She elegantly made a closing gesture: "With this, all the auction items at this private treasure exchange event have been successfully hammered! A successful conclusion! We sincerely thank all our distinguished guests for their trust and support."
She bowed slightly in greeting: "Next, gentlemen who successfully bid, please step aside so we can settle the final accounts and sign the relevant documents. Except for items like vehicles and license plates that require special procedures, all other lots and certificates can be taken with you on site."
As the two undisputed main players of the match, Ethan and Brandon were the first to stand up and walk to the temporary settlement area nearby.
Ethan handed the three heavy black alloy plates in his hand — 001 (McLaren P1), 002 (Patek Philippe 5002P), and the temporary certificate representing the 66666 license plate — to the young and capable female auctioneer together.
The middle-aged assistant immediately pulled up a detailed list on her tablet, and the female auctioneer quickly announced the total amount in a clear voice: "Ethan, you won three rare items this time: the McLaren P1, sold for $2,000,000; Patek Philippe Ref. 5002P, sold for $885,000; NY·66666 license plate, sold for $830,000. The total is $3,715,000. Please confirm."
Ethan just nodded casually, took out a bank card, and lightly swiped it on the portable POS machine.
With a soft "beep" and Ethan's calm input of the password, a huge sum that would leave ordinary people stunned was instantly transferred.
Although the female auctioneer and assistant tried their best to maintain professionalism, the fleeting shock in their eyes was still hard to hide.
The middle-aged assistant quickly handed Ethan the deep blue velvet box containing the Patek Philippe 5002P watch and the related certificates, both hands presenting it to him.
Meanwhile, Brandon quickly completed the settlement.
"Pleasure working with you!" The female auctioneer greeted him once again with a perfect professional smile.
...
At this moment, the usually taciturn elderly man who had been responsible for appraisal also approached with his assistant.
The old man smiled warmly at Ethan, Brandon, and the others, nodded his head, and said, "Gentlemen, the handover is complete. We will take our leave now and not disturb your refined enjoyment."
Then the three of them got off the boat and headed toward the dock.
As the auction was about to end, the yacht was already docked at the pier.
Ethan asked Kevin, "Everything is done. Should we head out too?"
"Alright, just in time to go eat." Kevin and Brandon both agreed.
After spending an entire afternoon together, especially after the auction, Ethan had been completely recognized by them.
In their world that values strength and social circles, Ethan proved his worth in the most direct way — unfathomable wealth and a unique way of handling things — and naturally integrated into the core.
After this auction, his status had quietly yet solidly risen within this group of second-generation kids who looked down on the top.
The upcoming dinner would surely be even more harmonious and lively.
...
Inside the restaurant's private room, crystal chandeliers cast soft light as exquisite dishes were served one after another.
The atmosphere seemed relaxed, but an invisible sense of hierarchy had already taken shape.
Kevin, Brandon, and Ethan chatted and laughed, their status relatively equal.
Meanwhile, Tony, Preston, Logan, and the others showed a subtle respect toward Ethan, their words filled with more agreement.
They knew very well that this newly acquainted Ethan possessed far greater power than they had initially imagined.
As for the female companions, their thoughts were even more "pure."
They keenly sensed Ethan's undeniable center position among this group — not only the core, but also the "benefactor" who could casually spend over three and a half million.
Combined with his unbelievably handsome face and youthful capital, their gazes lingered on Ethan like hungry wolves, filled with undisguised desire and a desire to cling to him.
Maddie became the target of their envy, jealousy, and hatred, almost pierced by those burning gazes.
...
Brandon picked up the wine dispenser and gestured to Ethan, "Ethan, want some white wine? Adding some excitement?"
Ethan waved his hand, his expression calm: "Next time, let's skip it today."
He could drink, but not a heavy drinker; he only drank when in high spirits.
"Alright." Without insisting, Brandon poured himself a glass.
Kevin chuckled and interjected, "Drinking too much here is boring! Later, come to my bar. I'll open a few bottles of my treasured stash, and I'll definitely open your eyes and drink to your heart's content!"
Brandon took a sip of wine, put down his glass, and looked at Kevin with a hint of curiosity: "Kevin, are you really planning to keep guarding that bar forever? Got any other ideas?"
The smile on Kevin's face faded a bit, showing a hint of helplessness and frustration: "Hey, you think I don't want to make a big splash? But in today's market, good opportunities and big plays have long been divided up by those old foxes, leaving only a few bites of soup. For us juniors, just picking up scraps slipping through someone's fingers is already good. It's tough!"
He let out a heavy sigh; this was the truth.
Brandon nodded in agreement: "Indeed. The projects I'm currently working on may look impressive, but in reality, they're stumbling along and not easy to handle."
There was a faint trace of fatigue in his tone.
Ethan listened quietly. Seeing the topic shift to business and investment, he naturally added, "Investing is still pretty promising now. What industries have you been paying attention to or investing in lately?"
His tone carried just the right amount of interest.
Brandon immediately turned around, his gaze sharp as he looked at Ethan: "What, Ethan, are you interested in these things too?"
He keenly caught the underlying meaning in Ethan's words.
"Yes, I am!" Ethan answered frankly and directly, saying there was no need to hide anything in front of these people.
He founded Redwood Capital to find and operate high-quality projects. Now, with connections like Kevin and Brandon, it was a great opportunity to expand.
"No way?"
Kevin seemed to have heard some fantasy, his eyes wide and his voice rising a few notches. "You're only eighteen, brother! You just spent millions at the auction without batting an eye! Now you're thinking about starting an investment company? Are you joking with us?"
His words were filled with disbelief.
Starting an investment company?
That's not as simple as opening a bubble tea shop!
Although Brandon didn't say anything, his eyes still shone with intense shock and curiosity.
He had guessed Ethan's family was wealthy, but to this extent?
Just squandered over three and a half million in cash, and now you're talking about investment companies?
This completely exceeded the boundaries of what he could imagine as a "freshman."
What is an investment company?
It was a colossal force that required massive amounts of real money and deep resources!
Without a cash flow of hundreds of millions or even billions, who would dare to get involved lightly?
Ethan's family fortune was astonishingly deep!
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