Chapter 672 - 672: The Transaction
As soon as both parties agreed upon a meeting place, Luo Feng wasted no time. Within just over twenty minutes, he was already standing in front of the other man.
The guy looked to be in his thirties, wore glasses, and appeared quite scholarly. Luo Feng couldn’t immediately gauge his true nature.
However, Luo Feng was there to do business, so he didn’t care who the other person was; as long as he handed over the item, everything else was irrelevant.
“Could you show me the painting you have? The price is negotiable; the most important thing is to first confirm whether the item is genuine.”
Luo Feng was straightforward. The man scrutinized Luo Feng from head to toe and remarked with some surprise:
“I’ve heard that you have a penchant for collecting all sorts of artifacts. I had initially thought you would be an old man. I didn’t expect you to be so young.” The man’s flippant tone made Luo Feng quite uncomfortable.
However, the painting of the past emperors was in the man’s possession, and so, even if Luo Feng was uncomfortable, he decided to endure it for now.
“Everyone has their own interests and hobbies. Mine just happen to be these artifacts. If you have the painting, please show it to me. I will offer you an ideal price. If you don’t, please don’t waste both our time.”
Luo Feng’s words were polite. Sensing that Luo Feng was suppressing his impatience, the man ceased beating around the bush.
He led Luo Feng to his car.
The painting was in the vehicle.
This artifact was indeed worthy of being called a national treasure.
Moreover, as Luo Feng had suspected, the symbolic importance of this item far outweighed its practical value.
When it had initially been lost overseas, it had pained many. Now that it was before him, Luo Feng resolved that he must retrieve it, no matter the cost.
“Sir, please name your price.”
As much as Luo Feng coveted the painting, the man made no move to name a price, simply watching Luo Feng intently.
Luo Feng eventually felt somewhat embarrassed and returned the painting.
“Please name your price. If it’s within a reasonable range, I can have the money transferred to you immediately. Even if it’s somewhat unreasonable, as long as it’s not too far from my expectations, I won’t say ‘no.”‘
Such forthrightness was rare among buyers in the antique market.
Yet, the man still didn’t name his price and silently exited the car.
“Mr. Luo, let’s continue our discussion in a coffee shop. After all, this isn’t something that can be settled in a few words.”
The man was in no hurry, and Luo Feng wondered whether this was a
negotiation tactic.
However, the ball was in the man’s court, so Luo Feng followed his lead.
They soon returned to their original spots, their coffee now cold. “Mr. Luo, may I ask why you are so keen on collecting artifacts?”
“It’s just a hobby. Artifacts, if appreciated properly, are like having a conversation with people from thousands of years ago. I like that feeling. By the way, may I ask what price you have in mind for this painting?”
After Luo Feng’s question, the man still didn’t name a price but said:
“How about you first name your expected price, Mr. Luo? After all, I have already shown my sincerity; it’s your turn now.”
The man was in no rush.
By all logic, during such high-stakes antique transactions, sellers usually don’t allow buyers to scrutinize the item for such a long time.
However, the man had shown no intention of stopping Luo Feng from examining the painting—unprecedented sincerity in the world of antique transactions.
Luo Feng, aware of the customary practices, finally spoke:
“In that case, I offer 100 million. Are you willing to part with it at this price?”
The man was stunned by Luo Feng’s offer.
One hundred million was an absolutely high price for any artifact.
Though the price was tempting, the man still didn’t agree.
“Mr. Luo, I see your sincerity, but this is a significant matter. I need to consult with others.”
Luo Feng couldn’t understand.
His offer was already generous enough to eliminate any hesitancy on the man’s part. He even planned to transfer the sum in cash.
Yet, the man still didn’t agree.
“Mr. Luo, since the matter is of great importance, I cannot make a direct decision. I hope you understand.”
The man finished speaking, and Luo Feng, though somewhat frustrated, respected his stance.
“In that case, then—”
“Mr.. Luo, do you have time now? It’s almost noon; how about we have lunch
together?”