As soon as the host spoke, everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed on the four transparent boxes displaying the auction items.
Due to the limitations of the treasure map, the host did not follow the usual procedure of inviting interested guests to the stage for a closer look.
Instead, he directly announced the starting bid: "Starting bid at 70 million, with increments of 5 million."
The initial price of 70 million set a high threshold.
After all, it was just a treasure map. From deciphering it to digging for the treasure, the entire process might still require considerable manpower and financial investment.
Furthermore, possessing the treasure map now was akin to carrying a ticking time bomb.
Yet, many affluent families still set their sights on it.
In less than three minutes, someone had already bid up to 100 million.
"Grandpa," Gu Yaoqing looked at the Gu family patriarch, who had seemed to be resting with his eyes closed beside him. The bidding had already reached 100 million. Regardless of whether the Gu family could ultimately acquire it, they should at least make a gesture!
The Gu family patriarch was not actually resting with his eyes closed but was meticulously recalling the years since Gu Yaoyang was brought to the Gu family.
It had to be said that Gu Yaoyang was a true genius. He was meticulous and grasped things quickly. Not only did he surpass all his peers in the Gu family academically, but he also demonstrated his wisdom and talent in business from an early age.
If it hadn't been for that fire, Gu Yaoyang would have married Yu Linwan, and the Gu and Yu families would have cooperated. He had indeed intended to groom Gu Yaoyang into the Gu family's second-in-command.
This was because he knew the child's character was not bad, and he was very dependable.
But then there was that fire…
Everyone thought he was going to die, and the Gu family patriarch himself had thought so too.
Therefore, when Gu Yaoqing expressed his desire to marry Yu Linwan and continue their prior cooperation, the Gu family patriarch had not objected much.
After all, Gu Yaoyang was not a Gu family member by blood. Gu Yaoqing was the legitimate heir he wished to choose.
Since Gu Yaoyang was on the verge of death, it was the same for Gu Yaoqing to proceed with the wedding.
But fate intervened…
Gu Yaoyang did not perish; he survived.
Since then, the marriage alliance between the Gu and Yu families became a laughingstock. Even Gu Yaoyang's gaze towards him turned distant and indifferent. Most importantly, Gu Yaoyang displayed an even more formidable strength than before.
He even became… all-knowing.
If Gu Yaoyang were just an ordinary person, the Gu family patriarch wouldn't have minded supporting a freeloader.
If Gu Yaoyang possessed sufficient talent, the Gu family patriarch would have been happy to provide Gu Yaoqing with a helper.
But Gu Yaoyang should not have been so outstanding.
Especially when Gu Yaoyang's excellence was enough to awe the entire Gu family, the Gu family patriarch began to feel a sense of fear.
Having lived for so many years and witnessed the ups and downs of the business world, the Gu family patriarch had never encountered someone like Gu Yaoyang before.
From that point on, everyone in the Gu family began to view Gu Yaoyang with a subtle sense of unease.
They relied on Gu Yaoyang's ability to ward off misfortune and brought them good luck, dependent on his every reminder and hint. Simultaneously, they also resented Gu Yaoyang, who was far superior to them.
Consequently, Gu Yaoyang drifted further and further away from the Gu family.
For some reason, when Gu Yaoyang had stated at the Gu family residence that he would no longer return, the Gu family patriarch felt a sense of relief.
Although he knew in his heart that Gu Yaoyang said that, he might still return in the future.
After all, the Gu family was Gu Yaoyang's root; one cannot leave their roots.
Even at the beginning of this event, the Gu family patriarch felt that Gu Yaoyang could not completely sever ties with the Gu family. Thus, as he had done every time Gu Yaoyang caused Gu Yaoqing embarrassment, he cast a chiding glance at Gu Yaoyang.
He knew Gu Yaoqing was petty, selfish, mediocre, and vindictive.
However, Gu Yaoqing was the eldest grandson of the Gu family, the future successor. Even if Gu Yaoqing actively caused trouble or acted foolishly, Gu Yaoyang should not have embarrassed him, as it was a slap in the face to the Gu family and to him.
"Then let it be this way."
This sentence was intended to deter Gu Yaoyang and also to convey his stance. He was the patriarch of the Gu family and had to consider the bigger picture. No matter how capable or strong Gu Yaoyang was, as long as he still harbored the ambition to use the Gu family as his foundation, he had to endure.
He glanced at Gu Yaoyang, but unexpectedly, Gu Yaoyang delivered a resounding slap to his face.
It seemed Gu Yaoyang genuinely did not care about the Gu family, or the now sufficiently powerful Gu family!
But then…
Had he ever truly cared about the powerful Gu Yaoyang?
"Grandpa?" Seeing that the Gu family patriarch was ignoring him, Gu Yaoqing softly called out again, "Should we bid?"
"Mm," the Gu family patriarch nodded, slowly opening his eyes. "Raise the paddle."
The past was in the past. The present and the future were what mattered more.
The Gu family patriarch had never known the meaning of "regret." He would not regret his actions because of a mere Gu Yaoyang.
Upon hearing the Gu family patriarch's words, Gu Yaoqing's eyes lit up, and he immediately raised his paddle.
Whether he could acquire this treasure map today or not, he wanted to know that the Gu family had the strength to participate in the bidding, and that he, Gu Yaoqing, had the standing to be part of the Kyoto upper-class social circle.
Not long after Gu Yaoqing raised his paddle, the price climbed to 150 million.
At this point, the number of people participating in the bidding had noticeably decreased.
Gu Yaoqing continued to raise his paddle. He could feel the gazes from those around him glancing back when he raised his paddle, some with envy, others with jealousy.
In Gu Yaoqing's eyes, these were affirmations of his status and adoration of his strength, which made him hold his head higher and carry himself with more pride.
After reaching 150 million, the host announced, "From now on, the minimum increment will be 10 million."
"Once it reaches 300 million, don't pursue it further," the Gu family patriarch said in a low voice.
"Yes," Gu Yaoqing replied and raised his paddle again.
Since there was still room to show off, he intended to make good use of it.
The three VIP lounges upstairs were also observing the bidding situation downstairs.
"Gu Yaoqing is quite enthusiastic," Xia Qingtian said, propping her chin with one hand as she looked down. "What's the matter? Can he afford it?"
"Just showing face," Gu Yaoyang said casually. "According to the rules of Lei's Auction House, bidding above 300 million requires proof of funds, and bidding above 500 million requires revealing funds. Gu Yaoqing only dares to bid below 300 million."
"Tsk," Xia Qingtian scoffed upon hearing this. "Isn't showing face enough before? Shall we help him?"
"I smell trouble brewing!" Bai Yuqi's spirits lifted upon hearing this. "How do we do it?"
"Bid 300 million directly, say it loud, and announce Mr. Gu's name. See if he follows," Xia Qingtian said with a smirk.
"Hmph, who cares about the surname Gu? My adversary can also be called Mr. Bai!" Bai Yuqi rolled her eyes.
"Who here knows any Mr. Bai?" Xia Qingtian smiled. "But everyone here knows Mr. Gu.
Now, it's time to let Gu Yaoqing know the gap between him and my man."