Supreme Heir Son-in-law
Chapter 193: Eternal Ring

Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Eternal Ring

The commotion at the auction house entrance quickly caught the attention of the host. Bai Chi hurried over, not asking the evicted guests any questions, but politely inviting those blocking the entrance inside and directing everyone to their respective seats.

The auction soon began. Xu Ke watched the parade of treasures with disinterest, never once raising his paddle to bid.

"What is it? Has our Chairman Xu no regard for the auction house’s offerings? Not even participating in a single bid?" Chairman Hu, still smarting from Xu Ke’s earlier slight at the entrance, seized this moment to regain some face, and his voice was deliberately loud enough for Bai Chi, seated in front, to hear.

Seeing Bai Chi’s eyes turn toward him, Xu Ke felt a deep disdain for Chairman Hu rising within him, though it showed only as a barely detectable furrow of his brow.

"It’s just that nothing I fancy has appeared yet. Why is Chairman Hu so focused on me instead of the auction lots? If I recall correctly, Chairman Hu hasn’t acquired a single item either. Could it be you didn’t bring enough money? Would you like me to lend you some?" Xu Ke raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing into Chairman Hu with a wave-like intensity, as if ready to swallow him into his ocean.

Realizing he had once again fallen behind in Xu Ke’s presence, a sour expression crossed Chairman Hu’s face, akin to someone owed money and not repaid.

"The next lot is the much-anticipated Eternal Ring, crafted by the Count of Christ during the last century’s British Empire. This ring was made for the count’s wife and features twenty-seven gemstones and one hundred eighty diamonds in a rose motif. The central sapphire weighs twenty-four carats, embodying the family crest and the eternal love between them."

"The starting bid for this ring is one hundred million, with each increment no less than one million. Let the bidding commence!"

With the host’s announcement, bidding officially began.

Xu Ke sat up slightly, his eyes gleaming as they fixed on the ring at the center of the stage, his fingers tapping incessantly on the back of his chair, surrounded by the sounds of successive bids.

"Two hundred million once, two hundred million twice, two hundred million..."

Just as the host was about to strike down the gavel for the third time, Xu Ke raised his paddle. "Ah, we have a new competitor at two hundred ten million. Any further bids?" the host called out.

This marked Xu Ke’s first bid, prompting Chairman Hu, who had long harbored a gnawing resentment against him, to hastily raise his paddle. "Another new bid at two hundred twenty million," the host announced, magnifying his voice.

Xu Ke cast a sardonic glance at Chairman Hu, expressionlessly raising his bid once more.

"Wow, this gentleman has bid two hundred fifty million. Would the gentleman over here like to continue bidding?" The host’s gaze fell on Chairman Hu, with only the two of them still competing for the ring, drawing all eyes to their rivalry.

Chairman Hu shot a glance at Xu Ke and gave a cold snort, promptly increasing his bid by fifty million.

The host’s breathing quickened, an audible intake of breath resounding throughout the venue. "This gentleman increased his bid by fifty million, now at three hundred million. Anyone else wishing to bid?"

"Spending three hundred million on a ring—Chairman Hu is indeed generous. I only wonder if you can really fork out three hundred million; I’m quite curious." Watching Chairman Hu’s face turn an ashen hue, Xu Ke felt an indescribable satisfaction, tapping rhythmically on the chair’s back, giving an impression of not intending to pursue the bid further.

Chairman Hu’s heart was seized with panic. Truth be told, he held little interest in this ring; his bidding aimed merely at driving Xu Ke up. Yet, Xu Ke’s sudden withdrawal caught him off guard, placing him in a predicament. While three hundred million was no real financial strain, anyone would feel the pinch if forced to spend it on an undesired item, a decision stuck like a bone in the throat.

"Three hundred million twice, three hundred..."

Xu Ke raised his paddle once more, casting a provocative look at Chairman Hu, saying, "Since Chairman Hu has such a fondness for this piece, he surely won’t mind the price climbing a bit higher. After all, the more you pay, the happier you’ll be when you finally get it. I’ll do my utmost to help you achieve your wish." Xu Ke displayed a smile that could only be described as wicked.

Chairman Hu trembled with rage at Xu Ke’s arrogant attitude but refrained from raising his paddle again. If Xu Ke suddenly ceased bidding, wouldn’t this ring end up on his lap? Bearing this in mind, Chairman Hu halted his bidding, casting ominous, hostile glances at Xu Ke.

"Three hundred ten million three times, sold!" The host’s gavel struck down, and the ring officially became Xu Ke’s property.

Xu Ke’s smile deepened. "Many thanks to Chairman Hu for yielding this treasure; I truly adore this ring." He raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with the satisfaction of a successful ploy, causing the veins on Chairman Hu’s forehead to throb as if they might pierce through his skin.

"You did it on purpose," Chairman Hu hissed through clenched teeth.

"Of course. As the saying goes, all’s fair in war. Chairman Hu should read more in his spare time, lest you fall for such tricks again. I only hope, when faced with company decisions, you don’t so easily fall for others’ schemes and bring losses upon yourselves—otherwise, I won’t be lenient," Xu Ke remarked smoothly.

"Worry not about the company’s matters. Not everyone employs such underhanded tactics as you. If your grandfather were watching from heaven, seeing his grandson become such a petty character, one can only wonder how sorrowful he’d be," Chairman Hu bared his teeth, glaring malevolently at Xu Ke, his gaze as chilling as a ghost trained through years of malevolence.

Upon hearing Chairman Hu invoke his grandfather, Xu Ke’s fingers clamped down on the chair’s back, knuckles whitening from the exertion. Veins bulged on the back of his hand, creating an almost terrifying appearance, though his face bore no semblance of emotion.

"Chairman Hu, do you fill your days lacking purpose, constantly speaking about others’ family affairs? But let me remind you, ’The gods are watching from above.’ One thing to avoid is letting deceased individuals become topics of daily prattle—lest it leads to bad luck," Xu Ke retorted, casting a cold glance at Chairman Hu.

"You needn’t worry about that; I’m surrounded by an aura of virtue, and no spirit can approach me. But I must say, you possess quite the sinister vibe; perhaps you should stay home more to cultivate peace and character," Chairman Hu, feeling victorious over Xu Ke in this verbal exchange, softened his expression from the earlier intimidation, now carrying a semblance of something meaningful.