Chapter 88: A Fortune
Chapter 88: A Fortune
Manager Chen sought out Gu Wenfeng and told him that no one in Pengcheng dared to set such a high price for antiques, and they were the first.
Gu Wenfeng wondered what gave Lu Jiaxin the confidence to quote such a high price.
Lu Jiaxin was grateful for Gu Wenfeng's protection and care during this time and didn't hide anything from him: "You know why I went out of my way to introduce the Antarctic Immortal to Secretary Wang? When fortune and longevity are offered, how can one refuse?"
Gu Wenfeng said doubtfully, "These are all superstitious beliefs. Nie Congzi has always grown up abroad and shouldn't believe in such things."
Lu Jiaxin laughed, "Whether Nie Zhan believes it or not doesn't matter, as long as Elder Nie believes it. In a wealthy family like the Nie family, there must be internal power struggles and conflicts. If the other members of the Nie family get wind of this and use it to sway Elder Nie's opinion, what do you think will happen?"
"Also, antiques aren't necessarily worthless, it's just that they don't fetch a high price in the mainland. There are many reasons for this; one is the problem of perception, and the other is that the mainland's economy is too backward. If we take this painting to a auction house in Port City, selling it for five to sixty thousand dollars is not a problem. So, in this deal, Nie Zhan is not losing out."
Currently, the yuan is valuable, and the exchange rate with the greenback is roughly 2:1. However, the Hong Kong dollar has been depreciating since last year, and its exchange rate with the greenback is now about 6:1.
Gu Wenfeng's expression became somewhat complex. He had inquired about Nie Zhan's background but hadn't given it much thought. Lu Jiaxin, on the other hand, had extracted a lot of information and used it to set a high price. And indeed, as she had speculated, Nie Zhan was willing to pay a high price for their painting.
Gu Wenfeng had previously thought that Lu Jiaxin would definitely lose money in her business dealings and hadn't discouraged her further because he felt that she would learn her lesson after a setback. But now it seemed that Lu Jiaxin was always thinking ahead, and while she might not make a huge profit, she certainly wouldn't lose money.
At the restaurant, Lu Jiaxin ordered several of her favorite dishes. The prices here were quite steep, and every time Gu Wenfeng saw Lu Jiaxin paying, he felt a pang of pain, which led him to be very restrained in his eating. Thinking that they were about to make a big profit, he let go of his restraint and ate to his heart's content.
After the meal, Lu Jiaxin and Gu Wenfeng returned to their room. Not long after, Secretary Wang arrived with her bodyguards, leaving two of them outside to guard the door.
Secretary Wang knew that Lu Jiaxin was a tough negotiator, so she got straight to the point: "Miss Lu, our boss says the highest he can offer is $50,000 in greenbacks. If you agree, we'll bring in an expert for authentication."
In fact, she really felt that $50,000 was a high price, but as the chairman was turning sixty next year, the auspicious implications of the painting would make it an ideal gift, and the chairman would surely appreciate it.
Paying a high price for antiques was fine, but if one were to pay a high price for a fake, it would reflect poorly on the boss's capabilities and discernment once the news spread.
Lu Jiaxin's target price was $50,000 in Chinese currency, and her asking price of $100,000 in greenbacks was both a test and a desire to make a substantial profit. $50,000 in greenbacks already exceeded her expectations, so she readily agreed. However, she requested that the appraisal take place right here at the Swan Hotel: "Secretary Wang, I've been away for over a month now, and my family has been urging me to return home soon. I hope the expert can come as soon as possible."
It wasn't that she didn't trust Secretary Wang, but she had to ensure that this matter went off without a hitch. She had invested a lot of time and energy, and she didn't want any last-minute hiccups.
Secretary Wang assured her that an expert would be found within two days. After giving her word, she added, "Miss Lu, as long as it's a valuable item, our boss is always interested."
Lu Jiaxin wanted to increase her capital, so upon hearing this, she immediately took out the canvas bag from the cabinet and then carefully unwrapped the inkstone from its protective covering.
