His spirits instantly dampened, with a weary expression and a weak sigh, Edwin looked at his friend and said despairingly, "Well, I guess we'll just watch. It's impossible to get anything with him here."
Adam simply nodded quietly, responding in the same despondent tone, "You're right." Meanwhile, Anna gazed at the two gloomy men with confusion. She asked her husband curiously, "What's wrong?" Adam shook his head, smiled, and calmly replied, "It's nothing. Isn't this your first time in a place like this? You'll see crazy people throwing their money away for something old." He playfully pinched his wife's cheek. Anna's fair face blushed with embarrassment. A hint of red spread to her ears. She gently punched Adam's chest, covering her embarrassment, and said, "Stop it. You're one of those crazy people too, Adam." The beautiful woman then laughed. The footsteps of the elderly man stopped next to Anna. He turned and greeted the granddaughter of the McLauren family in a flirtatious voice, "Unexpected to meet you here, Mrs. Anna. How are you?" Anna was slightly surprised to be greeted by Louis, but she remembered that Louis was one of the colleagues who worked for her grandmother. They had met in the past. Anna slightly bowed and greeted politely, "Hello, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you here.” The old Louis also greeted Adam, extending his hand and saying, "Isn't this Anna's husband? Allow me, I'm Louis Bernhard, a long-time friend of Mrs. Elisabeth. I've heard a lot about you in this city." Adam smiled awkwardly, sensing Louis's arrogant and firm demeanor, he knew the old man seemed to belittle him. Especially with the rumors circulating about him, they must be negative and unfavorable. Adam understood that the greeting was meant to provoke him. With a bit of stiffness, he shook hands with the old man with a long white beard, offering a insincere smile. And as their skin touched, a flash of light dazzled Adam's eyes, displaying the strange projection where information emerged from the person in front of him. Louis Bernhard 58 years old Wealth balance: $27,550,600,900 Debt balance: $500,107,980,000 Adam almost didn't blink for a few seconds, but realizing he might appear strange, he quickly spoke politely, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Louis." "So that's how it is." Adam finally understood how the mysterious magical stone worked; he just needed to touch someone, and information about that person would instantly appear in a fascinating way. However, there was something odd about the man named Louis. He appeared very wealthy and respected, but his debt exceeded his wealth. Was the information incorrect? Adam tried not to dwell on it and focused on his goal. Shortly after, the auction finally began. The first item offered was a Roman legacy bronze candlestick. The auctioneer opened the bidding, shouting loudly, "Candlestick belonging to King Charles, starting at two hundred thousand dollars." Edwin's eyes widened in shock, almost popping out of their sockets. He turned to Adam in panic and said, "This is insane, Adam! How can that lousy item be so expensive?" Adam just smiled wryly, speaking softly but cuttingly, "Blame King Charles for using that item. If your ancestors had used it, it might just be ordinary junk now, not an antique!" Moreover, Edwin was quite peculiar. He was the one who had the idea to come to this exclusive auction house, yet hearing bids in the hundreds of thousands made him panic. The participants started raising their numbers, and bids were heard one after another. "Two hundred two hundred thousand dollars." "Two hundred three hundred thousand dollars." "Two hundred four hundred thousand dollars." Edwin nudged his friend sitting next to him and whispered, "Are you going to take it or not?" Adam shook his head decisively and replied, "No. I want something else." The candlestick was eventually sold for two hundred five hundred thousand dollars to a wealthy entrepreneur. Next, a dragon-shaped statue made of pure gold and silver was offered. The auctioneer opened the bidding, saying loudly, "Twelfth-century Dragon God statue, revered by ancient inland communities, starting at one million five hundred thousand dollars." Adam and his friend were amazed, the beautiful statue with stunning carved details turned out to have an incredibly high price. No wonder, besides being made of pure gold, the item also held significant historical value. Without delay, people began raising their bidding paddles. "One million six hundred." "One million seven hundred." "One million seven hundred five thousand." Anna, sitting next to Adam, gently touched her husband's hand. Her face looked somewhat hesitant, but she then spoke anxiously, "Adam, that's the statue Grandma has been eyeing for the past few years. If possible, can we get it? Grandma would be thrilled and grateful to you.”Adam looked hesitant, remembering that he had used most of his savings to buy a gift for his grandmother's birthday yesterday. But if he borrowed money from Edwin, it should be enough.So, he turned to his friend and said, "I want to get this one, please lend me some money."Edwin looked surprised to hear that, and he said anxiously, "Are you serious? That's a lot of money, Adam! Are you sure?"Adam nodded confidently.Suddenly, the old Louis raised his number and bid high, "Two million dollars."Adam felt a bit nervous, but he still couldn't bid any higher. He raised his number and bid, "Two million one hundred thousand."People looked towards him, as did Louis. So far, no one had dared to challenge the old collector, because when he made a bid, it meant he wouldn't let go of the item for anyone, no matter the price he had to pay.Louis bid again, his voice loud, "Two million five hundred thousand."All attendees were surprised, doubting if Adam could bid higher than the elderly seni
Adam sighed wearily. He had just lost a precious hope, which could have been a bridge to winning his grandmother's heart.Gently, Anna embraced her husband and gave him strength, knowing that Adam had tried his best. She spoke softly and attentively, "It's okay, darling. We will find something better than that statue."Adam nodded lightly and began to gather his spirits again. He smiled at his wife and said firmly, "You know I never stop trying. Next time, I will definitely find something better than that statue for grandma."His friend Edwin also offered support, patting Adam on the shoulder and encouraging him, "Come on, there are plenty of good things in this world. Don't be sad just because of one statue."The onlookers rose from their seats and looked towards Adam, some grinned and others chuckled softly as if mocking Adam for losing in the competition.Including Louis, the old man with a sturdy and arrogant physique, stood up and approached Adam with a satisfied expression. He g
