Chapter 61: Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand

Several black sedans drove up South Port Avenue and slowly stopped at the entrance of East Gate Hotel. In this era, private cars were not as ubiquitous as in later times, but the prominent license plate on the second car immediately indicated the car owner's identity.

"Look at that license plate; that's our South City Mayor's car!"

"What? Even the Mayor is involved in this land auction? Our Mayor is a big shot appointed by the central government, even more influential than a typical vice governor!"

"Yes, and there are also cars from the municipal government, public security bureau, and land bureau. My goodness! They've invited so many government leaders to this land auction. No wonder they're making such a big deal about it in the city. It seems they have strong backing!"

"Since so many government leaders are attending, this land auction must be significant. No matter what, with this kind of support, the auction is sure to fetch a good price. At least one or two million, right?"

...

Listening to the discussions among the crowd, Zhou Ming couldn't help but smile. These people really didn't understand the situation. According to Zhou Ming's knowledge, South City, as an economic zone, was already at the vice-provincial level. Chen Yunfei, on the surface, was the Mayor of South City, but in reality, he also held the position of Deputy Provincial Governor of Lingnan. As for the land price today, one or two million? That wouldn't even cover the starting bid. For the first land auction in the country, if you didn't have at least seven or eight million, it would be embarrassing to drop the gavel.

As the municipal government's convoy stopped at the hotel entrance, Zhou Ming and Du Peng went up to greet them. The car door opened, and a middle-aged man in a green suit stepped out. Just as Zhou Ming had seen in photos from his previous life, this man was Chen Yunfei, the Mayor of South City, who played a significant role in opening financial doors for the mainland.

Chen Yunfei stepped out of the car, and Du Peng and Zhou Ming went up to shake hands with him. This scene immediately caused a stir among the onlookers.

Everyone had speculated endlessly about today's auction, but they never expected that it would be organized by these two young men. Although they had noticed them before, they had subconsciously ignored them, thinking they were just part of the crowd. It was only now that they realized, leaving them with an indescribable shock.

Zhou Ming and Du Peng escorted Chen Yunfei and other municipal leaders into the hotel and up to the second-floor banquet hall. The hall had been rearranged by the hotel to serve as the auction venue. All the invited real estate developers were present, and upon seeing Chen Yunfei enter, everyone stood up simultaneously, greeting him and applauding warmly.

As the Mayor of South City, Chen Yunfei was accustomed to such scenes. He remained composed and was led by the hotel staff to the front row.

Looking around the venue, Chen Yunfei said to Zhou Ming, "The setup here is very well done and distinctive. However, like others, I came with a bit of skepticism. We've heard of auctions for antiques, paintings, and jewelry, but never for land. I wonder how confident you, the great businessman from the harbor city, are about this?"

Zhou Ming smiled modestly and replied, "Mayor Chen, as capitalists, we only engage in ventures where we're sure to make a profit. So, I can assure you that today's auction of the first land use rights in the country will be a success!"

Chen Yunfei raised an eyebrow, "You're quite confident, Zhou Boss. It's impressive to see such a daring and bold spirit."

"Confidence is natural. As for daring and boldness, I believe even if I didn't do it, you, Mayor Chen, would. Just don't blame me for stealing your thunder," Zhou Ming said.

"Of course not. Our municipal government does have plans for land auctions, but sometimes, doing things from both ends can yield the best results," Chen Yunfei said. "Are all the participants here? When will the auction start, and who will be the host?"

"The auction can start at any time, and I will be the host," Zhou Ming replied.

With that, Zhou Ming stood up from his seat and, after receiving Chen Yunfei's approval, went up to the auction stage.

Taking the microphone from the hotel staff, Zhou Ming cleared his throat and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, hello. My name is Zhou Ming, and I will be your auctioneer today. I'm very pleased to have you all at the auction for the first land use rights in the country. Today, you will witness history. Without further ado, let's dive into the main event."

