Chapter 313: On Purpose

"Didn't you say he's a leech? So now he's awesome?" Josephine responded with a smile. She was slightly surprised by Jared's wealth. She had planned to ask William, the richest man in Horington, to pay for the snow lotus if Jared couldn't afford it; William could easily spare the money.

Zyaire glared at Jared, his gaze narrowed. A frosty expression settled on his face.

"Two hundred and ten million!" he gritted out.

Jared immediately raised his paddle. "Three hundred million!"

The audience gasped in disbelief, questioning Jared's identity. The beaming auctioneer roared, "Three hundred million! I repeat, three hundred million! Any other bids? This bidder is unfamiliar; I believe he's not from Yeringham. No one from Yeringham will challenge him? If word of this gets out, we'll lose our nickname, 'City of Herbs!'"

The auctioneer cleverly sowed discord between Jared and Zyaire. Zyaire had earlier stated he didn't want to embarrass Yeringham; failing to raise the bid would be hypocritical.

Jared glanced at the auctioneer. He's good at sowing discord. He wants us to fight so they profit! he thought.

"Three hundred and ten million!" Zyaire clenched his jaw, raising his paddle.

Jared was about to respond when Zeke stopped him. "Jared, even a thousand-year-old snow lotus isn't worth this. Stop bidding!" The price was exorbitant; Jared would lose money if he won.

"Zeke, I need the snow lotus!" Jared insisted, raising his paddle. "Three hundred and fifty million!"

The crowd watched with curiosity, wondering why he'd spend such a sum. Even non-experts knew the snow lotus, especially one soaked in alcohol, was overpriced.

Does this young man hold a grudge against Zyaire and is targeting him on purpose? The thought occurred to everyone; it was the only explanation for Jared's actions.

Zyaire shared their suspicion. His brows furrowed as he glowered at Jared. "Young man, are you doing this on purpose?"

"I don't know you. In an auction, the highest bidder wins. Mr. Rider, feel free to continue bidding!" Jared replied with a smile.

Zyaire huffed. "This is Yeringham. Be careful!" He stormed out.

After Zyaire's departure, sympathetic gazes turned to Jared. How dare he offend Zyaire? He must want to die! they thought.

"Three hundred and fifty million, sold! The snow lotus is yours, sir" The auctioneer happily pounded the gavel and presented the snow lotus to Jared.

Jared transferred the funds and left with Zeke. His goal was accomplished; there was no reason to stay.

Leaving the auction house, Zeke worriedly said, "Jared, you've offended Zyaire Rider. He won't forget this. I'm afraid your deal will fall through."

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