Chapter 3, Gold Trading

"Grocery store? In Hell's Kitchen?" Zhuang Quan furrowed his brow; if it were to go to such places, it would be better to make him wait a day.

Of course not, I just want to take out two more!" Zhuang Quan said with a smile, as he took out two more gold bars from his pocket and placed them on the counter.

Investment bonds? Indeed, they are valuable assets! The old white man understands this immediately, but the specific amount I invest will depend on whether you speak honestly.

Returning to the house, Zhuang Quan counted out 400 dollars to keep, and then handed the remainder to Peter, "Peter, this money is to cover the rent for your home and the meals for the past few days, let me take a break"

If the purity of your gold bar is sufficient, I can offer you 300 dollars per ounce!" The old white man carefully placed the gold on the scale and then into a measuring cup containing half a cup of water

He happily took the money, even though it was the year 2002 in the United States. Due to the impact of the internet bubble in the Nasdaq stock market over the past two years, many people's incomes began to plummet. Therefore, for a family like Peter's, 2,000 dollars could represent their annual surplus

He has never been abroad, and in this city known as New York and Books, one could say he is completely in the dark.

The old man squinted his eyes, and his voice suddenly turned cold, "Gold bars? Are you bank robbers?"

Zhuang Quan shook his head, "I heard that you accept gold here"

"However, I have heard that there are people who can buy gold in some grocery stores!" Peter said mysteriously, "If you want, we can make it a try!"

He has been lying in bed for a whole day. Last night, he saw Peter's uncle and aunt. Looking at the faces of the two elderly people, combined with the face of the bully Macguire, he felt somewhat relieved. Fortunately, it is the world of the original Spider-Man, rather than the MCU, which has become so chaotic that it drifts everywhere in the timeline.

With Peter's assistance, he can settle into this city more quickly and become better acquainted with the local environment

Of course, wait for me a moment!" Zhuang Quan said as he took out three one-kilogram gold bars from his bag and placed them in his bosom

No, this is an investment gold bar from Huaguo, it should not be a problem, right? said Zhuang Quan

Thank you very much! Zhuang Quan said, "Let's go exchange some money first!"

"Yes, of course, you can use my family's phone. Trust me, no bank would refuse such a major client like you!" Peter said excitedly, "Moreover, you are an immigrant, and they won't investigate the source of your funds or tax issues. This is your best opportunity!"

In front of the shelf, there sits an elderly white man watching television, "What do you need?"

"Oh, it seems you need to stay here for a couple more days!" Peter said, "No problem, I will inform Uncle and Aunt, so you can rest assured!"

"Appointment, are you referring to making a phone call?" Zhuang Quan was taken aback; he truly did not understand the lifestyle of Americans.

No, no, no, there is a pawn shop right next to the forest community!" Peter said mysteriously, "I heard it from Harry; when he is short on cash, he also comes here to exchange money!

"Are you looking to exchange gold for money?" Peter asked

Ah, yet another individual defeated by the terrifying interest rates of the bank!" said the elderly white man, "Yes, I buy gold here at a price 10% higher than the bank!

Due to the events of 911 last year, the gold market has seen a significant upward trend, resulting in black market gold prices being considerably higher than bank prices

"It seems that I am indeed lucky!" Zhuang Quan said self-deprecatingly, "So what should we do today?"

Is it Harry Osborn? Zhuang Quan silently thought, "Then what benefits does this store offer in exchange?"

At this time, New York, America, remains a beacon of the world, bustling with people coming and going on the streets. Zhuang Quan, a Chinese national, and Peter, a bespectacled nerd, walk down the street feeling quite out of place

They entered a grocery store, the largest grocery store on the entire street, where everything from scissors and pliers to lawnmowers and portable music players was available, all neatly displayed on the shelves

The transaction concluded, and Zhuang Quan, holding 2,400 US dollars and a check for 30,000 US dollars, was carefully assisted out by Peter. Peter's home is just upstairs, so there is no need to walk far, and safety concerns are not an issue.

Of course, you do not need to pay taxes, nor do you need to exchange at the bank according to the lowest international gold price! Peter said while looking at the open computer, "Are you going? I have never been to a pawn shop before!"

This thus establishes the foundation for private gold trading; even if the tax authorities possess immense power, they remain in a state of blindness in cash transactions that lack monitoring and bank statements

Very grateful - picture - book thank you! Zhuang Quan stumbled down from the bed

He took out an electronic scale, a measuring cup, and some water from the cabinet beneath him

In fact, if you could rent my family's house, my uncle and aunt would probably be very happy! Peter said, "However, you may not be able to exchange for gold today; you need to make an appointment at the bank first and then go for the exchange"

He pulled a gold bar out of his pocket and placed it on the counter, asking, "Will you accept this?"

Yes, the panel reminded him that he could still stay in this world for 27 days, after which he would have to return to the Wandering Earth

He certainly would not be foolish enough to bring all the gold with him. Not to mention whether the grocery store has that much cash, it is wise to keep wealth concealed. If others were to develop greedy thoughts, with just the two of them, they wouldn't even know how they would meet their end.

Hmm! Zhuang Quan nodded, "Only when I have money can I rent a place here or something; I can't keep living at your house!"

Of course! Zhuang Quan nodded, as Americans do not prefer cash; checks and credit cards are what they favor the most

Zhuang Quan lay back down on the bed. Now that he had some money, once he went to the bank, he could exchange the remaining backpack full of gold. Then he would think about buying things and the matter of returning with books.

Investing in gold bars generally implies a high level of purity, yet it appears that the old white man still wants to conduct a test

You Chinese people just love to keep things hidden!" Old White murmured, then took out a checkbook from under the cabinet, "I can give you part of the cash, and the rest can be paid by check, how does that sound?

Zhuang Quan allowed Peter to continue supporting him. The young Spider is still a student, appearing quite dull; upon entering, he lacked even the courage to speak.

This is a set of clothes belonging to my uncle, you can wear it for now, and when you buy new ones later, just return it! Peter tossed a set of clothes to Zhuang Quan

You are quite lucky, I am still on holiday today and can help you with a few matters! Peter said, which was certainly excellent news for Zhuang Quan

"One kilogram, equivalent to 35.27 ounces, is standard bullion gold. I offer 10,800 dollars!" he said, "If you are not satisfied, you can refuse this transaction, but the whole street knows that I, Old John, am the fairest here!"

Peter was quite excited; this was the boldest thing he had ever done in his life. He supported Zhuang Quan as they made their way down the stairs.