Chapter 9: The Apocalypse Edition RV & Yacht

The Mercedes 8x8 all-terrain monstrosity gleamed under floodlights like a mechanized war god. Bulletproof composite armor, seven differential locks, and solar-paneled roof that unfurled into a greenhouse - this "Conqueror" RV wasn't just transportation. It was civilization on wheels.

"Starting bid: 30 million!" The auctioneer's hammer hadn't finished echoing when Xiao Ren shoved through the crowd, Rolex glinting. "30 million! Gentlemen, do spare me the embarrassment of outbidding family."

Silence. Oligarchs exchanged smirks. Everyone knew the Xiao Group's second heir needed toys to compensate for... inadequacies elsewhere.

"40 million."

Gasps rippled through designer suits as Xiao Yang emerged from the shadows, raven perched on his shoulder pecking at a gold-plated pistachio.

Xiao Ren's face purpled. "You... You think playing house with storage units qualifies you for this?" He spat, raising paddle. "50 million!"

"100 million." Xiao Yang didn't bother lifting his number.

The crowd erupted. On the dock, a Belarusian escort dropped her champagne flute.

"Big brother's gone mad!" Xiao Ren hissed to his entourage, mascara-laden girls clinging like parasitic vines. "He's burning through cash like..."

"Like it'll be toilet paper in three days?" Xiao Yang murmured, stroking his raven's obsidian feathers.

 

2:47 PM - Yacht Auction Platform

The 80-meter leviathan loomed like Noah's Ark 2.0. Triple-redundant power systems, wave-piercing hull, and desalination rigs that could turn piss into Perrier - this was no billionaire's toy. It was salvation.

"450 million!" Xiao Ren's bid cracked like a starter pistol. "First-class cabins for all who stand down!"

Mercenary princes and crypto kings hesitated. Then:

"500 million."

Xiao Yang's voice carried across the suddenly frigid harbor. His brother's champagne flute shattered on teak decking.

"Impossible! You barely have..." Xiao Ren's tirade died as cold realization struck. The storage units. The fuel depots. The endless trucks to Purple Mountain Villa.

Xiao Yang met his gaze, smiling faintly. Ravens remember where the bones are buried.

Two days left.