The Alpha CEO

The Auction

Several days had passed since Henry had informed Alexander about the forthcoming auction, where partnership slots for the 2 billion-dollar, 6-star hotel project were to be sold. But this event promised more than just business transactions; it hinted at the acquisition of other enigmatic items, shrouded in mystery.

Alexander, aware of the auction's imminent approach, decided to check out of his hotel and head to the hotel's parking lot. As he arrived at the designated spot, he found Henry waiting for him beside an exquisite Lamborghini Veneno—a car considered one of the most extravagant and elite in the world today.

"Mr. Alexander, please, step inside. We wouldn't want to be tardy," Henry urged Alexander, inviting him into the car with urgency.

Without further ado, Henry engaged the Lamborghini Veneno's powerful engine, and they surged forward toward the location where the auction was to be held.

Fortunately, the auction venue was conveniently situated not far from the hotel. In just a matter of minutes, thanks to Henry's skilled driving, they arrived at the parking lot adjacent to the auction site. As they disembarked from the Lamborghini Veneno, they observed a dazzling array of luxurious vehicles neatly parked in the vicinity. Even the most modest cars present carry price tags in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It was evident that the attendees of this auction were exceptionally affluent individuals—people of considerable wealth and stature.

"Shall we proceed?" Henry suggested, and the two men, in unison, embarked on their journey into the building.

Upon entering the Auction Building, Alexander and Henry were met by courteous male and female receptionists, who exuded politeness and respect. They recognized the significance of their guests, well aware of the high-ranking position held by the company's President.

"Please, lead us to Uncle Austin's location," Henry requested of one of the receptionists.

"Vice President Henry, sir, kindly follow me," the receptionist responded, eager to fulfill the task to the best of her abilities.

The attentive servant escorted Alexander and Henry to a special room, where they found a middle-aged man engrossed in an intricate task. His focus remained fixed on something that appeared rather peculiar.

"Uncle Austin," Henry addressed the middle-aged man upon entering.

In response, Austin immediately ceased his work, turned his attention away from his task, and approached Alexander and Henry.

"Vice President Henry, what brings you here?" Austin inquired politely, his curiosity piqued. It was a rare occurrence for Henry to visit this particular inspection site.

Typically, Henry would head directly to the VIP section to oversee the auction proceedings, which is why Austin seldom witnessed Henry in his workplace.

"Uncle Austin, haven't you received my phone call? I mentioned that the Emgrand Group of Companies intends to auction something, and we need to check if there are any remaining slots available," Henry explained while gesturing toward Alexander, who stood behind him.

"Of course, we have ample slots available for that. However, may I inquire about the items you wish to auction?" Austin wondered, his interest piqued, particularly regarding the large box that Alexander was currently carrying.

"Mr. Alexander, kindly place your box on the table so that Uncle Austin can begin the necessary procedures," Henry directed.

Approaching the table with a sense of intrigue, Austin was eager to uncover the contents of the box. With a deft movement, he opened it, revealing five jade slips nestled inside.

"Vice President Henry, what is the significance of these jade slips?" Austin asked, his curiosity piqued.

During his many years working in this capacity, Austin had occasionally encountered peculiar items, but this marked the first time he had come across jade slips.

"I intend to auction these jade slips with a starting bid of 20 million dollars," Henry explained to Austin.

Austin found it challenging to believe that jade slips would fetch a starting bid of 20 million dollars. After all, the auction's attendees were affluent individuals, and even an opening bid of 10 thousand dollars would have sufficed. Nevertheless, he respected Henry's decision.

"You need not worry; we will expedite the process as per your instructions," Henry assured Austin.

Austin promptly initiated the requisite procedures, albeit somewhat unsure how to authenticate these jade slips, as this was his first encounter with such items.

"Mr. Alexander, let's proceed to our seats," Henry suggested, glancing back. To his surprise, Alexander had already wandered off. He found Alexander perched atop a bookshelf, engrossed in reading a selection of special books that chronicled the history of various historical artifacts.

Having grown impatient waiting for Henry and Austin to conclude their discussions, Alexander had sought refuge in the books, effortlessly absorbing the information contained on the shelf.

Upon Henry's call, Alexander carefully replaced the book and hastened back to Henry's side, ready to continue their journey.

"Yes, let's proceed," Alexander concurred, and the two men moved forward in unison.