Chen Lishu did not remember Zhu Shasha, but Zhu Shasha recognized her at a glance. More than a month ago, Sun Ling had argued with her and another woman, and the two were eventually kicked out together.
Thinking of the scene that day, Zhu Shasha's impression of Chen Lishu was not good to begin with. However, since she had something to ask for and was always good at disguising herself and never offending people easily, she appeared normal and even offered a polite smile.
"Hello, Ms. Chen," Jiang Chengyi said with a smile to Chen Lishu. "We've met before. My name is Jiang Chengyi, and I'm Yuwei's elder brother. Beside me is Miss Zhu Shasha."
If he hadn't deliberately mentioned Jiang Yuwei, Chen Lishu might have been a little more pleasant. She already had a bad impression of the women in the Jiang family, so his mention was superfluous.
Chen Lishu did not invite them in. Instead, she asked directly, "May I know why you've come?"
"We're here for the blue and white porcelain vase you have. My friend, Miss Zhu, is interested in discussing it with you. May we come in to talk?"
Chen Lishu nodded. "Come in and sit down."
Soon, Jiang Chengyi and Zhu Shasha entered the house together and sat down on the sofa.
Zhu Shasha discreetly surveyed the entire room. It was a common two-bedroom apartment, not large, with ordinary furniture and decor, appearing to be just a typical family home.
Zhu Shasha concluded that although she had opened a shop, she likely didn't have much money.
"I heard you have a blue and white porcelain vase. Could you show it to us? If it's genuine, we can discuss the price."
Chen Lishu sat down on the opposite chair and chuckled at her words. "I'm truly sorry, but I don't plan to sell that blue and white porcelain. I'm afraid you've made a wasted trip."
It was promised to Rui Rui, and besides, she wasn't short of money now. Moreover, knowing that it would have greater appreciation potential in the future, why would she easily sell it?
"We haven't even discussed the price yet, Ms. Chen, why are you so quick to refuse? I heard President Jiang say you didn't agree to ten thousand yuan. I can add another five thousand, fifteen thousand. What do you think?"
Fifteen thousand yuan was an astronomical sum that people from ordinary families like them had never even heard of. An ordinary person couldn't earn that much in a lifetime. Zhu Shasha didn't increase the price by hundreds or thousands like others when buying things. She directly offered fifteen thousand yuan to shock Chen Lishu.
This was also her cleverness. Who wouldn't be tempted to hear fifteen thousand yuan? They would probably be overjoyed and eager to sell it to her. If she haggled little by little, the other party would definitely think that the item had potential for further increase and suggest adding a little more, and then a little more, ultimately making the deal impossible.
However, Zhu Shasha was destined to be disappointed.
Knowing the true value of the item, Chen Lishu wouldn't be tempted even if she offered fifteen thousand, let alone a hundred and fifty thousand.
Money could be earned, but once an antique was sold, it was gone. Furthermore, its appreciation potential was enormous. Unless she was foolish, she would definitely keep it.
"I'm really sorry, I already said I'm not selling. I won't sell it no matter how much money you offer."
A flash of annoyance flickered in Zhu Shasha's eyes. She didn't believe anyone could remain unmoved by money. It was simply that their psychological expectation hadn't been met.
"Twenty thousand. I don't think anyone would offer a higher price. With twenty thousand yuan, you can do many things. For example, buy a bigger house. Judging by your situation, you're probably pregnant soon, right? Even if you don't need it yourself, your child should have the best."
Zhu Shasha exploited the mindset of women who would do anything for their children and began to persuade her.
"If buying a house is difficult, we are investing in and constructing Jiangpan Garden. We can reserve a unit for you. If I didn't genuinely want to buy it, I wouldn't say so much. I am truly sincere, and I hope Ms. Chen can reconsider."
She had thought that by pulling out the trump card, offering not only money but also a house, Chen Lishu would gladly and immediately agree. To her surprise, she still calmly shook her head.
"As I said before, I am not considering selling it. Please return."
This time, Zhu Shasha could no longer maintain her perfect smile. She managed to say something and stood up, walking towards the door with Jiang Chengyi.
Just then, the door to a side bedroom suddenly opened, and Rui Rui walked out.
He had been reading in his room since dinner. He hadn't paid attention when he heard visitors arrive, but suddenly feeling thirsty, he went to the table to pour some water.
Zhao Qiuyue saw this and quickly said, "Rui Rui, are you thirsty? I boiled water and it's been cooling in the pot. It should be just right now. Wait, Aunt Xiaoyue will get it for you."
Zhu Shasha, who was walking ahead, heard Zhao Qiuyue's voice and couldn't help but turn her head to look. However, with that one glance, she was struck as if by lightning and froze on the spot.
She saw the little boy by the table, about seven or eight years old, with his hair shaved in a crew cut, fair skin, large dark eyes, and red, thin lips...
Gradually, he overlapped with the bitch in her memory, and Zhu Shasha almost screamed.
"Assistant Zhu, what's wrong?"
Jiang Chengyi, seeing her pale face, asked with concern.
Zhu Shasha came back to her senses, glanced at Chen Lishu, and although she had many questions in her heart, she quickly returned to her usual demeanor. She forced a smile at Jiang Chengyi and shook her head, and then the two walked towards the outside.
Despite her best efforts to conceal it, Zhu Shasha's heart was beating much faster than usual once they were outside.
"Assistant Zhu, your complexion doesn't look good. How about I take you back to the hotel first?"
This news was too shocking for her. Zhu Shasha indeed needed to digest it alone, so she nodded and was driven back to the hotel by Jiang Chengyi.
After watching Jiang Chengyi leave, Zhu Shasha returned to her room. Not long after, she got up again and went to knock on the doors of the other two people who had come with her.