Olivia uploaded the pictures and the fabricated story to forums, collector communities, hobby groups, and websites.
This caused a stir, quickly spreading throughout the collector circles. After all, such a large, complete Middle ages map and Royal familys portrait were truly unique and rare treasures.
Moreover, it was bought for $380,000 and discovered by accident inside an old carpet — a huge pick-up-a-bargain story that was too legendary.
This was simply the dream pick-up story of every collector; everyone was excited, envious, and disbelieving…
"If such a large Middle ages map and Royal family portrait are real, they're probably worth at least $50 million."
"$50 million is too low. Private transactions will go much higher. If this goes to auction, the price will definitely skyrocket."
"And only part of it has been torn open; there's still more. The uncovered corner looks like a treasure map."
"Could it be connected to the Forty-Two Chapter Scriptures?"
"If it's real, this is insane."
The news quickly reached the collectors at the local club. The auction had ended, but many people were still chatting and had not left.
A slightly plump middle-aged man was scrolling on his phone when his pupils suddenly constricted. He patted his companion next to him and exclaimed, "Look — isn't this the carpet that young man just bought?"
"Yes, how… oh my god!" His companion glanced at the Middle ages map and Royal familys exposed under the torn carpet and immediately cursed in shock.
"Wasn't that carpet worthless? What happened?"
Others nearby gathered around.
Then, one by one, they all cursed, full of regret and disbelief.
"How could that tattered carpet contain a Middle ages map and Royal familys? This is too unbelievable."
"That kid, how lucky can one person be? It was clearly worthless, yet it hid a priceless treasure. And even if someone else bought it, they wouldn't hang it to dry. And even if it tore, they'd repair it. Who would tear it open?"
"That Boss Ren treated him like a fool, selling him a tattered carpet for $380,000. He was smiling ear to ear. I wonder how he'll react now."
"If it were me, I'd be furious enough to pass out."
"The Middle ages map and Royal familys are easily worth tens of millions. Something worth tens of millions sold for $380,000."
"That young man just hit the jackpot."
"Not just hit the jackpot — he achieved financial freedom instantly."
"…Damn, I'm jealous."
People's eyes were already red. Online onlookers were envious too, but those who were here today were drowning in regret. They had personally seen the carpet and missed the chance.
Just now, many had even mocked Jason Carter as a fool — and now realized the fools were themselves.
Meanwhile, in the tea room next door, the bald middle-aged man was drinking tea with a few friends, feeling very pleased.
He had bought that carpet for $150,000 and sold it for $380,000, making $230,000 profit. This deal was simply too good. He hadn't expected to be lucky enough to run into someone he thought was foolish.
Just then, the two of them received messages almost simultaneously. They opened them and were instantly stunned.
Seeing the bald middle-aged man still boasting, they immediately handed him the phone. The bald middle-aged man glanced at the screen, his pupils tightened, and his face turned from pale to flushed.
He suddenly clutched his chest, unable to breathe. His face grew redder and redder, and he fell backward.
Quinn, her father Celvin, her aunt Cora, and others were packing up the collector items they had bought, preparing to leave.
As they passed through the courtyard, they heard discussions from other members and picked up bits of the conversation, which made them confused.
"What are you saying? What carpet is worth fifty million?" Celvin couldn't help but stop someone and ask.
That person said, "Don't you know? The carpet that young man bought today — everyone thought he was a fool — turns out it had a Middle ages map and a portrait of Royal familys hidden inside. The pictures are already in the group chat and online. Go check it."
Quinn and her family were shocked. They immediately pulled out their phones and checked the forum and club chat.
After seeing the photos, their eyes widened in disbelief.
Quinn said, "Looks like my intuition was right. He came specifically for that carpet. The other bids he made earlier were just to cover it. But it's impossible to see a map and portrait hidden inside the lining… How did he know?"
Middle ages map and Royal familys are priceless. A treasure like that was right in front of me and I missed it. Truly a regret!"
Quinn and other looked at each other, equally stunned. Besides being surprised, Quinn felt a rush of joy for Jason Carter.
Even though Jason had been distant recently and already had a girlfriend, her heart still leaned toward him. What he had done for her could not be erased; even if he wasn't her exclusive prince, he was still a prince.
"I said before — he must have had his reasons." Quinn had been contradicted earlier when defending Jason, and now she felt vindicated. She also felt proud that the person she admired was extraordinary.
"Quinn, is he experienced in collectibles?" now truly curious about Jason Carter.
"I don't know. He never told me anything about it," Quinn said, feeling lost again. Jason rarely replied to messages now — how would he tell her anything?
"Mom, how much is that Middle ages map and Royal familys worth?"
Cora said, "Someone has already offered fifty million. Estimated valuation is at least eighty million or more. And that's just conservative. The final selling price is impossible to predict."
they gasped, exchanging looks. Bought for $380,000, and instantly worth over $80 million — they couldn't even calculate the multiplier.
Jason Carter made money too easily — this was faster than robbing a bank.
And the cost was only $380,000. Their families could have scraped that much together. If they had bought it today, they could have become financially free immediately.
Of course, that was just hindsight. Without knowing, who would spend $380,000 on a worn-out carpet?
Unless one had Jason Carter's eye — and money — no one could have bought it. He deserved to earn it.
Handsome, wealthy, capable — no wonder Quinn couldn't let go.
"Sigh, I spoke too loudly earlier, saying he was wasteful and would end up broke sooner or later. I really couldn't see clearly." Celvin sighed with emotion.
There are 140 chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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