Chapter 36: The Super-Rich Auction

Today, Xiao Ran is heading to a house auction held in Malibu, right by the ocean.

If Beverly Hills is one of the premier neighborhoods for the ultra-wealthy in Los Angeles, then Malibu is the absolute pinnacle. While Beverly Hills is home primarily to movie stars and sports icons—who often come across as a group of nouveau riche—Malibu is the domain of America’s top-tier elite, many of whom are Jewish financiers. These men, who command the American economy, represent the true upper echelon of society. Compared to them, the two neighborhoods are simply not on the same level.

It is precisely for this reason that Xiao Ran is rushing to attend this auction. At house auctions like this, valuable antiques and works of art occasionally surface, and treasure hunters often strike gold with major finds.

While speeding along, Xiao Ran pulls out a high-definition camera, clips it to his chest, and starts a live stream. No sooner does he go live than hundreds of fans swarm into the stream. The next moment, viewers see the rapidly shifting cityscape of Los Angeles and the endless flow of traffic on their screens.

"Xiao Ran, where are you going? Aren't you driving a bit too fast?"
"Seriously, the scene is changing so fast! It feels like a reckless street racing movie!"

Hearing the comments, Xiao Ran can’t help but laugh. "Guys, I’m heading to Malibu for a house auction. Time is of the essence! Once this auction was announced, it caused a sensation across all of Los Angeles. I expect every professional treasure hunter will be there. We might just land a massive windfall at this sale. Everyone keep your eyes peeled; don't miss this opportunity. If any of you know an appraisal expert, have your screenshots ready to consult them. I need your support!"

The chat room erupts instantly at his words.

"I know Malibu! It’s one of the most famous elite enclaves in the US. Everyone living there is a super-wealthy mogul!"
"Can you explain why you think there’s a big find to be had today? Did you hear something?"

Xiao Ran nods and begins to explain the situation. "This auction is taking place at a sprawling estate in Malibu. The original owner was a Jewish financier. This guy was a shareholder at a famous investment bank and an avid collector who amassed many valuable antiques and art pieces. About two months ago, he suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and passed away, leaving his entire estate to his only son."

"His son works on Wall Street and lives in New York. He has no intention of moving to California, so he’s decided to offload this prime Malibu estate. He split his father’s collection into three parts: the items with confirmed high value were all entrusted to auction houses; a few pieces he personally favored were taken to New York for his own collection."

"The remaining items, those of uncertain origin or value, along with all the furnishings and miscellaneous belongings, are being sold off via this house auction. Among these items, there’s a high probability of finding something truly special—that’s why this sale has caused such a stir."

Unsurprisingly, the live stream fills with gasps and a flurry of comments.

"Damn! Isn't this the classic tale of a prodigal son? Selling off his father's heritage without a second thought—what an incredible opportunity!"
"A house auction belonging to a Jewish super-tycoon must have plenty of treasures. No wonder you’re risking a ticket, driving like a maniac on the streets of LA!"
"We have a deal, Xiao Ran—if you find any real gems, you better not keep them to yourself!"

Xiao Ran smiles and nods. "Don't worry, if I find a major score, I won't forget you all! Unlike warehouse auctions, this one accepts credit cards. I’m going all in this time!"

Hearing this, the wealthy second-generation fans in the chat get even more fired up.

"Awesome! Xiao Ran, just say the word if you need more cash, and I'll transfer it immediately!"
"Exactly! Just swipe that card; we've got your back!"

Though they say this, Xiao Ran knows better than to take it too seriously. About forty minutes later, he arrives at the mansion. Located in the western part of Los Angeles, the property is backed by the lush Santa Monica Mountains and faces the endless Pacific Ocean, boasting the most beautiful beach in California. However, Xiao Ran has no time to admire the scenery.

As he reaches the entrance, he sees that the courtyard is packed with one or two hundred cars, occupying every parking spot and driveway. From a distance, the area around the main entrance is teeming with people. The scene makes Xiao Ran feel energized, and the viewers in his live stream are howling with excitement, clamoring for him to find a treasure and "fleece" the tycoon’s estate.

After identifying himself to the security guards, Xiao Ran drives into the courtyard. After circling for a while, he manages to squeeze his car into a tight spot. Just as he steps out, Elaine emerges from the mansion to greet him.

To assist with this high-stakes auction, Xiao Ran had called Elaine to help, promising her a two-thousand-dollar fee. The auction required a registration process, and all bidders had to be signed in by ten o'clock to participate. Since Xiao Ran had an appointment with David today to handle his gun permit and purchase a firearm, he had asked Elaine to arrive early and register on his behalf.

Of course, the main purpose was to use Elaine as a cover to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Should Xiao Ran acquire any Western antiques or art, he could leverage Elaine’s connections to have them appraised by top experts at the Louvre. Professionals like Pierre, whose expertise carries immense authority, could significantly boost the market value of his finds. He is more than willing to pay the appraisal fees to utilize such a network. Even though he himself is the world's finest expert in the field—a fact he must keep hidden—he needs to maintain his cover.

Today, Elaine is dressed in a classic little black dress, a favorite of French women, which perfectly accentuates her elegant figure. Wherever she walks, men turn their heads, their eyes filled with fascination. Some even whistle, and a constant stream of men approach her to ask for her number.

Even the fans in the live stream are stunned the moment they see her.

"Wow! Elaine looks absolutely stunning today, a real feast for the eyes!" the "Rich Tycoon" fan exclaims.
"Love it! I love this look on Elaine! I’m going to wear my own little black dress and go out tonight!" a fan named "Flower Sister" adds.
"I’d advise against it! Only a French girl can truly capture the essence of a little black dress; no one else can pull it off quite like that," "Sister Min" chimes in, her tone full of envy.

As they talk, Elaine reaches him. Before Xiao Ran can ask, she says excitedly, "Sean, I’ve finished the registration. We’re all set to bid. It’s a good thing you arrived when you did; if you’d missed this, you would have regretted it for a long time. There are so many incredible things in this mansion—it’s truly dazzling."

A look of surprise and delight flashes across Xiao Ran’s face, and the live stream erupts into pure chaos.

"Whoa! It looks like we might really strike gold today! This is going to be amazing!"