In preparation for this traditional Chinese medicine auction, Cheng Yin had specifically procured a rare treasure, aiming to win the top spot in one fell swoop and lay the groundwork for his future entry into the herbal medicine industry.

He had tried every means to prevent Wang Hao from attending the auction for this very reason, but he never expected that in the end, he would be the one kicked out of the game—how could he accept this willingly?

"Since you won’t let me participate in this auction, I, Cheng Yin, will certainly not make it easy for you either!"

Cheng Yin was so furious that his face turned crimson, as if he was about to lose his sanity.

"Is that so?"

Tan Haipin, who had been silent until now, suddenly stood up, glaring coldly at Cheng Yin.

"No matter where the Dikui Star is auctioned today, I, this old man, am determined to win it! But if anyone dares to interfere with the smooth progress of the Dikui Star’s auction, then don’t blame me, Tan, for turning my face and not recognizing anyone!"

Tan Haipin’s words silenced everyone present.

Cheng Yin could only stand aside, his face alternating between shades of anger.

Even if Cheng Yin had a very strong backing and impressive connections, he could not act tough in front of Old Master Tan Haipin.

Since the army’s accounts were in the hands of national leaders, just one word from Old Master Tan against Cheng Yin, and ten Cheng Yins wouldn’t be enough to counteract his elimination.

"Old Master Tan, what do you mean by that?"

Cheng Yin asked through gritted teeth.

"You’re still asking me what I mean?"

Tan Haipin said with a cold smirk.

"The dirty deeds you’ve done yourself, do you have the nerve to stand here and ask me what I mean? Should I discuss today’s matters in front of your elder brother and uncle, so they can come and reason things out?"

Cheng Yin was suddenly lost for words, his face turning ashen.

It’s nicely put as ’reasoning things out’, but given Tan Haipin’s special status and his close relationship with the national leaders, even the uncles in the army would not dare to protect Cheng Yin in front of Tan Haipin.

So, when Tan Haipin uttered these words, it wasn’t a reminder, it was a blatant threat.

"Cheng Yin, you wanted to make a scene, didn’t you? Why can’t you carry on now?"

Wang Hao gloated, taunting Cheng Yin.

"Today I plan to bid on the Dikui Star at Song Jianjun’s auction, if you dare, go and make a fuss about it!"

"You... Wang Hao, I will..."

Cheng Yin was so angry that his gums were about to bleed, but he had no response to Wang Hao’s provocation.

"What’s the matter? Angered so easily?"

Despite the situation, Wang Hao had no plans to let Cheng Yin off and, wrapping his arm around Chen Hongying, he said to Cheng Yin,

"I didn’t want to drive you to a dead end, but you openly insulted Wang Hao’s woman, and that is something I cannot tolerate. So, your downfall today is entirely of your making!"

Chen Hongying felt a surge of happiness inside as she saw Cheng Yin, who had insulted her so viciously, receiving his just deserts. But when she heard what Wang Hao said, she was startled.

Wang Hao considered her his woman—could it be that everything he did today was to avenge her?

Upon reflection, Wang Hao originally had no intention of crushing Cheng Yin completely, since his goal had already been achieved.

Now, relying on the Dikui Star and Old Master Tan Haipin’s behavior, Wang Hao had already captured the attention of everyone present.

From now on, no one in Zao City’s traditional Chinese medicine trade could decently claim they didn’t know the name Wang Hao.

Despite his intentions, Wang Hao still insistently kicked Cheng Yin out of the traditional Chinese medicine auction and even exposed his ugly true colors in front of everyone.

All of this was because Cheng Yin had once publicly humiliated Chen Hongying.

"Why does he treat me so well?"

Chen Hongying thought to herself. She felt she was already old, with a child over ten, while Wang Hao was in the prime of his youth, surrounded by beautiful young girls everywhere.

Why would he go to such lengths for a woman like her?

In the midst of these thoughts, Chen Hongying was deeply moved, her gaze inadvertently resting on Wang Hao’s profile.

"Wang Hao, I will remember your kindness to me. I swear I will repay you double in the future!"

While Chen Hongying was lost in her thoughts, Cheng Yin threw down a harsh sentence and left in a disheveled state.

This time Cheng Yin had been thoroughly defeated, which dealt a heavy blow to his confidence, even leading him to doubt himself.

Thinking about how he had made a name for himself in the complex environment of the capital, why couldn’t he handle even Wang Hao now that he was back in Zao City?

He was very dissatisfied in his heart, unable to accept such an outcome, and his hatred for Wang Hao grew substantially.

On the other hand, Wang Hao was aware that Cheng Yin would definitely not let the matter rest, but because of this incident, Wang Hao’s reputation had already spread among the traditional Chinese medicine merchants in Zao City.

Cheng Yin still dreamed of crushing Wang Hao under his feet one day, but now it wasn’t as simple as it had been before.

"Brother Hao, since you already announced in front of everyone just now that you will put the Di Kui star up for auction at our place, does that mean now..."

After Cheng Yin left, Song Jianjun quickly came up to Wang Hao with an air of satisfaction, nodding towards Liu Dazhuang on the stage before stopping mid-sentence.

"Brother Wang Hao, are you really planning to screw me over like this?"

Liu Dazhuang also became nervous. If the Di Kui star were taken away by Wang Hao, then all his efforts would have been in vain.

At that moment, Wang Hao also felt extremely distressed. He had already promised Song Jianjun, and in front of so many people at that; it seemed wrong to not go through with it.

But Liu Dazhuang had helped him too, and only Liu Dazhuang knew about the news of that mysterious elder, so Wang Hao naturally could not betray him. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"How about this!"

After some deliberation, Wang Hao pointed to the box containing the Di Kui star and said to Liu Dazhuang.

"Brother Liu, I’m going to give you this Di Kui star!"

"What?!"

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this. The Di Kui star was a treasure worth its weight in gold, something even the old Master Tan Haipin had gone to great lengths to obtain; it wasn’t just an ordinary "red carrot".

Wang Hao unexpectedly agreed to give it away generously, and though they had seen rich tycoons before, it was the first time they had seen someone as lavish as Wang Hao.

Even Liu Dazhuang was dumbstruck, unable to react for a moment, wondering what Wang Hao was thinking—whether he wasn’t afraid to literally frighten him to death.

Tan Haipin also frowned secretly at that moment, as Wang Hao’s action had completely taken him by surprise.

"You don’t have to be so surprised! You’ve helped me so much already, I have nothing decent to repay you with, and besides, this Di Kui star was originally bought from your stand."

Wang Hao deliberately made this public to draw everyone’s attention.

Indeed, as soon as he spoke, all those around were drawn to his words, raising a buzz of discussion. They talked about visiting the stall more often in the future, perhaps they might stumble upon a rare treasure.

But what they valued even more was that Wang Hao was highly principled and knew how to return a favor. The traditional Chinese medicine merchants felt that someone like Wang Hao was trustworthy and they were all keen to make his acquaintance.