Chapter 594: Paid Knowledge

He didn't wait long; in less than ten minutes, the phone rang.

The screen displayed four characters: Unknown Number.

Before it could ring a third time, Lin Sicheng hurriedly answered.

At the same time, he walked out from behind the table, preparing to find a quiet place.

He didn't forget to greet: "Hello, Leader!"

"Lin Sicheng, this is Ji Heting!"

Lin Sicheng stopped abruptly, his eyelids twitching violently, yet he still didn't forget to greet: "Hello, Bureau Chief!"

But his neck twisted bit by bit, staring straight at Wang Qizhi.

Seeing his expression was off, several people misunderstood on the spot: having known him for so long, when had they ever seen Lin Sicheng's face change like that?

It was definitely not good news.

The key was the person making the call: the weight was heavy enough, the rank high enough.

At the very least, higher than the Department Head Xiao from just a moment ago.

Higher than a Department Head—what kind of rank would that be?

Thinking of this, several hearts skipped a beat in unison: Lin Sicheng had caused trouble—

Wang Qizhi could no longer sit still and stood up with a "whoosh."

Almost at the same time, Huang Zhi also stood up, and the two walked over without prior agreement.

They weren't going to help Lin Sicheng argue anything, but they had to know at the first opportunity who was calling and what they had said to Lin Sicheng.

If the higher-ups insisted on holding Lin Sicheng responsible, they had to find a way to minimize Lin Sicheng's liability.

The two were fast and urgent, catching up in just a few steps, their footsteps very clear.

There was a slight pause on the phone: "Is Qi Zhi there too?"

Lin Sicheng answered honestly: "Yes, Bureau Chief!"

"Tell him not to add to the chaos!"

"Understood, Bureau Chief!" Lin Sicheng remained honest, looking at Wang Qizhi, "Teacher, Bureau Chief Ji told me to pass on a message to you: don't add to the chaos!"

Who, Bureau Chief Ji?

With a "clink," Wang Qizhi's eyes widened like lightbulbs, and he took two sharp breaths.

Then what the hell am I panicking for?

It's also Lin Sicheng's fault for being so jumpy; it's just a big leader calling, what the hell are you panicking about?

Wang Qizhi steadied himself and waved at Huang Zhi, meaning for him to go back.

Huang Zhi was confused, but he could tell: it should be fine now.

At the very least, he could judge from the tone of Lin Sicheng's conversation with the other party that the matter wasn't too big.

As the two walked back, Huang Zhi lowered his voice: "Professor Wang, who is Bureau Chief Ji?"

"It's not Ji 【as in 'calculate'】, it's Ji 【as in the surname】!"

A bureau chief with the surname Ji—he only remembered one, at the Cultural Relics Bureau—

Huang Zhi was suddenly stunned, staring at Wang Qizhi: Isn't that your father-in-law?

Thinking about it again, the line the other party asked Lin Sicheng to pass on: let Qi Zhi not add to the chaos—

"Is it really Bureau Chief Ji?" Huang Zhi looked surprised, "He called Lin Sicheng personally?"

Wang Qizhi couldn't figure it out either: strictly speaking, his father-in-law and Lin Sicheng hadn't met yet and didn't know each other.

But for his father-in-law to call Lin Sicheng's cell phone directly was quite mind-boggling.

Huang Zhi also realized: "Official business?"

If it were a private matter, he would definitely have called Wang Qizhi. He wouldn't have specifically instructed: let Wang Qizhi not add to the chaos.

But if it were official business—what rank is Bureau Chief Ji, and what rank is Lin Sicheng?

Oh no—Lin Sicheng has no rank—

"General Manager Huang, I really don't know what the specific matter is—" Wang Qizhi paused, emphasizing his tone, "I don't even know why Lin Sicheng bid on this manuscript—"

Huang Zhi nodded: he believed him.

The scene of Lin Sicheng raising his paddle for the first time was still fresh in his mind: Wang Qizhi had widened his eyes, looking completely incredulous.

