In the blink of an eye, more than an hour passed.
For safety reasons, David hired a group of armed security guards from a security company to stand outside the antique store and watch the surroundings vigilantly.
At this time, some people in the field of antique art collection came outside the antique store.
Obviously, the news that Xiao Ran bought this antique store and discovered top-notch antiques and artworks has spread from China to Los Angeles and reached some people's ears.
So these guys quickly rushed to Brighton Road, trying to take a look at those valuable top antiques and works of art to see if there was any chance to buy them.
It's a pity that they rushed here in a hurry, but they couldn't enter this familiar antique store.
Not even calling Davis.
On the phone, Davis told them clearly that the antique store had changed hands and said nothing else.
But these guys still heard a lot from Davis' sad voice.
They wanted to get close to the antique store, but the security guard guarding the door blocked everyone from entering.
While he was talking, several SUVs escorted by a Rolls-Royce Phantom suddenly drove up and stopped on the roadside in front of the antique store.
A white woman in her seventies got out of the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Some guys in suits and ties got out of the other cars. In addition to the bodyguards, there were also a few professionals carrying briefcases.
Immediately afterwards, a guy in a suit and leather shoes came out of the antique store and took the woman and several professionals into the antique store.
Several bodyguards accompanying him for protection stayed outside the antique shop.
Seeing this scene, the crowd immediately burst into discussion.
"Wow! That's Mary, one of the top richest people and collectors in Los Angeles!"
"It seems that the news that Willem de Kooning's paintings and "Portrait of Mademoiselle Bogani" were found here is indeed true. It's incredible!"
"That Chinese boy named Sean moves so fast and doesn't leave any chance for others!"
While these insiders were talking enviously, David had already led Mary and the others into the reception area to meet Xiao Ran.
At this time, the abstract expressionist painting by Willem de Kooning had been moved from the small safe and placed against the wall in the reception area.
The two portable safes containing "Portrait of Miss Bogani No. 4" and the set of Liling porcelain are also placed here at this time.
Moreover, there were two more portable safes here, which contained two other treasures that were later discovered, both of which were valuable.
Xiao Ran has checked all the remaining goods in the antique store and checked it with the list provided by Davis. There is no discrepancy.
After checking, he locked everything of slight value into a small vault for safety.
The remaining goods of relatively average value are placed on the many shelves outside.
Next, the antique store needs to be renovated, especially to strengthen various security measures.
It will probably take another month to complete all the renovations and open the business again.
This month, Xiao Ran can complete his graduation defense and graduate from UCLA without delaying anything.
…
As soon as they entered the reception area, Mary and the others saw the abstract expressionist painting.
The moment they saw the painting, each of their eyes suddenly lit up, but there was also a bit of doubt.
Just pick out any of Willem de Kooning's paintings and it's worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. How can it be so easy to find!
Is this abstract expressionist painting really by Willem de Kooning? They were somewhat suspicious.
After a few greetings, everyone got down to business.
Xiao Ran led Mary and the others to the abstract expressionist painting, took out the prepared 3D glasses and handed them over.
"Mary, in the lower right corner of this painting, there is the hidden signature of Willem de Kooning. It is hidden so cleverly that it is almost impossible to detect."
"You can first look at the author's signature and then compare it with Willem de Kooning's signature to know the authenticity of this painting."
"Next, you will slowly conduct the appraisal. I believe you will be surprised."
"Okay Sean, I'd also love to see how clever Willem de Kooning's signature is"
Mary nodded in response, then took the 3D glasses and put them on.
Then he took two steps forward and looked at the lower right corner of this abstract expressionist painting with interest.
Xiao Ran took out a few more pairs of 3D glasses that he had just sent for and handed them to Mary's art agent and two art appraisal experts respectively.
After receiving the 3D glasses, these guys hurriedly put them on and began to appreciate and appraise this abstract expressionist painting.
Needless to say, the results.
After a moment, Mary said excitedly:
"Wow! There is really an author's signature here. It looks like it is the signature of the art master Willem de Kooning. It's incredible!"
Before she finished speaking, the two appraisal experts she invited nodded in unison.
"That's right, Mary, this is the author's signature of the master of art Willem de Kooning, but it's three-dimensional."
