Chapter 2374
The unexpected turn of events caused quite a stir among the more observant onlookers, who exchanged knowing glances and speculated quietly among themselves.
“That guy in Suite No. 3 is incredibly unlucky,” someone muttered.
“Getting caught in Mr. Vazquez’s sights is about the worst thing that could happen to anyone,” another voice added.
“And the stupidity of it all… Mr. Vazquez extends an invitation, and instead of feeling honored, this brat just ignores him completely. I don’t know who in this world has the audacity to pull something like that,” a third person scoffed.
“At least Mr. Vazquez is easygoing and doesn’t take things too seriously,” someone else chimed in. “Otherwise, with this kid’s brazen disrespect, he’d be in serious trouble.”
Andrew made his way to the private reception room and waited quietly for Valerie’s arrival. He was completely unaware of the gossip and mockery circulating among the other guests. Even if he had been, he would not have cared in the slightest.
After a short while, Valerie walked in wearing a sharp business suit that exuded confidence and sophistication. Her porcelain-white face carried a playful smirk as she looked down at him.
She said with a mocking voice, “Wow, you certainly move fast. The National Advisor invited you over, and you just bolted. What’s wrong? Did you get scared?”
Andrew dismissed her teasing with complete indifference. He extended his hand and spoke calmly, “Let’s settle up.”
Valerie let out a cold snort and immediately had her staff transfer all the auction proceeds to Andrew: three pills in total, two eighth-grade Divine Pills and one ninth-grade supreme elixir.
When everything was tallied up, the total amount reached a staggering figure. After deducting the auction house’s commission, Andrew’s final deposit came to a total of 1.3 billion dollars.
Once Andrew confirmed the numbers were correct, he pocketed the card with satisfaction.
Seeing how pleased he looked, Valerie’s expression darkened noticeably. “You might want to pay for that Earthly-tier cultivation manual you won, don’t you think?”
Andrew shook his head. “Not happening.”
Valerie’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and a cold smile played at her lips. “Oh? So you’re planning to just take it?”
Andrew chuckled. “Take it? Please. You’re seriously underestimating me. It’s just one Earthly-tier cultivation manual. It’s not like I can’t afford it. The real reason is that I’m giving the Reyes Grand Auction House an opportunity to earn my favor. Consider the manual a gift, a welcome present for me.”
Valerie’s temper flared instantly. “You really think that’s going to happen? And right in front of me?”
Andrew held up a hand. “Hold on, let me finish. Later on, if I’m in a good mood, I might bring out eighth-grade or even ninth-grade Divine Pills for auction again. Think about the money you’d make, the attention it would generate."
“I’m sure you can imagine the possibilities without me spelling it out. If I were you, I wouldn’t hesitate to accept my proposal. In fact, I’d also call over your auctioneer to meet with me.”
Valerie was so stunned by his self-assured words that she actually laughed, pointing at herself in disbelief. “Andrew, have you completely lost your mind? You want us to let you walk away without paying, and to butter you up on top of that?”
Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, and killing intent flickered across her features. “And now you want to see our auctioneer, too? Are you planning something inappropriate? How shameless and reckless can you get?"
However, Andrew remained completely unfazed. “Talking to a man capable of refining a ninth-grade supreme elixir that way… Ms. Reyes, you’ve got guts. But honestly? Not much sense.”
His presence suddenly intensified, pressing down on her like a storm.
Valerie froze, visibly shaken. “What did you just say? Ninth-grade supreme alchemist? You?”
Andrew let out a low scoff. “Who else did you think made that Marble Essence Pill?”