Huang Zhi thought for a moment, his expression becoming much more solemn: "I reckon it's no small matter!"

Wang Qizhi looked miserable: Isn't that obvious?

If it were a small matter, would it need such a big leader to inquire about it?

The two turned these thoughts over and returned to their seats.

A group of people looked at each other: think of Lin Sicheng's expression changing drastically when he answered the phone. Then think of the expressions of these two who rushed over, only to return looking dejected and full of worry.

By rights, they couldn't ask, and didn't dare to ask, but Tian Rulong really couldn't hold back: "Who called?"

Wang Qizhi and Huang Zhi exchanged a glance; neither spoke.

Seeing the expression on the two, everyone's heart skipped a beat: sure enough, Lin Sicheng had caused trouble—

Waiting and waiting, this call of Lin Sicheng's lasted nearly twenty minutes, and he only came in when the auctioneer took the stage and was about to restart the auction.

His expression was very calm; one couldn't tell if he was happy or worried.

His pace was also steady, neither slow nor fast, neither rushed nor impatient.

For a moment, everyone was suspicious: was it a good thing or a bad thing?

Tian Rulong had the most straightforward temperament; before Lin Sicheng could sit down, he turned his body first. Just as he was about to ask something, there was a "buzz."

The auctioneer tapped the microphone and announced the details for the restart of the auction.

"Director Tian, I'm fine!" Lin Sicheng smiled and pointed to the stage, "Let's handle the real business first!"

Is Lin Sicheng going to handle something, or is it actual business?

In an instant, Tian Rulong's heart settled for the most part: as long as there was still something to do, it was fine.

Just as he let out a sigh of relief, two "buzzing" sounds came from beside him. Zhang Yuanfan glanced at his phone, his face full of surprise: "Uncle Tian, Director Sheng, Grandfather is coming to Beijing!"

The two were startled: how could he just come whenever he said he would?

Sheng Guoan frowned slightly: "Is Mr. Zhang coming by plane?"

"No, by car. Grandfather's health isn't very good, so he rarely takes planes."

In fact, by the mid-seventies, Zhang Zongxian had stopped taking planes much. Later, to reduce the frequency of his travels, he moved Sotheby's and Christie's to Hong Kong.

"Did Mr. Zhang say what it was for?"

"No, he just said to wait for him in Beijing!"

Sheng Guoan and Tian Rulong exchanged a look, a bad premonition arising in their hearts.

At the same time, in several corners of the venue, the phones of several people vibrated simultaneously.

The content was much the same: mission cancelled.

These people didn't know each other, but they all simultaneously had the same thought: in fact, today's mission hadn't even started at all.

Because that number 39 hadn't given them a chance to raise their paddles at all.

At this point, the auctioneer's introduction also reached its end. The rules were not complicated: starting from 120 million, with each increment being one million.

There were no longer any bidding tiers; regardless of how high the bid went, each increment was strictly one million.

Of course, jumping bids were allowed, but each could not exceed ten million.

The venue was suddenly in an uproar.

They had attended many auctions, but this was the first time they had seen such an auction: the bidding for the lot had exceeded 100 million, yet the host had suddenly lowered the bidding tiers?

They even strictly limited the jump bid amount, as if they were afraid their item would sell for too much?

But thinking about it carefully, the fact was exactly the opposite: it was precisely because a guest had bid too high that the bidding atmosphere for today's top lot was extremely cold.

If you don't believe it, count them: since the manuscript started bidding, only four or five guests had raised their paddles.

Not to mention over 100 million, this phenomenon was rare even among lots in the ten-million range. Even if they weren't scrambling or fighting over it, the number of participating guests certainly shouldn't be in the single digits.

Subconsciously, many guests turned their heads to look at Lin Sicheng.

Don't say it, they really had learned something: because a certain bidder bid too high, the price of the lot was far lower than the psychological expectations of the organizer and the consignor—this kind of auction was truly a first.

Learned something—

Liang Shiya was interested: "Master He, Manager Li, in the venues you host, is this phenomenon common?"

