My Substitute CEO Bride

“We’ve known each other for how many years?”

“F-Five years!”

“Yes, seeing that we’ve been friends for five years, I have to remind you to pay

the traffic lights when you go home tonight.”

“Sheesh, you’re scaring me. Thanks for your worry, Black.”

“300 million!”

attention to

A calm and gentle voice echoed through the hall. Holding the auction paddle was a young man who was surrounded by bodyguards on all sides.

“Alright, No. 89 bids 300 million!

“300 million, is there a higher bid?”

The auctioneer’s forehead had already started dripping with sweat. They had auctioned off many items worth billions at Artful Prosperity Auction House, but such a terrifying bidding war was a first.

This Map of Splendid Mountains and Rivers painting might just lead to bloodshed today.

“500 million!” came the shout of a young man dressed in a white suit at the left with his paddle raised.

“No. 36 bids 500 million!”

The auctioneer was feeling a little dry-mouthed now, and Black’s eye was twitching uncontrollably. This was it! He struck gold! With bids like this, this painting would sell for at least two billion. Two billion! It would take the entire Black Tiger Hall at least ten years to earn that much.

Quietly, Xeno asked, “Mr. Nash, should we place our bid?”

Nash nodded slightly. NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Xeno raised the paddle and declared, “One billion!”

The auctioneer shuddered before he turned to look toward Xeno. “No. 99 has added to the bid. The current bid is now one billion!”

Black glanced at Xeno and sneered. “I see someone who didn’t even graduate from elementary school is playing with antiques!”

Black Tiger Hall and Dragon Tiger Gate had always been at odds, often clashing violently over resources. If Xeno wanted to buy the painting, then Black saw it as an opportunity to interfere. Since the painting belonged to him, he decided to raise the stakes even higher.

With that in mind, Black raised his paddle and declared, “Two billion!

“No. 25…”

The auctioneer hesitated briefly before continuing, “No. 25 raises the bid to two billion!”

During auctions, consignors would often raise the bid personally or via agents to ensure their

items fetched a higher price.

“2.2 billion!” No. 89 shouted again.

Without the auctioneer even prompting, No. 36 raised his numbered paddle and declared, “2.5 billion!”

“Three billion!” Xeno spoke up for the second time.

Nash’s expression had turned solemn. That amount was his entire wealth. When he asked Mike to buy the shares, he had intentionally set aside this amount to bid on the painting. He did not expect the amount to escalate so quickly. It had only been less than half a minute and the price had soared to three billion.

Melody lounged lazily in her chair, her expression playful as she looked at Nash. It was only the beginning. There was more to come.

“No. 99 bids three billion!” This price was already making many people hesitate, while a few continued to watch the situation unfold.

To reassure the bidders, the auctioneer proceeded to advertise the auction house’s credibility, “Artful Prosperity Auction House has existed for over 70 years and boasts 35 top-ranking master appraisers from the Antique Association.

“The masters have jointly scrutinized this painting and confirmed it to be without a doubt, an authentic piece. We solemnly pledge a tenfold penalty for any fakes!”

No. 89 then raised his paddle and calmly declared, “3.5 billion on behalf of the Kleins of Capiton.”

He even stated his family affiliation to make it clear that this was a matter concerning the Kleins. If one were to continue to raise the bid, they would be at odds with the Klein family.

However, No. 36 merely responded indifferently, “3.6 billion on behalf of the Lowes of Capiton.”

“Capiton’s Lowes! That’s the family of my darling!”

“No, that’s my darling’s family!”

“Get lost, she’s my darling!”

“Why don’t you buy the painting and give it to your darling, then?”

“I don’t have that many kidneys to sell!”

A man wearing a round felt hat raised his paddle. “Four billion!”

“No. 90 bids four billion!” The auctioneer cleared his throat. His voice was already shaking a little.