Ye Fan's words stunned the elders, and then their eyes gleamed with excitement.
While the Qianlong Eight-Treasure pocket watch wasn't a priceless treasure, it could still fetch a considerable profit from the right buyer. Moreover, even if it wasn't sold, keeping it as a collectible held good value.
Seeing the eager gazes of the elders, Ji Nanshan could only offer a wry smile and take the pocket watch to examine it closely. After all, since they were here because of him, it was only right that he should have the first look.
After more than ten minutes, Ji Nanshan looked up. "Young friend Ye, this Eight-Treasure is indeed a masterpiece. At the current market price for such pieces, I'll offer you double, one hundred and twenty thousand. How about it?"
"Hiss."
The others gasped, not because of the amount, but because it far exceeded the Eight-Treasure's intrinsic value. The circulating price for Eight-Treasure pocket watches was generally between fifty to sixty thousand. Ji Nanshan's offer of doubling the price would likely cause a significant fluctuation in the market for such items in Jiangcheng.
However, to everyone's surprise, Ye Fan didn't seem impressed by Ji Nanshan's offer. Instead, he let out a scoff.
"Two hundred thousand, non-negotiable."
What? Two hundred thousand? Was this kid crazy?
Even Ji Nanshan couldn't help but furrow his brow. "Young friend Ye, you must be joking, right?" He had already doubled the price, and Ye Fan was still not satisfied? His initial respect for Ye Fan diminished, replaced by a hint of disdain.
Unperturbed, Ye Fan picked up the pocket watch and, to the elders' confusion, unscrewed the back cover. Ji Nanshan frowned continuously, wondering what Ye Fan was doing. Was he angered?
With the case opened, revealing its inner workings, Ye Fan placed it on the table. "Pure gold enamel casing, metal movement, original key and winder on the back. Furthermore, this pocket watch features a telescopic key, making it a rare item even in the Qianlong era. With such quality, is two hundred thousand too much?"
This explanation left Ji Nanshan stunned, his face flushing with embarrassment. Although he was a prominent figure in the antique world, he was far outmatched by Ye Fan. He had only recognized it as an Eight-Treasure from the Qianlong era but had missed its intricate design.
Before Ji Nanshan could speak, an elder stroked his beard and asked doubtfully, "Young friend, you are correct. This pocket watch is indeed worth two hundred thousand, but that's only if its authenticity can be confirmed. We can't just buy it based on your word, can we?" The unspoken implication was that Ye Fan needed to prove the pocket watch was genuine.
According to the rules of the antique trade, transactions were based on mutual agreement, and it was a test of one's discerning eye. Sellers were not obligated to provide authentication. However, Ji Nanshan was an acquaintance, and outright refusal would be impolite. Moreover, Ye Fan was in dire need of money.
After a moment's thought, Ye Fan sighed. "Eight-Treasure pocket watches are not uncommon in the antique circle, and I'm sure you've all seen many. I don't need to explain their characteristics or craftsmanship. Let me focus on this particular pocket watch. Crafted from enamel and gold, its metal luster is bright, and its texture is soft, indicating pure metal. The movement is also made of pure metal, with no imperfections, all of which can be seen with the naked eye. The most crucial aspect for verifying its quality is the movement. Generally, a genuine Eight-Treasure's movement has a timekeeping error of less than one second per twenty-four hours. You can compare the time with your own watches. Does this pocket watch run as accurately?"
Ye Fan spoke eloquently, and with his knowledge of Eight-Treasure pocket watches, verifying its authenticity was easy. Upon hearing Ye Fan's explanation, the elders quickly took out their own watches and compared them with the pocket watch. They held their breath, in silence, until half an hour later when they simultaneously lowered their wrists and sighed, "It is indeed as you say. The accuracy of this pocket watch is beyond doubt; it is genuine."
Ye Fan remained calm and collected, his expression unchanged, and looked at Ji Nanshan, awaiting his response. Just then, a woman's voice called from the doorway, "A genuine Eight-Treasure, and an unparalleled enamel gold one at that. Two hundred thousand is more than a fair price. Elder Ji, what are you hesitating for?"
Everyone turned to see Shen Tianyin enter with a smile. After Ye Fan had left, Ji Nanshan had also departed. Shen Tianyin, finding herself idle at Tianyin Pavilion, realized that due to family pressure, Tianyin Pavilion's business was declining day by day, reaching a point of near collapse. After some thought, Shen Tianyin decided to seek out Ji Nanshan to discuss countermeasures and happened to overhear Ye Fan's words.
"Your presence, Second Miss, brings great honor to my humble abode." Ji Nanshan quickly stood up. "Even if you hadn't said anything, I would have been tempted. If such a treasure were to slip through my Qinfang Studio, I would have no face to remain in the Jiangcheng antique circle." His words were sincere; letting such a treasure go would surely make him a laughingstock among his peers. With that, he took out a check from his pocket, wrote the amount, and handed it to Ye Fan. "If you have any more treasures in the future, young friend, feel free to bring them to me. I, this old man, will definitely offer you a satisfactory price."
Before Ye Fan could respond, Shen Tianyin chimed in with a delicate laugh, "Elder Ji, that's not quite right. Can't Mr. Ye bring his good treasures to my Tianyin Pavilion? I guarantee I'll offer a higher price than Elder Ji." Although Ji Nanshan was the manager of Qinfang Studio, Shen Tianyin was the true owner behind the scenes. Otherwise, given the suppression from the Shen family, Shen Tianyin would have gone bankrupt long ago. Ji Nanshan smiled apologetically and nodded repeatedly.
Looking at the two of them, Ye Fan did not refuse. "I have some matters at home, so I'll take my leave." With that, he walked out of Qinfang Studio. The other elders also tactfully took their leave.
"Elder Ji, this Ye Fan is quite capable. If we can build a good relationship with him, he could become a great asset to us in the future, perhaps even a surprise weapon against those people." As she watched Ye Fan leave, Shen Tianyin's smile gradually disappeared, replaced by a profound expression, her gaze deepening. Seeing the change in his Second Miss, Ji Nanshan's heart trembled. He quickly replied, "Does the Second Miss wish to win him over? But given his inherent pride, he might not be willing to serve under anyone." Although he hadn't interacted much with Ye Fan, he had deeply experienced Ye Fan's arrogance. Could such a proud talent be willing to become someone's subordinate? Shen Tianyin, however, curved her lips into a beautiful smile. "Since he cannot be subdued, then we shall win his heart and become confidantes." With this single sentence, she set the tone for their future interactions.
Meanwhile, Ye Fan hurried home. Seeing her son return, Zhang Chunlan rushed out to meet him, her face filled with worry. "Xiao Fan, are you hurt? Did they give you a hard time?"