C103 – Forgive Me for Not Keeping You Company
Zhang Xiaoloong aimed to gauge the other party’s stance to roughly estimate their sincerity.
“If the item matches the photo precisely, I can offer 800,000,” the woman deliberated over the phone.
This offer was already commendable. Further negotiation might lead to a million, settling the road repair funds.
Despite this, Zhang Xiaoloong persisted, “The genuine article surpasses the photo’s allure. Regrettably, this price doesn’t warrant further discussion.”
He comprehended the Four Appearances Divine Orchid’s worth better than anyone. Even if he were to sell it, he couldn’t undervalue it.
Unexpectedly, right after hanging up, the other party promptly called back, “Let’s not rush. Price is negotiable, but can we meet?”
Zhang Xiaoloong smiled. Persistence was evident, yet he declined, “Given this base price, our room for negotiation is limited. The orchid’s value may not be universally acknowledged, but its market value far exceeds your offer. Since Qingyang City lacks buyers, I’ll list it on a larger platform.”
“Let’s revisit this later. Since it’s posted on Qingyang City’s website, consider it. Few understand its value here. Under these circumstances, two million is the ceiling.”
Sensing the orchid might have reached a broader market, the woman promptly doubled the offer, “Can we meet to discuss?”
“Certainly. I’m in Qinghe Village. Can you come?” Zhang Xiaoloong inquired.
“I’m sorry. It’s not an evasion. Current circumstances prevent me. Can you come to Qingyang City? Or wait two days. I’ll definitely come. Please hold off on selling to anyone else,” the woman apologized, sensing her prior offer lacked sincerity.
“Understood.” Surprisingly, Zhang Xiaoloong agreed, “Share your address. I’ll bring the orchid to the city.”
Posting solely on Qingyang City’s website facilitated immediate transactions while maintaining discretion. Zhang Xiaoloong preferred limited exposure for the Four Appearances Divine Orchid.
Even if disclosed, its utility was exclusive to him, yet secrecy was preferred.
With the location concealed, the other party remained unaware, enhancing concealment.
“Excellent. I’m Shi Yue. I’ll send you the address shortly,” she exclaimed, visibly surprised by Zhang Xiaoloong’s agreement. “Give me a call once you’re in the city. I’ll come pick you up.”
After ending the call, a text message arrived. Zhang Xiaoloong glanced at it before pocketing his phone.
Lee Xiulian, who had been eavesdropping, was taken aback. “Xiaoloong, did you say you sold that flower inside?”
“Yes, that’s right. Seems like the funds for road repairs are finally secured!” Zhang Xiaoloong felt a surge of joy after settling the road repair finances.
“What kind of spending is that? Even if it’s made of gold, it wouldn’t be worth two million!” Lee Xiulian exclaimed.
Zhang Xiaoloong hadn’t shielded Lee Xiulian from hearing his conversation, so she caught every word, including the mention of two million.
What did two million mean? Twenty thousand was nearly a year’s hard-earned income for a family, yet a single flower equaled a century of their toil.
“Elder Sister Lianzi, don’t underestimate these flowers,” Zhang Xiaoloong playfully teased. “Two million yuan is what we urgently need, or we could sell more. But these aren’t short-term gains. In the future, they’ll help us earn even more. Two million yuan will then seem like a pittance.”
Lee Xiulian felt lightheaded at the thought of the last statement. Two million was trivial? Just how much money was that?
With this in mind, Lee Xiulian hurried inside to inspect. She returned with concern etched on her face. “With such valuable items, shouldn’t we leave them here? Aren’t we worried about theft? No, no, I’ll get more locks later. Maybe I should spend the night here to keep watch.”
Zhang Xiaoloong was torn between laughter and exasperation. “Don’t worry, Elder Sister Lianzi. We have the Wolf God protecting our greenhouse. If anyone tries to steal, they’ll have to deal with the White Wolf King of Ovens Mountain first.”
As they conversed, the wolf cub resembling a snowball bounded out, frolicking in front of them and emitting soft whimpers.
It seemed to declare that anyone eyeing the greenhouse’s contents would have to confront it first.
Even Lee Xiulian found amusement in the little creature’s antics. However, she recalled Zhang Xiaoloong’s command over the wolves of Ovens Mountain, dispelling her worries. Others might be legends, but she witnessed it firsthand.
……
Lee Xiulian diligently tended to the vegetable field, occasionally assisted by Wang Tiezhu. With Zhang Xiaoloong’s frequent trips to the city, his concerns about leaving home diminished, assured that it was well attended.
Naturally, he had no intention of selling all the Four Appearances Divine Orchids. The images he had shared earlier depicted merely a seedling nurtured through the Herb Growing Art.
Money aside, he harbored no inclination to part with even a single orchid. Despite the Herb Growing Art’s potential for rapid cultivation, his reluctance to part with them persisted.
Laden with the Four Appearances Divine Orchid and provisions for Chen Yaru, Zhang Xiaoloong embarked on his journey. Two hours later, he arrived at a particular edifice.
Drawing from his previous encounter with Chen Yaru, Zhang Xiaoloong promptly contacted Shi Yue.
“You’re already downstairs?” The excitement in her voice surpassed his expectations. “Wait just a moment. I’ll come down to fetch you immediately.”
Shortly thereafter, a sophisticated urbanite, clad in professional attire, emerged from the building. Spotting Zhang Xiaoloong holding an orchid, she hastened toward him.
Though unfamiliar with each other, the distinctive flower left no room for doubt. She greeted him with a smile. “Apologies for the wait, Mr. Zhang. Let’s continue our discussion upstairs.”
Zhang Xiaoloong subtly raised the hand clutching the flowerpot. “I hope this orchid meets your expectations.”
“Mr. Zhang jests. Upon seeing the actual flower, I’ve come to a realization,” Shi Yue teased. “Your photography skills could use some improvement!”
Implicitly, the flower surpassed its portrayal in the photos. Zhang Xiaoloong smiled, deeming his journey worthwhile.
“There’s something I must apologize for, Mr. Zhang.” Upon reaching the office, Shi Yue broached the subject with a hint of uncertainty.
Zhang Xiaoloong’s brow furrowed. Did she regret offering an additional two million?
“Here’s the situation. I wasn’t the one interested in purchasing the orchid; it’s actually our CEO, Mr. Li. Regarding the price, you’ll need to negotiate with him directly.” Shi Yue wore a regretful expression.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaoloong rose from his seat. “I’m terribly sorry, but I have pressing matters to attend to as well. Please excuse my departure.”
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