Louis shouted angrily, feeling slightly humiliated, "Check your machine, fool! It's impossible that all my cards are not working!"The staff sighed and tried to remain patient, then politely said, "I apologize, Sir. But our machine is working fine. Would you like to proceed with the payment transaction using another method?"Louis rubbed his face roughly, with Adam still watching him in front of him. If this continued, he would surely be embarrassed. So, he protested again to the staff in anger, "Do you think I'm crazy to carry that much cash in my wallet?"Adam tried to offer a solution, he said to Louis, "If you don't mind, I can help you withdraw cash from the nearest bank. But if you prefer not to, you can borrow money from me, Sir."Louis looked at him cynically, seeing Adam's kind offer as an insult. Besides, how could Adam lend him money when he himself couldn't bet earlier. Louis scoffed cynically, then said, "You? Lend me money? Am I hearing wrong? How much do you have, anywa
Alex laughed upon hearing that.So, Adam foolishly offered help with Anna's money? That's ridiculous! But, it's good because I don't have to help that old man. Adam, you've given me a brilliant idea!Anna, who was not pleased with her husband's kind offer being insulted like that, finally spoke firmly, "Mr. Louis, it's okay if you don't accept our help. But, don't insult my husband. He sincerely offered to help you."Alex interrupted Anna's words and spoke as if siding with Adam. In reality, he just didn't want Louis to ask him for help, so he said, "My sister is right, Mr. Louis. Adam has been kind. Why don't you just accept it?"Adam and Anna, hearing Alex's words, were shocked and confused. Why was Alex suddenly speaking in their favor?Not only that, Louis was also surprised, not understanding why Alex seemed to be siding with Adam when he knew that accepting help from Adam would lower his self-worth. Flustered and nervous, Louis said to Alex, "Mr. Bown, what do you mean? The mone
Adam took out his card and handed it to the administrative staff, even though he wasn't sure if his account balance would be enough to cover the payment. But, he tried to remain confident.The woman staff in front of him said, "Sir, you will be paying five million dollars for the dragon statue and eight thousand dollars for the service fee."That's very expensive!Adam could only force a wry smile and nod. And if his balance turned out to be insufficient for the payment, he planned to quickly escape with Anna.The PIN was entered, and soon the sound of the payment transaction was heard. Adam gaped and stared in disbelief.Was his money enough?The woman staff spoke again while returning Adam's card, "Payment successful, Sir. We will arrange for the delivery procedures to your location to ensure safe transit. And please fill out some forms first."Adam didn't even hear the woman staff's voice, still lost in disbelief. Then, the ringing of his phone snapped him back to reality.He looke
The next day, Adam met Lucy at a luxurious restaurant in the heart of Reed city. Despite feeling a bit awkward, Adam still smiled warmly and greeted her.Lucy Anderson, a beautiful woman of forty-five, looked stunning and captivating in her expensive blue dress and beautiful makeup. Her short haircut gave off a strong and bold impression.Adam sat in front of her, and his aunt started the conversation. She seemed pleased to see Adam grown into a young man and said, "You look very handsome, Adam. When was the last time we met? Was it fifteen years ago?"Adam smiled and replied, "Actually, it's been more than sixteen years."Lucy pursed her lips and looked slightly sad. With a less cheerful expression, she said, "It's been such a long time. Back then, I used to carry you around. Do you remember?"Memories of the past made Lucy feel heartbroken. She imagined the beautiful face of her sister-in-law who looked happy when with young Adam.Adam was the child of conflicted parents. His father
After meeting Lucy, Adam returned to his small house on the outskirts of Reed near the Barbaros River. The housing where he lived could be considered remote and far from luxurious. Most of the residents there were retired war veterans and teachers with low pension funds.Adam chose to live here since he was expelled from the McLauren family a month after his marriage. Fortunately, Anna had a little money saved from her late grandfather. So, they could open a store and pay off this house in installments.The cost of living in this city is not cheap, sometimes when the store is quiet, Adam cannot pay the house installments. They were almost evicted some time ago, but fortunately, someone was willing to lend them money.Now Adam doesn't have to worry about the house installments and his and Anna's livelihood. He can easily pay off the house with the money given by his aunt. Or maybe, he can buy more than that. Why not? He has a lot of money now.As Adam entered, he saw his wife cooking l
Adam smiled broadly, he rarely saw Anna this happy, so he spoke again with enthusiasm, "Of course I'm serious, dear. How about now? Do you want to buy a car? Or a house? Just say it." Adam looked confident.Anna, still in disbelief, immediately put her spoon on the plate and stood up in a hurry. She said joyfully, "I will dress up first. Wait for me dear." She then hurriedly went to the room.Adam laughed at his wife's funny behavior, like a girl going on a first date, so enthusiastic and full of spirit.While waiting, Adam ate his food. He finished all the food Anna made on the table.He then saw a notification on his phone screen, a personal message came in.Adam opened the message, and it said,"It's me, Aaron. Can you come to my place tomorrow?"And Adam quickly replied, "Yes, of course."After finishing their lunch, Adam took Anna to the most exclusive car showroom in Reed city, Royal Car. The place was very luxurious and spacious, and of course, the most popular. The elite alway