Chapter 9

After leaving the metropolis, Ye Tian did not immediately return home. Instead, he walked into the nearby Natural History Museum and continued his museum tour, cramming his knowledge of antiques.

The news of the shocking events in the metropolis had already reached here, and the atmosphere in the museum was a bit tense.

All security personnel were on high alert, closely monitoring the visitors to prevent any unexpected incidents.

Ye Tian no longer dared to use his透视 ability on anything, to avoid any unforeseen situations. Instead, he diligently observed and learned.

By the time he left the museum, had dinner, and returned home, it was already past nine o'clock, almost ten.

Although he had spent almost the entire day wandering, he did not feel the slightest bit tired and was still very excited.

After resting for about ten minutes at home, he picked up the beer he had bought upstairs and went to Jason's door.

He was not an alcoholic, nor was Jason a close friend with whom he could talk about anything. They were just decent neighbors who would greet each other when they met.

The reason he came to see Jason was that he had a purpose.

Jason worked at a second-hand store in Manhattan and had access to a lot of information about old goods and warehouse auctions.

Ye Tian wanted to obtain this information through him to find the cheapest antiques for research and to strengthen his ability, and to make some money on the side.

Well, making money was the more important reason!

With such an outstanding ability, not using it to make money and change his life would probably make even heaven look down on him!

Seeing Ye Tian with the beer, Jason was a bit surprised, but who would refuse such a good thing? He was so poor that he had nothing for others to covet.

Jason shared a rental with others, each having their own room and sharing the living room.

As soon as Ye Tian walked into the room, he smelled a familiar odor, and the scene before his eyes was also very familiar.

It was almost exactly the same as his own room before yesterday, a complete mess, and the smell was terrible!

While in such an environment, Ye Tian did not feel anything and could ignore it, but now, seeing this situation, he felt a bit resistant and involuntarily frowned.

Perhaps noticing his expression, Jason smiled awkwardly and said,

"Steven, don't mind, the room is a bit messy, but there's still a place to sit and drink beer."

Saying this, he picked up the dirty clothes on the sofa and threw them on the bed, making some space.

"No problem! My place was just as messy before, I'm used to it."

Ye Tian smiled, sat on the sofa, and handed Jason a bottle of beer.

After a few casual chats, Jason asked about the reason for Ye Tian's visit, knowing that Ye Tian would not come for nothing.

"Steven, what brings you here? To send me a Budweiser at this late hour? It's really an honor!"

Ye Tian clinked his beer bottle with Jason's, took a sip, and then explained his purpose.

"You know what happened yesterday. I made some money through the warehouse auction, but I currently have no job and no source of income. If this continues, I'll just be eating away at my savings."

Jason nodded without saying anything, understanding Ye Tian's situation and knowing it was true.

How much better was he? He had a job, but it was just enough to keep him from starving, and the money he earned was never enough. Otherwise, he wouldn't be going to warehouse auctions, trying to make some extra money!

Ye Tian continued,

"Rather than idling around and getting rejected from job applications, I might as well find something to do. So, I want to continue participating in warehouse auctions. This might be a way to change my life.

I came to you because of this. You work at a second-hand store and have access to a lot of information about warehouse auctions and old goods, making you an expert in this field.

If possible, I want to get some warehouse auction information. Of course, this is not free. I will pay some compensation, provided that the information is useful and can help me make a profit."

After saying this, Ye Tian looked at Jason, waiting for his response.

Jason pondered for a moment and then said seriously,

"Steven, I understand your intention. I can indeed get all the auction information from all the warehouses in New York, and I'm also well-informed about old goods.

But I need to clarify that this field is not easy. It requires some expertise. Those who truly make a living from warehouse auctions are professional treasure hunters. Others can only rely on luck.

You not only need various auction information but also knowledge about old goods to accurately estimate prices. You also need channels to turn what you find into money. Otherwise, even the best treasures are just junk!"

Ye Tian smiled and nodded, knowing that Jason was right. His limited experience with warehouse auctions had already proven these points.

But now, things were very different!

All warehouses were now open to him, with no secrets! He could take whatever he wanted and make a fortune!

Seeing his expression, Jason immediately understood that Ye Tian was determined to enter this field, but he still had to say his piece.

"You were very lucky yesterday, finding a treasure. But such things don't happen often. Disappointment is the norm. Do you still want to enter this field?"

Ye Tian smiled.

Finding treasures was impossible for others, but he could find treasures in every warehouse he auctioned!

