But the next instant, a scene he would never forget displayed itself before him.
Amazingly, he discovered layers upon layers of color stockpiled under the revealed paints to create something that somewhat dumbstruck even Virus for a split-second. This happened because when he separated those thin layers of colors and put them in the way they were supposed to be in the first place, a new picture, 3D in nature, revealed itself in front of his eyes.
For a moment, Virus wondered why hasn’t this secret been discovered by others, but then he realized that technology hadn’t advanced to that level as of yet since a simple scan or similar currently-considered-advanced-processes couldn’t unearth this secret. And perhaps by the time technology progressed that far, the painting would no longer exist.
Anyway, putting that thought aside, Virus tried to understand the 3D picture and reveal the mysteries hiding behind it. Unfortunately, no matter how he analyzed it, he wasn’t able to put his fingers on it as it could be literally pointing at infinite things and possibilities.
He predicted that maybe he needs other prior knowledge before being able to understand and unlock the mystery behind this picture, or that perhaps he shouldn’t try to understand it, but rather comprehend it, or something else entirely!
Whatever it was, unfortunately, he was incapable of getting behind it since time was limited and his knowledge probably incomplete, so he became determined to have this masterpiece of a painting for himself!
By now, the price had soared to $571.5 million while the bidding war was still ongoing! This item was also different from the previous world of Virus where it was sold at auction for $450.3 million on 15 November 2017 by Christie’s in New York.
No matter, with slightly shining eyes of anticipation, Virus declared, “$1 billion.” Which instantly shocked everyone silly into being speechless.
A few seconds later, whispers started to circulate everywhere.
In a corner, a random person questioned while cursing, “Fuck, it’s him again… just who is he? Why does he just throw out money like that without even trying to participate in the bidding war!”
“No idea who he is… but since the auction house arranged a ‘VVIP’ seat for him, he must be filthy rich.” Another responded.
Simultaneously, seeing Virus actually bid again, fires of challenge sparkled within Fan Tong’s eyes as he pondered while frowning deeply, ‘Fortunately, after adding my own money, the money for the pearl I lost, and the capital I was allowed for buying this famous painting, I can fucking take away that art which he seems kind of desperate to possess! Furthermore, he should have less money after spending so much on the stupid pearl.’ Thinking up to this point, extremely pleased with himself and his extraordinary intelligence, he proclaimed, “$1.2 billion!”
“$2 billion!” Yet again, before anyone could even process the previous number vocalized by Fan Tong, Virus beat them to it.
“…”
“…”
“…”
By now, everyone had nearly become numb to being stupefied due to the bids of this squandering man who had no sense of care or responsibility for the most important object in the world, money!
And if they experienced anything more intense from now onwards, that could only be a heart attack.
“I think every time he opens his mouth, he breaks several records of most expensive art, pearl, etc. ever to be sold!” Someone said in a stupor. Truthfully, the same notion was passing through the mind of many of the guests, including the old Chairman who pondered in absolute admiration, ‘It’s as if he doesn’t care about money at all! The only thing occupying his mind is “what I want” and “what I don’t want”. He just straightforwardly gets his hands on the things he wants, no matter the cost. What a great man! I indeed made the right call by not ditching him when trouble struck, haha…’
The auctioneer too was so impressed at this point that she was on the verge of coming to naturally idolize Virus as her new God. The God of Money.
On the other side, Fan Tong was going nuts while mumbling, “Why! Why! Why does he have so much money!!! Who is he? Just who is that bastard son of a bitch!”
Anyhow, the enchanting tone of Wang Fang, the auctioneer, was soon followed as the painting was sold to Virus at the whopping price of $2 billion!
“Everyone, now… the next item is something very special and luxurious. Behold the… Pink Diamond Barbie! Designed by the Australian jeweler Stefano Canturi, this model of the classic doll wears a black evening dress and a one-carat pink diamond necklace with three carats of white diamonds around it! The beginning price is $200,000! Oh, also… please note that every cent earned from this particular item will be donated in order to feed the hungry children all around the world.” Not as enthusiastic as before, the auctioneer announced. Initially, this item was not qualified to be present among the list of merchandise today.
However, in order to improve their image, the auction decided to put this item and donate all of its earned money to the children in need. According to the auction, the estimated money earned from this object was going to be around $500,000.
As the bidding war began, prices soon reached $400,000 when, at last, the speed of bidding started to slow down.
And it was at this moment when a voice silenced everyone.
“$1 billion!”
Looking at the person who had uttered those terrifying words, everyone no longer knew how to feel at all, they felt like they were perhaps dreaming.
On the other hand, Fan Tong was also shocked by this strange development. He could understand why Virus had bought the previous items. But this one only baffled him to no ends.
Nonetheless, seeing how impatient and desperate Virus looked at the moment, a thought hit him, ‘Could it be there is more to the Barbie?’
‘That can’t be… but why does he look so desperate?’ Slightly addled, Fan Tong deliberated while gazing at Virus’ facial expression.