He Jian shook his head, while Li Chengkai gritted his teeth: it wasn't a matter of whether it was common, it had never happened at all.

They hadn't even heard of it.

Which meant that, at least in their professional careers, they had never encountered it.

But they had learned about it: it was only mentioned in the training materials for senior auctioneers at Sotheby's and Christie's. This type of bidding method had two professional terms: Suffocating Bid, Frozen Blockade.

To put it bluntly: a lot that might have reached a higher price through multiple rounds of progressive bidding was "frozen" or "suffocated," and the final transaction price was lower than what could have been achieved through full competition.

For example: shortly after a long-distance race begins, one runner suddenly takes the lead at a 100-meter sprint speed, causing other runners to lose confidence and give up the chase.

Therefore, Li Chengkai suspected that Lin Sicheng had an expert behind him, or even a team.

But he couldn't figure out, if it was a last-minute decision to participate, where did Lin Sicheng find such professional people?

Just as he was doubting, Liang Shiya laughed: "The two of you, it's starting—look, General Manager Lin is the first to raise his paddle!"

Sure enough, paddle number 39 was raised again, and Lin Sicheng's voice was not loud, but very clear: "Add ten million!"

The auctioneer's smile, which had lasted less than three minutes, collapsed in a flash: bastard, using this trick again, couldn't you just add one million at a time?

She couldn't understand, since the consignor had limited the bidding, why couldn't they have limited it even lower?

The auctioneer's face changed too quickly, and a burst of laughter broke out in the venue.

It's no exaggeration: this auctioneer was too entertaining; even if nothing was bought, coming today wasn't a waste.

The auctioneer knew she had lost her composure and hurriedly adjusted her expression.

"Thank you, number 39 adds ten million, next please bid 131 million—"

There were few responses, and the auctioneer could only call out: "130 million for the first time, is there 131 million?"

After a pause, no one responded, and she could only call for the second time: "130 million for the second time, is there 131 million?"

Only then did a paddle rise in the front, still that person from Fujian Province Bank.

The auctioneer struck while the iron was hot: "Thank you, 131 million, is there 132 million?"

No one moved; everyone looked at Lin Sicheng.

The auctioneer cursed internally: why are you looking at him, can he tie your hands?

Of course he couldn't tie them, but before they raised their paddles, they definitely had to see if Lin Sicheng would follow up immediately.

But Lin Sicheng didn't move.

Strangely, the others didn't move either.

Those who could afford over 100 million were no fools: compared to the auction side and the consignor, they were on the same side as Lin Sicheng.

Since this method was effective and there was a high probability of successfully bidding below the psychological expected price, why add fuel to the fire for the host?

The colder the atmosphere, the better.

Sure enough, the price of 131 million was called for the third time, and the auctioneer even raised her gavel, before someone finally added a bid.

And this process lasted for nearly a minute.

The auctioneer was on the verge of tears.

Her intuition told her: after the pause, the strategy readjusted by the organizer and the consignor had not worked.

The reason was not complicated, because of number 39.

However, he had clearly only raised his paddle once?

Behind the side of the stage, the Person in Charge from Bonhams had a dark face: he had a premonition that the two hundred million expected by the client had already become a pipe dream.

He was even more unable to understand why, every single time, this number 39 could find the critical node and strike at the fatal weak point in one go.

Not far from him, near the stage, a middle-aged couple turned their heads to look at Lin Sicheng behind them.

Lin Sicheng had long since become the focus of the venue, and there were many guests who made the same movement as him. But others were curious,

excited, or perhaps just watching a show. But only these two had cold, icy gazes.

As the old saying goes, cutting off someone's path to wealth is like killing their parents, and how much of a loss had Lin Sicheng caused them today?

At least tens of millions————

The auction continued, but it was like squeezing toothpaste: every time, only when the auctioneer called the price for the third time would someone raise a paddle.

And every time, they only added one million.

One minute per bid; at this speed, adding ten million would take at least ten minutes.

And now, it was already 5:30 PM, long past the time slot in the auction announcement.

