Chapter 646: Discovering the Flask
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
As it turned out, Mike possessed an impressive array of artifacts, each of which, upon first glance, exuded a sense of great worth.
However, a comprehensive scan using Luo Feng’s unique system revealed a disheartening truth: the lion’s share of Mike’s collection was counterfeit!
Surveying the warehouse overflowing with such “treasures”, Luo Feng couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Mike.
Just how much had Mike invested in these trinkets?
An alarming amount of money had been essentially thrown away. Regardless of one’s wealth, realizing this bitter truth would undoubtedly cause substantial discomfort.
However, Luo Feng was not here to ponder such matters; he had a specific objective in mind.
Rather than making a beeline for the artifact from the Warring States period, he opted to feign interest in the surrounding items.
As he browsed, Luo Feng struck up a conversation with the man who had guided him in, inquiring about the pieces Mike treasured the most.
“Sir, your taste doesn’t appear to be particularly refined,” the man sneered before leading Luo Feng to a shelf. He gestured towards a box, stating, “Do you see this? Our boss paid over thirty million for the item inside!”
Upon hearing this, Luo Feng opened the box to inspect its contents.
Inside was a bracelet of exceptional hue and complete transparency. If it were genuine jade, it would indeed be a priceless treasure, worth not just thirty million, but possibly even fifty million.
There’s an adage in the trade: the more a piece of jade resembles glass, the more valuable it is. However, if it becomes indistinguishable from glass, it’s a pitfall from which there’s no return.
Clearly, this bracelet fell into the latter category.
Under normal circumstances, Luo Feng would certainly have mocked the man.
However, today Luo Feng was in a position of needing something from them, and so he managed to suppress his mirth.
“Indeed, this is a priceless gem, but I fear it’s beyond my financial means,” he said, feigning disappointment. He then closed the box and proceeded to search for other treasures.
Evidently, Luo Feng’s ruse was effective.
The guide, emboldened by Luo Feng’s words, became increasingly haughty. His face was a mask of arrogance each time he spoke to Luo Feng thereafter.
Luo Feng didn’t mind. A few flattering words could spare him a great deal of hassle. Why not indulge the man?
After casually selecting a few less conspicuous items, Luo Feng, suppressing his excitement, finally stood before a rust-stained pot.
At first glance, Luo Feng recognized this as an authentic piece, the very item that had appeared as a large red dot during his system scan.
Carefully, Luo Feng picked it up and turned to the servant, asking, “This piece has an air of antiquity about it. Can you share any details?”
The man dismissed his query with a wave of his hand, “I’m not certain. Perhaps five or six years ago, our boss stumbled upon it at a flea market and found it intriguing, so he brought it home.”
“We had it appraised. It’s most likely a high-quality replica and doesn’t carry much value. Why, have you developed a fondness for it?”
“I didn’t expect even your boss to have an occasional lapse in judgment.”
Holding the item, Luo Feng scrutinized it carefully before responding, “This piece managed to deceive your boss, suggesting the forger was quite skilled. If I were to display it in my shop, it would surely draw attention.”
Luo Feng feigned the excitement of uncovering a treasure, while the man found his behavior amusing.
“I presumed you were here to negotiate a substantial deal with our boss. I hadn’t anticipated such frugality on your part.”
After his statement, the man pointed out several other areas where the items held little value, suggesting Luo Feng could help himself to whatever he fancied.
Luo Feng didn’t disagree. Having secured his target, he casually glanced at the other items, selected a few, and exited the warehouse.
Upon meeting Mike, Luo Feng placed the items in a cardboard box and said,
“Mr. Mike, my means are limited. I merely picked a few items of lesser value.
Could you tell me their worth?”
After Luo Feng finished, Mike glanced at the items, finding them to be worthless. He found it amusing that someone would deliberately seek out such trinkets.
“If I were to charge you for these, it would make me appear petty.”
Mike was about to dismissively wave his hand and gift Luo Feng all the items when he suddenly had a flash of recognition.
“Have we met somewhere before?”
As soon as Mike voiced his question, Luo Feng promptly denied it.
“I’ve never had the chance to meet someone of your stature. You must be mistaken.”
It seemed as if Mike had suddenly recalled something..
Follow current novels on (f)reew𝒆bnovel