Chapter 16: Ascending to a Multi-Millionaire

Morning, approaching eleven o’clock.

Xiao Ran, carrying a backpack and holding two vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases, entered the café opposite the main office building with a middle-aged white man.

This white man was the lawyer Xiao Ran had hired for three thousand dollars; his firm was located near UCLA.

Xiao Ran had asked this lawyer to draft an antique art transaction contract and sign a confidentiality agreement, preparing for the imminent deal.

Since it was nearing noon, the café was bustling with customers having coffee and meals, mostly UCLA professors and students.

This was precisely why Xiao Ran chose this place for the transaction—to ensure his safety and to have more witnesses for this substantial art deal.

Shortly after sitting down, Xiao Ran’s phone rang; it was from Gou Dahuo.

The call connected, and the man immediately said, “Xiao Ran, are you in the café? My sister and the others have arrived; they’re just outside the door.”

“There are five of them in total, including a lawyer and an antique art appraisal expert.”

Xiao Ran glanced toward the café entrance and immediately spotted five people standing by the roadside, three of whom were Chinese.

Among them was a woman around thirty, who was Gou Dahuo’s sister.

Gou Dahuo had sent photos earlier, so Xiao Ran recognized her at once.

“I see them. Let them come in. I’m at a booth by the window on the north side.”

“I’ve reserved two booths here, so everyone can sit.”

“Got it! I’ll tell them right away.”

Gou Dahuo acknowledged and hung up.

Moments later, the five entered the café.

Xiao Ran stood and waved to signal them.

At the same time, they noticed him and approached.

When they reached him, Xiao Ran politely introduced himself.

“Good afternoon, Sister Chen. I’m Xiao Ran, from the capital city. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Hello, Xiao Ran. Didn’t expect you to be so handsome and studying at UCLA—much better than my useless younger brother!” Sister Chen joked, shaking his hand.

“I’m just here to earn a diploma. When I return home, I might even work for Brother Chen.”

“With your luck, why would you need to work for anyone!” she replied.

After some casual chatting, Xiao Ran introduced their respective lawyers and others before they all settled into the two reserved booths.

Next, Xiao Ran asked about their drink preferences and ordered coffee for each.

Then, everyone got down to business.

“Xiao Ran, bring out that Venus statue. Let’s have a good look,” Sister Chen said.

“If that’s truly the beloved piece by the famous sculptor Budel, we’ll complete the deal immediately—cash and goods exchanged!”

“My young master rarely does anything right, so I’m really looking forward to this top-tier artwork!” she added smiling, her eyes shining.

“No problem, Sister Chen. I’ll bring it out right now.”

“The authenticity of this Venus statue is beyond doubt; I had Professor Pierre from the Louvre’s Sculpture Department examine it.”

Xiao Ran nodded in agreement.

He retrieved the Venus statue carefully from his backpack and placed it on the table.

The moment the statue appeared, a chorus of astonished exclamations filled the room.

Everyone, including Sister Chen, couldn’t help but admire it, their eyes sparkling with delight.

The antique appraisal expert Sister Chen had brought quickly gave his verdict.

“Indeed! This is the very Venus statue favored by master sculptor Budel, identical down to the smallest detail to the images in the historical records!”

“More importantly, the marble used is the finest ancient Greek Parian marble—impossible to counterfeit!”

Before he finished, the expert leaned in, captivated by the statue.

Sister Chen’s face also radiated ecstasy, her gaze fixed on the masterpiece, unwilling to look away for a moment.

Other patrons in the café were drawn by the commotion and turned to look.

At the sight of the Venus statue, they were equally stunned.

Some even rose and moved closer to admire it.

Soon, appreciative murmurs and exclamations filled the air.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ran sipped his coffee leisurely, already anticipating counting the money.

Within twenty minutes, the antique artwork transaction, valued at over fourteen million dollars, was successfully completed.

Sister Chen left the café contentedly with the Venus statue and the two vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases.

Close behind, Xiao Ran and his lawyer also exited.

At this moment, Xiao Ran’s bank account had grown by more than fourteen million dollars, marking him as a genuine millionaire.

Beside him, the white lawyer’s face showed deep regret.

He was inwardly lamenting asking for too little in legal fees earlier.

After watching Sister Chen and her group depart by car, Xiao Ran turned to his lawyer.

“David, thank you for your help. You are a very professional lawyer.”

“Please keep this transaction confidential.”

David nodded immediately.

“You’re welcome, Sean. You pay me to provide the most professional legal service.”

“As for confidentiality, don’t worry—I have professional ethics.”

Xiao Ran nodded and continued.

“I’ll be attending various auctions in the future, so we’ll certainly cooperate again.”

“Looking forward to a pleasant, mutually beneficial partnership!”

With that, Xiao Ran shook David’s hand.

David’s face lit up.

“Couldn’t be better. Pleasure working with you, Sean, and best of luck always!”

After some casual conversation, Xiao Ran inquired about purchasing firearms for self-defense.

Since he had already passed the hunting license test, David assured him.

According to California law, he could buy a gun for self-defense after obtaining a firearm permit.

David volunteered to help him secure the permit for a small commission.

Such an offer was naturally accepted by Xiao Ran.

After sealing the deal with a handshake, David drove back to his firm.

Xiao Ran turned toward a nearby restaurant, ready for lunch.

...

In the afternoon, humming a tune, Xiao Ran returned to his apartment.

Passing by Elaine’s door, he knocked, intending to explain, but she wasn’t home.

So he gave up.

Back in his apartment, he immediately took out his phone and sent several messages to Gou Dahuo and Sister Min.

He informed them that the Venus statue and the two vintage suitcases had been handed over to Gou Dahuo’s sister and that they should await delivery.

In no time, Sister Min and the others replied, urging Xiao Ran to start a livestream immediately.

Reluctantly, Xiao Ran began the livestream to interact with them.

As soon as he appeared, dozens of fans flooded in, including Gou Dahuo and Sister Min.

It seemed these night owls didn’t sleep, always waiting for Xiao Ran’s streams.

Just as Xiao Ran prepared to greet everyone, the chat exploded.

“Xiao Ran, I heard you sold that Venus statue to Gou Dahuo for over fourteen million dollars—is it true?”

A regular lurker suddenly surfaced.

Then came a volley of comments.

“Bro just found out the statue’s background, and you guys already closed the deal at such a high price. No chance for the rest of us!”

“Over fourteen million dollars—that’s a fortune! Brother Ran, I volunteer as pillow!”

A beautiful woman named Yan Ran chimed in.

Listening to the flood of questions, Xiao Ran nodded proudly.

“Yes, I did sell the Venus statue to Gou Dahuo for over fourteen million dollars.”

“What surprised me most is that this guy really is a big spender—his strength is shocking!”

“From now on, I’m officially a millionaire in US dollars!”

“To the ladies asking for sponsorship, quickly send me your no-makeup selfies and measurements. Sponsorship isn’t out of the question, but it depends on your looks!”

Before he finished, the chat erupted with laughter and jeers.

“Dream on, you big pervert!”

“Yeah, flashing a bit of money like you own the world, don’t even know your own name!”

Several women scolded him, while many others expressed envy.

This was true overnight wealth! Who wouldn’t envy that?