The key was that the auction had started at two o'clock; how much longer could these guests in the venue hold on?

The auctioneer hoped immensely that Lin Sicheng would suddenly raise his paddle and add ten million like before.

But unfortunately, he did not.

Lin Sicheng sat steadily, eyes closed, as if he were asleep.

She became more and more panicked and desperate, and without realizing it, her speaking speed became faster and faster.

It gave people the feeling that she was not conducting an auction or calling out prices, but rather like a middle school student standing in a classroom, mechanically reciting a text to a teacher.

The guests found it increasingly tedious; many were already yawning, and a few had even stood up.

The Person in Charge gritted his teeth and pressed his headset: "Su Jing, has your brain broken? Why are you talking so fast?"

Just as she was halfway through the quote, the auctioneer paused abruptly.

She even wanted to cry.

If a guest bid too high, it was her responsibility. If the bid was too low, it was still her responsibility.

If the calling was too slow, it was her responsibility; if the calling was too fast, it was still her responsibility.

Even if the price didn't reach the company's expected level or meet the client's minimum requirement, it was still her responsibility.

And the greatest responsibility at that.

The auctioneer was both angry and aggrieved, wishing she could throw down the gavel.

The Person in Charge was even more aggrieved than her: if Su Jing had controlled the floor from the beginning, how could that troublemaker number 39 have succeeded time and time again?

But the auction had to continue; could they pause again and change to another auctioneer?

Don't talk nonsense; if he dared to pause, more than half of the guests on-site would dare to leave————

The Person in Charge tried hard to adjust his emotions: "Auctioneer Su, slow down your speed a little, and make your tone a bit more enthusiastic————"

The auctioneer nodded aggrievedly.

Adding one million at a time, grinding minute by minute, the time approached six o'clock, and the price finally broke through 150 million.

Now, there were only two people bidding in the venue: Li Chengkai and Liu Taiqi of Fujian Province Bank.

The final bid of 150 million was made by Liu Taiqi.

When the auctioneer called for the third time, Li Chengkai raised his paddle again, and Liu Taiqi put his number card directly at his feet.

This action was extremely obvious, meaning that 150 million had already reached his maximum price. Since it was exceeded, he could only give up.

"Swish," the auctioneer's face turned pale instantly: it was still 50 million short of the expected 200 million.

Subconsciously, everyone looked at Lin Sicheng. Including the Person in Charge from Bonhams, and including the two clients.

For this half hour, Lin Sicheng had not moved at all, remaining in the same posture: arms crossed, eyes closed, as if he were asleep.

Could it be that he had also given up?

Zhou Zhilin and Li Chengkai were also looking at him: both of them hoped immensely that Lin Sicheng would keep sleeping.

But unfortunately, things went contrary to their wishes.

The auctioneer began to call the price mechanically; when she called for the second time, Lin Sicheng opened his eyes. When she called for the third time, amidst countless expectant gazes, he raised his number paddle.

Although slow, it was very steady, and his voice was even steadier: "Add ten million!"

"Hum," the venue was silent for a moment, then shook, and then, "Clap clap clap clap clap"————

This was applause, but it sounded like thunder.

Hungry and tired, and having to listen to the auctioneer's tone, which was like reading a eulogy, hadn't they endured so long just for this moment?

Just for this "ten million," Lin Sicheng deserved this applause.

Some were happy and some were sad; in an instant, the faces of Li Chengkai and Zhou Zhilin turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

It was already 160 million.

And their agreement with Zhang Zongxian was 160 million, a full 40 million more than Zhang Yuanfan.

Was it a coincidence, or had Zhang Yuanfan leaked the reserve price?

It should be the former, because this bastard added ten million at a time.

The auctioneer began to call the price, and Li Chengkai gripped his paddle tightly.

But just as he raised it halfway, his wrist tightened.

Zhou Zhilin grabbed him firmly: "Mr. Li, what are you doing?"

"Of course I'm adding to the bid, don't worry, I'm only adding one million!"

