191: Chapter 187: Selling Talismans 191: Chapter 187: Selling Talismans “Talisman papers to ordinary people are just pieces of yellow paper scribbled with some messy ghost talismans.”
In an exhibition cabinet with just two talisman papers, it was desolate, and throughout the morning, no one showed interest.
Occasionally, someone passing by would see the items displayed in front of Chen Hai, showing expressions of astonishment, sneering, or even weirder looks, pointing and discussing Chen Hai.
Of course, this situation was not surprising.
After all, those who had the qualifications to enter this exhibition hall should at least possess some assets.
If they were just looking to see if there was anything suitable to buy, that would be considered acceptable.
Those trying to seize the opportunity to set up a stall and sell something during the event would not bother doing something trivial just for fun.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that, within the exhibition hall, private stalls like Chen Hai’s, featuring just two pieces of yellow paper, were unprecedented.
Compared to the surrounding stalls, his seemed somewhat out of place.
The nearby stall owners, though not saying it out loud, displayed a clear hint of disdain in their eyes when they looked at Chen Hai.
Chen Hai, however, turned a blind eye to these matters.
Engrossed in his cultivation, he only paid a bit of attention to the glass display in front of him.
“How’s the harvest, Mr.
Chen?”
“Has no one recognized the value of your talismans, and they haven’t sold?” asked Dong Dahai, carrying a lunch box, as noon arrived.
Seeing Chen Hai with his eyes slightly closed, apparently meditating, he smiled lightly and asked softly.
“It’s alright, Brother Dong, I’m just displaying them casually.”
“If someone shows interest in these two talismans in my display and the price is right, I’ll naturally sell them.”
“If I really can’t sell them, it doesn’t matter, I’ll just take it as gaining some experience in running a stall,” Chen Hai said with a smile as he opened his eyes.
Although Chen Hai had prepared himself mentally for the possibility that his stall might not attract attention, when it actually happened, he seemed not to care much; however, deep down, he felt a bit bitter.
“In our antique industry, there’s a saying that ‘one might not open for three years, but when they do, they thrive for another three.'”
“The talismans you want to sell are generally unappreciated by ordinary people who don’t understand their use; it’s normal that they haven’t sold just in one morning, so don’t be anxious.”
“The conference lasts for three days total; there will be someone who recognizes their value passing by and noticing these two talismans in your display.”
“It’s already noon; you must be hungry too.
I’ve specially brought you a lunch box, so have something to eat first!”
…
After placing the lunch box he carried in front of Chen Hai, Dong Dahai said with a smile.
Truly speaking, he didn’t harbor much hope that Chen Hai would manage to sell the talismans; his words were merely meant as comfort.
After all, as an ordinary person, he couldn’t discern the mystical nature of Chen Hai’s two talisman papers!
In his eyes, so-called talisman papers were just pieces of yellow paper scribbled with cinnabar.
Such items, even priced at ten yuan each, were considered expensive.
Selling such things at the conference?
What price could they fetch?
Could someone really believe in them and be willing to spend a significant amount of money?
These thoughts did cross Dong Dahai’s mind.
Of course, he kept these thoughts to himself and would never voice them in front of Chen Hai.
“Thanks for bringing the lunch box, Brother Dong, you’re considerate.”
“By the way, have you had your lunch?” Chen Hai asked with a smile, after thanking Dong Dahai and picking up the box from the display.
“I just ate outside.
I thought you might not have had lunch yet, so I specially packed one for you!” Dong Dahai nodded with a smile and replied.
“Brother Dong, thank you.
How has your morning been?”
“Not bad, made deals on two items, made a small profit.”
“That’s great, Brother Dong, you’re really capable!”
…
Picking up the lunch box, Chen Hai began to eat while casually chatting with Dong Dahai.
“Old Dong, is this young man your junior?”
“I suppose so!
Zhang, is your stall here too?”
“Yes!
I got delayed by some matters this morning and arrived late.
Only in this area were there unsoccupied showcases in larger numbers.”
“Old Dong, your junior is quite a talent.
While others here are selling antiques and cultural relics, he is selling two pieces of yellow paper!”
“Several old fellows in the vicinity are very displeased with you, the junior,” Dong Dahai said, a well-connected man in their circle.
