Auction (3)
“Four hundred million!”
Kang Min-ho boldly called out a staggering bid of 400 million won.
-400 million? That kid's bidding 400 million?
-Whoa, whose son is that guy?
-He's got some real guts.
The bidding surged faster than a speculative Kosdaq penny stock. Even the auctioneer was stunned by the unprecedented frenzy. He double-checked Min-ho's intentions in disbelief.
-Number 44, did you say 400 million right now? Yes, confirmed. We'll proceed at 400 million.
The auctioneer, visibly shocked, set down the microphone for a moment and shakily took a sip of water.
Min-ho was the only one who knew who was backing Moon Sang-oh. Still, even he didn't know exactly how much the old man had budgeted for the celadon vase. 400 million was well within expectations. From here on, it was a game of veiled audacity.
Moon Sang-oh, too, was inwardly surprised by Min-ho, who was anything but ordinary, just as the old man had said. Keeping his face impassive, he recalled the old man's instructions once more. He took a long breath and raised his paddle.
“410 million won.”
This ignored million-won increments entirely. In one breath, he jacked up the bid by 10 million. It was another silent warning.
The old man's capital was effectively limitless. Min-ho, on the other hand, who couldn't even muster 40 million, had only his sharp judgment and sheer nerve.
He'd already exceeded the target. Yet to complete the test given to him, Min-ho eyed Moon Sang-oh, trying to read the old man's moves carefully.
He's got a habit of setting an upper limit... How far will he go? 500 million? No, that's too much... 430? Or maybe 450?
Even though they'd hit the 400 million target, Min-ho gripped his paddle tightly. His unexpectedly cautious expression set off alarms for Lawyer Choi, who whispered urgently.
“Young master, we've reached your 400 million. And we've gone 10 million over. Don't let rivalry make you raise that paddle. Put it down, please.”
Min-ho, eyes fixed ahead, quietly replied to Choi. “A new mission just came up. I'll wrap that up too.”
“Pardon? What do you mean all of a sudden?”
“I'll explain later. Things are getting intense right now—it's thrilling after so long.”
“Young master, please...”
Ignoring the lawyer's near-tearful plea, Min-ho raised his paddle again for reasons known only to him.
“420 million!”
-Number 44, confirming once more. 420 million? Yes, confirmed. Now checking with number 10.
The old man had called Min-ho's momentum unstoppable. He was right. Despite repeated warnings, Min-ho chased relentlessly without a flicker of hesitation.
There was still a bit of room left in the limit. Moon Sang-oh raised his paddle and called out in a heavy voice.
“430 million.”
Everyone in the auction house buzzed. Bids climbing by 10 million each time, paddles that never dropped—it felt like the duel between these two would never end.
The anxiety was mutual on the other side. Dong-hoon, Nam-hoon, and Deputy Oh stared at Min-ho with faces like they were about to drop dead from stress.
Pi Dong-ho sidled over to Deputy Oh and whispered.
“Deputy, Min-ho's insane. Look at him sitting there cool as ice in that situation.”
“Wait it out. That's just how Min-ho is—he's got a plan.”
“Do something about it. This doesn't make sense.”
“I've seen his nonsense twice before, and this is the third. Stay calm and wait.”
Heart pounding too hard to watch, Dong-ho gripped his chair and slumped to the floor.
-If number 44 drops now, it goes to number 10. Next bid? You have 10 seconds.
Lawyer Choi was just as frantic but couldn't speak openly with so many eyes around. He shook his head, urging Min-ho to stop.
They'd blown past the target, but Min-ho wouldn't drop his paddle. Was it greed sparked by the sight of money, as the saying goes? No way.
He couldn't just keep collecting debts. To climb higher, he needed to showcase his brilliance and draw attention. He'd cast a meticulously baited hook, and the old man had bitten despite knowing better. Plus, the old man had planted Moon Sang-oh here to test him.
In this fog of uncertainty, Min-ho had to push forward. Ten seconds—not long, not short. He had no choice but to deliberate.
If he bid once more and Moon Sang-oh dropped, penniless Min-ho would have to cover it all. It was no easy choice with the paddle in hand. Everything hung on this one decision.
Cold sweat trickled slowly down his spine from the small of his back. Three seconds left. Live or die—Min-ho had to decide.
If it's 440 million instructed, I should fold here. 500, and I can bid once more.
All eyes locked on Min-ho's mouth. The room felt like it held its breath. Only the thunderous heartbeat of auction house owner Gu Woong-jae and the ticking wall clock broke the silence.
