Most civilizations were rational, after all.
The diplomats and scholars who could operate in the Trade Market were all the sharpest minds in their civilizations, accountable to their civilizations for every move they made.
Their emotions were not so easily stirred, and they had extremely rigorous systems for assessing value.
This was fundamentally different from the masses of retail suckers in Earth's financial markets, who bought funds and stocks on impulse.
Thus, although the price of The Starry Night Shells kept rising, it remained within a reasonable range.
In other words, the bubble was small. The Starry Night Shells really were worth 180!
"But no matter how rational you are, you can't resist genuine price discovery! This is an open stratagem!" Jia Huangjin took several fierce breaths and slammed his hand fiercely on the table. "The atmosphere still needs a little something. Just one tiny spark."
"How much higher can it go? Boss Jia, give us an exact figure. Let me broaden my horizons!" Stone Mama was equally feverish. Compared to the price of 120, it had already risen by 50%. An endless stream of secret pocket money!
"Brother Stone, just watch. This is only the appetizer!"
Jia Huangjin bobbed his head. "It's right to trade sideways for a while first. Shake out the wavering civilizations that want to sell, and the ones left will be those firmly holding their shells and waiting for a rise!"
"Once enough stock has changed hands, these civilizations won't sell easily, reducing resistance to a price increase."
"Then we'll launch our offensive and reveal our trump card."
The price held at the 180 mark for an entire week.
Civilizations convinced that The Starry Night Shells could still soar bought quite a lot at 180.
Those who wanted to sell had mostly finished selling.
This