It exploded again.
This time, what stirred up the merchants wasn't just the absurd four billion bid, but also the all-in gamble that even a deaf person could hear in Cao Zhining's voice.
What's the situation?
A newcomer in the real estate industry daring to make an enemy of the leading Dabang Group was already surprising enough, but the always calm and composed Cao Zhining lashing out at an unknown youngster?
Am I dreaming? Or did the sun rise from the west today?
Many people couldn't understand it, but soon they realized their imaginations were too limited.
Because Xiao Ming's smile contained not so much triumph as it did satisfaction, like someone who had guzzled icy water on a scorching hot day.
Clearly, this wasn't about recklessly making enemies; it was about revenge!
What history did the two sides have?
Who exactly was this young man?
Merchants began whispering and inquiring around, but those sitting near Xiao Ming and his group unanimously moved away a bit, fearing misunderstandings from Cao Father and Son.
Xiao Ming tossed the bidding placard back to Shen Siyi and yawned, "Stay sharp, we have to get our hands on the next plot of land."
Shen Siyi swallowed hard, "I'm really glad that I didn't actually start a fight with you in that used bookstore back then.
Damn it, the consequences of offending you are too scary."
Xiao Ming chuckled, "Even if you had tried, it wouldn't have mattered because you wouldn't have been able to defeat me. Plus, I wouldn't hold a grudge over such a trifle.
But Cao Bangxi is different."
His tone became grim, "Daring to covet my wife, bringing his family to ruin would be getting off lightly!"
Shen Siyi felt a chill run down his spine and subconsciously glanced at Yun Shi Yu and Yang Hanqing.
Indeed, both had their heads lowered, looking despondent.
A sentimental woman falling for a devoted man—this matter... is too damn interesting!
Shen Siyi immediately became excited again, wishing he could call Bai Xuechao and Gu Xiangmeng over right then.
He was dying to know what kind of spectacular sparks would fly when these four varied women came together.
On stage, the auctioneer, who had sold a piece of worthless land for a sky-high price, didn't dare to fan the flames and quickly announced after calling the price three times that Plot Ding A was awarded to Dabang Group.
Below the stage, thunderous applause erupted as the bosses congratulated Cao Father and Son. Cao Bangxi had a gloomy face throughout, while Cao Zhining managed to maintain a warm smile, nodding and thanking everyone around him.
After a short break, the auction continued, and the profile for Plot Ding B appeared on the big screen.
Strictly speaking, this plot was quite ordinary, neither close to the riverbank nor near the city center—compared to the highly discussed shantytown area, it could be said to be devoid of any special features.
But for that reason, it was much safer and more secure than the shanty area. In the current environment of soaring housing prices, it definitely wouldn't result in a loss.
Thus, when the auctioneer announced its starting bid at 180 million, the businessmen's bidding began, and the atmosphere was much livelier than that for Ding A. In less than ten minutes, the bid had reached two billion.
And interestingly, this price came from Shen Siqi—that is, Shen Anhe's will.
Qianshan Group, which started in hotels and catering, had begun to enter the real estate industry in the past two years. A well-established company with strong capabilities, it immediately showed the potential to stand toe-to-toe with Dabang.
The two groups focused on Ding A and Ding B respectively, which made the better-located Plot Bing seem less appealing in comparison.
"Ming, how much do you think this plot is really worth?" Shen Siyi suddenly asked Xiao Ming.
How much?
Xiao Ming recalled from his past life that this plot was eventually purchased by Qianshan Group for 225 million.
Originally, this was one of Shen Anhe's most sagacious investments in his business career and a great opportunity for Qianshan Group to defeat Dabang and completely transform successfully.
Unfortunately, he had a son who was unfilial.
Not long after, Shen Siqi's embezzlement of public funds was exposed. Suppliers united to sue Qianshan Group for debts, causing the stock price to plummet.
To pay off the debt and stabilize the situation, Shen Anhe had no choice but to sell the land at a cut-rate price of two hundred million to Dabang Group.
And just three weeks after the transfer of the land, the city finally confirmed the subway line plan, subsequently announcing the planning, causing Plot Ding B to surge in value.
Then, Dabang also encountered trouble and sold the land to Canghai Group for a high price of one billion three hundred million, saving themselves from the brink of a capital crisis.
When Shen Anhe heard the news, he was so furious that he spat up blood and fell seriously ill from then on. Half a year later, he passed away.
Thinking of this, Xiao Ming patted Shen Siyi's shoulder and said, "Don't rush. There are plenty of people who want this land. Let's wait until no one else dares to bid any higher."
Shen Siyi's eyes reddened slightly, and he looked down, "Thank you, Ming."
Actually, he didn't care about the price of the land at all.
The reason he asked how much it could sell for was because he didn't want to fight with his father in public.
Not only would it make him appear unfilial, but it would also embarrass Shen Anhe.
However, auction bidding is often a psychological battle.
For example, if everyone else is only bidding the starting price and you suddenly shout out a price much higher, you might scare off your competitors and secure the deal in one fell swoop.
But if you wait until others have reached their psychological limit before bidding, the price may already be much higher than if you had bid abruptly.
To put it bluntly, his thinking could cause losses to the company, a typical act of putting personal concerns over public duties.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Ming not only discerned his intentions but also took the responsibility upon himself.
Before today, Shen Siyi never understood the meaning of the term "brother."
But after today, he got it.
The bidding in the room continued.
Interestingly, whenever Qianshan Group made a bid that made others hesitate, Cao Bangxi would raise his bidding card and add just the minimum increment.
Like bait, it effectively increased or affirmed others' determination, driving up the price of Plot Ding B more and more.
Clearly, this was instructed by Cao Zhining.
The trickery of the older generation of traditional businessmen—hiding needles in cotton—could infuriate you without causing too much of a stir, leaving you itch with irritation yet helpless to do anything about it.
Once again, when Qianshan Group bid two hundred and twenty million, Cao Bangxi immediately followed suit, adding three hundred thousand.
Shen Anhe's brows furrowed deeply, he pressed down Shen Siyi's hand that was holding the bidding card, seemingly ready to give up.
Cao Bangxi was stunned, turning back in a hurry to look at his father.
Having spent too much on buying Plot Ding A, Dabang Group had very little funds left and simply couldn't afford another plot.
If Qianshan Group stopped there, Cao Father and Son would have to prepare for financial ruin.
Cao Zhining's face darkened while Cao Bangxi, anxious like an ant on a hot pan, received no response from him.
"Both old men are masters of bluffing!
Siyi, remember, never play cards with the veterans in the business world, especially poker.
And of course, if you're fortunate enough to see the two elders playing cards, don't miss the chance to pick up leftovers and catch the gravy.𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎
With a bit of luck, you might even take home the entire pot on the table."
Speaking indifferently, Xiao Ming took the bidding card and raised it, calling out in a clear voice, "Two hundred and thirty million!"