Running A Cemetery in North America

"Don't be in a hurry, Mr. Brian."

Balian showed a kindly smile: "Although you have come from far away with your own purposes, in my castle, you are guests, and I like to exchange pleasantries with guests."

The Black man Brian frowned impatiently: "I'm pressed for time and can't discuss too many trivial matters with you, Mr. Balian. Surely you know the saying 'time is money.' Don't waste everyone's time. I'm sure everyone here today are wealthy individuals who are good at making money, and they have no time for idle chatter with you."

"Hahaha." Balian chuckled lightly, shaking his head regretfully, "That's truly a pity. My castle hasn't had outsiders visit in a long time. Seeing your fresh faces really excites me. If possible, I'd love to make friends with you."

He turned to the blonde woman beside him and said, "Since Mr. Brian is in such a hurry, why don't you take out the Wind Stabilizing Pearl and show it to them, Lisa."

"Yes, sir."

The blonde woman reached out and took out an antique box. As she carefully opened the lid, it revealed an irregular red stone at once.

Among the seven people including Sun Yan, they all craned their necks in curiosity to look.

Aside from having something of an oval shape, Sun Yan really couldn't see where this was considered a pearl.

"This is the Wind Stabilizing Pearl? It looks pretty ordinary," murmured the Black man Brian.

"Of course, I wouldn't deceive you all on such an important matter, ladies and gentlemen. This is indeed the genuine Wind Stabilizing Pearl in my possession. Though it looks ordinary, it can neutralize deadly poisons within the human body, and if kept close, it can also ward off many toxic gases."

Balian introduced with a smiling face: "If my company wasn't truly short on cash lately, I wouldn't bring this treasure out for auction. The starting price is two million US dollars, does anyone have any objections?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Sun Yan collapsed on the sofa with a look of despair.

At this price, he was out immediately, not even qualifying to bid a single time.

Two million US dollars as a starting price—are the worlds of these billionaires really this wild?

"Quite a reasonable price, I have no objections."

The short, plump middle-aged man who arrived late immediately chimed in with a laugh. As he grinned, he revealed a striking set of gold teeth.

"Thank you for your approval, Mr. Shen." Balian nodded and then looked towards another latecomer, a young woman in a down jacket: "What do you think, Miss Bai?"

"I have no objections, since I'm not the one footing the bill anyway. I'm just here to help with bidding," the woman shrugged nonchalantly.

"Then let's begin."

Balian held up one finger: "Each increment should not be less than 500,000."

As the woman named Lisa behind Balian clapped her hands, a man wearing a monocle emerged from the corridor.

"I am the chief auctioneer from the Kingston Auction House in Norway, specially here to preside over this auction at Mr. Balian's castle. Thank you all for your participation."

The man pulled out a small gavel and walked down to bow to Sun Yan and the others, showing great courtesy.

"I'll bid 5 million."

But Golden Teeth Shen Fatty was not accommodating. He simply raised a finger and reported a high price.

Not far from Sun Yan, the woman in a trench coat, Monica, put down her coffee and followed without hesitation.

"6 million."

The others were also not giving in, each submitting their bids in turn, while Sun Yan lay back on the sofa wearing a peaceful expression.

At such prices, he truly found himself letting go of any reluctance and viewing things more openly.

A price of 6 million USD was beyond his reach; when the gap is too large, one becomes more detached.

"8 million."

"10 million."

"11 million."

…

The continuous bidding, though just a game for the five of them, made Sun Yan and Zhao Chuan Yi, sitting beside them, look more and more flabbergasted.

Never having seen such a world, the price of the Wind Stabilizing Pearl had exceeded 25 million, a figure that could make one a small fortune even in America.

Yet the bidding showed no signs of stopping.

For the wealthy, the most important things are life and health. A treasure that can detoxify and prevent poisoning naturally cannot be measured by money.

Some wealthy people are willing to pay any price for their own life.

The bidding grew increasingly intense. Normally, when wealthy elites want to obtain something from an auction,

they certainly wouldn't attend in person; it's both dangerous and could expose their information and identity.

Typically, they would send their secretary or subordinate to bid on their behalf.

This castle had no internet access or ability to make outside calls, yet these five bid so confidently, likely because their bosses had already informed them of their psychological expectations.

"This auction is making me inexplicably sleepy, what's going on? I'm going to take a nap, call me when it's over."

Zhao Chuan Yi yawned and, weary, informed Sun Yan before leaning against the sofa and dozing off.

This person's sleep quality was indeed high, as within seconds, Sun Yan already heard him snoring, shaking his head slightly: "Impressive."