Another Discovery

While Chu Chen was looking through the thread-bound books, Warren returned carrying two brocade boxes and set them beside the books.

After Chu Chen had looked through all twelve books, Warren politely asked, "Chu, are these books of mine genuine?"

"They're all genuine." Chu Chen nodded.

When Warren heard Chu Chen's answer, a smile immediately spread across his face. He asked again, "Then how much are these books worth now?"

Chu Chen did not answer directly. Instead, he said, "Mr. Warren, there's something I'd like to clarify first."

Warren quickly said, "Please, go ahead."

Chu Chen said, "If I'm not mistaken, the reason you invited me here this time was because you want to sell these things, right?"

It was obvious enough, and Warren admitted it frankly. "Yes. My company has run into a serious problem this time. If I don't replenish our working capital, we'll definitely go bankrupt within two months. Otherwise, I wouldn't be willing to sell these antiques."

Chu Chen nodded. "Mr. Warren, I know about your difficulties. But business is business. You should also understand that the quoted prices for antiques are only reference values. The actual transaction prices certainly can't all follow those quotes."

Warren could not help frowning at Chu Chen's words. Then he asked, "Chu, what do you mean?"

Chu Chen replied, "I mean that we'll negotiate the prices of the individual items. For example, I can buy that Ming imitation-Guan-ware gourd vase at the previously quoted price. But the price of things like your gilt pocket watch will have to be negotiated."

"After all, things like that aren't worth much and are fairly common on the market. Although I can give you the market reference price, when I sell it, the buyer may not accept that price. I can't exactly sell it