Chapter 3: The X-Ray Vision That Can Appraise Treasures

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Because of the unique environment and the many people and eyes around, Xiao Ran did not stare too long at the plaster statue of Venus in order to avoid drawing attention. After quickly discerning what was hidden inside the statue, he immediately looked away. All of this happened in a very short time without attracting anyone’s notice. Besides, he was wearing sunglasses, so no one could see the change in his eyes.

When he turned his gaze to the two orange-red Delvaux suitcases, his eyes lit up again. On the surface of those two suitcases, there was a faint white glow. The light was as delicate as a veil, almost invisible unless observed carefully, which was why he hadn’t noticed it earlier. Combining this with the words of the beauty from the live broadcast room, Xiao Ran instantly understood: these two limited-edition Delvaux suitcases were indeed antiques with some collectible value. However, because they were relatively recent in age, their radiance was very faint.

From this, he deduced that the treasure emitting a red glow inside the plaster statue was also an antique, but much older and more valuable. This meant his eyes not only had x-ray vision but could also identify antiques and assess their collectible worth based on the light they emitted!

Excited by this realization, Xiao Ran almost cheered aloud. He truly possessed a supernatural ability—not only seeing through objects but also appraising treasures. This was incredibly extraordinary, almost divine!

At that moment, the beauty who had been eyeing the Delvaux suitcases spoke again. “Xiao Ran, can you come a little closer? Let me have a good look at those two limited-edition Delvaux suitcases.”

Her words snapped Xiao Ran back to reality. He understood this was not the place to test his powers; there were simply too many people around. If he accidentally gave himself away, it could bring serious trouble. At that point, he might be in deep trouble.

He quickly scanned the scene and quietly said, “Don’t rush, Sister Min. You’re not the only one here who recognizes those two limited-edition Delvaux suitcases. There are plenty of professional treasure hunters here, all sharp-eyed experts. We can’t show too much interest, or we’ll attract unwanted attention and make it harder to act.”

Hearing this, Sister Min quickly responded, “Got it, Xiao Ran. I guess I was just a bit eager—seeing prey makes one excited!”

Xiao Ran smiled softly. “Sister Min, take some screenshots and zoom in to study them. See if they’re genuine. If they are, decide on a price range, and I’ll bid for them later. You can watch the auction live but stay rational—my resources are limited!”

He lowered his voice so only a few nearby people could hear. Coupled with wearing an N95 mask, no one noticed he was speaking.

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Because of this, he stood out conspicuously. In the United States, a society that seemed scientific and democratic but was actually ignorant and backward, people like him were considered outcasts, avoided by all. This led to some exclusionary behaviors against people from China, even hatred and attacks. Such incidents occurred frequently, and Xiao Ran had experienced them firsthand.

His only recourse was to ignore those fools and reduce his outings. After exchanging a few words with Sister Min, he prepared to leave and check out the other suitcases and various items.

At that moment, a white man nearby suddenly turned and asked in a low voice, “Hey man, are you Chinese? How did you end up in Los Angeles and come to this auction?”

His tone carried a hint of suspicion and was not very friendly. Xiao Ran heard it but paid no mind—such things were too common, no longer surprising. He nodded lightly and replied in careful English, “Yes, I am Chinese. I’m studying in the US and came to Los Angeles two years ago. As for this lost luggage auction, it’s just a coincidence.”

The man seemed to relax and turned his attention back to the auction stage. Xiao Ran smiled softly and walked away.

He then examined several more suitcases and other items on shelves inside transparent plastic bags. During this, he discovered a few objects emitting a faint white glow. Unfortunately, he found no antiques or artworks radiating glaring light.

Meanwhile, those in the live broadcast room were having even more fun than him. When he approached a shelf and peered closely at a plastic bag filled with watches and jewelry, an excited voice came through his earphones: “Xiao Ran, there’s a Rolex Submariner ‘Black Ghost’ in this bag, and it looks pretty new! When it’s auctioned, help me get this bag—it’s a rare chance!”

Having heard this, Xiao Ran had already spotted the Rolex Submariner ‘Black Ghost.’ He examined the watch carefully—it looked about 80 to 90 percent new, but something felt off, though he couldn’t pinpoint what.

Helpless, he focused intently on the watch. The next moment, his gaze penetrated the transparent plastic bag, then through the watch’s casing, revealing its internal structure clearly. He shook his head softly.

“Brother Hua, take a screenshot and look closely at this ‘Black Ghost.’ Don’t bid on a fake! A friend of mine once wore a brand-new green Submariner, but it turned out to be a fake bought in Guangzhou for only three or four hundred dollars! Though fake, it was almost indistinguishable. This stuff is really hard to authenticate!”

Before he finished, the live broadcast room erupted with discussion.

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“Ah! There are fake Rolexes in America too? Did I hear that right?”

“Definitely. This might be a Guangzhou counterfeit. If it were a real ‘Black Ghost,’ it wouldn’t be auctioned like this!”

Xiao Ran smiled and nodded. “Of course there are fake Rolexes in America, no less than in China! Those black brothers on the streets of Los Angeles with gold chains and little gold watches—you don’t think all of that’s real, do you? As Guo Degang says, if you wear that stuff, don’t go swimming, or it’ll float away!”

His words sparked laughter in the live broadcast room. Everyone laughed but grew more cautious as well.

Xiao Ran continued to examine other items. The people in the live broadcast room were very enthusiastic throughout. To sum up, everyone had their preferences. Men generally liked watches and various novel gadgets, while women favored jewelry and designer bags.

However, no one was very interested in the real “blind box” game—the numerous suitcases. No one wanted to buy a pile of old clothes that would be a hassle to deal with.

Though none had experienced this kind of lost luggage auction before, it was obvious: these suitcases must have been opened and inspected already; anything valuable would have been taken out long ago, so nothing good would remain inside!

In fact, this was precisely the case. Lost luggage auctions differ from warehouse or container auctions. Before auctioning unclaimed luggage that has exceeded the storage period, auction house staff remove valuable items for separate sale. These valuables include jewelry, electronics, and so on but not branded clothes, shoes, or bags.

The electronics and jewelry on the shelves at the scene had been cleared out from these suitcases! Suitcases that had been cleared like this usually couldn’t fetch good prices. Of course, antique suitcases and bags with collectible value were a different matter.

As he spoke, Xiao Ran’s suitcase was placed on the display table. The auctioneer glanced at the information in his hand, then at the suitcase, and spoke rapidly: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is clearly a suitcase from China. The condition is good, starting bid at thirty dollars. Who will make the opening bid?”

Before he finished, Xiao Ran raised his bidding paddle. The auctioneer immediately pointed and said loudly, “Number 216, the gentleman wearing a mask bids! The current price is thirty-five dollars, thirty-five dollars…”