Game: Civilization Paradise

Inside VIP Room 1, on the second floor of the auction hall.

A white-haired old man in a black brocade robe sat on the sofa.

A butler, dressed in a black tailcoat and white gloves with his hair perfectly combed, spoke respectfully to Affates.

"Sir, the auction for the Genetic Potion is about to begin."

"Mm."

Affates replied to Butler Ahlong, his expression placid.

VIP Room 2.

A stunningly beautiful young woman with long green hair, a delicate figure, and skin as white as snow leaned against the sofa, dressed in a long, blue lace gown that complemented her clear, bright eyes.

She gazed at the Genetic Potion on display, a flicker of interest on her face.

"Miss Helorin, to think they're actually auctioning a perfect Type-II Genetic Potion here."

A burly man with rough skin and coarse features spoke in a hoarse voice.

"How interesting."

Helorin smiled at Antonde's words.

Host Fa Mai looked out at the excited crowd and raised a hand, signaling for silence. Then, with a smile, he announced,

"I'm sure you're all impatient to start, so let's get the bidding underway! The starting price is 10 million Star Coins!"

"What? It's that expensive?"

"That's way too expensive!"

...

An uproar swept through the hall.

Siel stared at the all-purpose Type-II Genetic Potion, his expression full of envy.

Unfortunately, an all-purpose Genetic Potion like this was far beyond the reach of minor nobles and magnates like him.

"Quick, look!"

Suddenly, someone cried out.

The bidding price on the virtual screen had already started to climb.

10,100,000, 10,200,000...

Long Ming felt things were getting difficult as he watched the price climb.

'So many people are fighting over it at such a high price,' he thought. 'You could buy a custom Third Generation Mechanical God for 10 million Star Coins.'

Soon, the price had soared to 16 million.

However, the number of bidders had clearly dwindled. The pace of bidding slowed, but the price was still steadily climbing.

Inside VIP Room 1.

Butler Ahlong watched the price steadily rise, his brow furrowed as he spoke to Affates.

"Sir, the Sikeman Auction House told us they had a perfect Type-II Genetic Potion for sale, yet they invited all these people to compete with us. They're clearly trying to drive up the price."

"Hmph. Open the curtain."

Affates replied calmly.

"Yes, Sir!"

Butler Ahlong raised his hand, swiped to bring up a virtual interface, and tapped it.

Instantly, the curtain to VIP Room 1 opened.

This action immediately drew the attention of everyone in the hall.

"It's Lord Affates in Room 1!"

"Weren't the constant bids just now coming from VIP Room 1?"

"That means Lord Affates has his eye on that Genetic Potion!"

...

The many bidders in the hall began to murmur in shock.

The occupants of the other VIP rooms also noticed and began to whisper among themselves.

Inside VIP Room 2.

Antonde turned to Helorin and said respectfully,

"Miss, Lord Affates has revealed himself. Should we continue bidding?"

"Let it go. Since he's revealed himself, we should show him some respect."

Helorin replied nonchalantly.

"Sixteen million, going once! Any other bids?"

Seeing no new bids, Host Fa Mai called out.

Just then, Long Ming raised the bracelet on his wrist and tapped it. The price instantly jumped to 17 million!

Host Fa Mai froze for a moment when he saw the new bid.

A low murmur broke out among the guests in the VIP rooms.

"Who made that bid?"

"To think someone would openly defy Lord Affates!"

"I have no idea!"

"That person has some serious nerve! Don't they know Affates's eldest daughter is married to the current Clan Leader of the Sena Clan? They're the sixth-ranked cosmic nobles in the Star Alliance! The two families are in-laws!"

...

Inside VIP Room 1.

When Butler Ahlong saw someone disrespecting them by bidding against them, he turned to look at his master, Affates.

Affates's expression remained unchanged. He sat on the sofa, as placid as ever.

Butler Ahlong decisively placed another bid, and the price soared to 18 million!

Long Ming's brow furrowed. He raised his hand and entered his bid: 19 million Star Coins.

The hall erupted in an instant.

"Wow, some big shot is getting into a bidding war!"

"They must be loaded!"

"Could it be a shill?"

"No way. You think they have a death wish?"

"The price is still climbing—it's at 20 million!"

"21 million!"

"22 million!"

...

Everyone stared, wide-eyed, at the climbing numbers.

As Host Fa Mai watched the price soar, the look of excitement on his face vanished, replaced by sheer terror.

Others might not know who was bidding on the Genetic Potion, but he knew better than anyone.

'The auction house had specially invited Lord Affates.'

'They had just hoped to raise the price of the Genetic Potion a little, but they never expected some hidden powerhouse to set their sights on it and drive the price this high!'

'If Lord Affates gets angry, we're finished! Please, don't let the bidding go any higher!'

Long Ming took a deep breath... and jumped the bid straight to 25 million!

The crowd shouted in excitement.

"25 million!"

Inside the VIP room.

Ahlong stared at the price, his brow furrowed as he addressed Affates.

"Sir, this person... are they doing this on purpose?"

"Let it go. The item is excellent, but it's no longer worth it to continue. Since someone else has their heart set on it, we shall let them have it."

Affates gave up the bidding, his interest waning.

He had originally planned to procure a Type-II Genetic Potion for his grandson, Feiya, but the price had become absurd. He would just have to give up and find one through other channels.

"You are right, Sir."

Ahlong replied respectfully.

"We're leaving."

Affates slowly rose to his feet.

"Yes, Sir!"

Ahlong immediately followed Affates out of the room.

A portly, middle-aged man in a black suit hurried forward, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He offered an obsequious smile and said,

"I hope you enjoyed the bidding, Lord Affates?"

Affates glanced at Manager Wright without speaking and walked directly past him.

"Hmph!"

Ahlong just snorted coldly at the manager before walking straight past.

"I'm done for!"

Manager Wright watched them leave, his face turning deathly pale.

'He had really offended them this time. He wished he could just die.'

Back on the auction floor, Fa Mai noticed the price had stalled for some time and nervously called out,

"Twenty-five million, going once!"

"Twenty-five million, going twice!"

"Sold!"

"Let's have a round of applause to congratulate the anonymous buyer for winning our final, featured item of the night!"

CLAP! CLAP!

The hall immediately erupted in thunderous applause.

Long Ming let out a small sigh of relief. 'I finally got it.'

"Now, I would like to ask all winning bidders to please proceed to the rear hall to finalize their transactions."

Manager Wright announced to the crowd.

...

VIP Room 2

Antonde respectfully said to Helorin,

"Miss, the Genetic Potion was bought by an unknown party."

"Interesting. I didn't expect someone would be so disrespectful to Affates. But then again, anyone willing to spend over twenty million on a single item must have a formidable background."