Chapter 1483: The Winning Trump Card
Ye Fan, Mengyao, and Zhang Lu were together discussing the preparations for the upcoming auction.
The auction is set to begin tomorrow, and it is precisely because of this that Clive, who was hiding deeply, made his move. Although he was bewildered by the bait thrown out by Nagano Yoko, one undeniable fact remains — impatience led Clive, who lacked bargaining chips, to rush into the trap set by Ye Fan in a bid to obtain the map fragment to negotiate with other forces. The outcome was naturally disastrous, resulting in a total defeat.
For Charles, this fact was a painful one.
However, he couldn’t blame Nagano Yoko; he could only fault himself for being too incompetent, lacking a clear mind and accurate information.
This is one reason Charles and Nagano Yoko quickly agreed to collaborate, forming a dubious alliance.
"The map fragment acquired by Xigu Xiu has been authenticated as genuine," Zhang Lu said with a smile, "I never expected such a huge gain, not only eliminating a major enemy but also securing what we’ve been desperately trying to obtain."
The ability to authenticate its authenticity is naturally thanks to the insider’s contribution.
Once Zhang Lu contacted the insider who was withdrawn, everything became clear.
"As long as the map fragment is genuine, we have the confidence," Mengyao said, "I’m fully prepared on my end; the needed funds are in place, ready to be invested whenever necessary. I’m confident that no one can outbid us."
She was financially confident now and believed that neither Nagano Yoko nor Charles could compete.
This was very apparent, even Nagano Yoko and Charles had such concerns.
"One can imagine that the auction will be a fierce battle without gunpowder," Zhang Lu said with a smile, "big drama is bound to unfold; we just wait to enjoy the show."
"What? Do you have any other ideas?" Mengyao asked with a smile, noticing Ye Fan’s thoughtful expression that prompted the question.
"Look, the map fragment I have was obtained from Nagano Yoko. This means that once the information from the map fragment is recorded, the value of the map fragment itself becomes negligible," Ye Fan said seriously. "But the Ancient Painting at the auction is different; the map fragment within hasn’t been revealed, and no one knows its specific content, which is the most crucial part."
"That’s exactly the logic — once we record the information of the map fragment we hold, the map fragment’s inherent value is indeed nothing," Zhang Lu chimed in, "For this reason, we must tirelessly acquire the Ancient Painting, preventing others from bidding for it, especially Nagano Yoko, who must not be allowed to touch it."
"That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean we must obtain the Ancient Painting," Ye Fan devised a plan.
"Logically, ensuring that the auction’s Ancient Painting doesn’t end up in someone else’s hands is essential; otherwise, even with a map fragment, what’s the use?" Zhang Lu said with interest, "To ensure the absolute plan and prevent the treasure’s exposure, this is an area where we must work hard."
In her view, securing the Ancient Painting and ensuring absolute ownership was her foundation.
Yet, Ye Fan had other opinions, which puzzled her as she evidently didn’t understand Ye Fan’s intentions.
Mengyao understood, gave a mischievous smile, and looked at Ye Fan, "Are you suggesting tampering with the Ancient Painting?"
"Exactly," Ye Fan responded with a smile.
"Tampering? What kind of tampering?" Zhang Lu was somewhat confused and complained, "You two, don’t play riddles, what do you mean, explain clearly?"
Seeing Zhang Lu’s anxious expression, Mengyao smiled and said, "Lean in?"
"Mysterious as ever, who knows what you’re planning," Zhang Lu muttered but still leaned in according to Mengyao’s instructions.
After listening to Mengyao’s explanation, Zhang Lu’s eyes widened, "Is this feasible? Wouldn’t this drag the auction into a pitfall and create problems?"
"What kind of problem could arise? Absolutely none; even if the person bidding for the Ancient Painting loses, it’s a loss they won’t publicize," Mengyao asserted confidently, "Moreover, those seeking the Ancient Painting are not interested in its art, but in the benefits hidden within. Ultimately, the person who wins the bid for the Ancient Painting is unlikely to be those unaware of its secrets, but rather those who know them. So what’s there to worry about?"
"In that case, swallowing this loss is inevitable," Zhang Lu nodded, still somewhat doubtful, "But why do I feel something’s missing? If those forces are cornered and lash out randomly, what then?"
"Once the auction concludes, we’ll follow the exposed enemies, then find a way to catch them all and seek the final map fragment," Ye Fan said, "This allows us to minimize any potential amplified crisis."
He added in conclusion, "To prevent the hidden forces from implicating others and harming the innocent, at the start of the auction, we might as well clarify the flaws or the incomplete nature of the Ancient Painting, stating it’s dubious in value. This way, the bidder of the Ancient Painting wouldn’t dare trouble anyone else."
"When truth is made false, and false truth, the thrown smokescreen not only extricates the auction but also makes people think it’s a deliberate arrangement to prevent others from bidding, which, instead, incites the malicious intent of some," Zhang Lu now understood the entire plan and grasped Ye Fan’s and Mengyao’s intention.
"This is a classic ’stealing the wind without touching the sails,’ letting the enemy suffer in silence, grinding their teeth and swallowing it all," Mengyao said with a tranquil smile.
"Moreover, it allows saving funds, maximizing blows to the enemy’s morale and confidence," Ye Fan stated.
"Let’s proceed like this, I don’t know how you guys think, but you managed to come up with such smart moves, I’m truly in awe," Zhang Lu said sincerely.
"The remaining matters are left for you to handle, be careful not to reveal anything, and confidentiality is the most crucial," Ye Fan warned.
"Don’t worry about such a minor task, if I can’t manage it, it would be a pity," Zhang Lu replied with a crafty smile.