To be honest, Xiao Ma had wanted to sell this meiping long ago to improve his living conditions. However, good buyers were hard to find. Some thought it was too expensive, while others wanted this or that, so the sale had dragged on until now. It was not easy to find a major customer like Chu Chen. Even if he had to give up some profit, he was willing to agree.
Xiao Ma smiled at Chu Chen. "Teacher Chu, the auction houses really haven't offered prices like that, but that's because they haven't had such a fine piece. Of course, if you truly want it, I can give you a discount..."
The two haggled for a while, finally settling on a price of 3.6 million. For a time, everyone was delighted.
In his good mood, Xiao Ma also gave Chu Chen a discount on the few other items he had brought out earlier. He charged only 90,000 for all four, effectively selling them to Chu Chen at half his appraisal.
After completing the transaction, Xiao Ma wanted to treat Chu Chen and the others to lunch. However, Chu Chen saw that it was not even half past ten. They could still eat at the hotel, so he politely declined. They then took a commercial vehicle Xiao Ma called for them back to the hotel.
After getting out, Chu Chen carried the meiping toward the hotel and said to Zuo Shan, "I've already arranged the transportation. They should arrive in about an hour. Just go with them when they get here."
Zuo Shan nodded solemnly. "Young Master Chu, rest assured! I'll make sure this vase gets back to the capital safely!"
Chu Chen chuckled. "With you handling it, what could I possibly worry about... Huh? Old Xu, why are you in