They snagged seats at the back just as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the proceedings. All eyes turned eagerly to the stage as a woman in a scarlet cheongsam slinked into the spotlight. Wolf whistles and leers erupted from the crowd at the arrival of the ravishing hostess. With beauty approaching Mia's level yet an added bewitching allure, she captivated the room instantly. Her figure had been honed to perfection, every movement emanating sensual grace. Small wonder all men present were entranced, even those accompanied by ladies.Justin couldn't help but look twice, earning a sharp jab in the ribs from both sides. He quickly turned apology to the girls, lest he be dragged out by the ear.In a siren's voice, the woman purred, "Thank you all for coming. I will be your hostess this evening. Let's begin, shall we? Our first item up for bid..."A hush fell over the zealous bidders, necks craned for a glimpse at the coveted first lot.The first item up for auction was a bronze p
"I'll bid $35 billion. You two should stop competing with me. Do an old man a kindness and let me have these treasures. Don't make me angry - the consequences will be severe," rasped the disheveled elder, his gravelly voice setting everyone's teeth on edge, making them want to tear out his throat and install a new one.Before Justin could respond, the imperious elder cut in, "Sorry, but I'm determined to win these pieces. It's best if you two stop competing with me, lest you incur my wrath."The two elders sought to intimidate Justin into retreating - taking advantage of his youth? No, no, no - Justin Wilson would show them age meant nothing. If they wanted the items, they would have to best him fair and square. Threats were useless if they couldn't outbid him.But how could they compete with his limitless System funds? There was absolutely no chance of surpassing him in wealth. To demonstrate his stance, Justin shot the bid up to $40 billion in one go.Gasps and gulps echoed around
But as they prepared to leave, a waitress approached, "Mr. Wilson, my employer requests the honor of your presence." Wary of complications before their mission completion, Michelle Hunter objected, demanding to know who dared summon her boss instead of coming themselves.Not bad, thought Justin - she would make a decent secretary, standing up for him at the right moments. Maybe he could recruit her from the police permanently, he pondered deviously."Miss, please don't worry. My employer means no ill will - he merely wishes to meet the wealthy man who spent $50 billion on bronzes. Please oblige me - I'm only following orders," the waitress pleaded."You say don't make it difficult, but aren't you making it difficult for us?" Michelle retorted, preparing to refuse further before Justin intervened.He smiled and handed her the treasures to deliver to Director Sean, saying he would accompany the waitress while she brought the others to safety.Michelle bristled in alarm, but before she
"Mr. Wilson, please reconsider. Do you really think you are invincible in Nova City? Have you forgotten how the Green Family of Metropolis Central struck at you before? They used just a tiny fraction of their power, yet reduced you to a mere rat scurrying for cover. For a behemoth like the Greens, crushing insects like us is child's play. Facing such titans, all we can do is stand together. Do you truly believe the police can make David Green pay? I assure you, he is already out on bail and safely home, plotting his next move against you.You are a wise man, Mr. Wilson. Our only path to survival is cooperation. Join me, and I guarantee the Greens will not dare touch you again. No one will disturb your peaceful life. What do you say? I urge you to consider it carefully."Hearing the veiled threats in the woman's words, Justin naturally would not indulge her."My apologies, madam, but I have no interest in your proposal. If I'm not mistaken, you have some ties with the Green Family. If
"Mr. Wilson, please stop talking. Haven't you caused enough chaos?"Justin ignored Director Sean and continued addressing the thieves:"I feel sorry for your intellect! You have a far more valuable hostage, yet you ignore her and threaten this brainless girl worth nothing. What can you gain from killing her?""Were I you, I would take the hostage with actual leverage for negotiation. Isn't that right?"Michelle fumed silently at Justin's words. You're the one with low IQ! I'm cute and clever, how dare you insult me like that! She gritted her teeth, wishing she could tear Justin apart and devour him.But Mia knew Justin was up to some ploy again. It seemed these thieves were in for misery today."Boss, he's got a point. Since we've got a bigger fish, shouldn't we aim for the juiciest prize? What's the use of taking out our anger on this dumb broad? 'Cept for her looks, she's useless. I say we reconsider!"Swayed by Preston and Travis, Trevor glared at Justin and snapped, "You're talkin
Oblivious, Justin would not have feared them regardless. Nova City was his domain; any who challenged him on his turf courted death.Back in Nova City, he did not bother with aftermath. Though Director Sean said approving the $50 billion expense could take eons, Justin hardly cared. Money was meaningless data to him. He had gained plenty already. The tens of thousands of points alone would sustain him for a while. And mastering foreign languages and dance were superb bonuses. Most importantly, his parents' lifespans were replenished. That brought him the greatest joy.Just as Justin looked forward to resuming his ordinary college life, Derek called again."Yo, boss. Quit loitering with the missus and get over here!""What do you want? Is your house on fire? Can't be, you live next to me. I gotta check my gas is off!" Justin joked."Cut the crap! Remember the celebrity endorsement for our skincare brand? I got us some. Come help pitch to them, Mr. Shareholder. Stop slacking and leavin
Since Derek pleaded so, Justin swallowed his anger and nodded, though seething inside.Subsequently, Derek and Faith went into a private dining room to discuss the details of their collaboration, while Justin located the restaurant manager and had him lead the way to the surveillance room. He knew this restaurant had a surveillance room where monitors displayed footage capturing every corner of the dining area. By selecting a specific screen, one could listen in on the conversations happening in that room. It was quite an advanced system, known only to him, the manager, and a handful of executives.Justin entered the room and turned on the computer, finding the feed that showed Derek and Faith in their private room. As soon as he opened it, sounds from the room streamed through the speakers.Derek fawned over the woman, obsequiously seating her at the table before presenting the endorsement proposal he had painstakingly prepared.Yet Faith kept her nose in the air with an aloof expre
"What? Really? My lady, you're a lifesaver! I'm eternally grateful. Don't worry, I'll personally pick you up from the airport tomorrow.""Sounds good. I'll sort out canceling with my agent now. I have to run, bye for now!""Wait, my lady. May I ask, do you know a celebrity named Steven?""Steven? Oh, you mean Steven Black! Of course, he works under me presently. Why, do you need him for something? Let me just say, that guy is insufferably arrogant. He's been getting on my nerves so badly..."Justin chuckled and recounted his experience with Derek and Faith. Upon hearing, Sydney grew equally furious. Her heavy breathing conveyed her anger through the phone."What? That Faith woman dared make such unreasonable demands? One hundred million just for the endorsement fee, plus covering all of Steven Black's expenses? That's outright extortion! I've told them countless times all fees must follow my established guidelines. To think they'd go behind my back and target you - don't worry, I'm ca