“They think that the young man selling Yellow paper ruined the atmosphere here, and that’s why this whole place feels deserted…”
Having only recently arrived at Chen Hai’s stall, Dong Dahai was almost immediately pulled aside by several people who greeted him, and they began to chat idly.
In the morning, when Chen Hai had just taken over the display case in front of him, there were only a few people in this area.
Now, the display cases nearby were almost all occupied, with people setting up their stalls selling various items.
These were supposed to be antique and cultural artifacts, but in reality, most items sold at these private stalls were modern replicas.
At these private stalls, you might counter a ten thousand yuan tag with one hundred yuan, and the seller might just nod without a word and sell you the item.
An ordinary person, without some discernment, aiming to buy something good at this trade fair, would surely get fleeced.
As one of them, Dong Dahai was well aware of the various tricks these private stall owners played.
That’s why, during the drive over with Chen Hai, he repeatedly cautioned Chen Hai to be careful and not to recklessly buy anything that wasn’t well understood.
When Dong Dahai was pulled aside by some stall owners nearby for a chat, Chen Hai calmly started eating his boxed lunch.
Not far away, an elderly man wearing cloth shoes and a Tang suit, appearing kind and benevolent with a hint of an immortal aura, wandered around the area for a while.
He slowly walked up to the display case in front of Chen Hai.
At the sight of the large display case, almost empty except for two talisman papers, the old man paused momentarily.
“Young man, are these items in the display case yours for sale?”
“Do you mind taking them out for me to examine closely?”
After finishing his boxed lunch and wiping his mouth with a paper towel, Chen Hai looked at the old man who smiled and asked.
“Of course!” Happy to finally have a customer, Chen Hai was not one to be negligent.
He opened the door of the display case, took out the two talismans, arranged them neatly on top, and gestured to the old man to help himself.
Hesitating slightly, the old man first picked up the Corpse Transformation Talisman and scrutinized it closely.
As for Chen Hai, he simply watched quietly and did not offer any additional explanations.
In his view, anyone recognizing the Corpse Transformation and Danghui Talismans naturally understands their true value, no explanations needed.
After all, if someone still couldn’t recognize what these were even after handling them, no amount of fancy talk would be of any use!
“Produced by Mao Mountain, matched with top-grade cinnabar from Fanjing Mountain, and the patterns seem to be drawn with profound strokes, done in one go…”
After examining the two talismans, the old man commented, “Among the Taoist talismans I’ve seen, these two are rather well-drawn!”
“Such talismans, in my view, already possess some collectible value!”
“Bringing them home, even if they can’t truly protect the household, at least they can bring some peace of mind!”
Clearly familiar with talismans, the old man nodded thoughtfully and asked Chen Hai, “Young man, how much are you selling these talismans for?”
“Old gentleman, you’ve already handled both talismans.
How much do you think they’re worth?”
Chen Hai casually responded.
The old man immediately allowed him to take out the talismans for a close inspection, originally making Chen Hai think he truly knew his stuff.
However, after hearing the old man’s remarks, Chen Hai realized that this elder either wanted a bargain or was simply a layman.
With this thought in mind, when the old man asked for the price, Chen Hai’s interest waned significantly.
“To those uninterested, talismans like these are worthless!”
Tilting his head and pondering for a while, the old man added, “I’ve always had some knowledge of Taoist metaphysics and have been somewhat interested in Taoist talismans!”
“It’s rare to find someone selling actual talismans at this trade fair.”
“How about this, I don’t want you to have come for nothing.
I’ll take both talismans for five hundred yuan each, one thousand yuan in total…”
The old man believed his offer was more than fair!
After all, merely considering the cost of materials, the expenses for the two talismans probably amounted to just a dozen or so yuan.
He proposed what he deemed a generous price because he saw the talismans had seemingly genuine workmanship.
“I’m sorry, old gentleman, I’m just selling these talismans casually!”
“These talismans were given to me by an elder to sell.
Two talismans for one thousand yuan?
I definitely can’t do that.”
“If that elder finds out I sold his talismans for the price of cabbage, he’d definitely scold me fiercely when I get back…”
Shaking his head like a rattle, Chen Hai directly responded.
The value of talismans can’t simply be judged by their materials.
A Corpse Transformation Talisman and a Danghui Talisman, if both were to be sold for just one thousand yuan together, Chen Hai felt it would be an insult to his craft.