"I'm very sure! I'm also very confident that I can find treasures in the warehouses."

What could Jason say? Besides, their relationship wasn't close enough for him to worry about Ye Tian's future.

After a pause, he immediately smiled and said,

"Alright! I wish you can continuously find treasures in the warehouses and become the most famous treasure hunter in New York!"

"Thanks! I believe that day will come!"

Ye Tian nodded confidently.

"First, let me give you a piece of information unrelated to warehouse auctions. It's about old goods. Tomorrow is Saturday, and it's the opening day of the flea market.

There are two flea markets near us. One is the Chelsea Flea Market in Manhattan, and the other is the Dumbo Flea Market in Brooklyn, right under the Brooklyn Bridge, not far from here."

"I've been to the Chelsea Flea Market a few times, and the Dumbo Flea Market once. It seems to have more old clothes and furniture, right?"

"You must not have looked carefully. Both flea markets have a lot of good stuff, even some valuable antiques. It depends on your eye and whether you can spot them.

The stalls at the flea markets are run by individuals, second-hand stores, and professional treasure hunters. Our second-hand store will have a stall at the Chelsea Flea Market tomorrow. You can check it out.

I suggest you first understand the basic market prices of various old goods. This will help you estimate prices in warehouse auctions and also provide a good sales channel."

"Alright, I'll check it out tomorrow. Maybe I'll find something."

"Good luck! If you come to the Chelsea Flea Market, I'll buy you a hot dog. It's not only a flea market but also a food market with an excellent hot dog stand."

"Thanks, I'll try it! But let me treat you to thank you for the information."

Jason touched his pocket, feeling a bit embarrassed by his empty wallet, so he didn't insist.

After chatting for a while, both had drunk three or four bottles of beer and were quite satisfied.

Seeing that it was getting late, Ye Tian got up to leave.

As he stood up, he caught sight of a thick, beautifully bound but slightly old book on Jason's bed.

Recognizing the title, Ye Tian's eyes lit up, and he immediately pointed to the book and said,

"Jason, can I borrow this antique catalog? I urgently need to supplement my knowledge in this area. If you can sell it to me, that would be even better. I'll give you a satisfactory price."

Jason turned to look at the old book on the bed, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.

This book was given to him by the previous second-hand store. If he could make some money from it, why not?

Even a pizza would be worth it! The store still had this book, and he could read it anytime.

Thinking this, he immediately walked to the bed, picked up the book, and handed it to Ye Tian.

"Sure, I'll sell it to you. You can use it to understand most of the antiques on the market and their prices.

I also have a comprehensive guide to old goods, which you might need. I can sell it to you as well. As for the price, just give what you think is fair, any amount is fine!"

Saying this, he walked to the nearby table and picked up another thick book.

"Thanks, I believe these two books will greatly increase my knowledge. How about $100 for both? If that's okay, I'll pay you in cash."

Ye Tian took the books, thanked him, and immediately offered a price.

The price was high, far exceeding the current value of the two books.

This was intentional. First, he really needed these books, and second, he wanted to build a closer relationship with Jason to get more information in the future.

"Wow! Great! This guy is so generous! I thought it was worth at most $20, but now it's $100!"

Jason was so excited that he almost jumped up in joy. Why wait? It would be foolish not to agree!

"Alright, Steven, they're yours."

"Thanks, Jason. Here's a Franklin."

Ye Tian smiled, took out his wallet, and handed Jason a hundred-dollar bill.

Jason happily took the money, put it away, and reminded Ye Tian a few more things.

"The antique and old goods catalogs in the two books are fine, but the prices might not be accurate. When you use them, it's best to check the current prices online, on auction websites or eBay."

"Got it. That's it for today. I need to rest. See you tomorrow!"

Ye Tian nodded and then walked to the door with the two books.

"Steven, thanks for the beer and the green Franklin. Good night!"

Jason warmly saw Ye Tian out.

...

After washing up at home, Ye Tian leaned against the head of the bed and started reading the two books to increase his knowledge.

Time passed quickly, and it was already half past eleven.

He felt a bit drowsy, so he put the books aside and prepared to rest.

Just before falling asleep, he focused on the wall, intending to test his透视 ability to see if it had improved.

He still saw a dull yellow, unable to see through the wall, but it seemed a bit better than yesterday.

"Ah..."

Just as he was concentrating, a loud moan from the next room startled him.

"Pervert!"

Ye Tian laughed and cursed, then put on his earplugs and fell asleep.

Tomorrow would be a good day for treasure hunting!