"The same author's signature appears many times on other paintings by Willem de Kooning, in exactly the same style."
"It's just that those signatures can be seen at a glance, but this signature is so hidden that you need to use 3D glasses to see it. It's very magical!"
"Among all Willem de Kooning's works, this work is unique and extremely special! It is undoubtedly a top-notch work of art!"
Hearing this, Xiao Ran's eyes immediately flashed with a hint of pride.
Those guys in the live broadcast room who could understand English suddenly had an orgasm.
"Xiao Ran, is your price too low?"
"Looking at what the other person said, even if you offer $300 million, it seems to be no problem."
Goku boiled Shiraishi and said excitedly.
Immediately afterwards, Jingyu, who loves prawns, started talking.
"I also think the offer is too low, Xiao Ran."
"The wife of a Jewish banker has a lot of money, so why not kill her severely?"
"Actually, it's not too late to raise the price now. I want her to pay 500 billion."
Xiao Ran shook his head helplessly and said jokingly:
"Five hundred billion, how dare you show your teeth? The money from being a Jew comes from the strong wind!"
"One hundred and eighty million US dollars is a lot of money. If you are greedy, you will swallow the elephant."
"This is an aunt who is not short of money. She must maintain a good relationship!"
While he was chatting with fans, Mary, the art dealer, and two art appraisal experts were admiring and studying this abstract expressionist painting.
They no longer had any doubts about the authenticity of the painting.
This is indeed the work of Willem de Kooning, the soul of Abstract Expressionism, and it is a very special work.
They are now appreciating and evaluating at the same time, trying to find more useful information.
After a while, Mary and the art dealer reached an agreement, and then turned back to the reception area.
After sitting down on the sofa, Mary drank a cup of coffee and then got straight to the point.
"Sean, you are a very lucky guy and a magical boy to find such a priceless top-notch piece of art."
"Thank you very much for contacting me in the first place and letting me see this painting by Willem de Kooning. I am really interested in this painting!"
Xiao Ran smiled and nodded, and said politely:
"Mary, we had a great time working together last time in Malibu. I also know that you are the top art collector in Los Angeles."
"Because of this, after discovering this painting, I will contact you as soon as possible to see if we can cooperate again."
Upon hearing this, Mary's eyes were filled with admiration.
"I love your amazing boy, Sean."
"Let's talk about the price. As long as the price is right, I am willing to buy this painting."
This is what you've been waiting for!
The next moment, Xiao Ran made an offer.
"Mary, I'm sure you know or have heard of Griffin from Chicago. He spent more than $300 million on Willem de Kooning's "Exchange"!"
"This work by Willem de Kooning is slightly smaller than "Exchange", but not much smaller."
"Because of the 3D signature, this painting is very special and unique. It is no less precious than "Exchange"."
"In view of this, I offer a price of US$180 million for this painting. This price is non-negotiable."
"Another point is that all taxes and fees incurred in this antique art transaction must be borne by the buyer."
Hearing this astonishing offer, even the Jewish super-rich Mary was a little frightened.
One hundred and eighty million U.S. dollars, plus various taxes and fees, is estimated to be running towards 234 to 234 million U.S. dollars.
Of course, Mary had a way to avoid paying taxes and didn't even have to pay a penny in taxes.
Even so, the price is astonishing.
Mary did not give an answer immediately, but thought about it and discussed it in a low voice with the art dealer.
After a moment, she nodded and said:
"Okay, Sean, I can accept this price and conditions to acquire this work by the art master Willem de Kooning"
"One hundred and eighty million US dollars, deal done. Congratulations to you magical guy for making another big profit!"
Because Mary is old and in a special situation.
Xiao Ran did not step forward to hug her, but just smiled and nodded.
"Deal, Mary. It's a pleasure to work with you again."
At this moment, Mary suddenly changed the subject.
"Sean, I heard that you also found a portrait of Mademoiselle Bogani No. 4 by Brancusi. Can you let me admire it?"
"If that statue is genuine, I am also interested in purchasing it. The price can be negotiated."
"I have always liked "Portrait of Mademoiselle Bogani" very much. I have flown to New York several times to appreciate it!"
As she said that, she looked at the portable safes placed next to Xiao Ran.
