Hearing Ye Fan's words, Elder Chen did not hesitate in the slightest, and said faintly.
"This is a bronze *zhi*."
Elder Chen pointed to the bronze artifact on his left and said in a deep voice.
"In fact, there is no difference in appearance between bronze *gu* and bronze *zhi*. The only difference is that the bronze *gu* has a longer body, a flared mouth, and both the mouth and base are flared. However, the bronze *zhi* has a round belly, a circular base, and its shape is similar to a small bottle, and it has a lid."
As he spoke, he picked up the bronze *zhi*. "It is carved with beast patterns, which are typical patterns from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Those in power would carve beast patterns on their artifacts to showcase their achievements.
After all, people in that era did not have the broad understanding that people have now. They would use wild beasts as their totems, so wild beasts held extremely high status."
After Elder Chen's explanation, Lu Sheng finally understood.
He scratched his head and smiled sheepishly, "I thought these two items had peculiar shapes and didn't look like treasures."
Indeed, the artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties generally had simple shapes, unlike the exquisite ones from later generations.
After all, the craftsmanship and technology of that era were limited, and many exquisite artifacts could not be manufactured.
Moreover, the backwardness of technology also limited people's imagination.
Elder Chen, however, gave him a glare. "You know nothing, boy. The simpler things are, the more precious they are. What's so ornate about the Goujian Sword of Yue? Its shape is archaic. If it were made into a handicraft now, no one would want it, yet it is a priceless treasure. This is called simplicity but not lack of substance, understand?"
When it came to antiques, Elder Chen was completely animated, and his entire demeanor changed.
Even Ye Fan was slightly taken aback. This old man seemed to have transformed into someone else.
But he still smiled and nodded, "Elder Chen is indeed an expert. With one glance, he can tell his extraordinary discernment. What do you think these two items are worth?"
A faint smile appeared on Ye Fan's face. As long as Elder Chen took a liking to these two items, the rest would be easy.
Unexpectedly, Elder Chen suddenly cursed, "What bullshit are you talking about."
This sudden turn of events left Ye Fan stunned, looking at the old man with confusion.
He wondered if the old man had gone mad, how could his emotions change so drastically?
Lu Sheng also frowned in confusion, "Elder Chen, you are...?"
Then, Elder Chen coldly snorted, "All you think about is money. Is there anything else in your head? Treasures like these, how can they be measured by money?"
It was over. This old man had completely fallen, his obsession with ancient artifacts bordering on madness.
Ye Fan gave him a dejected glare, but then he suddenly raised his hand and covered the two boxes.
It seemed that dealing with this old man required a different approach. The more you flattered him, the more temperamental he became.
"Since Elder Chen has seen them, I will state my conditions."
After putting away the two boxes, Ye Fan cleared his throat.
"You say your piece, why are you putting them away? Hurry up and take them out, this old man hasn't finished looking yet."
Elder Chen was anxious, his eyes burning with desire, like a glutton encountering delicious food, unable to look away.
And this was the effect Ye Fan wanted.
"I'm truly sorry, but before we finalize the terms, Elder Chen cannot look at them any further. As you know, the longer such items stay outside, the greater the risk of damage. I, Ye, am stingy and unwilling to bear such risks."
As he spoke, he even tapped the boxes a few times.
These taps startled Elder Chen immensely. "You scoundrel! You can't just tap such treasures. What if you break them?"
As an outsider, he was even more anxious than Ye Fan, the owner.
But Ye Fan ignored him, looked up at Elder Chen, and said faintly, "Does Elder Chen mind listening to my conditions? As long as Elder Chen agrees, I can leave these two items at Xinyue Studio, and Elder Chen can admire them anytime."
These words were quite tempting. Even though Elder Chen was anxious about the items, he couldn't help but pause, staring at Ye Fan, "Are you telling the truth?"
If he could be together with these two treasures day and night, he would be content even if he died.
"Naturally. I, Ye, always keep my word. Moreover, I brought these two items today precisely to discuss cooperation with Elder Chen."
Upon receiving Ye Fan's affirmative reply, Elder Chen finally showed a faint smile.
At this moment, as if suddenly remembering something, he quickly beckoned the waiter to serve tea.
Ye Fan was utterly speechless at Elder Chen's change in attitude. It was truly a miracle that Xinyue Studio's business could be so good with such a personality.
Soon, the waiter brought the tea and reported to Elder Chen that Mr. Zhao had woken up.
As a result, Elder Chen snorted, "Let that scoundrel come in."
Hearing Elder Chen's words, the waiter was stunned, his face full of confusion. Why was his expression just now, one of wanting to devour Ye Fan and his companion, so quickly changed? Had these two boys given the old man some love potion?
"Why are you still standing there? Hurry up!"
Seeing the waiter stunned, Elder Chen berated him angrily.
The waiter dared not retort in the slightest and quickly ran out.
"These scoundrels, relying on the name of Xinyue Studio, have done countless bad things. It makes people think it's all my idea, and they complain endlessly. If I don't show them some consequences, they'll probably never change."
Now, Elder Chen completely considered Ye Fan as one of his own, and his words carried a clear bias.
Ye Fan rolled his eyes at this, thinking to himself, "You weren't talking like this just now. Now you're acting as if you're so upright."
He held deep contempt for Elder Chen in his heart.
Soon, Mr. Zhao entered with a sullen face. When he heard that Ye Fan and his companion had not left and were talking privately with Elder Chen, Mr. Zhao almost fainted from anger again.
Seeing Elder Chen at this moment, Mr. Zhao lowered his head, "Boss, you were looking for me?"
Looking at Mr. Zhao's pitiful appearance, Elder Chen's inexplicable anger surged.
"I'm here to ask you, how did you receive these two guests who came to see me?"
Hearing Elder Chen's question, Mr. Zhao was stunned. When the waiter told him to come, he thought Mr. Zhao would stand up for him. After all, he had been at Xinyue Studio for a long time, and he understood Elder Chen's character very well. He was protective, extremely protective.
Even if he was harsh on his subordinates, if an outsider bullied someone from Xinyue Studio, Elder Chen would always stand up for them righteously.
But now, the situation seemed to be a bit off.
"Elder Chen, I..."
Before he could finish, Elder Chen slammed the table.
"I'm asking you, did you threaten them and make them leave in disgrace?"
A terrifying aura instantly enveloped Mr. Zhao. He dared not resist and could only nod obediently.
"Presumptuous."
Seeing Mr. Zhao nod, Elder Chen's expression became even uglier, his beard and eyebrows bristling.
"These two are distinguished guests of our Xinyue Studio, yet you are so audacious. Have you forgotten how I usually teach you? The customer is God, they are our bread and butter. Is this how you treat your bread and butter? You truly infuriate me."
His chest heaved violently, clearly showing that the old man was extremely angry at this moment.