Li San'er, having taken several thousand yuan from Ye Fan, naturally put in a good word for him.
After all, if the deal went through, his own fortune would also soar. People act in their own self-interest, it's only natural!
Hearing Li San'er's words, Manager Liu frowned, his sinister gaze scrutinizing Ye Fan.
"Distant cousin? May I know where this Mr. Ye makes his fortune?"
Without closing the distance between them, and with his hands clasped behind his back, Manager Liu was quite astute.
Ye Fan curved his lips into a smile. "To be frank, I come from Jiangbei. I've been in the antique circle for several years and have gained some renown. I own several antique shops. However, Manager Liu should also know that although the antique industry in Jiangbei doesn't compare to Jiangnan, it's still a case of many wolves and little meat. In recent years, business has been declining day by day. Helpless, I was introduced by a friend and after much inquiry, I learned that Hua Village in Jiangcheng has many rare treasures, so I ventured here."
These words had already been prepared by Ye Fan before coming to Hua Village.
Fortunately, he hadn't encountered Qin Zhonghe, otherwise, all his plans would likely have been ruined.
Manager Liu's gaze remained fixed on Ye Fan's face. Seeing that Ye Fan's expression was calm and showed no abnormality, he felt somewhat relieved.
"So you are from the Ye family of Jiangbei. I've heard of them. It is said that the Ye family is a prominent antique family in Jiangbei. I wonder if Old Master Ye is in good health?"
Probing, yet again!
This Manager Liu was too cautious. With such simple tests, if Ye Fan had shown the slightest mistake, he might have fallen into the trap.
Ye Fan smiled and shook his head. "Manager Li, have you perhaps misremembered? My grandfather passed away a year ago."
There was indeed a Ye family in Jiangbei, and they were highly renowned in the antique circle. Ye Fan had done his homework before coming, and since his surname was also Ye, he could impersonate them.
Upon hearing Ye Fan's words, a faint smile finally appeared on Manager Liu's face.
Only then did his suspicion towards Ye Fan significantly lessen.
"Damn, my memory isn't that good. Brother Ye, please don't take offense. Since you are from the Ye family, you are our guest. Please, come inside."
Saying this, he led Ye Fan into the house.
The layout of the house was simple, with transparent windows on all four sides. Apart from a bed, a table, and a chair, the only other items were large barrels of gasoline.
This sight sent a chill down Ye Fan's spine.
It was fortunate he hadn't alerted them. Otherwise, if they had been alerted, they would have immediately set fire to everything.
Then, in a scene of ruins, even if they wanted to investigate, they wouldn't be able to find any clues.
Li San'er quickly brewed tea and brought it over.
"Manager Liu, my cousin here is very good at business. And his greatest strength is his tight-lipped nature. If he promises something, even with a knife to his throat, he will absolutely not reveal it. So, Manager Liu can rest assured."
Picking up the teacup, Manager Liu took a sip and then looked at Ye Fan, smiling. "Our Hua Village does have many antiques for sale, but these antiques are very valuable. I wonder how many Brother Ye can afford?"
The second test had arrived.
Ye Fan smiled and shook his head. "Manager Liu, I cannot agree with what you've said. Buying and selling has always been a mutual agreement. I must first see the items, know their quality, and discuss the price before I can give Manager Liu a reply. Even if I say I want a hundred or eighty pieces now, would Manager Liu believe me?"
In business, the most important thing was careful calculation. If Ye Fan appeared too eager, his pretense would be exposed.
Moreover, he had already admitted to being from the Ye family. As a member of the Ye family, he naturally wouldn't be a fool.
Manager Liu nodded with satisfaction. "Brother Ye's words are reasonable. I was too hasty. In that case, I will have someone bring some items over. As long as Brother Ye finds them agreeable, we can discuss the price."
These two tests had completely dispelled the last of Manager Liu's doubts.
Since that was the case, the business should naturally continue.
After all, if he could close a deal, the benefits he would receive were considerable.
Unlike Li San'er and the others, who were merely muscle and only earned money for their labor, Manager Liu received a share of the profits. The more items sold, the larger his share.
Soon, several employees entered carrying about a dozen antique items, placing them on the table.
"Brother Ye, please take a look."
These dozen or so antiques covered a wide range, including porcelain, jade, calligraphy and paintings, and even bronze ware, spanning thousands of years. For anyone without discerning eyes, they would certainly be dazzling.
But in Ye Fan's eyes, these items were full of flaws.
He hadn't expected to find such defective products here.
He looked up slightly at Manager Liu, seeing that he was also watching him.
Ye Fan smiled. "Manager Liu, I am sincerely here to buy antiques. If Manager Liu only has such goods, I'm afraid I must take my leave."
As he spoke, Ye Fan slowly stood up, his face maintaining a smile, but his words laced with a hint of anger.
This statement surprised Manager Liu, who hadn't expected Ye Fan's discernment to be so sharp.
The items he had brought were those that were not completely finished. Although he was the chief steward here and held a certain authority, he wouldn't go so far as to sell finished fakes.
He could only pick out some defective items to fool those who didn't know any better.
Seeing Ye Fan actually standing up to leave, Manager Liu felt a surge of anxiety.
"Brother Ye, please stay."
He quickly called out to Ye Fan, and Manager Liu stood up and hurried over.
"Brother Ye is a man who knows his goods. My old friend, I won't hide anything from you. Indeed, there is a batch of items in Hua Village that need to be sold, but the prices are high. Brother Ye and we have never done business before, and I dare not make decisions on my own. However, if Brother Ye is interested, perhaps we can go and take a look."
Now, Ye Fan held the initiative. If Manager Liu didn't cooperate, he could simply walk away.
Hearing Manager Liu's words, Ye Fan smiled. "Manager Liu, rest assured. As long as I am satisfied with what I see, the money is not a problem."
Saying this, he took out a check from his pocket and wrote down a figure.
"What does Manager Liu think of this amount of money?"
Taking the check with trembling hands and seeing the figure clearly, Manager Liu frowned. "Three million?"
If three million were for other things, it might be a significant sum, but as a deposit for purchasing antiques, it was rather meager.
After all, the prices of antiques were very high; some treasures started at tens of millions.
Seeing Manager Liu's expression, Ye Fan's smile grew wider.
"Manager Liu, this three million is just a deposit."
"What? This is just a deposit?"
Even Manager Liu, who had seen his fair share of storms, couldn't help but tremble inwardly at this moment.
To casually present three million as a deposit was a display of courage not possessed by ordinary people.