Chapter 372: You Shut Up
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After Li Du reached the parking lot of Vendetta Storage, he realized that there were over fifty big trucks there.
He jumped out of the car as he said, "This many people came to the auction today?"
"It’s spring," Hans said. "After the rain, sprouts will germinate—"
"It’s already autumn, buddy." Turis popped out of the truck beside them. "Soon, the autumn rain will fall."
"Hey, bro," Li Du greeted him. "You’re early today."
Turis b.u.mped fists with him and said helplessly, "No choice but to come early and prepare more. There’s something good today. I was worried that I might miss it if I came late."
"Mahogany furniture?" Li Du said.
Turis didn’t hide it. This piece of news could not be kept secret anyway. He nodded and said, "Correct.’’
Li Du laughed as he said, "If you trust me, then listen when I say you need to be careful during the bidding."
Turis was a seasoned treasure hunter. He immediately understood once he heard what Li Du said, and asked, "There’s something dodgy about that mahogany furniture?"
Li Du said, "There’s a lot of dodgy stuff in there. Honestly, I recommend that you don’t partic.i.p.ate. I will, but I’ll be extra careful, because it’s going to be a dangerous auction this time!"
Seeing them, other treasure hunters b.u.t.ted in.
Hearing what Li Du had said, one of the treasure hunters said in a dissatisfied tone, "There are always risks involved when making money, buddy. If you want to make a profit, then you gotta risk it!"
There were also other treasure hunters who didn’t want to give up. "We brought enough money today, so we’ll surely be able to get at least one unit, right?"
Li Du shook his head. "If you guys believe me, then don’t make a move so easily!"
Someone curled his lips and said, "Boss Li, are you trying to claim all the units for yourself? You’re exaggerating too much."
"Leave me some leftovers, Boss Li. You’ve already made enough money. You’re even in the Hundred Thousand club. What about us? We’ve got nothing!"
"I won’t step down from this auction. I’m going to make myself some money."
Seeing such, Li Du said with a bitter laugh, "Alright, then just pretend that I didn’t say anything."
Turis hesitated and said, "I trust you, Li. You’re a loyal guy. Is there really no chance of making money in this auction?"
Li Du said, "Perhaps there is, buddy. But honestly even I can’t be sure. What I’m sure of is that this auction will be a bloodbath!"
Big Beard Carl smiled. "Then, let us get some experience. Let’s go, guys."
The autumn sun was high in the sky. With the suns.h.i.+ne beating down, the people still felt that it was hot and gradually, they went to hide under the shade of the trees.
Some treasure hunters went to the entrance of unit 41. They laid on the floor and tried to peep through the gap at the bottom of the shutters, but it was difficult to see anything.
Li Du had officially become a leaders.h.i.+p figure amongst Flagstaff’s treasure hunters. The tree he was under had gathered many treasure hunters from Flagstaff: about twenty of them.
Hans had Big Quinn buy some cold beer, and said, "Feel free to enjoy, fellas. Whether there is any profit to be made or not, have a drink first."
"I like your att.i.tude toward life, Big Fox." A treasure hunter raised his beer. "Cheers."
The Rick father and son pair got out of their truck, and this scene was the first thing that greeted them.
Seeing the crowd of treasure hunters gathered around Li Du, the pair’s faces instantly darkened.
They were once the people at the center of attention. Now, they had been replaced. Replaced by the two people who p.i.s.sed them off the most.
Harris walked to their side and asked, "Seeing someone else take your place, how does it feel?"
Rick’s eyes s.h.i.+ned with an uncontrollable hatred as he said, "It feels great, Mr. Harris. I feel great!"
He hated Li Du, and he hated Harris too.
Once, Harris and he had been good friends. The two gambled, skirt-chased, and drank together frequently. Although there was an age gap between them, they were close.
However, once money and personal interests had become involved, Harris tore their friends.h.i.+p apart. Since then, Rick had been calling him "Mr. Harris," instead of "my brother Harris."
Most people liked being at the center of attention. Li Du was also enjoying the experience of being in this position.
However, he didn’t let it get to his head. He understood what such a position meant. Thus, he gave a final piece of advice to the crowd: "Everyone be careful at the auction later. If the price goes over an acceptable range, then back out!"
The treasure hunters nodded. It was about then that Lil’ Rick came over and said with a friendly smile, "Hey guys, what are you all talking about?"
The crowd smiled back, but no one replied.
They knew that the father and son pair were in volatile moods. The pair was also in a tight spot. The treasure hunters didn’t dare provoke them—they could easily get bitten.
Li Du had to put himself forward. He went up and easily said, "Nothing much, just some auction tips."
Lil’ Rick gave him an exaggerated smiled and said, "Wow! Wow! Discussing auction tips? Buddy, are you the one imparting those techniques on everyone else? Now that’s interesting. How long have you been in this business? Half a year?"
"About that," Li Du said.
"And do you know what we call those who have been in this business for half a year?" Lil’ Rick asked.
"I don’t," Li Du shrugged.
Lil’ Rick looked to one of the treasure hunters and said, "Carl, answer this."
Carl forced a smile. "Haha, I don’t know. You know, I—"
"Of course I know," Lil’ Rick interrupted. "I know that you’re pretty stupid. You’re brainless and don’t know anything."
"Stop spouting nonsense, man. What are you trying to say?" Li Du exclaimed.
"What am I trying to say? I’m saying, that you’re still a rookie! With only half a year of experience, you’re a rookie!"
"You think I’m a rookie?" Li Du smiled.
"Of course, what do you think you are? Don’t just think because you’ve made a few lucky deals…"
"Then having partic.i.p.ated in the same auctions with a rookie like me," Li Du interrupted, "and not making as much as I did, what should we call you?".
"Don’t get too full of yourself, rookie. You were just lucky," Lil’ Rick scoffed.
"I’m not getting too full of myself. I’m just asking: for someone like you who couldn’t match up with a rookie, what should you be called?"
"What did you say?" Lil’ Rick glared at him with another exaggerated smile. "You’re saying that I’m below a rookie?"
"No, don’t misunderstand," Li Du shook his head. "I’m not saying that it’s just you. I’m saying that both you and your dad are lower than rookies!"
Those words enraged Lil’ Rick. He pointed at Li Du. "Take that back, you son of a b*tch. Don’t make me—!"
"I’m just speaking the truth. If you’re upset, then how about we have a bet?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Rick and Harris, and shouted, "Hey, fellas. Your young master here wants to have a bet with me. What should we bet on?"
Hearing that, Rick’s eyebrow twitched.
"Alright," Lil’ Rick started, "we’ll bet—"
"F*ck you and your stupid bet!" Harris ran forward, giving him a slap. "Shut up, kid!"