Chapter 8 Bidding War Against The Rich

• The principal's voice came through the classroom speakers and caught Ferdinand's attention as he sat at his desk. "Good afternoon, students. I'm excited to tell you about our annual charity event coming up next week," the principal's voice filled the room. "This event is a tradition at our university, where students and teachers come together every year to support a great cause. See you there."
• The charity event happened every year, and it featured items that were put up for auction. People placed bids on these items, and the highest bidder got to buy them. It was a big deal, especially for the rich students who liked to show off their money by bidding high prices to impress others. At the same time, the university used the event to raise money for people in need in the community.
• Ferdinand had never been to the charity event before because he didn't think it was worth it, he couldn't afford to bid on anything which he couldn't buy. But this time, he was thinking differently because everything had changed for him. Maybe it was time for him to see the event for himself.
• After the announcement, as the class dispersed, Ferdinand made his way back to his dorm room, thinking about the decision. Just as he sat down, Tom, Frank, and Josh, stepped into the room, their energy infectious.
• "Hey, Ferdinand, did you hear about the charity event? We should totally go this year, it's going to be epic!" Tom exclaimed, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
• Frank chimed in, "Yeah, it's always a fun time, and who knows, maybe we'll find some cool stuff to buy!"
• Josh nodded in agreement, "And hey, if money is an issue, we'll cover you. We got your back, man!"
• Ferdinand chuckled at their enthusiasm but shook his head, "Thanks guys, but I've already made up my mind to go. You don't have to convince me further."
• Tom raised an eyebrow, "Really? That's a change of heart. I thought you weren't into these things."
• Ferdinand smiled, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Yeah, well, things change, and I think it'll be a good experience this time around."
• With that, the quartet quickly made their plans on what to wear, what to look for, and how to make the most of the charity event.
• As the days passed and the charity event drew nearer, Ferdinand found himself getting more and more excited. The prospect of exploring the different items on display, knowing that the funds raised would be going to those in need, filled him with a sense of purpose and anticipation. But what worried him most was how he was to spend money on any item without looking suspicious.
• …
• The day of the university charity event at Berkeley University had finally arrived. Ferdinand, Tom, Josh, and Frank were all excited for the event and headed to the large hall where the event was being held. As they entered, they were greeted by a bustling crowd of thousands of people, including students, teachers, and visitors, all gathered for a good cause.
• Ferdinand, Tom, Josh, and Frank searched for seats and managed to find a spot in the third row in front, giving them a good view of the stage where the auction was about to take place. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the announcer took the mic and addressed the crowd, kicking off the charity auction.
• "Hello ladies and gentlemen, it is another time of the year where we gather here to raise needy funds at the greatest charity event!"
• The auction started with items ranging from the lowest to the most valuable, and the bidding war quickly got underway. Ferdinand was particularly impressed by the energy and enthusiasm in the room. He realized that he had really been missing out on a lot was enjoying every moment of the bidding war.
• Everything was going on smoothly until Damien and Serah, the new campus famous couple, entered the hall and took a seat in the same row as Ferdinand and his friends. Damien noticed Ferdinand and couldn't resist making a snide comment, a "This is interesting, a poor rat and his poor rat friends at a charity event for the needy? Are you here to donate or to collect? Because I am very sure you need all the help this event can offer." However, Ferdinand brushed off the insult and chose to ignore Damien's taunts.
• As the auction progressed, one of the items, a unique Chinese flower pot, caught everyone's attention. Bidding was fierce, but Damien ultimately won the item with a bid of $7000, significantly outbidding the other participants. He couldn't resist looking at Ferdinand with a smug expression, clearly trying to show off his wealth.
• Ferdinand glanced at Serah, who seemed uninterested in the whole interaction. He couldn't help but wonder how she would react if she knew he was now wealthier than Damien, especially since she had left him when he was struggling financially. Pushing aside these thoughts, Ferdinand focused on the auction as a stunning necklace was presented.
• The announcer declared that the bidding for the necklace would start at $500,000, a staggering amount that immediately caught everyone's attention. As bids started pouring in from the crowd, Damien shocked everyone by placing a bid of $5,000,000, five times the previous bid. The necklace was sold to him.
• " What are you doing Damien? That necklace is not that expensive." Serah questioned Damien.
• Damien simply chuckled and replied, " I bought this necklace for you because you are priceless to me. And since when did you start worrying about my spending? Remember you are dating the son of a multi billionaire."
• As the auction continued, Damien kept bidding exorbitant prices on every item that came up, seemingly trying to flaunt his wealth at every opportunity. The crowd in the hall grew increasingly frustrated and annoyed by his ostentatious display of money.
• Tom leaned over to Ferdinand, shaking his head in disbelief. "Can you believe this guy? He's just throwing money around like it's nothing."
• Ferdinand nodded, a wry smile on his face. "It's all for show, Tom. Some people just like to show off their wealth, even if it means overshadowing the purpose of the event."
• Josh chimed in, "I feel bad for the organizers. They put so much effort into this charity auction, and now it's turning into a spectacle because of one person's need for attention."
• Tom added, " and I was hoping to get a necklace for my grandma on her birthday, but now it will be impossible with Damien here."
• When Ferdinand heard this, an idea came to his head.