One chance. One judgment. This decision would seal the plan's success.
The auctioneer asked number 44 once more.
-Number 44, time's up. Make your choice. Will you bid?
4 or 5. He picked one. Min-ho raised his paddle and called out.
“440 million!”
Lawyer Choi, who rarely showed emotion, was pale and stammering in a whisper. “Y-Y-Young master, please, I beg you. You promised.”
“Don't worry. I've got this figured out.”
“Just think it over one more time.”
“The dice are already cast.”
Now it was Moon Sang-oh's turn. He had his own dilemma but had to follow orders.
-Number 10, 450 million?
This was his final bid too. He nodded and quietly raised his paddle.
The auctioneer shouted like a sports caster, shaking the hall.
-450 million!!! A whopping 450 million won! That's a new record for a single piece at an art gallery auction. 450 million won!
Dong-ho sat on the floor, dazed and staring blankly at Min-ho. Deputy Oh took his seat beside him.
“I can't watch anymore. My heart's gonna give out.”
“I've felt that way for the last 10 minutes... I might need the hospital after. It went from pounding to outright pain.”
“Let's go together. I swear, Min-ho's gonna shorten my life.”
Number 10, Moon Sang-oh, had bid 450 million. Now it was Min-ho's turn again. Eyes shifted back to him.
Would he go higher? The old man's instruction was clearly 450 million. One more bid, and Min-ho would either buy or pay hefty compensation.
Sweat-inducing tension. With every eye and ear on him, the auctioneer lowered his voice cautiously.
-Number 44, raising means 460 million. Please answer carefully. Last call: 460 million?
Min-ho still clutched his paddle. Lawyer Choi couldn't control his racing heart, just shaking his head in silent prayer for Min-ho to drop it.
After a long think, Min-ho suddenly stood. He headed straight for number 10's seat, striding toward Moon Sang-oh.
-What's that guy doing all of a sudden?
-Why's he walking over?
-What the hell is this?
-Maybe making a deal?
As Min-ho approached, the auctioneer quickly blocked others.
-Plenty of time to discuss. I'll give you two a moment, but no one else approaches.
Min-ho reached Moon Sang-oh and extended his right hand for a shake—something no one expected.
“Butler Moon, long time no see.”
“Yes, young master.”
“You knew it was me from the start?”
“I had no idea until the elder mentioned it.”
“Tell him this: 'Four and a half sheets.' Just that. And congratulate him on becoming the owner of this celadon vase.”
“Understood.”
“I won't bid anymore.”
Min-ho's keen aesthetic eye, foresight, and massive guts combined for a perfect outcome. Moon Sang-oh clasped and shook his hand firmly. Both palms were slick with sweat.
-Wrapping up! 450 million! 450 million! Last call! 450 million! Congratulations to number 10!
Their 10-minute showdown drew ample applause.
-Wow, that young guy's cool!
-They should swear brotherhood!
-Number 44's got balls of steel!
The collectors showered gracious loser Min-ho with cheers and claps. On the surface, he'd lost the bidding war, but the true victor was Min-ho.
Ignoring the applause, he headed out of the auction house. He met his group behind the building.
His colleagues Dong-hoon and Nam-hoon, teary-eyed, hugged him the moment they saw him.
“You were trying to kill us, right?”
“Sorry, the plan went a bit off-script.”
“We were scared bloodless. Why push the bids like that? 300 million would've been plenty.”
“I had my reasons. Good work, everyone.”
Deputy Oh stood there blankly, soul seemingly drained. Even after a few Min-ho experiences, this topped them all. Sweat had soaked his shirt down to his socks.
“I... told you... Min-ho's always like this... I can't keep up with you anymore. My heart hurt so bad, I thought I was dying.”
“Your heart's tougher than you think. You won't die, deputy.”
“Thanks for your hard work. I'll buy dinner today—head to that BBQ spot nearby. Come over with Lawyer Choi after settling up.”
“Got it, we'll be quick.”
The three trudged off to the restaurant like defeated soldiers, steps heavy.
As they vanished, Lawyer Choi—feigning composure—collapsed like a newborn calf and sighed in relief.
“Anyone'd think you won it for 100 million.”
“Same here. Felt like my lifespan shrank by the second.”
“You survived just fine.”
“Why on earth... what got into you to add another 50 million?”
“I'll tell you later. Time to settle up. Need a piggyback?”
“No, I can walk. This way, please.”
Supporting the wobbly lawyer, Min-ho headed to CEO Gu Woong-jae's office for settlement.