Chapter 14: Instant Wealth
The call came from the big dog, clearly still awake.
Xiao Ran glanced at the phone, then apologized to Eliane and Pierre before stepping aside to answer.
The next moment, the big dog’s excited voice came through.
“Xiao Ran, is that statue of the beautiful goddess Aphrodite still there?”
“Sell that statue to me, buddy. As always, you set the price.”
Hearing this, Xiao Ran immediately smiled.
“Big Dog, did you get an expert appraisal? Have you figured out the origin and value of that statue?”
“Bro, I did find an expert. They’re appraising it right now—a specialist from the Louvre.”
He spoke in Mandarin, unconcerned about others nearby.
Eliane didn’t understand Chinese; whether Pierre did was unknown.
The big dog paused briefly, then chuckled helplessly.
“You’re quick, actually getting a Louvre expert to appraise it. Looks like I won’t be getting a bargain.”
He was straightforward, not hiding his intentions.
“Not only did I get a Louvre expert’s appraisal, they gave me an estimated value—and they’re interested in buying the statue.”
“Just as I was considering whether to sell it to the Louvre, your call came through.”
Hearing this, the big dog grew anxious.
“This is a masterpiece by the top sculptor Bourdelle, a rare and priceless work of art.”
“For treasures like this, you’ve got to sell to your own people—never to the Louvre.”
“The French have stolen so much from us; this is a matter of national and personal pride! You can’t forget—we’re getting back at the French this time!”
“Hahaha.”
Xiao Ran laughed outright, then nodded.
“Big Dog, you have a point.”
“How much are you willing to offer for this Aphrodite statue? I’m all ears.”
“To be honest, with the Louvre expert’s estimate, I’m worried you can’t afford it.”
Before he finished, the big dog exploded.
“You dare underestimate me? You clearly don’t know my true strength!”
“Let me put it this way: no matter what the French offer, I’ll pay 20% more.”
Xiao Ran was surprised and intrigued.
“Big Dog, you really are the big dog!”
“With your wealth, why do you even need a middleman? What can’t you buy? Why come to my livestream?”
The big dog laughed proudly.
“I’m just here for the fun, playing around. Mainly because you’re interesting and genuine.”
“Alright then! Just for that, I’ll keep this Aphrodite statue for you. Can’t let the French get it cheap.”
Xiao Ran smiled and made his decision.
After a few more words, he hung up and resumed the video call with Pierre.
He didn’t directly tell Pierre he wouldn’t sell the statue to the Louvre, only that he needed to think it over.
Pierre accepted this.
He said he would inform the Louvre officials the next day, request funds, and discuss purchasing the statue.
Xiao Ran didn’t stop him to avoid raising suspicion.
***
Then, he shifted the topic.
“Pierre, thank you so much for helping appraise the Aphrodite statue.”
“How do you want the appraisal fee? Should I transfer it to you directly or to Eliane?”
Pierre shook his head.
“No need for a fee, Sean. You’re Eliane’s friend; this little favor is nothing.”
“To see and appraise a top-tier artwork lost for a hundred years so promptly is reward enough.”
Seeing Pierre refuse payment, Xiao Ran didn’t make a fuss.
Eliane lived next door; there would be plenty of chances to repay the kindness.
Afterward, Pierre admired the Aphrodite statue a while longer before ending the video call.
No sooner had the call ended than Eliane excitedly threw her arms around Xiao Ran.
“Congratulations, Sean! In no time, you’ve become a millionaire—unbelievable!”
“To be honest, you’re the luckiest person I’ve ever met. I’m so envious!”
Xiao Ran felt as if in a dream.
This was too beautiful to be true!
But the curvaceous, sensual figure in his arms told him otherwise.
Everything was real—more real than gold.
As he was about to say something, Eliane blushed and pushed him away.
“Sean, you’re such a jerk!”
Xiao Ran smiled awkwardly, a bit embarrassed.
