Chapter 94: Chapter 88: Huge Sum of Money
Manager Chen sought Gu Wenfeng to tell him that no one in Peng City dared to set such a high price for antiques; they were the first ones to do so.
Gu Wenfeng wanted to know what made Lu Jiaxin so confident to set such a high price.
Lu Jiaxin, grateful for Gu Wenfeng’s protection and care during this period, did not hide it from him, “Why do you think I introduced the Old Immortal of the South Pole to Secretary Wang with so much effort? If fortune and longevity come knocking at your door, who would turn them away?”
Gu Wenfeng, puzzled, said, “All these are feudal superstitions. Young Master Nie has always grown up abroad, he shouldn’t believe in such things.”
Lu Jiaxin couldn’t help but laugh, “Whether Nie Zhan believes it or not isn’t important, what matters is that Elder Mr. Nie does. In a wealthy family like the Nie Family, there are definitely countless intrigues and power struggles. What do you think would happen if other members of the Nie Family got wind of this and used it to their advantage with Elder Mr. Nie?”
“Also, antiques are not worthless; it’s just that they can’t sell for a good price in the Mainland. There are many reasons for this, one being perception issues, the other is that the economy in the Mainland is too backward. If we take this painting to Hong Kong, selling it for five or six hundred thousand at an auction house wouldn’t be a problem. So, with this transaction, Nie Zhan isn’t actually making a loss.”
Nowadays, RMB is valuable, with an exchange rate of about 2:1 against greenbacks; and since last year, Hong Kong Dollars have depreciated sharply, now trading at around 6:1 against greenbacks.
Gu Wenfeng’s expression was somewhat complicated. He had inquired about Nie Zhan’s background, but had not given it much thought. Lu Jiaxin, however, had extracted a lot of information from it and used these insights to set a high price. And the reality was exactly as she had speculated—Nie Zhan was indeed willing to pay a high price for their painting.
He had previously thought that Lu Jiaxin would surely lose money in business, and didn’t advise her more because he felt she would learn her lesson after a setback. But now it seemed that Lu Jiaxin was always thinking three steps ahead, and while she might not make a huge profit in business, she would definitely not lose money.
Once they reached the restaurant, Lu Jiaxin ordered a few of her favorite dishes again. The prices here were quite attractive, and every time Gu Wenfeng saw Lu Jiaxin pay, he felt a pinch, which made him restrain himself while eating. Thinking that he was about to make a big profit, he didn’t hold back and ate to his fill.
After the meal, Lu Jiaxin returned to her room with Gu Wenfeng, and it wasn’t long before Secretary Wang arrived. She came with bodyguards, two of whom stayed outside the door.
Knowing that Lu Jiaxin was tough to negotiate with, Secretary Wang cut to the chase, “Miss Lu, our boss says the highest he can go is fifty thousand greenbacks. If you agree, we’ll invite an expert for appraisal.”
In fact, she really felt fifty thousand greenbacks was high, but with the chairman’s sixtieth birthday coming up next year and the painting’s auspicious meaning, it should be a birthday gift the chairman would appreciate.
Paying a high price for antiques was no issue, but if they ended up with a fake at such a price, word would get out and others would question her boss’s abilities and discernment.
Lu Jiaxin’s psychological price was fifty thousand Chinese Currency. By quoting a hundred thousand green currency, she was both testing the waters and aiming to make a bit extra. Fifty thousand greenbacks were already beyond her expectations, so she quickly agreed, but she requested that the appraisal take place at the Swan Hotel, “Secretary Wang, I’ve been out for over a month, and my family has been urging me to return soon. I hope the expert can come as soon as possible.”
It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Secretary Wang; rather, she had to ensure nothing went wrong. After spending so much time and effort, she didn’t want any last-minute issues.
Secretary Wang promised that the expert would be found within two days, and said, “Miss Lu, as long as it’s a good piece, my boss is interested.”
Lu Jiaxin, looking to make more capital, immediately took out a canvas bag from the cupboard, and carefully unwrapped the well-protected ink stick.
Lu Jiaxin first unwrapped the outer layer of cloth, then tore off the layer of newspaper, and directly cut open the third layer of oil paper with scissors. As the oil paper was cut, a refreshing fragrance filled the room.
Secretary Wang was surprised looking at the ink stick on the table. It was as the boss had predicted; this young lady had more good items up her sleeve.
After removing the oil paper, Lu Jiaxin explained the purpose of the ink and then showed the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon at the bottom of the ink stick to Secretary Wang, “Items engraved with the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon were exclusively for the emperor’s use.”
Secretary Wang understood, “You mean, this ink slab was used by an emperor?”
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, “I’m not sure if it was used, but only the emperor is allowed to use objects engraved with the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, anyone else would lose their life.”
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, some precious Chinese herbal medicines were added, which is why it emits a fragrant smell after it is made. This technique has been lost now.”
“Not only is the fragrance not harmful, but it is actually beneficial to the body. Because in ancient times, assassinating the emperor was tantamount to an act of rebellion, and the punishment was the execution of the entire extended family.”
Secretary Wang asked, “Miss Lu, I wonder how you are selling this item?”
Lu Jiaxin opened her mouth wide again, “Twenty thousand greenbacks. However, I have a condition, that this ink slab should not be verified by experts from Yangcheng City. You should take the object back to Hong Kong and have it verified by professionals there, and pay me after the results come out.”
Manager Chen greatly admired Lu Jiaxin, she was incredible to dare to ask for twenty thousand greenbacks for a single ink slab.
This time, Secretary Wang didn’t feel that Miss Lu was asking for an excessive amount, considering the extraordinary significance of an emperor’s belonging, “Why can’t it be verified in Yangcheng City? Is there a reason?”
Lu Jiaxin hung her head low and said softly, “The ancient painting was acquired from the collectibles market, but the ink slab was obtained by my mother in exchange for something else, for me to practice calligraphy. I thought the ink slab was too beautiful to use when I first got it, so I kept it away. It’s just that now I’m in urgent need of money and have no choice but to sell it.”
Gu Wenfeng was astounded, this girl was too good at making up stories.
Secretary Wang understood, this was to avoid letting people know that the ink slab came from her home, to prevent being labeled as a prodigal daughter, but bargaining was necessary, “Ten thousand greenbacks.”
If the boss didn’t want it, she could keep it for her own collection, as it would certainly appreciate in value in the future.
This time, Lu Jiaxin didn’t back down, “Twenty thousand greenbacks, if you think that’s too expensive, then forget it.”
Secretary Wang indicated that the price was too high and he had to consult with the boss.
Nie Zhan examined the ink slab carefully, looking at the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon on the back, he laughed and said, “I didn’t expect this girl to have so many good things.”
Old Master Nie liked to enjoy various high-risk sports such as skiing and rock climbing when he was young, but unexpectedly, after turning forty, he began to cultivate his character and practice calligraphy. When he was a child on holiday back in Hong Kong, he would occasionally help the old master grind ink. This ink slab was even better than those used by his grandfather.
Secretary Wang said, “The young lady said this ink slab was exchanged by her mother for something else, for her to practice calligraphy with, and that the Immortal Picture was obtained last month at the antique market.”
“Do you believe that?” Nie Zhan asked lightly, chuckling. It’s possible to find hidden treasures at roadside stalls in the antique market, but it’s like winning the lottery, the odds are extremely slim. Yet Lu Jiaxin and her mother managed to come across two antiques, such good luck doesn’t happen that easily.
Nie Zhan didn’t believe it either, but since Lu Jiaxin dared to approach him, then these two items should have been acquired through legitimate means.