Chapter Two: He Bought His Own Debt

The original debt was 870,000 yuan. Zhao had inflated it to 1.6 million through penalties, with a reserve price of 620,000. The only scheduled bidder belonged to Obsidian Capital. "Seven hundred thousand," Lin bid. "Eight hundred," said Obsidian's representative. "One million." "One and a half." Lin lowered his paddle. "You can have it." Zhao's grin returned—until two financial-crimes officers entered. The janitor's file contained more than building fraud. It documented forged guarantee signatures used by an Obsidian collection subsidiary, including the guarantee bearing Lin's father's name. The auction was suspended. The asset was frozen.