hollywood billionaire

Chapter 540 Winter Family Feast (Part 2)

"The first gift was for Red."

Han Yi bent down and rummaged through the paper bag at his feet for a while, then pulled out a pair of black Beats Studio Pro headphones.

It looks exactly like the one Red is wearing around his neck.

"He already has almost fifty pairs," Madison said, scoffing. "This kid buys headphones all the time, more than I do."

"That's because you don't create any of your own music, so you don't need headphones at all," Reed retorted sarcastically.

"Watch your words, or I'll sue..."

“These are different.” Han Yi waved the headphones in his hand, stopping the siblings from starting their impending world war. “These have been used by someone else.”

"To be precise, it was used by Dr. Dre himself."

"What?!"

Not only Madison and Reid, but even Robert looked surprised.

“It’s absolutely true. I won’t say which album Dr. Dre used these headphones when he was producing it, because… realistically, nobody uses Beats when producing an album.” Han Yi raised his index finger, pausing dramatically for a moment. “However, it is indeed the pair Dr. Dre most often uses when listening to demos or traveling for work. In addition to the headphones, I even had him write you a letter as proof.”

Reed eagerly tore open the black envelope with the Beats by Dre logo that Han Yi handed him, took out the letter inside, and unfolded it to read it carefully.

To Reed—

Don't just be a consumer, be a creator.

Keep listening to good music until it's your turn to create it.

Dre】

"That's awesome!" Reed jumped up from the sofa excitedly as his fingertips glided over Dr. Dre's smooth, powerful, and highly recognizable handwriting. "That's amazing, Yi, thank you so much for the gift... My God, this might be the most awesome gift I've ever received!"

“It’s alright, bro.” Han Yi stood up and hugged Reed, showing his full respect for the underage boy. “Just like Dre said, if these headphones can inspire you to become a great producer, then they’ve been given to the right person.”

"I'll try my best... I'll try my best." Reed took the headphones from Han Yi's hand, admiring them so much that his old favorite necklace around his neck looked like a worn-out old hag. "My God, it's unbelievable... How am I going to convince the kids at school that this is actually something Dre used to use?"

"Hello?" Madison tilted his head, opened his arms, and shouted to Reed.

"What's wrong?" Reed glanced at her sideways, puzzled.

“You have an older sister who topped the Billboard charts just two months ago.” Madison pressed her hands to her chest, her eyes wide. “And you’re worried that the kids at school won’t believe Dre would give you his headphones?”

“Yeah.” Reed shrugged dramatically, pulling the corners of his mouth down low. “You are you, he is he, how can you be the same?”

Although he didn't mince words with his sister, Rhett was well aware of just how famous she was.

To put it simply, more than half of the boys in school who were even slightly close to him would subtly ask him a lot of questions about Madison. When they went out together, they would often casually say things like, "A really awesome pizza place just opened in town, wanna try it? By the way, is your sister back yet? Let's invite her too," or "Bro, I saw a lot of people online criticizing your sister's new song. But... I accidentally heard it on the radio the other day, and I thought it was alright. Yeah, tell her not to take it to heart, there are still a lot of people who support her in real life."

As for the girls, they were even more direct. Every single girl who spoke to Reed at school came to ask him for Madison's autograph, merchandise, or contact information.

Red knew very well that his popularity at Jericho High School—in his current state—was largely thanks to his sister, who was currently a rising star.

But as the younger brother, he absolutely cannot admit to something like this, even if it means being beaten to death.

"To be fair, Reed, there are probably quite a few people on Craigslist right now selling your sister's old headphones for a thousand dollars," Han Yi said, trying to save face for Madison.

"Did you hear that? I am... Ew!" Madison frowned in disgust, sensing something was off.

“That happened before,” Zhao Youzhen comforted her. “You know there are a lot of fake celebrity listings on Craigslist, and all the ones related to you have been reported and taken down.”

"The next gift is for Robert." Han Yi, who was having a good time being cheeky, turned his gaze to Robert. "Robert, I heard that you own a sushi restaurant and that you really enjoy drinking sake."

“That’s right, Nisen Sushi, he’s with Commark.” Although he already knew who had given Han Yi this information, Robert still cast an inquiring glance at Madison, who confirmed it by raising an eyebrow. “And… yes, I do enjoy drinking sake. Generally speaking, I’m very interested in Asian culture.”

"That's great." Han Yi nodded with a smile and took out the largest and heaviest wooden box from the paper bag. "Because what I'm giving you today is a little trinket that you can use yourself or display in the restaurant."

"what is this?"

Robert frowned as he looked at the gold-embossed "CHRISTIE'S" lettering on the wooden box. He ran his hand along the side of the box for a moment, found the clasp, and then solemnly unlocked it, slowly opening it.

The first thing that catches the eye is a square porcelain vase with a distinctly oriental charm. The main body of the vase is decorated with several panels of varying shapes. Within the fan-shaped panels, elegant Edo-period ladies are delicately depicted, their postures composed, their dresses flowing, as if they are whispering tales of the aristocratic life of that era. Other panels depict lifelike birds, serene bamboo groves, and distant landscapes, blending nature and humanistic elements poetically to create a harmonious and profound atmosphere. The glaze is warm and lustrous, radiating a soft sheen polished by time.

