Chapter 18: A New Quest for Treasure

It was another weekend.

After a week of preparation, Sean decided to make a move again and embark on a new treasure hunt.

Saturday morning.

After breakfast, Sean started calling Sylvia.

They had exchanged contact information during their last transaction at the airport.

A few days ago, while registering on various auction association websites, Sean had called Sylvia, the beautiful Spanish woman, to ask her some related questions.

When Sylvia heard that Sean intended to become a professional treasure hunter, she immediately expressed her welcome and hoped to cooperate again in the future.

Sean naturally did not take these polite words seriously.

The call connected instantly, and Sylvia’s voice came through.

“Good morning, Sean. I’m glad to hear from you.”

“Good morning, Sylvia. I hope I’m not disturbing you,” Sean replied politely.

“No need for formalities, Sean. Just tell me what’s on your mind,” Sylvia said.

Sean then got straight to the point.

“I’m planning to attend an auction today to see if I can find something interesting.”

“I just checked online and found several auctions in the Los Angeles area today, including storage unit auctions and container auctions, among others.”

“You know, I’m still a rookie and don’t know much about these auctions, so I’m not sure which one would be better to attend.”

“That’s why I’m calling you—I want to hear your advice!”

Sylvia didn’t respond immediately but thought for a moment.

After a pause, she said, “Sean, since you’re just starting out, it’s best to be cautious.”

“I suggest you start with storage unit auctions. The prices for abandoned units are generally low, so even if you lose money, it won’t be much.”

“There’s a storage auction near Beverly Hills today; you could check that out.”

“Beverly Hills is one of Los Angeles’ top wealthy neighborhoods, home to countless movie stars and film company owners. You might find something valuable!”

“I’ll be attending that storage auction too. I hope to see you there and maybe borrow some of your good luck!”

Sean smiled and nodded.

“Thanks for the advice. I’ve decided to go to the storage auction in Beverly Hills and see if I can uncover anything.”

“Good. Sean, you’d better arrive about ten minutes early to register and observe your competitors.”

“Understood, I’ll get there ahead of time.”

They chatted a little more before Sean ended the call.

He checked the time, then took $5,000 out of his newly purchased small safe and put it on him.

As for the hat, gloves, rope, padlock, and powerful flashlight—those had long been packed in his backpack.

With the preparations mostly done, he entered the livestream room and started broadcasting.

As soon as he appeared on screen, the usual lively crowd in the chat immediately turned their attention to him.

“Sean, have you decided yet? Which auction are you heading to today? Let’s hope for a great start!” Sister Min asked eagerly.

Before he could reply, Half Awake, who rarely spoke, jumped in.

“Let me make it clear, Sean: if you find a big score this time, don’t quietly sell it to someone like last time!”

“This place is full of hidden talents. It’s not just the Rich Dog who has money; I’m not short of cash either!”

“Last time, the Rich Dog got a huge bargain. This time, don’t let that guy have it so easily.”

“You should show your finds live in the chatroom and let everyone bid openly—that’s fair!”

Upon hearing this, the Rich Dog immediately shot back.

“Half Awake, who told you to log off early and sleep? Don’t blame anyone else.”

“If Sean scores big again, I won’t hold back. Open bidding is fine—who’s afraid?”

As the two started arguing, the chatroom became even livelier.

Sean noticed that the news of the Goddess statue sold for $14 million had spread quickly, drawing envy and jealousy from many.

Over the past week, nearly all the clients who had dealt with Sean or asked him to buy items on their behalf had flocked to join his livestream.

Besides them, quite a few old classmates also heard the news and showed up.

These classmates ranged from middle and high school friends to some from university.

Hearing about Sean’s overnight fortune, they expressed all kinds of envy and jealousy, clamoring for him to treat them to a big meal.

Sean, however, was in California and could only promise to return the favor when he went back home.

In just one week, his livestream followers had surged to about a thousand, making the room as lively as a bustling market.

If he hadn’t quickly set some entry conditions, the livestream would probably have exploded from overcrowding.

This was only a temporary measure; adjustments would be made later to satisfy most people and grow the livestream’s influence.

Despite the increasing number of followers and liveliness, one thing remained unchanged.

Sean had still not activated the donation feature in his livestream, so even if some fans wanted to tip him, there was no channel to do so.

Watching the fan excitement and the dense, snowflake-like barrage of comments, Sean shook his head with a hint of pride.

“Everyone, stop arguing. I haven’t even left yet, so why all the fuss?”

“I’m planning to attend a storage auction in Beverly Hills today. Whether I find anything is uncertain.”

“That place is one of Los Angeles’ most famous wealthy districts—there might be something good.”

His words sparked even more excitement in the chatroom.

“A storage auction in Beverly Hills? That’s worth looking forward to! What if you end up with a super star’s storage unit? Jackpot!”

“Looks like today’s auction will be very interesting—not to be missed!”

Sean smiled and responded, “You can all experience a storage auction through me. You’ll see right away if there’s anything good.”

“One thing I need to clarify: I won’t be bidding on storage units for you today to reduce interference.”

“If there’s something valuable inside, I’ll showcase it later and sell it in the livestream.”

“If it turns out to be junk, the loss will be on me. I hope everyone understands.”

Once he finished speaking, the crowd responded enthusiastically.

“No problem, Sean. That’s very reasonable—nothing to complain about!”

“If everyone asked you to bid for them, and everyone shouted at once, you wouldn’t get anything done!”

After a bit more chatting, Sean clipped the high-definition camera to his chest, put on sunglasses, a mask, and a Bluetooth headset, then slung his backpack over his shoulder and stepped out.

Though it was already hot outside, he wore a long-sleeve shirt and jeans, anticipating the need to clean out the storage unit.

As he reached the downstairs lobby and was about to head out, Elaine happened to come in.

Seeing his outfit, she couldn’t help but feel curious.

“Sean, where are you going dressed like that? Aren’t you too hot?”

Sean didn’t hide anything.

“I’m going to a storage auction in Beverly Hills. I dressed like this to make cleaning easier.”

“Those storage units have been abandoned for a long time and are surely covered in dust, so I need some protection.”

“I’m off now, Elaine. See you later.”

He waved to her and walked out of the apartment building.

“Good luck, Sean. Hope you find something,” Elaine called after him.

In just a few steps, Sean reached his car, opened the door, and sat in the driver’s seat.

Just as he was about to start the engine and drive off, the passenger door was suddenly pulled open from outside.

The next moment, Elaine appeared beside the door.

“Sean, I don’t have much to do today. Can I come with you to the storage auction?”

“I’ve only heard of these auctions before but never seen one. Today’s a perfect chance to check it out.”

Sean paused, then nodded with delight.

“Of course you can. Having a beautiful companion is more than welcome!”

“Besides, you know antiques, artifacts, and art appraisal. You might be able to help me.”

Before he finished, Elaine was already in the car, sitting in the passenger seat.

Meanwhile, the livestream chatroom was already buzzing.

“What a great opportunity, Sean. Don’t miss it—catch that French rose!”

“Beast! Let go of that French beauty and let me have her!”

Amid the volley of jokes, Sean gently started the car and drove away from the apartment, Elaine by his side.

Witnessing this scene, a few single guys who had just come out of the building were all stunned.

“Did I see that right? Has Elaine become Sean’s girlfriend? Why him?”

“Impossible! Absolutely impossible! How could Elaine be interested in someone like Sean?”

Though they said this, their faces were filled with disappointment.