Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 743: Chapter 746: What to Buy

Although Beverly Hills is famous as a haven for the wealthy, that doesn't mean it's exclusive to the rich. In fact, it's not as heavily guarded or hard to access as one might think. Every year, countless tourists visit Beverly Hills, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hollywood stars while riding tour buses.

For those with fat wallets, shopping here is a true delight. Streets like Rodeo Drive are home to nearly every luxury store in Southern California, each with its unique architectural style. The world's most expensive boutiques are all nestled here—there's nothing you can't find, only things you might not recognize. The grand galleries, resembling majestic museums, are overwhelming in their splendor.

Among these opulent establishments lies one of the world's most expensive shopping centers, "Rodeodrii." With hand-carved marble interiors, brass doors, and towering columns encircling a grand fountain, the place exudes regal elegance.

In Beverly Hills, there's a famous saying: "If you ask the price, you can't afford it."

At this moment, however, Yang Chen, driving his little Porsche along the avenue, was indeed someone who couldn't afford to buy anything.

The streets were lined with locals strolling or jogging, mostly elderly white-haired men and women. These Samericans, rich but otherwise lacking, led pretty boring lives, at least in Yang Chen's eyes—they couldn't even enjoy something as simple as stinky tofu or lamb skewers. Life wasn't all that great.

At a red light, Yang Chen found himself beside a blonde beauty driving an Alfa Romeo. Their eyes met, and the blonde playfully winked at him.

Yang Chen felt a wave of excitement and grinned foolishly. Although he had beautiful women and warm family ties back home, the openness of foreign beauties was tempting. Occasionally getting out to "relax" wasn't such a bad idea.

Seeing Yang Chen's goofy expression, the blonde chuckled in satisfaction. As the light turned green, she stepped on the gas and sped off, clearly not intending to pursue anything further.

In a place where even $400,000 Mercedes SLRs were commonplace, a $200,000 sports car like the Alfa Romeo didn't stir much excitement.

With no clubs open during the day and little charm in randomly chatting up women on the street, Yang Chen wasn't in a hurry. With no money in his pockets, it wouldn't matter even if he went somewhere.

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So, following the map in his mind, Yang Chen drove to the Swiss Bank branch. If he was going to have some fun, it made sense to take out some cash.

The Hades ring, stored in a parallel space using spatial laws, had survived the tribulation. Although Yang Chen's spiritual power was minimal, retrieving a small ring from the parallel space was still manageable.

When the branch manager of the Swiss Bank recognized the owner of the ring, his expression was priceless. At Yang Chen's request, the manager hurriedly arranged for a VIP platinum card, ensuring that with at least $50 million on it, Yang Chen would have enough to enjoy himself in Los Angeles for a couple of days.

Yang Chen took the card and didn't linger, knowing the place he had in mind was about to open.

After returning to Beverly Hills, Yang Chen didn't go back to the mansion to tease Sally, the maid. Instead, he headed to a place called "Julian Auction House."

This auction house wasn't in the most popular location. A few bald black men in suits stood at the entrance, and two bronze lion statues guarded the stone gate, giving the place a solemn air.

Yang Chen chose this auction house not only because it didn't require ID, only a $100,000 deposit, but also because the items here were often rare treasures from around the world.

As Yang Chen approached the designated area to pay the deposit, he pulled out his Swiss Bank platinum card. The tall, clean-cut man processing the payment couldn't hide a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Even in a wealthy place like Beverly Hills, such high-limit cards were rare, especially in the hands of an unfamiliar Asian.

"Sir, please pay the $100,000 deposit," the attendant said, inviting Yang Chen to swipe his card while placing a gold-lettered silver number plate in front of him—his bidder number.

Just as Yang Chen finished paying and was about to enter the auction hall, a soft female voice called out from the nearby lounge.

"Please wait a moment!" A fragrant breeze reminiscent of orchids wafted over.

A flash of amusement crossed Yang Chen's eyes, but he quickly hid it, turning around with a puzzled expression to see the woman who had suddenly appeared.

She was a graceful young woman, dressed in a white off-shoulder, low-cut dress with a black silk ribbon tied at the waist. Though she looked to be only about 21 or 22, she exuded a mature charm usually found in women in their thirties. Her slim waist, deep cleavage, and rounded hips made her the kind of woman a man would want to hold in his hands.

Her smooth, slender legs were perfectly toned and straight. Combined with her delicate face, full red lips, and dark, flowing hair, she was dazzlingly beautiful. Her looks could rival those of Rose, though while Rose had a mix of heroic and seductive charm, this girl had a softer, more tender allure.

The woman's hesitant, almost demure expression stirred a protective instinct in anyone who saw her.

"Are you calling me, beautiful lady?" Yang Chen confirmed in English.