“It’s beautiful,” Robert exclaimed.

"This is a porcelain bottle used to hold sake."

Han Yi understood what Robert meant by his vague exclamation—he only knew that the bottle looked exquisite, but he didn't know its specific effects or origins, and needed someone to explain it to this "Asian culture enthusiast."

"This artifact dates back to the Edo period and is over 300 years old."

Compared to his lengthy explanations when giving gifts to the girls, Han Yi's introduction this time was remarkably minimalist. Partly because the recipient was a man. Although he was Madison's father, he was still a man, and describing the Christmas gifts he had chosen in excessive detail would only seem a little odd. Between men, exchanging gifts is simple: handing over the box, opening the package, a pat on the shoulder—that's it. Any sentiment is remembered and reciprocated with a gift later.

As for the other side...

Although Han Yi did indeed buy this sake bottle from Christie's internal purchasing department, it was really cheap.

750 dollars.

Don't assume that Sotheby's or Christie's only offer exorbitantly priced collectibles. In fact, the vast majority of items available for auction or internal purchase are these affordable little trinkets. Even historical artifacts from over 300 years ago, if they are widely available on the market, lack significant historical value, and have limited appreciation potential, will be very reasonably priced.

Ever since buying the Klimt painting and the gifts for his four daughters, Han Yi has been studying the catalogs of Christie's and Sotheby's. He's discovered that, in some ways, Christie's and Sotheby's aren't that different from the department stores on Fifth Avenue. The only difference is that Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus sells the latest trends, while Christie's and Sotheby's sells used... or even vintage used items.

Han Yi often browses the official websites when he has nothing to do, and places orders for anything he likes. He feels that he's not the only one who uses these two auction houses like Taobao and Pinduoduo.

“My God, three hundred years?” Robert exclaimed.

This is where the advantages of buying gifts at Christie's and Sotheby's become apparent. For someone like Robert Beale, a middle-class Long Islander who owns a construction company, a sushi restaurant, and a Porsche 911, choosing a gift from a department store shelf, even if the price doubled, would likely hardly stir any interest in him. It's far better to simply give him a gift card.

But even though the price isn't high, the unique story and rarity of such an antique, which carries history and has a profound cultural heritage, can easily touch his heart.

“Yes, this porcelain bottle was made between the late 17th and early 18th centuries.” Han Yi smiled and nodded. “I think it will be a great storyteller in your sushi restaurant. Just imagine, pouring sake for guests with a real Imari sake bottle from the Edo period… Any diner sitting at the counter should be captivated by the sense of ritual.”

“It would absolutely be a phenomenal storyteller, but it’s too expensive, Yi, I can’t accept it.” Robert pushed the box back into Han Yi’s arms. “It’s bought, it’s yours, Robert.” Han Yi pushed the box back again, his attitude firm. “Youzhen and I put a lot of thought into this gift, and we would be very happy if you could accept it. After all, we also accepted the best gift in the world that you gave us, didn’t we? That’s Madison.”

Although he was praising himself, Madison's right eyelid twitched involuntarily.

So this gift... was given to you and Yu-jin together?

what is this?
"Oh, you really didn't have to do this... Thank you!" Having said that, further refusal would seem too formal. Robert placed the box beside him and then gave Han Yi and Zhao Youzhen a hug in turn.

“Alright, the next gift is for Tracy. How could we forget Tracy?” Han Yi clapped his hands and turned to Tracy-Bill, who was carrying a tray of drinks toward them, with a warm smile on his face.

“Please don’t.” Tracy shook her head quickly. She placed the tray on the coffee table and looked at Madison with tender eyes. “The fact that you take such good care of Madison is the most wonderful gift I can imagine.”

“That’s not up to you, Tracy.” Han Yi pointed to his partner beside him. “This gift was entirely Youzhen’s idea.”

Upon hearing this, McGrady's right eyelid twitched even more violently.

Why is it that the gift you're giving my mom isn't prepared by you, but by Yoojin?

What happened to the plan to meet the parents on Christmas? Why did it turn out like this?

“Tracy, you are one of the strongest and most independent women I have ever met, not only in your career but also in your life.” Zhao Youzhen took a red paper gift box out of her Chanel shopping bag. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to travel between the East and West coasts, between Los Angeles and New York, to raise two children and maintain your career at the same time. I hope I can have the same courage, perseverance and patience as you.”

“I know that it’s hard for a mother like you to find time to focus on yourself, even just to relax. So I’ve taken the liberty of getting you a membership at the Bel Air Hotel Spa. I’m sure you’ve heard of it; it’s the best spa in Los Angeles, and La Prairie oversees everything from the products to the services. Plus, it’s close to your apartment, and even closer to… the area where Maddie is looking at apartments—just a ten-minute walk down the hill.”

"With this, I hope that from now on, every time you visit Los Angeles, you can allow yourself to temporarily set aside the burdens of being a mother and a strong woman, indulge yourself a little, and enjoy a moment of peace and care. Allow yourself to rest completely, and then return refreshed."