“Sorry, Eliane. I can’t help it. Who told you to be so beautiful and sexy?”
“If I didn’t react, I wouldn’t be a man.”
Eliane looked helpless, her face flushed.
They then admired the Aphrodite statue together and discussed it.
Thanks to Eliane’s introduction, Xiao Ran learned something about the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite and Bourdelle’s sculptural art.
After five or six minutes, he packed the statue away and left Eliane’s apartment.
Before leaving, he reminded her repeatedly to keep it secret and invited her to dinner another day as thanks.
Eliane, understanding the statue’s value and the importance of discretion, agreed readily.
Back at his own apartment, Xiao Ran immediately video-called the big dog to discuss the deal.
The big dog appeared on screen, exhausted but with eyes shining brightly.
He looked like he had been injected with adrenaline—too excited to sleep even if told to.
Right at the start of the call, Xiao Ran got straight to the point.
“Big Dog, which expert did you get for the appraisal? What’s the estimated value of this Bourdelle Aphrodite statue?”
“Bro, I found a French antiques and art appraisal expert from the Louvre’s sculpture department.”
“He’s certain this is the beloved Aphrodite statue by the master sculptor Bourdelle, valued around ten million dollars.”
“Plus taxes and fees, my offer is fourteen million. Can you accept that?”
Before Xiao Ran finished, the big dog immediately agreed.
“No problem, Xiao Ran. I accept. Deal!”
***
“That’ll save a lot in auction fees. Looks like I’m making a good profit.”
“Most importantly, owning a top-tier artwork like this instantly boosts my prestige through the roof!”
Seeing the big dog so straightforward, Xiao Ran nodded enthusiastically.
“Alright! Deal, Big Dog.”
“But you’ve got to figure out how to get this thing out of there and back home—fast.”
“To be honest, having such a million-dollar masterpiece around makes me nervous—I can’t sleep well.”
“Hahaha, look at you being so cautious.”
The big dog laughed heartily, then added:
“My sister and brother-in-law run our LA branch.”
“Tomorrow morning, my sister will come to UCLA to meet you. The deal will be face-to-face—cash and goods exchanged.”
“The rest of the items will be handed over to my sister. That’ll put your mind at ease.”
“That sounds perfect—I’m ready to get rich!”
Xiao Ran excitedly waved his fist but didn’t dare shout.
They then discussed some transaction details and chatted casually.
Only then did Xiao Ran learn the full story.
After receiving detailed pictures and videos of the Aphrodite statue, the big dog immediately contacted auction experts for appraisal.
Because of the big dog’s influential family, the experts consulted foreign authoritative appraisers.
The result was no surprise.
The foreign expert’s conclusion matched Pierre’s exactly.
Moreover, this expert’s valuation was even higher—up to twelve million dollars.
They repeatedly inquired about the statue’s whereabouts and who held it, offering to broker the sale for an even higher price.
Fortunately, the big dog was cautious and did not reveal any information about Xiao Ran.
Hearing this, Xiao Ran suddenly felt deeply regretful.
“Damn! I’m not ruthless or cunning enough. I’ve lost big!”
The big dog laughed proudly.
“We’re men of our word; can’t go back on a deal and profit unfairly!”
“Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of guy. I’ll take the loss.”
“Anyway, it was all free—why complain?”
Xiao Ran grumbled good-naturedly.
After a few more words, they ended the video call.
Without hesitation, Xiao Ran packed the Aphrodite statue into his backpack, grabbed the two antique Louis Vuitton suitcases, and left the apartment.
For his own safety, he didn’t plan to return until he had dealt with these items.
He then drove onto the university campus, parked in front of the main administration building, and wheeled the two suitcases to meet a friend.
Upon meeting him, Xiao Ran handed over three hundred dollars and rented the friend’s apartment for the night.
His excuse was that a broken fire sprinkler had soaked his own apartment, making it unlivable.
At the same time, he switched off his phone to avoid being tracked down by certain people.