Chapter 195

Chapter 195 - The Price of Choosing the Wrong Woman!

The auction proceeded as planned. Early this morning, Zhang Xiaolong drove Chen Yaru and Yang Jingjing to the auction site. Upon their arrival, they noticed many merchants had already taken their seats. A quick survey of the room revealed no sign of the rumored super companies, which eased their concerns somewhat.

?The night before, the trio had discussed the situation. The brand impact of Strong Dragon Company had significantly diminished, and only those truly committed to the beverage industry would see an opportunity in acquiring its assets. Near Qingyang, there were hardly any beverage companies capable of absorbing an entity as large as Strong Dragon. Consequently, the pool of interested parties was expected to be much smaller, greatly reducing the competitive pressure.

Business may be universal, but like anything else, people tend to stick to what they know. When it comes to unfamiliar industries, most approach with caution, only investing heavily once they've thoroughly tested the waters. A misstep could lead to losses in the billions, which would be painful even for magnates like Lee Donghua and Su Mingtang. Therefore, risks are not taken lightly.

“This looks promising,” Yang Jingjing observed, noting the relaxed demeanor of her companions.

?Zhang Xiaolong smiled in agreement. If he managed to acquire Strong Dragon, he'd be in control of Elegant Dragon Drinks. Despite the fact that much of the funding was borrowed, he was confident that the investment would multiply in value before long.

Suddenly, Yaru nudged him, drawing his attention to an unexpected arrival. “Su Mei? What is she doing here?” he muttered, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

?”Should I go over and clear things up with her?” Yaru offered thoughtfully. “She's probably misunderstood something you said. It's always best to resolve misunderstandings—better to avoid making an enemy.”

After a moment's consideration, Zhang Xiaolong shook his head. “You don't know her like I do. She's never been one to be challenged, and once she's set her mind on something, no one can persuade her otherwise. That stubbornness of hers is something even Su Mingtang can't contend with. If you approached her now, it might backfire, making her think you're trying to intimidate her.”

“What do we do? She's not here just to stir up trouble, is she?” Yaru also sensed that things were amiss. Xiaolong's concerns could very well become a reality.

If such a stubborn person were indeed looking to cause trouble, it would undoubtedly become a major headache. Even if we were to successfully bid for Strong Dragon, the cost would be exorbitant.

“If she's game, then we have no choice but to play along,” Zhang Xiaolong sighed, “We'll have to wait and see how things unfold.”

With no better strategy, the trio could only wait for the auction to commence.

Su Mei caught the worried looks on Zhang Xiaolong and his companions' faces and felt a twinge of satisfaction, “Zhang Xiaolong, today you'll realize just how wrong you were, spectacularly so!”

The auction began promptly, and unlike typical auctions, the attendees were already well-acquainted with the items up for bid. Without sufficient knowledge, they wouldn't be here ready to participate.

Many eyes turned to see that the bidder was not only a woman but also an exceptionally beautiful young woman.

Her looks alone placed her among the elite, and her avant-garde, figure-hugging outfit with its plunging neckline revealed her fair skin, capturing the gaze of nearly every man in the room.

Su Mei's proud demeanor gave her the air of a queen reigning supreme, igniting a primal urge in the men to conquer her.

“The Yishui Su family has entered the fray. This is going to get interesting.”

Some recognized Su Mei and recalled that at the Xu family's charity auction, Su Mingtang had bid a whopping 1.1 billion for a diamond.

Though that deal ultimately fell through, it was a testament to the Su family's financial clout.

If they were willing to spend 1.1 billion on a diamond with no practical use, surely the Strong Dragon Group would have some value to them.

Zhang Xiaolong's brow furrowed as he realized his opponent had made her move, apparently waiting for him.

If he held back today, Su Mei would simply observe. But if he engaged, this obstinate woman might very well engage in a relentless bidding war with him.

“Nine hundred and twenty million!”

Despite anticipating the outcome, Zhang Xiaolong decided to probe further, to see if his adversary was truly out to get him.

“One billion!” Su Mei didn't give the other side any chance to counter.

“Xiaolong,” Chen Yaru also sensed trouble brewing, “She's determined to battle it out with us to the very end!”

Observing the man's increasingly furrowed brow, Su Mei reveled in a vindictive pleasure.

Zhang Xiaolong, choosing me was the correct decision. But since you've made the wrong one, you're going to pay the price!