but I'll be fine. I can handle whatever it is."
Liu Yue looked into his eyes and saw pure confidence. She suddenly remembered—Ye Chen was no ordinary man. He had healed her grandmother when even the best doctors gave up.
"…Alright," she nodded. "If you're sure, I won't stop you."
No one else bid. The villa officially became Ye Chen's—for just one million dollars.
It was a stroke of strange fortune. A property worth nearly a hundred million, bought for a mere fraction.
As the auction ended, the crowd slowly dispersed. Many glanced toward Ye Chen's VIP room, whispering with pity and disbelief. Who would willingly buy a cursed property?
But Ye Chen and Liu Yue paid no mind. They stood and made their way to collect the items Ye Chen had just won.
---