Chapter 91

Everyone had gathered, and Lin Xiao, seeing that the time was right, called all the executives to start today's auction.

"Everyone, I am Lin Xiao, the initiator of this auction. I would like to thank you all for your trust and for attending this auction. I believe that none of you will leave disappointed today," Lin Xiao said confidently, facing the crowd, ignoring the pressure from all the executives.

"I'm sure you're all curious as to why such a small-scale auction requires a confidentiality agreement," Lin Xiao continued.

"Because I believe this auction will be sensational."

"You might think I'm exaggerating, but I won't beat around the bush. The first item up for auction is—"

"An appetizer, a hundred-year-old ginseng. Please take a look. I'm sure you're familiar with this," Lin Xiao took out a wooden box containing the hundred-year-old ginseng and handed it to Wu Da, a CEO of a listed company with a market value exceeding ten billion.

Wu Da, who had some knowledge of hundred-year-old ginseng, examined it carefully for a few minutes before passing it to the next person.

The ginseng made its way around all the executives, each making their own judgment on its authenticity.

After the ginseng returned to Lin Xiao, he said, "I believe everyone has had a look. The auction for this hundred-year-old ginseng will now begin. The starting price is 30 million yuan."

Most of the executives were deep in thought, but Tang Fu was the first to bid, "40 million yuan."

"45 million yuan," another executive named Lu Zhi said. He was also the CEO of a listed company, invited by He Pingji.

"55 million yuan," Wu Da raised the price again.

After 55 million yuan, there was no more competition. Seeing that no one was bidding, Lin Xiao made the decision.

"Alright, this hundred-year-old ginseng goes to Mr. Wu for 55 million yuan." Lin Xiao handed the ginseng to Wu Da.

Wu Da took out a checkbook from his pocket, wrote a check for 55 million yuan, and handed it to Lin Xiao, completing the transaction.

"Thank you all, I appreciate it," Wu Da said, standing up to thank everyone. He was well aware that many of the people present were wealthier than him, and he could only be considered middle-class.

"Hehe," the executives smiled kindly, indicating that it was nothing.

"Alright, let's move on to the second item. This is also a hundred-year-old ginseng. If you missed the first one, you don't have to regret it now," Lin Xiao took out the second ginseng.

This time, the ginseng was passed around much faster, as it was not much different from the first one.

Tang Fu directly bid 50 million yuan for this ginseng, and it seemed that the price range was around this level.

Tang Fu took the ginseng with a smile, handed the check to Lin Xiao, and the transaction was completed. Handing over the money and the item in person was the fastest way.

The third ginseng was taken by a female CEO named Zhi Xiaomei for 50 million yuan. She was the only woman at the auction, and when she spoke, everyone else gave up the competition.

"Alright, the appetizers are over. The next item is the main event," Lin Xiao said mysteriously, not revealing what it was. He took out a much larger wooden box from under the table, placed it on the table, and silently handed it to Wu Da.

"Wow~" Wu Da, who had remained calm even when seeing the hundred-year-old ginseng, now looked shocked as he saw what was inside the box. A look of wild joy flashed in his eyes, but it quickly subsided. The other executives were amazed and eager to know what was in the box.

However, they were all experienced people and knew they would see it eventually, so they waited patiently.

Only He Pingji, Ye Ding, and the leader Chen Chong knew what was in the large wooden box, and they were also eagerly anticipating it, as it was something that had caught their interest.

The shocked expressions of the executives made those who hadn't seen it feel anxious, as if something was gnawing at them.

Curiosity is a universal trait, but it depends on each person's patience. Indeed, what Lin Xiao had brought out was a thousand-year-old ginseng, a rare and valuable item that had caused the shock. Many of the executives had even seen a thousand-year-old ginseng before.

The appearance of a thousand-year-old ginseng at such an auction was indeed shocking, but after the initial shock, they began to think deeply. After all, everyone present was wealthy, and competing for this thousand-year-old ginseng would require a significant investment.

Several people began to back out, as it would be difficult to secure the ginseng in such a competitive environment.

The ones with real competitiveness were likely to be the leader Chen Chong, He Pingji, Ye Ding, Tang Fu, the female CEO Zhi Xiaomei, and Lu Zhi.

Although some of their companies had a market value exceeding ten billion, they lacked sufficient liquid funds. After all, they needed to ensure their companies had adequate liquidity to handle any unexpected situations.

"Please start bidding," Lin Xiao said after the thousand-year-old ginseng returned to him.

"Since no one is speaking, I'll start the bidding," He Pingji said, seeing that most were deep in thought, to prevent the auction from becoming cold.

"100 million yuan," He Pingji continued.

Zhi Xiaomei, not to be outdone, immediately raised the bid, "150 million yuan."

Lin Xiao looked at the expressions of the crowd. Ten of them had basically given up and were sitting in their seats, watching the show. There were a total of eighteen people present, and besides Ye Ding, Chen Chong, and He Pingji, five were still hesitating.

After Zhi Xiaomei bid 150 million yuan, her expression became determined.

However, Wu Da, sitting next to Lin Xiao, looked hesitant, opening his mouth several times as if to say something but then closing it without speaking.

Seeing Wu Da's expression, Lin Xiao quietly asked, "Mr. Wu, is there something you can't say about the thousand-year-old ginseng?"

Wu Da, seeing Lin Xiao's concerned expression, felt a warm feeling in his heart but said nothing, shaking his head.

"Mr. Wu, if you have any difficulties, please speak up. Everyone here will understand," Lin Xiao encouraged him, hoping he would speak.

Wu Da's hesitant expression betrayed him, but then he gradually became determined, looking as if he had made up his mind.

The competition for the thousand-year-old ginseng became intense, with bids increasing by 10 million yuan after 200 million yuan. Only five people were still competing: Zhi Xiaomei, Ye Ding, Lu Zhi, and Tang Fu. The others had basically given up and were watching the show.

At this moment, Wu Da suddenly stood up and said something no one expected.