Because the owner of this voice was none other than the new head of the Ma family, the biggest local power in Jianghai City!
Speaking of this new head, he was quite a legend.
It was said that he was originally just a lowly servant in the Ma family, not even as important as a collateral relative.
But last month, for some unknown reason, he suddenly transformed into the new head of the Ma family.
Coincidentally, that was the day the previous head of the Ma family, Ma Zhenbang, died at his own birthday banquet.
This led to rampant speculation from the outside world, with all sorts of theories circulating.
However, when questioned, guests who attended Ma Zhenbang's birthday banquet unanimously agreed on one version: Ma Zhenbang died of sudden illness, and no one was involved.
As for why the Ma family ultimately chose a servant as their head, the guests claimed ignorance.
Later, another theory emerged, suggesting that this servant was actually Ma Zhenbang's illegitimate son, which was why he had been kept close for so many years.
It was said that before his death, Ma Zhenbang handed over a significant portion of the Ma family's power to his illegitimate son, enabling him to subdue the family with swift and decisive action.
Ma Zhenbang's eldest son, unwilling to accept the illegitimate son, was allegedly killed on the spot by him!
Undoubtedly, this kind of rumor was the most appealing to the general public, and it immediately gained widespread trust and circulation.
At this moment, seeing the protagonist of the rumors, the ruthless individual who would kill his own elder brother at the slightest disagreement, everyone was terrified.
Instantly, everyone subconsciously took a step back, clearing a path.
The new head of the Ma family, Ma Zhiyuan, paid no attention to these people and walked directly towards Ying Chen.
Just as he was about to kneel on one knee to greet Ying Chen, he was stopped by Ying Chen: "No need."
"Thank you, Old Ancestor." Although Ma Zhiyuan did not kneel, he maintained a posture of slight stoop, appearing subservient.
Seeing Ma Zhiyuan's demeanor, a wave of astonishment rose from the crowd again.
They couldn't understand why the new head of the Ma family, rumored to be possessed by a god of slaughter, would actually support such a fraud as Ying Chen!
And why he would be so subservient to a fraud!
"Mr. Ying, next time you visit, please let me know, and I'll have the organizers prepare a VIP channel. That way, some stray dogs barking won't disturb you..."
At this moment, Han Shixi also approached Ying Chen and said with a bow.
His attitude was just as humble, his tone just as subservient!
The onlookers' faces were filled with disbelief.
The head of the Ma family, the eldest son of the Han family, both treated Ying Chen with such deference!
Most importantly, to appease Ying Chen, the head of the Ma family did not hesitate to utter words that would put the lives of those present at risk.
The eldest son of the Han family also did not hesitate to offend the guests present, calling them dogs!
It seemed that these two individuals completely disregarded the fact that many influential figures were among the guests.
It seemed that these two were not concerned about alienating the vast majority of guests and becoming their adversaries.
Their actions needed no further explanation to prove how noble Ying Chen's identity was!
And the doubts everyone had about Ying Chen before now seemed utterly ridiculous!
"Hmm?" Qu Jianping, who had already reached the exit, abruptly stopped upon witnessing this unexpected turn of events.
"Even the Ma family and the Han family are so obsequious? Interesting. It seems you are truly more than meets the eye!"
Qu Jianping murmured to himself.
"Since that's the case, I'll play along until the end! Let's see if you're toying with me, or if you genuinely intend to buy my smile with a thousand pieces of gold!"
"If it's the latter, although we are destined to have no outcome, it doesn't prevent you from becoming the first man I've admired."
Having said that, Qu Jianping turned and returned to her seat.
Liao Yifan, who was secretly observing from the shadows, was both shocked and infuriated by this scene.
He was shocked by Ying Chen's hidden influence!
He was infuriated because, with this development, his carefully laid plans were about to be ruined.
"No, no matter what his background, anyone who dares to disrupt my plans must pay the price!"
"You want to bid for Shi Boqiong? Fine, I'll let you bid! Bid until you're bankrupt!"
Liao Yifan's eyes turned cold as he spoke.
Then, Liao Yifan strode towards Ying Chen.
Upon reaching Ying Chen's side, without a word, he first slapped a security guard.
"Blind fool! Apologize to our distinguished guest immediately!"
The security guard looked at Liao Yifan with a wronged expression, thinking, "Didn't you tell us to do this?"
But seeing Liao Yifan's threatening gaze, the security guard could only lower his head and apologize: "I'm sorry! It's our fault! We apologize to you!"
"Get lost!" Liao Yifan kicked the security guard again, sending him away.
Only then did he turn to Ying Chen with a smile: "My apologies, my apologies. It was my fault for not recognizing your status, leading to this oversight by my subordinates. Well, the auction is about to begin. How about I arrange a front-row VIP seat for you, allowing you to view the items up close?"
Without waiting for Ying Chen's reply, Liao Yifan led the way towards the VIP seats.
"This way, please."
Ying Chen looked at Liao Yifan with a half-smile, as if he saw through him.
However, he did not react and followed Liao Yifan to the VIP seats.
Seeing Ying Chen take his seat, Liao Yifan breathed a sigh of relief.
He then offered a fawning smile and left.
Since the direct approach didn't work, he would resort to a more subtle one!
The reason he apologized to Ying Chen and arranged a VIP seat was to try and overexalt him, leading to his downfall!
As long as Ying Chen fell into his trap, he would have no trouble in bringing him down!
Liao Yifan winked at the auction host, signaling that the auction could begin.
The host, with a look of understanding, walked onto the auction stage and formally announced the commencement of the auction!
According to the auction plan, Shi Boqiong, as the grand finale, would be the last item to be auctioned.
Initially, apart from Shi Boqiong, there were other excellent items up for bid. But for some reason, everyone suddenly lost interest in these items.
Items that could have fetched ten million yuan were eventually sold for less than half the price!
This made Liao Yifan, the young owner of the auction house, grind his teeth.
"It's all because of that scoundrel! He's shifted everyone's excitement to Shi Boqiong!"
"If Shi Boqiong isn't here, everyone will likely be listless!"
"We've already lost nearly eighty million yuan in projected sales. We can't afford to lose any more!"
"Bring out Shi Boqiong!"
Liao Yifan stamped his foot and issued the command.
Upon receiving the message, the host on stage immediately withdrew a snuff bottle that was about to be auctioned and began to build anticipation for Shi Boqiong.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there has been a change in the auction order. The next item to be presented is..."
"The grand finale of this auction – Shi Boqiong!"
Wow!
Instantly, the mood of the entire venue ignited, everyone's spirits soared, and they became excited.
Except for two people.