Chapter 11: A New Discovery

Xiao Ran and Elaine were both studying abroad at UCLA, yet their majors were entirely different. Elaine was pursuing drama writing, aspiring to become a top playwright, while Xiao Ran was studying economics.

Their acquaintance was merely because they were neighbors, living next door to each other.

As they spoke, they reached the third floor, standing in front of Elaine’s apartment door.

“I need a good shower to wash away all this bad luck,” Elaine said.

“Alright then, Sean, see you later,” Xiao Ran replied.

With that, Elaine gave Xiao Ran a hug.

“See you, Elaine. I hope you write a perfect script soon,” Xiao Ran said with a smile.

After exchanging farewells, they each returned to their own homes.

Meanwhile, the livestream chat was buzzing with howls.

“Come on, Xiao Ran, be honest—what’s your relationship with this French rose?”

“Such a beautiful woman—Xiao Ran, what are you waiting for?”

The women in the chat scoffed at these remarks.

Xiao Ran didn’t respond, instead focusing on unlocking his door.

Once inside the apartment, he grumbled, “You’re right, Elaine really is French, from Paris, studying drama at UCLA.”

He pushed his suitcase into the living room.

It was a single-person apartment, modest in size but fully equipped with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom—everything needed for basic living.

Xiao Ran had lived here for two years. Aside from tuition and living expenses, much of his earnings from purchasing goods on behalf of others had gone into this apartment.

The room was relatively tidy—no dirty shoes or socks strewn about, no leftover takeout—though that was about it.

Though involved in purchasing goods, Xiao Ran had little interest in luxury items; none were visible in the room.

After putting down two vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, he stepped out to fetch his suitcase from downstairs.

Throughout, he chatted casually with the people in the livestream.

“Being neighbors gives you the advantage! Xiao Ran, since this French beauty lives next door, why haven’t you made a move?”

“Dude can’t handle Western food. More importantly, French women are naturally passionate and romantic; I’m afraid I can’t handle that!”

At that moment, a cat hiding by the wall piped up, “Passionate? That’s putting it mildly!”

Laughter erupted in the chat—those who understood got the joke.

Before long, Xiao Ran returned to the apartment with his suitcase.

Entering, he quickly opened it and pulled out a USB drive tucked in the pocket of his jeans.

He breathed a sigh of relief the moment he held it—finally, he could graduate smoothly; his study abroad wouldn’t be in vain.

After securing the USB, he didn’t immediately unpack. Instead, he opened his backpack and the two vintage trunks, taking out the items he had just photographed.

He laid everything neatly on the coffee table and removed the high-definition camera pinned to his chest, placing it facing the items.

“All the things I captured today are here—look carefully, nothing missing.”

“Especially this Louis Vuitton saddle bag and the Hermès Birkin—discuss among yourselves who will buy which, just let me know once you’ve decided.”

“As for prices, let’s go by the secondhand market rates—I can offer a 10% discount!”

“For those who can’t get their hands on them this time, don’t worry; there will be more opportunities.”

“I’ll keep attending these auctions, so there should be chances to find these sorts of items again. Maybe even better ones!”

“One more thing—think about how to bring these back to China, ideally all at once.”

“I’m going to wash up now. Hopefully, you’ll have made some decisions by then!”

With that, he removed his Bluetooth headset, mask, and sunglasses, heading to the bathroom.

His words instantly stirred excitement in the livestream.

The ladies who had their eyes on the Louis Vuitton saddle bag and Hermès Birkin immediately started chattering, each eager to claim one.

In the bathroom, Xiao Ran didn’t wash up immediately but leaned close to the mirror to examine his eyes carefully.

This sudden ability of X-ray vision made him somewhat uneasy.

Had some mutation occurred? Like an alien parasite or some invasive species taking over?

But his eyes showed no change—still dark, bright, clear, sharp, and gleaming with intelligence.

In the mirror, he saw no abnormalities in his eyes, face, or body.

Yet in the next moment, his gaze suddenly penetrated the mirror, then through the wall behind it, directly into the neighboring apartment.

His X-ray ability had spontaneously activated after prolonged focus.

Next door was also a bathroom, where Elaine was removing her makeup.

“Ah!”

Startled by this sudden event, Xiao Ran let out a quiet exclamation but was quick to cover his mouth.

“Phew!”

After a moment, Xiao Ran sighed softly and ended the X-ray vision.

He then focused intently on the bathroom wall, testing further.

In the next instant, he saw straight through the wall, the street and buildings beyond appearing crystal clear.

People and cars moved about busily.

From this vantage point, looking down at the street, he felt a bit like he was overlooking all life below.

This was the legendary god’s-eye view—amazing!

Excited, Xiao Ran lightly clenched his fist and whispered in delight.

But suddenly, his eyes began to ache.

Immediately, the street scene vanished.

Only the bathroom interior remained visible.

“What’s happening?” he murmured in surprise.

Rubbing his sore eyes, he tried again to focus on the wall.

He stared for a full one or two minutes but could no longer see through it.

Shifting his gaze to the mirror on the wall, he tested once more.

All he saw were two tears dripping down from his aching eyes—Elaine was nowhere in sight.

“Has the X-ray ability disappeared? Is this some kind of joke?” Xiao Ran thought, feeling disappointed.

It had come so suddenly and left just as quietly—like being given a vault key, allowed a look at heaps of gold and jewels inside, then having the vault closed and the key taken away.

Xiao Ran stood there stunned for a moment, then shook his head in frustration.

Helpless, he had to accept this reality.

Though the X-ray ability lasted only briefly, he had gained something after all—he was still ahead.

With that thought, Xiao Ran felt at ease.

He then proceeded to wash up, sanitizing with alcohol and so forth.

Having finished, he left the bathroom and returned to the living room.