"It has already exceeded the reserve price!"

"Mr. Zhou, what is twenty percent of 160 million?"

Zhou Zhilin was stunned: A full thirty-two million.

That is thirty-six times one million—

Li Chengkai gritted his teeth: "Mr. Zhou, if Mr. Zhang does not acknowledge it, I will bear this one million myself!"

"Mr. Li, that is not how the accounts are calculated: we signed a contract with Mr. Zhang, and one hundred and sixty million is the floor. Anything over a single cent can be considered a breach of contract—"

"I know, but Mr. Zhou, do you know what the market estimated price for this manuscript is? Heng Hui Fund offered two hundred and fifty million, and Jin Hang Fund offered a full three hundred million—"

Li Chengkai's face flushed, "Even if Mr. Zhang breaks the contract, we can still sell it—"

Zhou Zhilin was suddenly stunned: "Heng Hui, Jin Hang—how come I didn't know?"

Both of these are Art Foundation in Asia, specializing in art investment. Heng Hui is in Hong Kong, and Jin Hang is in Japan.

Just like the estimated index of stocks, whenever a treasure appears on the market, these two will make an estimate the moment they receive the news.

"This was only announced this morning; you were busy with other things, so of course you didn't know—" Glancing at Liang Shiya, Li Chengkai swallowed the second half of his sentence.

"Mr. Zhou, you only need to know that Tong Chi Fund is willing to offer us a credit line of two hundred million—"

Two hundred million?

If the guarantor dares to raise the guarantee amount so high, it means this item is worth at least two hundred million or more.

But Zhou Zhilin was still uneasy: "What if he continues to increase it?"

"Then we increase it to two hundred million!" Li Chengkai said decisively, "Mr. Zhou, if you are worried, you can withdraw now!"

Withdraw my foot: on one side is a fifty-thousand travel allowance, on the other is a sixteen-million commission; which is more and which is less?

If he sold it himself, he might even earn more.

Therefore, even if he withdraws, he must force Lin Sicheng to increase it to over two hundred million before withdrawing—

Zhou Zhilin gritted his teeth: "Fine, I'm in!"

The auctioneer had already called for the third time, and Li Chengkai impatiently raised his paddle.

One hundred and sixty-one million.

The auctioneer was overjoyed and hurriedly announced: "Number six increases the bid by one million—"

Lin Sicheng turned his head and gave him a faint look.

Knowing he shouldn't, but as if possessed, Li Chengkai curled his lips and smiled provocatively. It was as if he were saying:

Why are you looking at me, if you have the ability, keep increasing the bid.

"Mr. Li, what are you doing?" Zhou Zhilin's face turned pale, "Every ten million he adds, we earn ten million less!"

A single sentence awakened the dreamer; the flesh on Li Chengkai's face twitched twice: why go against money?

He didn't know why either; at that moment, it was as if a ghost had possessed him—

But Lin Sicheng remained unmoved, silently turning around, and silently putting down his paddle.

The two looked at each other, as if unable to believe it: Lin Sicheng gave up?

They had only added one million, whereas before, Lin Sicheng had added tens of millions each time.

The venue went quiet for a moment, then began to "buzz" again.

At one hundred and fifty million, Fujian Province Bank had already given up. At that time, Lin Sicheng lived up to expectations and bid another round.

But now he had also given up, which meant only one bidder was left?

The price was only one hundred and sixty-one million.

In normal times, using the word "only" to describe an amount over one hundred million would certainly make people laugh their heads off.

But not today.

Because in the expectations of 99.9% of the guests present, the final price of this manuscript would definitely exceed two hundred million.

However, that was only 99.9%. The one who actually raised the paddle was the remaining 0.1%—

The Person in Charge was disheartened, the client was gnashing their teeth, and the auctioneer's face was ashen.

They couldn't understand why Lin Sicheng, who had been bidding so aggressively before, would give up at the very end just because of one million?

But no matter how much they couldn't understand, could they force him to raise his paddle?

