"Since our distinguished guests don't seem too interested in this Celestial Nymphaea, let's start the bidding at 750 thousand dollars," Elsie announced with feigned disappointment.

Her alluring glance across the VIP suites stirred even the initially uninterested buyers into participating.

"780 thousand dollars—consider it a favor for you, Ms. Santana!" someone called out.

"825 thousand dollars—we must support Ms. Santana, after all!"

…

The bidding quickly heated up, reaching 900 thous