The girl nodded shyly and asked in a soft voice, "Sir, are you from Yanxia?"

Yang Chen responded seriously in Mandarin, "It doesn't matter where I'm from. What matters is that I'm here to listen to whatever you have to say, miss."

The girl was momentarily stunned by his sudden expression of affection. She smiled bashfully, "Could I ask you for a favor, sir?"

"Please, call me Yang Chen."

"Oh, Mr. Yang, could I ask for your help with something..."

"What's your name, miss?" Yang Chen asked eagerly.

The girl seemed a bit overwhelmed by Yang Chen's enthusiasm. Blushing, she softly said, "Xiao Zhiqing."

"Oh, so it's Zhiqing. Such a beautiful name, though no name could be as beautiful as you, Miss Zhiqing." Yang Chen's eyes were filled with admiration.

"You're flattering me," Xiao Zhiqing murmured, unable to meet his gaze. Turning her head slightly, she blushed even more before hesitantly saying, "Mr. Yang, I want to buy something at the auction, but I left my wallet and ID at the hotel. I just realized it, and there's no time to go back for them. Could you pay for me, and I'll transfer the money to you as soon as I get back to the hotel?"

She looked at Yang Chen with pleading eyes, the kind that seemed to silently beg for understanding and help.

Yang Chen quickly reassured her, "Oh, Miss Zhiqing, please don't look so sad, please don't cry. It's just a small favor, no problem!"

Xiao Zhiqing's face lit up with joy, her smile as bright as a flower. "Really? Mr. Yang, you're really willing to help me?"

"Of course, what's a little money in the face of friendship? I'm sure whatever you're in such a hurry to buy must be important, or you wouldn't ask a stranger for help." Yang Chen spoke with grand conviction, though the idea of friendship was more a figment of his imagination.

Xiao Zhiqing's face showed a fleeting sadness. "Yes, there are two items in this auction that my grandfather specifically asked me to obtain before I came to the U.S. His health is not good, and I want to win these items to make him happy." As she spoke, Xiao Zhiqing's eyes filled with tears, and she seemed unable to say more.

Yang Chen sighed softly and gently placed his arm around her smooth, delicate shoulder, lightly rubbing it. "Miss Zhiqing, you're such a kind-hearted girl. Don't worry, I'll make sure you get those items. Even if they're something I planned to buy, I'll let you have them."

Xiao Zhiqing shifted uncomfortably, trying to move away from his touch, but she couldn't escape Yang Chen's grasp. Realizing that she needed his help to complete the auction, she reluctantly allowed him to continue.

Taking a female companion into the auction house wasn't an issue, and Yang Chen didn't need to pay an additional deposit. After informing the attendant, he led Xiao Zhiqing into the auction hall.

As they walked, Yang Chen's hand slowly slid down to Xiao Zhiqing's slender waist.

Her body was incredibly soft, more so than he had imagined. Yang Chen had always thought that An Xin's body was soft enough, but touching Xiao Zhiqing made him realize what it truly meant to be "soft as if boneless."

A woman like this falling into his lap out of nowhere—Yang Chen wasn't foolish enough to believe it was just luck. But since he was looking for a "bedmate" to relax during his break, this kind of softness was too tempting to resist. No matter what scheme might be at play, he figured he'd deal with it after the fact. And who knows, maybe she really was attracted to his "handsome and dashing" self—at least, that's what he liked to think.

When they sat down near the front of the hall, even the other international buyers couldn't help but glance over. Xiao Zhiqing's gentle and graceful demeanor was truly captivating.

Yang Chen maintained his dignified "willing to spend a fortune for a beauty" facade and asked seriously, "Miss Zhiqing, what exactly is it that your grandfather wants? Let me know in advance so I can secure it as soon as it comes up."

Internally, Xiao Zhiqing sneered. This man was indeed as shameless as she had thought. Today's encounter hadn't been in vain—he was clearly a scoundrel, likely up to no good. If she didn't take advantage of him now, he'd only end up harming innocent women later!

Not only had he taken liberties by addressing her by her first name and touching her without permission, but he had also casually involved her "grandfather."

On the outside, however, Xiao Zhiqing still played the part, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked both moved and embarrassed. "My grandfather has always loved fine wine. There's a bottle from the Chateau Mouton Rothschild estate in this auction. Additionally, when he married my grandmother, they couldn't afford a diamond ring. Now, before he passes, he wants to give her a piece of jewelry, specifically the 'Fancy Vivid Pink' diamond ring being auctioned today."

Yang Chen gasped, a look of concern crossing his face as he sighed. "The wine is doable—at most, it'll cost a few hundred thousand. But that 'Fancy Vivid Pink' diamond ring is a world-famous piece of jewelry. It'll go for at least ten million dollars. It won't be easy to win that auction..."

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