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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.

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.

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.

"Miss Elena," Hardy called out, standing in front of them.

Elena looked up, surprised to see Hardy. The young man beside her looked at Hardy with slight hostility.

"Mr. Hardy, what brings you here?"

After glancing at her classmate, Elena said, "Andrew, my friend is here. I don\'t have time today. Goodbye."

"Let\'s go, Mr. Hardy." She stood next to Hardy, and they walked away together.

Andrew gave Hardy a resentful look. If not for this guy, he might have invited Elena to a movie today.

"Is he your suitor?" Hardy asked as they walked along the shaded path.

"Just a classmate. What brings you here, Mr. Hardy?" Elena asked.

"Didn\'t you invite me to visit USC yesterday?" Hardy replied, slightly hurt.

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.

"Why don\'t we find Irina? She should be out of class now," Elena suggested.

"Sure, I have something for her too."

When Irina saw Hardy, she ran over excitedly, greeting him warmly, "Hi, Mr. Hardy. I\'m so glad to see you again."

"It\'s lunchtime. Are you treating us to lunch?"

"Oh~!"

Irina was at a loss for words.

She had lost her living expenses and had borrowed some money from Elena yesterday, planning to survive on bread for the month.

If she treated them, she would be out of money again.

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."

"No problem, but wait a moment. I\'ll get something from the car for you."

"What is it?" Irina asked curiously.

"A gift."

At the car, Hardy took out two handbags. The girls were stunned.

"Ah, isn\'t this my handbag?"

"My bag is here too?!"

"Check if anything is missing," Hardy said, handing the bags to them. The girls checked their belongings.

"Everything is here, nothing is missing. My money is all here too," Irina exclaimed in surprise.

Elena also saw all her items, including the silver earrings.

"Mr. Hardy, what\'s going on?" Elena asked curiously.

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?"

"Of course," Irina shouted excitedly.

They went to the restaurant.

Irina asked about the retrieval of the handbags, and Hardy gave a vague answer, saying a friend had some influence.

Irina, a journalism major, was talkative and lively, while Elena was more reserved.

After a while, Hardy asked Elena, "When we were at the art shop, you were looking at the artworks. Are you knowledgeable about art?"

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."

"Have you collected many artworks?" Hardy asked.

The girl shook her head. "I don\'t have money. Even if I see something I like, I can\'t buy it."

Hardy understood.

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.

"Mr. Hardy, I saw you bought some oil paintings. Do you know a lot about paintings?" Elena asked.

"Not too much, I just like them."

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."

Elena and Hardy exchanged a look and laughed.

They had forgotten about Irina during their conversation.

As the three talked about each other, Hardy disclosed that he was a soldier who fought in World War II.

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.

She stared at him with sparkling eyes.

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.

"Of course. I have nothing to do this afternoon anyway. I can look at your paintings."

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?"

Hardy smiled.

"I run this security company. Those paintings and artwork are kept with the security company. It\'s safer here."

Elena looked at Hardy in surprise.

"HD Security, which became famous some time ago, is your company?"

"That\'s right."

"What about HD Film Company?"

"It\'s mine too."

Elena looked at Hardy carefully again. He already owned two companies at such a young age. He must be very capable.

In Hardy\'s office, Hardy took out the paintings he had bought.

"Help me appraise these. If you think they\'re good, I\'ll buy more."

The desk was filled with dozens of pieces.

Elena examined each piece, pointing out characteristics and providing detailed explanations, including historical context and market value.

She was amazed by Hardy\'s collection.

"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 ."

"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.

Hardy nodded.

"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."

Elena was taken aback. "I can\'t accept your request for free, Mr. Hardy. If I help you, you must pay me."

Hardy chuckled. "What do you want?"

"Please hire me as your appraiser and pay me a reasonable salary."

"No problem. From today on, you\'re my appraiser. I\'ll pay you $100 per piece you appraise."

Elena agreed.

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.

Hardy and Elena visited the art shop again. They entered the shop, and the owner greeted them warmly.

"Mr. Hardy, welcome back. Are you looking for something specific today?"

Hardy smiled. "I\'m here with my appraiser, Miss Elena, to purchase more oil paintings."

The shop owner\'s eyes lit up.

"I have some new items. Please take a look."

Hardy and Elena examined the new pieces. Elena provided her expert opinion, and Hardy made his selections.

By the end of the day, Hardy had purchased several valuable pieces, and Elena had earned her first payment.

As they left the shop, Hardy said, "Thank you for your help today, Miss Elena. I look forward to working with you again."

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?"