Roughly over an hour later.
Olivia finished freshening up in the washroom, dressed in fitting clothes, and said with satisfaction: "Honey, I’m going to the bank now to withdraw cash. Wait for me at home. Our affair isn’t over yet! I’ll make you a scrumptious dinner tonight!"
Allen Zhang checked his phone and saw a message that was sent half an hour ago.
Dominic: Found that Black guy, and got the first edition signed Spider-Man comic book intact. How should we deal with this comic book?
Dominic: What are you doing? Why aren’t you answering me? You’re not on another date, are you?
Allen Zhang: For the signed comic, you could swing by George Pawnshop, mention my name, or bring along that big pawnshop discount coupon from the second cabinet in the trailer; he’ll give a fair price to regular customers. If you don’t have time, leave it on the trailer, and I’ll sell it personally tomorrow.
Dominic: Why have you just finished?
Allen Zhang: Maybe I’m too strong?
Dominic: I’m about to go back to the camp to get that discount coupon and head to the pawnshop you mentioned. Hope he gives us a satisfying price.
Allen Zhang felt sleepy, intended to rest on the bed with his eyes closed, but unwittingly fell asleep. When he woke up again, he found that it was already dark outside.
There was a handbag by the bed, and inside he found $5,000 in cash.
Allen Zhang felt relieved, all the hard work was not in vain.
His phone also had several unread messages.
Checking them, they were from Dominic, the Eastern Wu sisters, and Rena.
Dominic: I went to George Pawnshop, the owner told me this Stan Lee signed first edition comic book isn’t worth much because at the time, he was on the brink of bankruptcy and was signing and drawing everywhere. At his craziest, he only needed $1,000 and a round-trip ticket to appear anywhere to sign comics and draw sketches. For this first edition Spider-Man comic, he’s only willing to pay me $2,500.
Allen Zhang: $2,500? This is a first edition Spider-Man signed comic. Spider-Man only debuted in 1962, and Stan Lee was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1963. Back then, Stan Lee had just become wealthy from his comics. How could he possibly be signing everywhere? Did you sell it to him for $2,500?
Dominic: Of course not. I also checked the information before I went, and because I realized the difference between the first edition Spider-Man comic and later versions, I discussed the price more carefully with him. A reasonable price for this first edition comic should be around $4,000.
Allen Zhang: $3,000 sounds about right, this way we all make a profit.
Dominic: That’s what I thought too. Afterward, I went to two more pawnshops. Magic Flute Pawnshop was willing to pay $2,000 and Eugene Pawnshop’s offer was even lower, only willing to give $1,400. In the end, George Pawnshop agreed to pay $2,800. I wanted to contact you, but thought the price was fair enough, so I just sold it to them.
Allen Zhang: Magic Flute Pawnshop is also owned by George’s family! Not sure about Eugene Pawnshop, but if they slash prices that much, we definitely won’t go there to sell things in the future. $2,800 is already pretty good. Remember to share the money with the team members who contributed.
Dominic: Don’t you want a share?
Allen Zhang: Just take 36% for your cut and give me one thousand dollars, that’ll do.
All told, made a profit of ten thousand dollars today!
Allen Zhang then opened the chat with Rena and the Eastern Wu sisters again, multi-tasking.
Rena: You can come over tonight.
Allen Zhang: Baby, I might have something to do tonight.
Rena: Okay, are you going on a date with another woman? I knew you couldn’t stand being alone. Is it because I didn’t serve you well?
Allen Zhang: How is that possible!!
Rena: I don’t like liars; I divorced my ex because he wasn’t honest. If you want to have a long-term relationship with me, at least I need to know your true thoughts.
Allen Zhang: You’ll always have a place in my heart. You are the most unique one!
Rena: Good, then wait till you’re in better shape and visit another day. Remember to clean yourself up, I don’t want leftovers from others.
Little Greedy Cat: Dad, are you coming over for dinner tonight?
Allen Zhang: If I have time, I’ll come to see you. Have you found a job yet?
Little Greedy Cat: Not yet. We hardly know anybody, can only look for jobs online.
Allen Zhang: Be careful, there are a lot of bad people around.
Little Greedy Cat: Thanks for your concern. :）
Allen Zhang did not continue chatting with them, planning to visit when he had time some day.
After a half-day of physical toil and having slept until now, not sure if he was really hungry, Allen Zhang faintly smelt the fragrance of meat and immediately got up to freshen up.
Going downstairs, he saw Olivia humming a song, her fluffy hair tied up, wearing a thin apron, stewing meat in the kitchen. Her home dress was very bold, seemingly bottomless below the waist.
Allen Zhang tiptoed over, pounced from behind and successfully surprised her, "Hey! Guess who!!"
"Ah!!" Olivia got startled, quick to cover her chest and let out a sigh of relief, she punched him, "You’re terribly naughty!"
Allen Zhang looked at the pot of meat, embracing her, "When will it be ready? I’m starving."