Chapter 311: A Hundred Million Deposit
“Now I know why Zyaire was in such a hurry to leave,” Zeke said. “He must have gone to the auction. The thousand-year-old snow lotus is extremely rare. Plenty of people will fight for it!”
“Let’s go to the auction, too,” Jared said excitedly. Obtaining the thousand-year-old snow lotus would significantly enhance his skills.
Zeke nodded and took Jared to the auction, held on the outskirts of Yeringham in a classically designed building with a circular arch. The building was surrounded by luxury cars, a clear indication that many had come for the snow lotus.
At the entrance, the staff immediately recognized Zeke. “Mr. Griffin,” the staff member said respectfully, handing Zeke a bidding paddle, “the deposit this time is one hundred million.”
“What?” Zeke was stunned. “Isn’t it usually ten million? Why the increase to one hundred million?”
“Mr. Griffin,” the staff member explained, “today is special. A thousand-year-old snow lotus is being auctioned, so the deposit has been increased to deter unserious bidders.”
Zeke’s expression changed drastically; he didn’t have one hundred million.
“Let me handle it,” Jared volunteered, realizing Zeke's predicament.
After Jared paid the deposit and received a paddle, they proceeded to the auction hall. Usually quiet, the hall was bustling with Yeringham's elite. Even Zyaire was seated in front, conversing quietly with someone. He was briefly stunned to see Zeke and Jared, but nodded and smiled in greeting.
Jared and Zeke settled into their seats and waited for the snow lotus. The auction began with some less desirable herbs, many of which received no bids. Clearly, everyone was there for the snow lotus.
“Jared,” Zeke whispered, “the bidding is expected to be extremely competitive. If you intend to secure the snow lotus, do you have a price in mind?”
Jared shook his head. “I must have it, regardless of the price.”
Zeke said nothing further.
Frida, intrigued by Jared's apparent wealth after witnessing his casual spending of tens of millions, turned to Josephine. “Josephine, what does your boyfriend actually do? Why is he so rich? You didn’t give him all that money, did you?”
Josephine smiled slightly, giving Jared an admiring look. “He doesn’t want my money. Do you actually think he’s a kept man?” She found herself increasingly drawn to Jared's unique charm.
After several more items, the host brought out a large glass container holding a snow lotus.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host announced, “this is the highlight of the day, a thousand-year-old snow lotus. As you know, no snow lotus has been discovered in Yeringham for a long time. The difficulty in harvesting them has led to a decline in herbalists. In fact, this snow lotus was discovered in the possession of a farmer who used it to brew medicinal wine.”
Before the host finished, the crowd erupted in outrage.
“Damn it, what sort of joke is this? Isn’t this just a lie? Did you actually invite us here for a snow lotus used to make wine?”
“Is the snow lotus even a thousand years old? From the looks of it, it probably isn’t even a century old! You’re all con artists!”
“And you demanded a hundred million for the deposit! This is outrageous!”
The crowd expressed their profound disappointment at the sight of the snow lotus.