Chapter 312: Too Willful

Jared was the only one whose face lit up at the sight of the snow lotus. He could barely contain his excitement. Even though the snow lotus was soaked in alcohol, he sensed its potent spiritual energy bubbling within the liquid. While the lotus was small and its luster diminished by its prolonged soak in alcohol, this didn't deter Jared's desire. He assumed his lack of competition would make obtaining it easy.

Unfazed by the murmuring and curses from the crowd, the auctioneer smiled and announced, "The starting bid for the thousand-year snow lotus is one hundred million, with increments of no less than ten million. Let the auction begin!"

Instead of immediately bidding, Jared observed the crowd's reaction. Their lack of response pleased him.

Just as he was about to raise his paddle, Zyaire, seated in the front row, bid, "One hundred million!"

The crowd erupted in discussion.

"Mr. Rider is bidding? Did we see that correctly?" "Trinity Herbs is certainly wealthy enough to afford such an herb!" "Just wait and see. Zyaire is a shrewd old fox; he wouldn't bid without reason."

Zyaire rose to his feet. "Everyone," he announced, "while the snow lotus appears damaged, it's at least a few hundred years old. As it's in Yeringham, we can't let it leave. Our reputation as the City of Herbs is at stake. Therefore, I'll be bidding for it. I hope you won't compete with me."

The crowd remained unconvinced but hesitated to bid against him. Zyaire resumed his seat. The auctioneer, displeased but wary of Zyaire, pleaded, "Anyone else? This snow lotus is a bargain at this price!" He desperately tried to encourage further bids to increase the organizer's profit, but no one dared challenge Zyaire.

With no other bids, the auctioneer reluctantly raised his gavel to close the auction.

Just before the gavel fell, Jared unexpectedly raised his paddle. "One hundred and ten million!"

The auctioneer's face brightened. All eyes turned to Jared. Zyaire frowned angrily.

"This bidder has offered one hundred and ten million. Are there any further bids?" the auctioneer asked, anxiously glancing at Zyaire, the only one likely to counter.

Zyaire slowly raised his paddle. "One hundred and fifty million!"

Having increased the bid by forty million, everyone looked to Jared. Even the auctioneer watched expectantly.

Without hesitation, Jared bid, "Two hundred million!"

A gasp rippled through the crowd.

Zeke whispered, "Jared, that's too much!" He explained that bidders typically increased bids gradually to gauge their opponents. Jared's massive jump was unconventional.

Frida stared at Jared with curiosity. "Josephine, your boyfriend is amazing! Does he own a bank?"