The auctioneer called the bid without any emotion, called it three times, and had to drop the gavel.

With a "clang," she raised her hand and pointed in the direction of Li Chengkai: "Congratulations to Mr. Number Six!"

Li Chengkai punched the air excitedly: "Damn!"

Zhou Zhilin's face was flushed: not to mention selling it for over two hundred million, as long as Zhang Zongxian honored the agreement, they could earn thirty-two million.

Half for each person, that would be sixteen million—

Liang Shiya sat to the side, her expression somewhat strange.

She could understand the mood of these two: sixteen million was enough to buy a five-thousand-square-foot luxury mansion in Central.

This was a luxury that many people dreamed of but could not achieve in a lifetime of hard work?

But what Liang Shiya could not understand was Lin Sicheng's attitude: neither sad nor happy, calm and unruffled.

It was as if he had known this result all along. Or perhaps, from beginning to end, he never wanted this item.

Then why did you bid, and add tens of millions at a time?

Liang Shiya always felt something was wrong, but she couldn't sort out her thoughts for a moment.

It wasn't just her; the circle of people around Lin Sicheng mostly had the same mentality: since you didn't want it that much, why did you drive up the price?

But no one asked, because Lin Sicheng had no time: he held a pen and was drawing on the blank page of the catalog, which was exactly those few pages of the manuscript—

The auction was nearing its end, and the auctioneer invited Li Chengkai onto the stage.

The two communicated for a few sentences, and three ushers each carried a Bright Red tray, on each of which was a transparent glass cover, and inside were those very pages of the manuscript.

This was the exhibition segment of the auction: after obtaining the buyer's consent, the most dazzling and highest-priced item of this auction would be displayed to the guests.

Moreover, today's item had reached over one hundred million; in any case, they had to announce it to the outside world and show off the strength of Bonhams.

Sheng Guoan sat up straight and reminded Tian Rulong: "It's about to be displayed!"

Tian Rulong felt a surge of energy: they hadn't seen the actual item before, so they had no way to judge how the layout and

the characters that Lin Sicheng mentioned were incorrect. This time, they must keep their eyes wide open and take a careful look.

Although the time would be very short and they might not be able to tell much, at least they could see what a treasure that sold for over 160 million looked like.

Hearing the two's conversation, Lin Sicheng stopped his pen: "Ms. Zhang, did you bring a camera?"

Of course she brought one, and it was the most advanced, high-end smart camera.

"Remember to take photos: don't beautify, don't turn on filters, turn the realism up, and try to make them as clear as possible!" Lin Sicheng paused for a moment, "Take a photo of everything!"

"Ah?" Zhang Yuanfan was stunned for a moment, "The organizers don't allow photography, right?"

"Others certainly can't, but you can!" Lin Sicheng smiled, "Because you are the client!"

Zhang Yuanfan suddenly realized: That's right, Manager Li and her grandfather had signed a commission contract. To put it another way, they were bidding on her grandfather's behalf.

She stood up and called for her assistant. After walking a few steps away, Zhang Yuanfan turned back: "Mr. Lin, why do you want photos?"

Lin Sicheng replied without hesitation: "Because I have to tell you why this thing is wrong!"

Zhang Yuanfan paused. She had originally wanted to ask: Why not wait until the transaction is complete and look at it after getting the item in hand?

But then she had a change of thought and realized: Lin Sicheng said that this thing is wrong—

So, why do you need to take photos?

Her mind was full of question marks, but it was already too late to ask: the etiquette attendant was carrying a tray and had turned toward this side.

After communicating with Li Chengkai, Zhang Yuanfan took her assistant to the backstage area.

They certainly couldn't take photos here, otherwise, many people would crowd over to take photos—

The display process was very fast, not even ten minutes.

Guests walked out one after another, and the auctioneer went on stage to say a few closing remarks.

Huang Zhi brought several guests to introduce to Lin Sicheng. Among them were fellow collectors, as well as Persons in Charge from banks, insurance companies, and foundations.