Lu Jiaxin first unfolded the cloth covering the first layer, then tore off the second layer of newspaper. She used scissors to cut through the oil paper that was the third layer. As soon as the oil paper was cut, a refreshing and pleasant fragrance wafted into the room, filling the noses of everyone present.
Secretary Wang looked at the ink stone on the table, astonished. Just as her boss had predicted, this young lady still had some hidden treasures up her sleeve.
Lu Jiaxin removed the oil paper and proceeded to explain the function of the ink before showing Secretary Wang the five-clawed golden dragon engraved on the bottom: "Items adorned with the five-clawed golden dragon are exclusively used by the emperor."
Secretary Wang understood the implication: "Are you saying that this ink stone was once used by an emperor?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled and replied, "Whether or not it was used by him, I'm not sure. But only the emperor is allowed to use items bearing the five-clawed golden dragon. Anyone else who dares to use it would be signing their own death warrant."
Secretary Wang nodded slightly, "Why does it have a fragrance, and is it harmful to the body?"
Lu Jiaxin explained, "During the ink-making process, precious Chinese medicinal herbs are added, resulting in a pleasant fragrance once the ink is made. This craftsmanship has been lost in the present day."
"Not only is this fragrance harmless, but it also has beneficial effects on the body. In ancient times, plotting against the emperor was tantamount to treason, punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan."
Secretary Wang inquired, "Miss Lu, how do you plan to sell this item?"
Lu Jiaxin boldly quoted a high price once more, "Two thousand greenbacks. However, I have one request. Please refrain from seeking an appraisal from an expert in Ram City for this ink. Instead, bring it back to Hong Kong and have a specialist examine it there. Payment can be made after the appraisal results are out."
Manager Chen was full of admiration for Lu Jiaxin. She was truly impressive, daring to ask for two thousand greenbacks for an ink stone.
This time, Secretary Wang didn't feel that Lu Jiaxin was being unreasonable with her pricing. The fact that it was an item used by an emperor made it extraordinary: "Why can't we find an appraiser in Ram City? Is there a particular reason?"
Lu Jiaxin lowered her head and replied softly, "As for the ancient painting, I did obtain it from an antique market. However, the ink stone was something my mother traded for and gave to me for my calligraphy practice. Initially, I thought it was too beautiful to use, so I kept it safely stored away. It's only because I urgently need money now that I've decided to sell it."
Gu Wenfeng was astounded by her storytelling prowess. This young lady was truly a master storyteller.
Secretary Wang understood the implication—Lu Jiaxin didn't want people to know that the ink stone had come from her family, as they might label her as a spendthrift. However, haggling over the price was inevitable: "I can offer one thousand greenbacks."
If her boss didn't want it, Secretary Wang could keep it for herself as a collection. Its value would undoubtedly increase over time.
Lu Jiaxin stood firm and didn't compromise this time, "Two thousand greenbacks. If you think it's too expensive, then forget about it."
Secretary Wang indicated that the price was too high and that she would need to consult with her boss.
Nie Zhan carefully examined the ink stone, his eyes falling on the five-clawed golden dragon etched on its back. A smile appeared on his face as he remarked, "I didn't expect this young lady to possess so many valuable items."
When Nie Zhan was younger, he had a penchant for high-risk sports like skiing and rock climbing. However, after turning forty, he turned to calligraphy as a way to cultivate his mind and body. During his childhood vacations in Hong Kong, he would occasionally help his grandfather grind ink. This ink stone was of a higher quality than the ones his grandfather used.
Secretary Wang explained, "The young lady mentioned that the ink stone was something her mother traded for and gave to her for calligraphy practice, while the immortal painting was acquired from an antique market last month."
"Do you believe that?" Nie Zhan asked with a light laugh. While it was possible to find hidden treasures among the street vendors in antique markets, the odds were akin to winning the lottery—extremely slim. It was highly improbable that Lu Jiaxin and her mother would be lucky enough to acquire two antiques in this manner.
"I don't believe it," Secretary Wang replied.
Nie Zhan shared the same sentiment. However, he surmised that since Lu Jiaxin had approached him, these items were likely obtained through legitimate means.
(End of Chapter)
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