Chapter 1570 Public Auction (1/2)

Expanding on the construction and development of the Chinese village, the two men squatted at the door and went into a lengthy discussion.

After they had been talking about it for some time, Da Mao walked out, disenchanted.

Li Du noticed that he was in a bad mood and asked, ”What's up? If there's anything you need help with, tell us.”

Da Mao forced a smile and said, ”No problem. I got Master Liu to continue to help me with the investigation. Master Liu said that he would be able to do that. There's no need to trouble you, boss.”

Hearing that, Li Du stood up and squeezed Da Mao's shoulder. He did not ask further questions.

Everyone had their own private stories. Everyone had their own concerns. Although Da Mao spoke casually most of the time, he was a smart man. He had a clear judgment of things and Li Du respected his decision.

Besides, Li Du did not have connections and was not familiar with Hpakant. In the matter of the investigation, Zhong Da Pao and Liu Zi, the two local people, had a clear advantage. As for Li Du, it would suffice for him to bring Da Mao to prepare for the public auction.

Every time Myanmar held the jade public auction, it was a grand event. The auction would go on for seven to ten days. The total transaction could go up to a terrifying sum of billions of RMB.

Although the transaction amount was very high, the auction itself was comparatively low budget.

The auction would be held in Hpakant. Li Du had gone over earlier to check it out. The workers were setting up the place and endless amounts of stones were being sent over.

According to the new national land law of Myanmar, jadeite ore was state property. However, first, the country had serious corruption issues, and the collusion between government and business had been severe. Second, the Hpakant areas had been privately contracted for hundreds of years, for various reasons. The trading of mined stones among the people remained a key activity.

Li Du had attended many auctions. Only Sotheby's could compare to the jade public auction in terms of the value of the transactions. He recalled that Sotheby's was much more grand and stylish that this public auction, however.

In comparison, the jade public auction appeared a lot less classy. The management did not even rent a hotel as the location. It was held on a random plot of land, with a large shed made from iron bars and colored steel tiles. Those were effective in blocking the rain but could not shelter the place from the wind.

The shed was surrounded by barbed wire. There were many military people and police officers all around, and they were armed with guns. There were also patrol cars backing them up. The security measures were flawless.

Li Du walked the circumference of a tent and said in surprise, ”We are attending the auction here?”

”That's right,” Zhong Da Pao said as he smoked a cigarette.

Li Du said, ”But what kind of location is this? I feel that this is more similar to a training camp.”

Zhong Da Pao laughed. ”Any place where we can make money is considered a good place. Who cares if it looks like some training camp?”

Li Du could not help but shake his head. The mining department in the Burmese central government and the jade association were too negligent. Such an important auction and they got it done in that fashion!

The people who came to attend the auction did not care much about comfort. They were more concerned about security. After all, everyone had brought in a huge amount of money into Hpakant.

There was not an issue with the security measures at the auction. Li Du and his people only walked one round when a military officer came over with his gun and asked, ”What are you guys doing? Hey, stop there!”

Zhong Da Pao went over and stuffed a pack of cigarettes to him. The officer retained a stern look. Only when he glanced around and noticed that no one was looking, he furtively pocketed it. Then, he frowned and said, ”Master Pao, please don't cause trouble, alright?”

”What trouble could I cause?” Zhong Da Pao rolled his eyes. ”I accompanied my friend here for a look. Tomorrow, we are coming to attend this auction together.”

The military officer laughed. ”You want to attend? Do you have a lot of money to burn?”