Chapter Three: Eight Hundred Sixty Thousand Steals Thirty Million

“I cannot promise to make everyone rich,” she said. “I can promise that from today onward, anyone who wants to sell what you created must first ask your price.” At 9:57, consenting interests reached 66.4 percent. Not enough. Zhao smiled from the doorway. “Three minutes, Miss Shen. The speeches you learned for your coming-of-age gala cannot save a company.” An old van raced through the gates. A seventy-year-old retired engineer climbed out, holding up his phone. “I consent! My wife's compensation and mine—four hundred thirty thousand!” At 9:59 and thirty seconds, consent reached 67.1 percent. Jiming pressed Submit. At exactly ten, a red notice appeared on the bidding platform: VALID PRIOR REPURCHASE RIGHT; AUCTION SUSPENDED.