Zhou Ming's words momentarily stunned the crowd. This direct and fast-paced approach was somewhat unexpected. It was only when the slides started to show on the screen that everyone realized the auction had truly begun.

"For those familiar with the slide, it's the piece of land in the East Gate Three Gardens area. Although it's currently an undeveloped plot, its location is highly advantageous. Adjacent to South Port Avenue and less than twenty minutes from the East Gate commercial area, its value is bound to soar as South City continues to develop and expand. This land will undoubtedly become a prosperous part of the city center."

At this point, Zhou Ming deliberately paused before concluding, "Therefore, I can assure you that whether for residential buildings or office towers, this land holds immense commercial value!"

"Alright, I believe everyone understands the auction rules. The starting price for the Three Gardens land is five million, with each bid increment no less than one hundred thousand."

Zhou Ming's words made everyone in the room gasp. Especially for Du Peng, Chen Yunfei, and He Yujin, they were shocked beyond measure. They were aware of the government's land transfer price, which was only 1.5 million. Yet Zhou Ming had started the bid at five million, which was more than triple the expected price.

The crowd whispered among themselves: "Is this person crazy? Five million for a piece of land? Does he think it's worth more than gold? Let's see how they handle it if no one bids!"

"I heard this auction is organized by a businessman from the harbor city. Maybe he's been out of touch and doesn't know that South City is different from the harbor city. Land prices here are not as high. He probably doesn't realize we're not going to hand over money like that!"

"This harbor city guy must think we're all fools who don't understand land prices. He'll end up regretting this move!"

...

These gloating remarks reached Chen Yunfei's ears. He turned to Du Peng and asked, "Did you plan this price with him beforehand?"

Du Peng shook his head and laughed bitterly, "Of course not. We had discussed a price of three million, but he increased the starting price by two million right from the start."

"I see," Chen Yunfei said, then turned his attention back to Zhou Ming, who had now announced the auction was starting.

To everyone's surprise, the auction did not encounter any cold response. Instead, someone quickly raised their bidding card, offering five million one hundred thousand. This move stunned those who were ready to watch a spectacle.

"What? There's really someone bidding? Could it be a shill hired by the harbor city businessman?"

Someone said, but what happened next made them all close their mouths.

As the first bidder put down his card, the second and third bidders raised theirs, and Zhou Ming on stage called out, "Five hundred twenty thousand, five hundred thirty thousand!"

The first bidder stood up and shouted, "I bid six million!"

Hearing this figure, Du Peng and He Yujin both gasped, and Du Peng clenched his fists unconsciously.

Chen Yunfei turned to Du Peng and said, "It seems your partner's confidence is well-deserved. He's managed to raise the price from one hundred fifty thousand to six million. Impressive!"

Du Peng replied, "Indeed, he's always had a knack for making money."

Hearing Chen Yunfei and Du Peng's conversation, Tang Ran, standing beside Zhou Ming, was not pleased. She said, "This is just the beginning! My Ming-ge said he wouldn't drop the gavel unless the price reached eight million."

Upon hearing Tang Ran's figure, He Yujin was dumbfounded, "What? Eight million?"

Du Peng quickly told Tang Ran, "Ranran, don't say such things in front of Uncle Chen. What if we can't reach that amount?"

Chen Yunfei, however, maintained a relaxed expression and smiled, asking Tang Ran, "Little girl, did Ming-ge explain why it should reach eight million?"

Tang Ran nodded, "Of course. Ming-ge said land is a city's most important development resource. Cities are built on land, and South City, while still in its early stages, will inevitably become a top global metropolis with strong national support. Eight million for a piece of land will only gain value. He believes any real estate developer here can see that."

Chen Yunfei didn't respond immediately, instead, he pondered over Tang Ran's words. Meanwhile, the auction continued as if to prove Tang Ran's words. Despite the initial six million bid, the competition didn't wane. Soon, other bids came in: "Seven million! Eight million! Eight hundred fifty thousand!"

If the six million bid had shocked everyone, the final bid of eight hundred fifty thousand left everyone in utter disbelief.