[Chapter 152: Amazed]
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Yelena miraculously grew taller and looked younger, sparking a huge sensation. Still, this wasn't the full transformation they had hoped to see -- they wanted her changes to be as dramatic as Frank Douglas's.
Even so, Yelena's previous transformation had already won over many skeptics, earning more trust. Eyeing the milky-white pill, Yelena quickly reached out to take it.
"Wait, hold on!" Frank pulled his hand back. "After taking this pill, the changes will be very significant. Ms. Yelena, I recommend you make some arrangements first, so the drastic transformation doesn't disrupt your life or business."
Yelena nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. I'll go take care of it."
She grabbed her bag and started making phone calls.
Frank added, "This transformation will last nearly two hours. Everyone may use the restroom now, but please return promptly and wait patiently."
Some heeded his advice and left for the restroom, while others stayed close, wary that Frank might use the opportunity to switch the pill. They kept Yelena in their sight.
...
After about a dozen minutes, Yelena returned. "Can we begin now?"
"Of course," Frank replied. "But before we start, a quick warning: a large amount of impurities will be expelled from Ms. Yelena's body during the process. These impurities will have a foul odor. I hope everyone is mentally prepared. Let's begin, Ms. Yelena."
Frank slid the Marrow Cleansing Pill toward her. Excitement filled Yelena. She already had great faith in the pill's effects, though she wasn't sure just how intense the changes would be.
Her hand trembled as she reached out. She had never felt this nervous or excited -- not even during billion-dollar business negotiations.
Finally, Yelena picked up the pill and swallowed it.
Everyone immediately fixed their eyes on her.
At first, nothing happened.
Then, a pungent stench began to spread from Yelena like a dark cloud.
"Ugh..."
People covered their noses and backed away. Though Frank had warned them earlier, the actual smell was far worse than anyone expected. The stench was overwhelming.
Yelena herself covered her nose, embarrassed but also curious -- it was clear the smell was coming from her own body. She braced herself for what was to come, thinking the changes ahead would be worth it.
Despite the hall's ventilation system running full blast, the foul odor soon filled the entire auction space.
But amid this unbearable stench, subtle changes started to show.
Her skin grew smoother by the second. Her figure shrank bit by bit. Wrinkles on her face gradually faded away. The dullness that had settled over her skin from age lifted, revealing a fair, youthful radiance.
"This..."
"Oh my god!"
"OMG, what am I seeing?"
"This can't be real!"
Exclamations burst out from the crowd.
For a moment, jaws dropped, and eyes widened as everyone stared in disbelief.
They even ignored the awful smell.
They watched intently as Yelena's transformation intensified.
Their faces showed utter shock.
Had they not seen it with their own eyes, none of them would have believed it.
Even now, it felt unbelievable.
Yelena raised her hands and noticed the changes growing more pronounced on her face. She became even more eager to see the full effect.
Facing the stunned crowd, she said urgently, "Quick, can someone get me a mirror? I want to see!"
Frank, wearing a mask he'd prepared in advance, advised calmly, "Ms. Yelena, I suggest you don't look yet. Save the surprise for the end -- it'll be even more amazing."
She smiled and nodded. "You're right."
...
The stench kept coming.
The changes continued to deepen.
Time ticked by amid the foul odor.
Inside the small auction hall, the crowd's shock only grew.
Finally, after two hours, the transformation ended.
Frank announced, "Time's up. The pill's effect has ended. Ms. Yelena, there's a shower room in the restroom; you may go freshen up. Clean clothes have been prepared for you. Katherine, please set the ventilation to maximum."
Except for Katherine, who went to adjust the vents, no one paid attention to Frank -- they were still lost in shock.
They couldn't believe their eyes.
But Yelena's transformation had unfolded right in front of them, undeniable.
They could only call it a miracle.
About twenty minutes later, Yelena stepped out of the restroom dressed in fresh clothes, radiantly smiling.
Her face glowed with excitement. Her steps were light and composed, full of newfound energy.
"Oh, my god!"
"This has to be magic, it must be!"
"No, this is God's work!"
"Yelena, you look at least twenty years younger."
"I never expected you to be this beautiful when you were younger."
Listening to their admiring comments, Yelena's smile grew even brighter.
"Everyone, I'm not just twenty years younger. I actually feel fitter than when I was 20."
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
Without hesitation, Yelena began dancing ballet right there in public.
She stood on her tiptoes and spun gracefully.
Her movements were fluid and effortless, like a swan in mid-flight.
After a while, she stopped without a hint of exhaustion.
She smiled and said, "This is easier now than it was when I was young."
Frank raised his voice, "Everyone, look--"
"Shut up!" the crowd interrupted him sharply.
"Frank, cut the chatter. We're ready to start. Hurry up."
"Yes, I've waited long enough today. If you don't start now, I swear I'll kick your ass."
Frank chuckled. "Since you're all so eager, let's not waste any more time."
He stepped onto the stage and pulled a crystal bottle from his coat.
Facing the crowd's burning anticipation, he said, "I originally planned to explain the origins of this pill, but it seems unnecessary now. However, for today's auction, I ask everyone to keep things confidential. Please don't spread this information."
"We know, just start already. You're rambling."
"Alright," Frank smiled. "These four elixirs come as a set. Take them in the order I just instructed Ms. Yelena; do not make any mistakes, or accidents could happen. There are a total of 20 sets available. The starting bid for each set is 8 million US dollars. Now, let's begin the auction for the first set!"
*****
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