Chu Zhongxiong, the Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the person present with the deepest understanding of economics, stared at Qin Siyang's back, his brow furrowed and an unusual gleam in his eyes.
Then he glanced at the Crystal Coin balance in the ministry's account and fell into thought.
Most people, however, were still caught up in Qin Siyang's offer to pay with Crystal Coins.
Even Qian Wendao, who favored Qin Siyang, did not begin the countdown. This was not a decision he could make. Instead, he looked toward Jiang Hao, Kyle Warren, and Zoff Fan in the front row, seeking confirmation that all three approved of trading in Crystal Coins.
Zoff gave a slight nod, the first to offer tacit approval. Kyle studied Qin Siyang thoughtfully, then nodded lightly as well. Both recognized Crystal Coins as a valid currency for settling transactions.
Everyone's gaze shifted to Jiang Hao.
Jiang Hao felt rage blaze from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Deep inside, he roared-
You again! Qin Siyang!
Not only did this little bastard cut off Guo Jiuxiao's bid for an item he was determined to win, he was paying with that newfangled currency, Crystal Coins! This was a vicious scheme that killed two birds with one stone!
If Jiang Hao publicly denied the value of Crystal Coins and rejected Qin Siyang's bid, he would be openly slapping the United Government in the face and challenging the Crystal Coin policy Gu Weiyang had pushed through. The Bright Sun Merchants' Association was already on shaky ground and needed time to recover. It could no longer withstand another powerful blow. Offending the United Government, which held the largest supply of Crystal Coins, would do him no good.
But if he accepted Crystal Coins, he