129: Suddenly changed his mind
Qin Yun was secretly delighted; the container looked like it had been soaked in water.
It was another large container like those on cargo ships, and it emitted a golden treasure light.
He was certain that the yongle encyclopedia would be in the first warehouse.
Because they had arrived in a great hurry, the two parties had started the auction after only a verbal agreement, before signing a contract.
The Treasure Hunters and tourists thought this was an 'Easter egg' and that there wouldn't be anything good inside.
Furthermore, these warehouses looked like they had been soaked in water, so there wasn't much interest.
After opening the first warehouse, the first things visible were various boxes and even several safes.
However, there were water stains at the bottom of the container, and half the height of the cardboard boxes was completely soaked.
Inside, there was also a lot of furniture very well-wrapped in plastic.
This was likely a warehouse used by a Tycoon to transport daily necessities.
Only a sophisticated Tycoon would use an ocean-going cargo ship to transport such daily items.
A Tycoon's warehouse would definitely contain good items.
But with many things having been soaked in water, it was hard to say if they were still valuable.
Precious items generally aren't sturdy, and luxury goods require careful maintenance.
In a damp container that smelled of seawater, the value of the items inside would be greatly discounted.
Everyone shook their heads and backed away.
This warehouse was truly a pity; it was originally a high-quality warehouse, but now everything was uncertain.
After the auction began, the highest bid only reached $30,000 after one minute.
Qin Yun raised his hand and said calmly, "I'll bid 100,000."
Everyone was stunned, wondering if there really were good things inside.
In the warehouse Qin Yun had won previously, all the items were laid out in the open for everyone to see clearly.
Although this warehouse likely belonged to a Tycoon, it contained many boxes and quite a lot of miscellaneous items.
In terms of gambling potential, it was much higher than the warehouse full of electronic parts.
Most Treasure Hunters who strike it rich overnight rely on this kind of warehouse.
More importantly, this was one Qin Yun was optimistic about.
The Eastern Kid was now synonymous with antiques; as long as he made a move for such an unremarkable warehouse, there would definitely be treasure inside.
So, seeing Qin Yun make a move, the Treasure Hunters immediately became interested.
Qin Yun had originally intended to use the high price of 100,000 to scare off average Treasure Hunters, but he hadn't expected his great fame to interfere.
Instead, it had the opposite effect.
Many Treasure Hunters who weren't interested in this also began to bid enthusiastically.
In less than a minute, the bidding increases became more and more exaggerated, quickly reaching $530,000.
"600,000."
Qin Yun's face still bore a calm expression.
It was just a matter of money; he had just sold the caesar armor and had over ten million in cash. None of these people trying to fish in troubled waters were his match.
He was determined to get the yongle encyclopedia in the warehouse!
"Damn, Qin Yun's bidding is so resolute; there must be something good inside."
"Qin Yun found treasures in this kind of warehouse before. I believe there will definitely be good things inside."
"Right, if there's a treasure on the same level as the caesars armor, we'll hit the jackpot if we win it."
"You're dreaming. How could treasures on the level of the caesars armor be seen so often? The things inside are worth a million dollars at most!"
"True, this container was just used by a Tycoon for transoceanic transport. Even if there are good things, the price will be limited. Tycoons would definitely carry the best things with them or transport them by private jet; they wouldn't use freight transport so simply."
"Tycoons are very shrewd. If there were really good things inside, they would definitely have recovered them; they wouldn't let them fall into the hands of a Storage Company."
"If it hadn't been soaked in water, I would have bid a high price. But looking like this, I think I'll pass!"
...Although everyone trusted Qin Yun's judgment of warehouses, this one had been soaked in water and was a transoceanic shipping container.
The number of interested people suddenly decreased significantly.
Even if there were good things inside, if they were soaked in water and their value was greatly reduced, the person who won the auction would be left in tears.
Many people planned to observe for a while before making a decision.
"630,000."
"650,000."
..."930,000."
After another round of bidding, the price was nearly a million dollars.
At this point, the high price had discouraged many who were just watching.
It wasn't worth spending so much money on a water-soaked container.
The owners who provided these three containers hadn't expected a water-soaked container to sell for such a high price.
More importantly, Qin Yun, the most formidable rising star in the treasure hunting world, was very optimistic about this warehouse.
The two owners whispered to each other on the side.
"What's going on? Why is Qin Yun so interested in this warehouse?"
"I don't know. Could there be something good inside?"
"If I'd known, I would've gone in to check. Sigh, when I saw the container was water-soaked, I didn't even think about it. What should we do?"
"How much commission do we have to pay? Is it five percent? If the price isn't too outrageous, how about we have a Staff Member bid?"
"Your mind is sharp, brother. We only have three million in cash we can use. What do you think about giving the Staff Member a three-million-dollar limit?"
"Three million would mean 150,000 in commission. It's worth it to snatch a warehouse from Qin Yun's hands."
After whispering for a while and making their decision, their faces broke into the sinister grin of a successful scheme.
We only pay a five percent commission; let's see how Qin Yun competes with us.
If there really is something good in the warehouse, we'll make a fortune!
Everyone's attention was on the warehouse auction, and no one noticed the two of them plotting.
At this time, one of their Staff Members, wearing a crumpled shirt, came to the back of the auction crowd.
When Qin Yun raised the price to 1.5 million, the competitors who had been bidding previously all shook their heads.
They couldn't see what good things were in this container anyway, and bidding against a veteran like Qin Yun could easily lead to losses.
Because they didn't know when the other party would give up, if the warehouse ended up in their hands at a price far exceeding its actual value, they would lose big.
There was no need to compete with Qin Yun and benefit the Storage Company for nothing.
This way, they could also build some goodwill with Qin Yun.
"Mr. Qin is indeed wealthy and powerful. I am no match for you; I'll let you have this warehouse."
"I'm out too. My vision is narrow, and I really can't see anything special about this warehouse."
"It's not embarrassing to lose to Mr. Qin."
"If there's something good inside, don't forget to let us admire it."
...They cupped their hands toward Qin Yun and announced their withdrawal from the competition one after another.
Just as the Host's countdown reached 'one'...
A voice lacking confidence rang out from the back.
"1.8 million."
Everyone was stunned; there was actually a hidden Tycoon competing with Qin Yun for this warehouse.
Everyone turned to look and was dumbfounded to see a somewhat scruffy the young man.
What was the situation?
From any angle, this person didn't look like a wealthy man.
Qin Yun frowned; he thought the yongle encyclopedia was already in his hands, but an unexpected intruder had appeared at the last moment.
Regardless, he would never give up on the yongle encyclopedia.
After a round of intense bidding, when Qin Yun called out 3.1 million, the young man's face showed difficulty; he was restless, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat.
He kept glancing at the owner and constantly rubbed the bank card in his pocket.
3.1 million had already exceeded the limit given by the owner, and he had no idea what to do.
Just as the Host was about to count down, the owner of the warehouse stood up.
"We're not selling this warehouse anymore!"