Chapter 11: Digital Treasure Hunting

Ryan sat at his desk, his eyes glued to the computer screen, fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard. Today's success had filled him with renewed confidence. The newly unlocked remote appraisal ability felt like a secret weapon, giving him an edge no one else had. He logged onto a few secondhand trading websites he often browsed, places where dusty antiques and forgotten treasures were quietly exchanged.

"Let's see if I can find some real gems today," Ryan muttered to himself, his eyes scanning rows of item listings. He knew these sites were filled with items that most sellers underestimated. For him, the challenge was to identify the overlooked treasures and strike gold.

Ryan's attention was caught by a listing for an old teapot. The photograph showed a piece with obvious signs of wear and tear—the glaze was chipped in places, and the spout had a small crack. The seller had priced it at $25 and described it in the most unremarkable terms: "Clearing out my grandfather's attic. Old teapot with some rust."

Curious, Ryan activated the system's remote appraisal function. Within moments, a detailed analysis appeared in his mind:

"Item: 18th Century English Ceramic Teapot

Material: Bone China

Historical Context: Produced by a renowned pottery workshop in Stoke-on-Trent, known for high-quality ceramics in the 1700s.

Market Value: Approximately $700."

Ryan's heart raced with excitement. This was a hidden gem. Despite its imperfections, the teapot's historical significance and craftsmanship made it a valuable collector's item.

"A $700 teapot for just $25?" Ryan murmured, suppressing a grin. He quickly messaged the seller, "I'm interested in the teapot. Can I pay now and have it shipped?"

The seller replied almost immediately, "Sure, but honestly, I'm not sure it's worth that much. If you want it, $25 and it's yours."

Ryan, barely containing his excitement, responded calmly, "Perfect, thank you." He completed the payment and leaned back in his chair. The thought of turning a $25 purchase into nearly thirty times its value filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.

As Ryan eagerly browsed through listings, his eyes landed on a stunning ceramic plate that immediately caught his attention. The plate featured intricate hand-painted floral patterns, clearly the work of a skilled artisan. The seller had listed it for just $100—a price that seemed too good to be true. Ryan quickly clicked on the listing and activated his system to appraise the item.

Before the appraisal results could even load, a glaring notification popped up on the screen: "Sorry, this item has already been sold."

Ryan froze for a moment, then let out a frustrated sigh. "Looks like I'm not the only one hunting for treasures out here," he muttered to himself. The thought of losing out on something potentially valuable stung, but it was a sobering reminder.

He clenched his fists lightly, vowing to act faster next time. The system was a powerful tool, but opportunities in this game were fleeting. Hesitate for even a moment, and someone else could snatch up the prize right from under his nose.

Scrolling further, Ryan's eyes landed on a small brooch listed for $50. The photo showed a tarnished metal frame, with a modest blue stone set in its center. The background of the image was cluttered, and the brooch itself seemed unremarkable. The seller's note read: "Old brooch from a flea market. I don't remember much about it, selling cheap."

Ryan focused on the image and activated the system again. This time, the result made his jaw drop:

"Item: 19th Century Sapphire Brooch

Material: 18K Gold, Natural Sapphire

Historical Context: Crafted by a French artisan, likely commissioned by a noble family.

Market Value: Gemstone Approx. $12,000; Overall Approx. $14,000."

Ryan stared at the screen, his breath catching in his throat. The sapphire alone was worth a small fortune, and the seller clearly had no idea what they were sitting on.

He typed a message quickly, "Hi, I'm very interested in the brooch. Can I pay now and have it shipped ASAP?"

After a few minutes, the seller responded, "Sorry for the delay. You're the first to message me. Just a heads-up, the metal frame is pretty tarnished, and some of it might flake off during shipping. Is that okay?"

Ryan couldn't help but chuckle. "That's fine," he replied. "Just pack it carefully."

He confirmed the payment immediately, feeling a thrill as the transaction went through. This single item alone could change his financial situation drastically, and the idea of owning such a valuable piece, even briefly, made his pulse quicken.

As Ryan continued browsing, he came across a listing for a small oil painting. The image showed a pastoral scene—a quaint wooden cabin nestled in rolling hills, with soft, muted colors that exuded a sense of calm. The frame was worn, and the canvas showed minor cracks. The seller had priced it at $120 with the description: "Old painting from my family home. No idea if it's worth anything. Open to offers."

Ryan activated the system again, half-expecting this to be a waste of time. The appraisal popped up:

"Item: Reproduction Painting of 'Cottage in the Hills'

Material: Standard Canvas and Oil Paint

Historical Context: Early 20th Century reproduction of a famous 18th-century piece.

Market Value: Approximately $80."

Ryan chuckled. "Not every find is a treasure," he thought. Still, he liked the painting's aesthetics and decided it would make a decent decorative piece.

He messaged the seller, "The painting looks nice, but $120 feels a bit steep. Would you take $80 for it?"

The seller replied quickly, "Sure, $80 works. I just want it gone."

Ryan finalized the purchase, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. While not a jackpot, it was another example of how the system helped him make informed decisions, avoiding overpaying for items of modest value.

Hours flew by as Ryan lost himself in the hunt for treasures. The teapot, the brooch, the painting—they represented a mix of incredible finds and practical choices, all guided by his new ability.

Leaning back in his chair, Ryan glanced around his small apartment. Though it was far from luxurious, the potential of his discoveries made the space feel less confining. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he had a way forward—a way to take control of his life and carve out a new path.