“Awww, Yoojin—” Zhao Yoojin’s words brought tears to Tracy’s eyes. It wasn’t because the gift was particularly precious, but because of the touching feeling of finally having her efforts as a woman and a mother seen and recognized.

“You have to come with me too, you hear me, sweetheart? Don’t think I don’t know how tired you are, McGrady already told me.”

Even Madison, who was initially feeling a bit awkward, couldn't help but sniffle and smile with emotion and relief upon seeing this heartwarming scene.

If it weren't for Han Yi, this would almost be the perfect intimate relationship between her manager and her family in her ideal.

If it weren't for Han Yi.

“Tracy, this isn’t just a regular membership card. You can’t deposit money into it—that’s not allowed,” Han Yi added. “All the bills are directly charged to Han Music’s company credit card; there are no other payment methods.”

This was also a signal of goodwill that Han Yi was sending to Bill's family. Even though Tracy frequently visited Los Angeles, her annual spa expenses were negligible for the company. Using this small expenditure to gain a deeper sense of belonging and identification from core artists and their families was undoubtedly an extremely worthwhile emotional investment.

"Then...then I won't go." Tracy wiped her eyes and teased deliberately.

"If you dare to land at LAX, I'll drag you there."

Lighthearted laughter echoed in the living room. Han Yi turned his gaze to the last two people in the room who had not yet received their gifts.

Lorianne sat leisurely in a single sofa chair, while Madison sat cross-legged on the floor like a lazy kitten, leaning against her grandmother's legs.

"Last but equally important, my favorite grandmother, Lorian."

Han Yi took out the last gift from the paper bag, a small amber box. This time, the English letters embossed on it were no longer "CHRISTIE'S", but "SOTHEBY'S".

"A Buccellati bracelet, just like you, is timeless and elegant."

"Wow, it looks beautiful...and it's very expensive."

"Open the box," Lorian exclaimed in admiration. Inside lay a gold bracelet, evenly set with dazzling morning star-shaped diamonds. It was crafted using Buccellati's most renowned woven gold engraving technique, where the hard gold was sculpted into a texture as soft and delicate as silk, its luster warm and understated. Undoubtedly, it was a work of art that had transcended the tides of time, still shining with eternal beauty.

However, despite her pleasantries, Lorian's expression remained almost unchanged. Having lived her entire life in the New York metropolitan area, this seasoned old lady, with her worldly experience, always maintained this nonchalant demeanor.

"It's not expensive, don't worry."

Han Yi's tone was equally nonchalant. Compared to the two sets of high-end jewelry that Youzhen and Xiaoru received, which totaled more than three million US dollars, this gold bracelet, which cost 12,000 US dollars, was the most expensive gift today. However, for Han Yi, a billionaire, it could indeed be categorized as "not that expensive".

“But what have I done to deserve such a gift?” Lorian shrugged. “All I’ve done is give birth to the man who gave birth to this little girl.” As she said this, Lorian affectionately stroked Madison’s hair.

“You’ve done much more than that, we all know that. You’ve always been there for McGrady, through thick and thin.” Han Yi smiled. “And you even picked out a birthday present for me, which I really love.”

"is it?"

"Yes."

"Are you wearing it on your wrist? Let me see."

"Of course...of course."

Han Yi was taken aback. He hadn't revealed what the gift McGrady had given him was in front of everyone, intending to gloss over it with this ambiguity. He hadn't expected Lorian to ask so directly. After a fleeting moment of hesitation, Han Yi rolled up his sleeves and showed Lorian the FPJourne watch on his wrist.

The moment Madison saw that familiar watch strap, she quickly bit her lower lip, trying her best to suppress the sweetness and pride that was about to overflow from the corners of her mouth and eyes.

This time, it was Zhao Youzhen's right eyelid that started to twitch slightly and uncontrollably.

It turns out that the watch he's been wearing almost every day lately was a gift from Madison?

“Very good.” Lorian’s gaze swept quickly across Zhao Youzhen’s face as if by accident. She nodded with satisfaction and a knowing smile appeared on her lips. “I’m different from them. They’re so polite and courteous. If you give me a gift, I will really accept it.”

Please accept this.

Seeing Lorian accept the gift, Han Yi, feeling slightly uneasy, quickly stood up, picked up another unopened, bulging plastic bag, and headed towards the kitchen.

"The last gift that Youzhen and I are giving you today is—to cook a Christmas dinner for Bill's family."

"What? No!" Tracy stood up immediately and stopped her.

“You are guests, how can we let guests cook?” Lorian also stood up, leaning on the sofa armrest. “We should be the ones cooking for you. In fact, dinner is simmering in the pot right now.”

“We are very much looking forward to the delicious food you will prepare.” Han Yi turned around, clasped his hands together, and said, “But I have heard that a Jewish family feels that Christmas is incomplete without a decent Chinese meal.”

"So... please sit down and give us two hours to see if Chinese food and kosher food can be perfectly integrated together."

(End of this chapter)