Originally, Huang Zhi did not intend to make introductions, because Lin Sicheng had said: the procedures of state-owned investment institutions were too slow, and the approval process was too slow; distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.

But Huang Zhi felt that Lin Sicheng had truly stolen the show today and would definitely make these people look at him with new eyes.

Even if they couldn't help this time, perhaps they could help next time.

Sure enough, everyone appeared very interested; whether sincere or feigned, at least they were very polite.

They might not respect a person, but they at least had to respect money: it was truly rare to see a young person who could afford to bid over 100 million for a single collection piece.

Lin Sicheng was very enthusiastic, exchanging mobile numbers with everyone and saying that if there was an opportunity, he would invite the leaders to view his collection.

Several people readily agreed.

After seeing these people off, there were few people left in the venue, and Lin Sicheng picked up the catalog as the group walked toward the entrance.

Too many things had happened today, and there had to be an explanation. Even for things that didn't need an explanation, one still had to clarify.

Lin Sicheng had Fang Jin book a private room, and he asked around.

Sure enough, not a single person said they wouldn't go.

"Sicheng, should we call Ms. Zhang?" Sheng Guoan pointed, "She is still taking photos!"

How could Lin Sicheng forget: without photos, what would he use to compare?

But when he let Fang Jin book the private room, Ye Anning looked at him with a half-smile. Although she didn't speak, the emotion was etched on her face:

You're treating everyone to a meal, right? Are you going to call that Ms. Zhang you just met?

"Oh right, almost forgot," Lin Sicheng said, as if suddenly remembering, "Then let's wait a moment!"

Ye Anning still didn't speak, just curled her lip.

After waiting another ten minutes or so, the group finally came out. Zhou Zhilin and Li Chengkai were accompanying Zhang Yuanfan, with the assistant following behind.

There were already few people in the venue, and seeing that they were waiting for her, Zhang Yuanfan walked over quickly.

Those two were still following behind her.

Zhou Zhilin was expressionless and just nodded, while Li Chengkai smiled: "General Manager Lin, I concede today!"

He paused slightly and raised his eyebrows: "General Manager Lin, let me tell you another piece of good news. Knowing that we were commissioned by Mr. Zhang, the organizers voluntarily waived half of the commission. The client is responsible for the remaining half—hahaha, that's equivalent to saving another 32 million—"

"If General Manager Lin had persisted just a little bit more and added another million, Mr. Zhou and I would have given up—General Manager Lin, don't you think that's a pity?"

Before he even finished speaking, everyone frowned.

If it were only the first sentence, there would of course be no problem.

Even if they were competitors, it was limited to the bidding process. After the auction ended, most people would maintain the necessary decorum and say something like "I concede."

The problem was the tone and expression Li Chengkai used when saying this: arrogant, smug, perfectly embodying the look of a petty person who has achieved his goal.

What's more, there was a second sentence.

This was telling Lin Sicheng: Didn't expect it, did you? You caused me to pay an extra 10 million, but heaven has eyes; not only did I not lose anything, I actually earned an extra 20 million.

In an instant, Lin Sicheng suddenly thought of two internet terms that wouldn't appear for several years: "jumping in one's face" and "popping an ultimate."

"Congratulations, Manager Li!" He smiled, "I also have two pieces of news. Which one do you want to hear?"

Guessing that Lin Sicheng probably had nothing good to say, Li Chengkai didn't care: because he had won, and Lin Sicheng had lost—

"I'm all ears!"

"Good!" Lin Sicheng nodded, "The first piece of news is that you have breached the contract. The second piece of news: the manuscript is fake!"

Even though Li Chengkai was prepared, his expression still turned cold. He stared at Lin Sicheng: "You say it's a breach of contract, so it's a breach? You say the manuscript is fake, so it's fake?"

He paused and sneered: "What kind of thing do you think you are?"

"Manager Li, I am not a 'thing', I am a person!" Lin Sicheng's expression was calm, his tone steady, "I hope that in a few days, you will still remember these words—"

Li Chengkai let out a "tch": "Like a loser dog—"