[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-tyrant-billionaire":3,"chapter-the-tyrant-billionaire-the-tyrant-billionaire-chapter-104":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Tyrant Billionaire",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1884915,2504,"Chapter 104: Chapter 104 HD Art Auction Company","the-tyrant-billionaire-chapter-104",104,"\u003Cp>Although Hardy had found it strange how a West Australian parliament member is related to gangs, he did have his guesses, such as smuggling goods, weapons, and opium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for further investigation, Hardy didn't have the means. The HD security intelligent department is still small and can barely cover Los Angeles, its surrounding areas, and some US big cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy decided to return the handbags to the girls, but as for further contact with Mr. James Harris, he dismissed it; there were no benefits to gain from that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Driving to the University of Southern California, he parked in the faculty lot and walked through the campus, observing the leisurely students sitting or lying on the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reached the architecture building, he saw Elena coming downstairs, holding two books, with a young man with a British accent following her, talking nonstop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Elena,\" Hardy called out, standing in front of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena looked up, surprised to see Hardy. The young man beside her looked at Hardy with slight hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Hardy, what brings you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After glancing at her classmate, Elena said, \"Andrew, my friend is here. I don't have time today. Goodbye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go, Mr. Hardy.\" She stood next to Hardy, and they walked away together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew gave Hardy a resentful look. If not for this guy, he might have invited Elena to a movie today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is he your suitor?\" Hardy asked as they walked along the shaded path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just a classmate. What brings you here, Mr. Hardy?\" Elena asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you invite me to visit USC yesterday?\" Hardy replied, slightly hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena paused. Actually, it was Irina who had extended the invitation yesterday, but since Hardy had saved her, she couldn't admit she hadn't invited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't we find Irina? She should be out of class now,\" Elena suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure, I have something for her too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Irina saw Hardy, she ran over excitedly, greeting him warmly, \"Hi, Mr. Hardy. I'm so glad to see you again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's lunchtime. Are you treating us to lunch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh~!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Irina was at a loss for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had lost her living expenses and had borrowed some money from Elena yesterday, planning to survive on bread for the month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she treated them, she would be out of money again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena glanced at her. \"I'll treat Mr. Hardy to lunch to thank him for saving us yesterday. There's a restaurant near the school; let's go there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem, but wait a moment. I'll get something from the car for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\" Irina asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A gift.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the car, Hardy took out two handbags. The girls were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, isn't this my handbag?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My bag is here too?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Check if anything is missing,\" Hardy said, handing the bags to them. The girls checked their belongings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything is here, nothing is missing. My money is all here too,\" Irina exclaimed in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena also saw all her items, including the silver earrings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Hardy, what's going on?\" Elena asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy smiled. \"I asked a friend to get them back for you. So, shouldn't you treat me to a meal to show your gratitude?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course,\" Irina shouted excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They went to the restaurant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Irina asked about the retrieval of the handbags, and Hardy gave a vague answer, saying a friend had some influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Irina, a journalism major, was talkative and lively, while Elena was more reserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Hardy asked Elena, \"When we were at the art shop, you were looking at the artworks. Are you knowledgeable about art?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena thought for a moment. \"My grandfather was very knowledgeable about art. He wanted to pass this interest to my father, but my father chose architecture. When I was little, my grandfather would often show me some artwork and paintinfs. Later, I grew to like these things. I love architecture, so I studied it, but I also took courses in painting, sculpture, and art appreciation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you collected many artworks?\" Hardy asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl shook her head. \"I don't have money. Even if I see something I like, I can't buy it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Elena's family was well off, her father was just an architect. He could support his child's education but wouldn't allow her to spend money extravagantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Hardy, I saw you bought some oil paintings. Do you know a lot about paintings?\" Elena asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not too much, I just like them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Irina who was by the side, said, \"Hey, you two can't do this. I don't understand art at all. It's not fair.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena and Hardy exchanged a look and laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had forgotten about Irina during their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the three talked about each other, Hardy disclosed that he was a soldier who fought in World War II.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Irina, a French woman whose family had fled to the US because of the war, also hated fascists. She looked at Hardy with even more admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stared at him with sparkling eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lunch, Irina had to go to the library for an essay. Hardy asked Elena if she was willing to help appraise the paintings he had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. I have nothing to do this afternoon anyway. I can look at your paintings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy drove Elena to HD Security Company. Elena was a little surprised when she walked in. \"HD Security, I have heard of this name. What are we doing at the security company?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I run this security company. Those paintings and artwork are kept with the security company. It's safer here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena looked at Hardy in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"HD Security, which became famous some time ago, is your company?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about HD Film Company?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's mine too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena looked at Hardy carefully again. He already owned two companies at such a young age. He must be very capable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Hardy's office, Hardy took out the paintings he had bought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help me appraise these. If you think they're good, I'll buy more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The desk was filled with dozens of pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena examined each piece, pointing out characteristics and providing detailed explanations, including historical context and market value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was amazed by Hardy's collection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a Spanish painting from 1730. The market price is around $8,000. This painting of caravals is also Spanish from the 80s, priced at about $5,000 .\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have many precious paintings here. The market value exceeds $100,000, but if you auction them internationally, they could fetch a way higher price,\" Elena said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your help, Miss Elena. I have another favor to ask. Would you like to accompany me to an art shop? You have a good eye, and I'd like to buy more paintings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena was taken aback. \"I can't accept your request for free, Mr. Hardy. If I help you, you must pay me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy chuckled. \"What do you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please hire me as your appraiser and pay me a reasonable salary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem. From today on, you're my appraiser. I'll pay you $100 per piece you appraise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elena agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her previous monthly allowance was less than $100, but now she could earn a considerable income. She decided to buy an Italian painting from the Renaissance she had admired for a long time with her first payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy and Elena visited the art shop again. They entered the shop, and the owner greeted them warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Hardy, welcome back. Are you looking for something specific today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy smiled. \"I'm here with my appraiser, Miss Elena, to purchase more oil paintings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shop owner's eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have some new items. Please take a look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy and Elena examined the new pieces. Elena provided her expert opinion, and Hardy made his selections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end of the day, Hardy had purchased several valuable pieces, and Elena had earned her first payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they left the shop, Hardy said, \"Thank you for your help today, Miss Elena. I look forward to working with you again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardy thought for a moment and than asked, \"Elena I plan on setting up and auction company for acquisition, appraisal, sales, and trading artworks, are you interested in joining?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1355,"2026-06-10T06:49:56.249Z",1,"novelbin.me","67ecea551fa2aa68819d8510b612a6d5acaf712e2e783740fc2bd0974c79dbb4","the-tyrant-billionaire-chapter-105","the-tyrant-billionaire-chapter-103",702,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-tyrant-billionaire-cover.jpg"]