Rebirth at the Start: This Fate is Too Explosive!

Chapter 196, Lot 1: McLaren P1

Fang Yu explained in more detail: "Strictly speaking, this isn't a formal auction at all. It's more like a highly private platform for information exchange and the transfer of goods, relying on a specific circle. The organizers temporarily gather people, borrow the venue, and then invite professionals to preside over and appraise the items."

He gestured to the young female auctioneer and the elderly man behind her: "Look at that old gentleman, he's Mr. Li, a very famous expert in porcelain and miscellaneous items. These three are all officially seconded from major auction houses, they just don't use official accounts."

He paused, then continued, "The kind of grand, meticulously planned auctions you're familiar with, where the items fetch astronomical prices, are for social elites, top collectors, or specific commercial items. To maintain their high-end image and exclusivity, those kinds of auctions are probably only held once a year. How do auction houses survive on that alone?"

Fang Yu's tone carried a hint of insider insight: "They have access to a large number of client resources and auction item information. These small-scale, highly private underground or semi-underground transactions are an important part of their daily business and maintaining their network. However, in order not to undermine the prestige of public auctions, these transactions are only conducted within our close circle, and information is controlled very strictly."

Fang Yu patted Ye Fan on the shoulder one last time, his tone confident: "So, don't be fooled by the simple setting; everything here is top-notch, and many are rare treasures that can't be found on the market or require 'special treatment' to obtain. This door isn't one that just anyone can open."

Ye Fan nodded thoughtfully.

Fang Yu's explanation enlightened him, giving him a clearer understanding of this clandestine way of transferring wealth.

He thought to himself: It seems that the rules of the real world are far more complex and hidden than those depicted in TV dramas. Many of the underlying operating logics are indeed difficult for ordinary people to access or imagine.

This kind of small circle, built on strong connections and trust, is itself an invisible barrier.

Qin Kun sat up at this moment and waved to the auctioneer: "Let's start right away, stop dawdling."

"Alright, since everyone is ready, we won't delay any longer." The young female auctioneer's smile remained unchanged as she gave a slight bow, her movements elegant and efficient.

She turned to the crowd, her voice clear and pleasant: "Today's first auction item will surely make the hearts of all you speed-loving young masters here race."

She paused briefly, building anticipation, before revealing the answer: "It's the McLaren P1, hailed as one of the three most iconic supercars!"

Her middle-aged assistant behind her deftly lifted a tablet computer, and the screen immediately displayed exquisite pictures of the legendary supercar from different angles, along with a brief vehicle report.

The streamlined, aggressive body, butterfly doors, and carbon fiber material gleaming coldly under the lights instantly caught everyone's attention.

The female auctioneer continued her introduction, her tone filled with professional admiration: "This P1 is in superb condition. Only 375 were ever made worldwide, and this one here has driven less than 100 kilometers from purchase to delivery, making it practically brand new! It has all the original factory documents and a complete list of customized configurations. The consignor reluctantly parted with it for personal reasons, making it a rare and exceptional collector's item."

She glanced around, her gaze lingering a moment longer on Ye Fan and Fang Yu: "The starting price is 12 million, and each bid must be at least 100,000 higher."

She added details to the transaction: "After the successful bid, a specialist will safely deliver the vehicle to your designated location within three days and complete all transfer procedures. Now, the auction begins!"

The living room quieted down, with only the deep hum of the yacht engine in the background.

Ye Fan stroked his chin, his gaze fixed on the silver-gray beast on the screen. The McLaren P1's design aesthetics and ferocious performance truly captivated him.

He subconsciously glanced at Qin Kun, Wang Zhui, and Lin Feng, and found that they were all watching the show with a detached attitude and had no intention of bidding. He guessed that they were giving him face, since it was his first time participating in such an auction.

Ye Fan understood and, without further hesitation, said directly, "Thirteen million."

One million more!

This extravagant gesture made Qin Fei, who was standing next to him, instinctively shrink back.

This price is quite high for a used supercar, even one with very low mileage.

But for truly passionate and well-funded collectors, the meaning is entirely different.

As expected, Fang Yu's lips curled into a smile of smug satisfaction. He raised his hand, his gaze meeting Ye Fan's with a hint of challenge: "Thirteen million five hundred thousand."

After quoting the price, he smiled at Ye Fan and said, "Old Ye, sorry, I've also been eyeing these three legendary vehicles for a long time. Looks like we'll have to have a little sparring match today?"

Ye Fan remained calm and shrugged: "It's all about strength, Lao Fang, please go ahead."

"Good! That's great!" Fang Yu's smile widened. "Let's see who has a deeper love for this mechanical beauty."

Without any hesitation, Ye Fan made another offer, directly pushing the price to a new level: "Fifteen million."

Fang Yu's eyes narrowed, and he immediately followed suit, displaying his determination to win: "Sixteen million!"

Ye Fan seemed to feel no pressure whatsoever. The moment Fang Yu finished speaking, his clear voice rang out again: "Seventeen million."

The price increase remained at one million, and he maintained firm control over the pace.

Fang Yu hesitated for half a second this time.

Seventeen million—this far exceeded his initial expectations.

He took a deep breath, his last tentative attempt and struggle: "Eighteen million!"

At this price, a barely perceptible tension crept into his voice.

However, Ye Fan's response was astonishingly quick, as if 18 million was just a trivial number.

He casually announced a price that instantly silenced the entire room: "Twenty million."

"Hiss..." Several gasps of cold air echoed in the living room.

Even the seasoned female auctioneer's pupils dilated slightly, and her fingers tightened unconsciously around the gavel.

Her gaze swept quickly across the room, her voice rising slightly with excitement: "This gentleman has offered twenty million! A McLaren P1! Twenty million! Is there any other gentleman willing to continue bidding?"

All eyes were focused on Fang Yu.

Fang Yu's expression shifted, finally settling into a bitter laugh tinged with helplessness and relief.

He shrugged and shook his head at Ye Fan: "Old Ye, you win. This car... is yours."

Twenty million was by no means a small amount for him, and reason ultimately prevailed over impulse.