From Past To Present, I Still Love You 100 The Battle Between Two Men

Near the end, each of the families had spent at least three million dollars at the auction. Knowing the social implications of the event, Yoona was quite worried. It may sound entitled, but everyone was expecting the MH CEO to splurge like the others. However, he had 'only' spent a million.

What could he be waiting for?

Finally, the unveil of the last item had come. The grand finale.

"The last and most impressive item for tonight is unlike any other. Worn by the Yi royal family, it is the treasure of the nation. The Binyeo of the Empress. Made with the finest jewels and crafted for a total of thirty-years by Bae Ul-soon, the greatest jewelry-maker of our past, there is nothing like this to exist. The story goes that the Emperor loved the Empress but he could not find a jewel worthy of her love. With the help of Ul-soon, they worked on this oriental hairpin until it was absolutely perfect. It is the best present to give your loved one," Wendy, the auctioneer explained.

She gestured towards the hairpin which was laid in a glass case. "Believing that his heart raged like the waves and to symbolize his vast love, the binyeo is inspired by the waves of the ocean."

Absolutely beautiful.

Yoona almost shed a tear. How much the emperor has loved her to work thirty years on a single piece? It was very inspiring.

Minhyun's gaze changed after the announcement of this product. Through Ji-ho he had already known that the binyeo was going to show up.

He wanted it.

Not just for his 'image', he did not care about that. Even if he didn't bid a single penny in this auction, nothing would change about people's perceptions of him for he was still the CEO of the highest company.

However, the symbolic meaning behind this beautiful binyeo... How could he not give it to his loved one?

Although this type of jewelry was not for everyday wear, Yoona would be able to style it on fancy occasions. It would not only compliment her look, but it would symbolize their love.

On the right side of the room, where the Moon group resided, Jaemin was sitting in his chair fascinated by the piece. The minute the auctioneer explained the history, he immediately thought of Yoona.

He also had to get it for her. To symbolism how great his love was compared to that Chae bastard.

With this as his tool, he would be able to show her how much he truly cared. And Yoona would have to crawl back to him. After all, she was very sensitive when it came to money. Knowing that he spent millions on her, she'd feel to bad, allowing them to speak again.

Father had said that he wasn't allowed to talk to Yoona anymore under the MH CEO's orders but who was he to obstruct their love? Their fate that was blessed by the heavens?

Even if MH was powerful, he was going to make the Moon group higher. Besides, if he had Yoona's heart, Minhyun would not be able to do anything.

A wicked smile appeared on his face. He was ready.

Beside of him, Jaeun's eyes sparkled. Absolutely beautiful. If only a lover could give her something like this, she wouldn't dare to reject their marriage proposal. She could already feel her heart warm up with tingles.

"The starting price is one million dollars. Let the bidding begin!"

The first person jumped up from their seat. "One million and five hundred thousand dollars."

"One million and seven hundred thousand dollars!"

"Two million."

Someone from the high-ground lifted their sign. Although Yoona couldn't see who it could be, from the placement, it was most likely to be the Ki family. "Three million."

The price was increasing by increments of one million, Yoona's heart couldn't help but beat in excitement. This bidding was unlike the other ones; it was war to be the final hero of the night.

"Five million."

The person who surprised the whole crowd by increasing it significantly was no other than Jaemin. He lazily laid in his seat holding the sign up. There was a hint of confidence in his voice as if he knew he was going to be the winner.

A shiver went down Yoona's spine. Why did she have a bad feeling about this?

After all, why out of all the Moon family members was he the one bidding? Could he be getting it for her? It may seem like a far-fetched idea, but after his psychotic episode, her gut was screaming that it could be true.

Minhyun let out a smirk. He played with a strand of Yoona's hair, curling it with his hand.

So Jaemin was going to enter the race too? This made him all the more compelled.

He raised his sign. "Six million."

There was silence. The King had spoken. Would the Moon group treasure be able to retort?

Jaemin grit his teeth. It seemed as though his greatest enemy had the same idea as well. However, just like his love for Yoona, he wasn't going to back down. "Seven million."

"Eight million."

"Nine million."

"Twelve million."

Technically, Minhyun could easily raise the price higher off the bat, but it was fun to build Jaemin's annoyance bit by bit. Everyone knew it was a losing battle for the Moon family, especially after seeing the possible recipient of this item, however, Jaemin did not back down.

"Fifteen million," He announced. His hand tightly gripped the sign, making his nerves pinch in pain.

The price was already making the Moon family sweat. However, they let Jaemin continue for it would raise their face value.

"Twenty million."

"Twenty-five million."

Minhyun didn't waver. "Thirty million."

The participants had seen ten to mid-twenty million in past auctions, however, never had they encountered the thirties. It was getting too high. Goosebumps arose on their skin. Would Moon Jaemin be able to counter?

Jaeun could tell that the other family members were starting to feel anxious. Everyone hoped that Jaemin would give up right at this moment. Thirty million was too much for a bunyeo. They would not be able to afford it.

Besides, the winner would ultimately be Chae Minhyun anyways. Raising the price too high would only ruin their relationship further. They could not let that happen.

She tugged on her brother's sleeve. "Stop. If you pay for this, it's not going to end well..."

"Fuck off." He pushed his sister's head, making her fall onto the ground. At the moment, all logic had swept out of his mind. He needed this piece. It wasn't only due to his love, now it was a simple for which man was the best. And as Moon Jaemin, he could not lose. Never.

"Thirty-two million." The increasing increments of five lessened. He was starting to show that the price was too high.

"Thirty-four million," Minhyun said, playing along with Jaemin's game.

On his side, Yoona was also feeling twisted as well. She didn't expect him to spend this much money on the hairpin. Knowing that he was getting it for her, she felt weird letting him bid higher.

"I think you should slowly stop," she whispered. Instead of Minhyun spending this precious money, she'd rather Jaemin spend it and regret it for the rest of his life. "I-I really don't need this to know your feelings."

Minhyun stayed quiet. He was going to far, even he knew it too. For him to spend this much money was not taking in Yoona's feelings into considering. Although he was fine with the amount, if the receiver did not feel comfortable, he should stop.

However, he could not lose to Jaemin. His competitive nature was showing.

"Thirty-five million," Jaemin said. Slowly, his confidence was fading and he could feel the tension around of him. His family was getting angry.

Many expected to hear Minhyun's voice again, however, the deep timbre could not be heard. Could it be that the MH CEO decided to back up from the deal? Everyone was surprised. Has the Moon group won as today's stars?

Wendy stepped up. "Going once. Going twice. Going-"

"Forty million."

Chapter end