Li Chang Hai's peripheral vision had been fixed on Su Ping Nan, and he was slightly taken aback when he saw the bidding sign. He had already had the most professional appraisers calculate the value of all of Li Ru Ming's assets, and building 00031 was considered a substandard asset. It wasn't part of the pie they were about to divide.
Li Chang Hai couldn't believe that Su Ping Nan's goal was this building. He stared intently at Su Ping Nan's calm face, trying to find some clues.
Su Ping Nan remained calm, only his left hand discreetly patted Zhang Li Hua's ample thigh, signaling her to stay composed.
“2.6 million, third time, good!”
The hammer slammed down. Su Ping Nan quietly clenched his fist. This dusty pearl had fallen into his hands, marking the second leg of his business empire.
Zhang Li Hua's face flushed red. Her efforts over these past days had not been in vain. The feeling of handling millions with a flick of the wrist was intoxicating.
With the dust settled, Su Ping Nan gave Li Chang Hai a slight smile, a form of greeting.
The auction continued smoothly. Most of Li Ru Ming's high-quality assets were acquired by them at controlled prices, putting Li Chang Hai and Wu Yan at ease.
Li Chang Hai even felt that he lacked a certain grand air. Su Ping Nan, despite his impressive presence, seemed reasonable, making Li Chang Hai feel a bit paranoid. He chuckled inwardly. After things settled down, he'd invite Jiang Qing Sheng and have a drink with this up-and-comer. It wouldn't hurt to have more friends and more connections.
Having successfully secured his target, Su Ping Nan was satisfied. He closed his eyes and rested. He was aware of the bidding going on in the hall.
When all the items had been auctioned off, Su Ping Nan was about to leave when the auctioneer made a statement that surprised him.
“This is the last item. Any bosses who haven't bid yet, cherish this opportunity.”
The auctioneer was gushing with words, his expression excited. He was about to successfully complete this auction, with its huge sums of money. What a feat! He was the most experienced auctioneer in the entire Tiannan province.
What's going on? Su Ping Nan looked at Zhang Li Hua, who had been responsible for gathering information, with a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
Zhang Li Hua was also a little aggrieved. She had gone all out to collect information, yet there was still a problem in the end.
“Sorry, everyone. This company is not owned by Li Ru Ming, but a subsidiary of the Economic and Management Commission. It's understandable that you wouldn't know.” The head of the Economic and Management Commission saw the crowd's commotion and grabbed the microphone from the auctioneer, quickly explaining.
“A taxi operation company with independent operating qualifications, owning 360 taxi operation licenses.”
Silence fell over the entire hall as these words were spoken.
Su Ping Nan's breath quickened. Everyone else might not know, but he did. Before his rebirth, Wu City only had three taxi management companies, and two were owned by the Taxi Management Bureau. That meant there was only one company with independent qualifications – nothing else.
He clearly remembered that taxi operation licenses never increased, even up to 19 years later. One license exploded in value to 650,000 yuan, and there was always more demand than supply. For decades, these licenses were golden egg-laying chickens for huge profits.
The reason why the Economic and Management Commission was suddenly auctioning them off was related to internal bickering. In 1993, Wu City was going to implement taxi industry reforms and set up a taxi management company. The Economic and Management Commission was reluctant to give it up, so they decided to sell it while they had the chance, and they could then develop other industries under their jurisdiction. This was how the whole thing came about.
“Starting price, 2 million.”
Before people could figure it out, the auctioneer, at the signal from above, began the bidding.
“2.5 million.” Li Chang Hai's keen vision was a testament to his father's years of nurturing. He instantly understood the potential profit, and his first bid was 500,000 yuan higher.
Wu Yan and the other veteran businessmen were a little slow. Although they saw the potential for profit, they shook their heads when they saw the confident demeanor of the Li family's eldest son.
“2.6 million, 2.7 million, 4 million, 5 million. The gentleman has bid 5 million. Is there any other gentleman willing to bid?”
The entire auction had been rather uneventful, with everyone tacitly dividing the pie. An unexpected item broke the quiet, and the auctioneer's excited voice became shrill.
Several of the big bidders were hesitant in the face of Li Chang Hai's momentum. The Li family, with its long-standing dominance in Wu City, was not someone to be easily offended.
“How much can we afford now, and what about a month later?” Su Ping Nan asked Zhang Li Hua in a low voice.
“We’ve spent the 2.6 million you used earlier, and the 1.5 million for the construction of the storage center in Ertai Town cannot be touched. We only have 6 million left.”
“What about a month later?”
Su Ping Nan felt it was a bit too little. He wanted this huge pie in front of him. He wasn't afraid of any challenge.
“According to the current transportation volume, we can have 11 million.”
Zhang Li Hua's voice carried a hint of admiration. She watched this man develop step by step to where he was now.
“Good. Raise the sign, 6 million.”
Su Ping Nan’s words carried an undeniable force.