coobybook Chapter 378: Extravagance
Chapter 378: Extravagance
This time, the starting bid was not fully related to money. Instead, it was a valuation. This implied that those placing bids would not necessarily need to have the cash.
Instead, it could be property or any other item of the same value as the bid. Of course, if one wanted to make payment using a property, they would need the property to be evaluated by the professionals.
The valuation did not need to be done before the auction. Instead, it could be done after the auction. But of course, those that dared to try and cheat this auction house, had faced brutal consequences.
Therefore, for most of the VVIP guests here, they had experts evaluate their properties first, before coming over. In that way, they would avoid a situation where there would be a difference in the price that they bid, and the actual value of their property.
Still, this did not imply that money could not be used to place bids in the VVIP session. It could be used, but, the amounts transacted in this session were just too huge.
Not many companies and forces within the capital or even the world, had so much liquid funds.
Inside the VVIP box, the moment that the auctioneer said those words, the two ladies looked totally shocked. None of them had anticipated that something like this could actually be sold.
Did this not imply that if there was a criminal, who was wanted, they could actually start a new life as a different person?
In such a situation, would that not imply that the criminal could continue acting discreetly, causing chaos, committing crimes and so on, while nobody suspects them?
Just the thought of this was chilling. Who knows? Maybe the person she was close to was a very notorious criminal?
Bids began appearing on the screen. It was not the from the property that could be used to exchange for the new life package, instead, the valuation.
Only in this way was it easier for one to tell just what cost someone was willing to pay in order to get the package.
Estimated value: $120 million.
Estimated value: $180 million.
Estimated value: $240 million.
The bids continued, and a little while later, a winner emerged. The winning offer consisted of cash, a luxury resort property, and a minority stake in a transportation company. Estimated final value: $280 million.
The moment that the new life package was declared sold, the two ladies looked at each other, stunned. None of them had anticipated this.
Just to get a new identity, people were actually willing to go to such lengths, and spend so much?
Maybe, to ordinary people, this was definitely not worth it. After all, even in their entire lives, they might not be able to get together over $100 million.
But for those big bosses, those that their lives were at stake because of being targeted, those that had wealth, but their lives were in danger, this was no different from another life.
While the two ladies were still dumbfounded about this, the auction continued without stopping.
The second item appeared. A Sealed Scandal File.
On the display screen behind the auctioneer, there was only a brown file displayed. On top of the file, there was the word confidential written in bold capital letters.
At this moment, the auctioneer spoke, "This file contains verified information regarding an undisclosed scandal, involving a highly influential individual. Ownership includes exclusive control over the information. The opening valuation: $120 million."
Even though Michael had previously known about the items that could be found in this auction, he had no way to be sure about the prices.
Even Onyx was not clear about what information was contained in the scandal file.
But now, looking at the price, it was clear that the information contained within the file belonged to a really important figure. And, this information, it definitely could cause some big troubles for the person involved.
Kate looked at Michael and asked with interest, "They sell things like this here? I’m curious, who is this that is about to get their life ruined or controlled by another? And, by the way, are you not worried that the file might contain your information?"
To this, Michael shook his head as he said, "First, this auction house sells anything, as long as it has value. As for who this file might involve, it could be some celebrity out there, and a big one at that. You know, most of the times, it’s celebrities that often get ruined due to scandals.
As for the possibility of me being the one being talked about in the file, the possibility is zero."
As Michael gave the response, Carol paled a little. After all, she understood Michael’s implications. And she knew that it was true.
Thankfully though, she didn’t have any scandal on her. But, she had heard of incidences where scandals were fabricated. Therefore, at this point, she realized, she had to be very careful.
That was just in case a normal interaction with someone was suddenly turned into a scandal.
Interest was noticeably stronger. Even though who this file involved was unknown, quite a number of people were tempted.
And of course, some of them wanted to win this as a caution measure. They just wanted to avoid the possibility of the information inside the file being related to them, and it being used against them.
The bidding quickly passed $300 million. As the price continuously increased, Carol could not help but ask, "Is it really worth it? Aren’t they afraid that the information contained in the file might not be worth the price paid?"
"Well, I’m pretty sure that since it’s a VVIP item, then it might be enough to cause a downfall of a big conglomerate, or maybe make the value of the shares of a big company drop." Michael shrugged as he responded.
The winning package included cash, ownership shares in a media company, and several commercial properties. The estimated final value: $420 million.
Then, the third item appeared. The Future Star Rights Contract.
"This contract grants first negotiation rights regarding a rising individual identified as possessing exceptional future influence and value. Opening valuation: $110 million."
Several bids appeared almost immediately. The final offer included investment capital, intellectual property rights, and ownership stakes in multiple startups.
Estimated final value was an astonishing $600 million.
For the fourth item, it was a key.
"This key provides access to a secured dead-drop location containing information, assets, and emergency retrieval resources. As for the value of what is contained in there, it depends on your luck. Opening valuation is $180 million."
Only a handful of bidders participated. After all, this more like a gamble, or opening a blind box. The winning offer included three commercial buildings, a private aircraft, and cash reserves.
The estimated final value was$750 million.
The fifth item was the Full-Sensory Memory Recording.
"This recording contains the complete sensory experience of a classified event. Sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotional responses have been preserved. The opening valuation is $200 million."
The price crossed half a billion dollars before slowing. The winning bidder offered a combination of cash, rare collectibles, and ownership rights to a luxury residential development. Estimated final value was $932 million.
The sixth item was a controlled outcome agreement.
"The holder receives contractual support for a single predefined objective. Complete terms are available through your private terminal. Opening valuation is $250 million."
Competition became intense almost immediately. The winning package included corporate shares, mineral extraction rights, and long-term supply contracts. The estimated final value: $1.3 billion.
The seventh item was the prototype influence system.
"This prototype system measures, tracks, and projects influence across political, financial, social, and corporate environments. Opening valuation: $300 million."
Several bids appeared within seconds. The successful bidder offered controlling interests in two technology firms alongside a large cash component. Estimated final value: $1.8 billion.
The eighth item was a private island event slot.
"The successful bidder receives exclusive hosting rights for one future gathering at a secured private island venue. Opening valuation: $350 million.
The bidding remained active longer than expected. The winning offer included a private marina, luxury properties, and cash. Estimated final value: $1.5 billion.
The ninth item appeared. A ghost network access.
"This package grants access credentials to an independent information network unavailable through public or commercial channels. Opening valuation: $500 million.
The final package had an estimated final value of $2.4 billion.
The tenth item was a bound favor.
"The issuer of this favor is contractually obligated to fulfill one request within the limits specified in the accompanying agreement. The opening valuation: $600 million.
The atmosphere in the hall became noticeably heavier. After a round of bids, the winning package had an estimated final value of $3.1 billion.
"They are all crazy. These people, they are crazy. Some of these things, they don’t even seem to be worth the price that they are asking for." Carol shook her head as she said in astonishment.
Michael shook his head as he replied, "Actually, they are worth it. Some of these items might seem overpriced, but it’s actually fair.
For example, the private island slot. While it seemed that the price paid was just to secure the rights, it was actually more than that.
The one who secured the rights to host the event would only be the organizer, not the one paying for the expenses.
Second, as the host of the event, there were a lot of benefits that they would get through those that attended the event.
The only thing that discouraged the others to pay a higher price was actually the fact that the date of the event was not defined. It could be in a month, a year, or even in five years."
"Okay, the auction is now over. Let’s go. If you two ladies are interested in anything, you can tell me now and I’ll get it for you if I can." Michael said with a smile.
At the same time, he accessed the system store to check something.