Chapter 159 Picking Up a Bargain

Two industry giants led the small fry Jinran into Panjiayuan in a grand procession.

Professor Wang instructed Jinran: "There are rules to this business. Just listen and observe more. Nowadays, everyone avoids antiques like the plague, afraid of getting into trouble. They think these are useless things. But the country is gradually raising public awareness. Although Panjiayuan is not as popular as before, it is slowly regaining its former liveliness. I think it won't be long before it does."

Jinran nodded in understanding. She hadn't come with the intention of finding something cheap; she came with the purpose of learning, which was incredibly noble.

Professor Gu smiled and said, "Nini, look so good. When you get back, analyze the dynasty and origin of the antiques I've handled."

Jinran: "So, why did Professor Wang bring Professor Gu with him?"

The two elderly people and the child strolled leisurely among the various stalls. There weren't many people on the antique street, and the few who were there were mostly elderly. The antique dealers didn't shout or yell, but instead had a confident air about them, as if to say, "My stall is full of genuine goods. Take it or leave it."

Professor Wang picked up a porcelain vase. Jinran didn't think it was an old piece; it was probably a replica from the Republic of China era. Professor Wang glanced at it a few times and then let Jinran take a look.

Jinran didn't see anything wrong, she just knew it wasn't real.

Professor Wang didn't say anything, just put it down and left. Jinran also put it on the stall and followed him. The vendor was a little unhappy, but he didn't say anything either. Since no one had offered a price or bargained, he hadn't broken any rules.

Professor Wang visited several stalls in a row. Professor Gu whispered to Jinran, "Old Wang is definitely going to test you later. You'd better wash your neck and wait."

Jinran: "Can't I find someone to die in my place? Gu Siyan would be a good choice."

Sure enough, happy times are always short-lived. When the group got tired of walking around, they found a small tea stall with large bowls of tea under the roots of a nearby tree and sat down to rest.

Professor Wang's probing questions began.

After a while, just when Jinran was at her best, Professor Wang spoke up, "Go buy something you think is the best for under five yuan. We'll wait for you here and see what your eye is for."

Jinran didn't dare to argue back because of her poor answer, so she could only obediently continue browsing.

If there's a price ceiling and you want the best, then you really need a good eye. Unless it's a huge bargain, it's really difficult.

Even a piece of pink porcelain from the Republic of China era costs five yuan.

Jinran walked around and around, but still couldn't find anything she liked, and she became increasingly anxious.

At this moment, a group of newly arrived stalls caught Jinran's attention. When she left, the place was still empty. These stalls had just arrived, and she wondered if they had any good goods.

After the stall owner had set everything up, Jinran squatted down in front of him. The stall owner, a thin man, said to Jinran warmly, "Girl, just tell me what you like, and I'll give you a discount. This is a street stall, but everything is top-notch, so don't worry."

Jinran didn't believe for a second that these antique dealers could make the dead seem alive.

She picked up a small black wooden box. Jinran hefted it with a puzzled look. The weight was off, a bit too heavy. She opened it and saw nothing unusual, but Jinran's curiosity was piqued.

She asked the stall owner, "This is nice. It'll be perfect for decorating my hair accessories when I get home. I can paint it later and it'll be a great piece. How much do you sell it for?"

The stall owner didn't expect Jinran to be such a novice, so he couldn't offer a price. He thought that he had only bought the box for 50 cents from an acquaintance, otherwise he wouldn't have wanted it, since it wasn't an antique.

The stall owner's eyes lit up, and he held up one finger to indicate the price. Jinran understood immediately, "One cent? Okay, I'll buy it."

The stall owner quickly explained, "No, no, it's one yuan, not ten cents! You're making me lose money hand over fist!"

Jinran activated her bargaining aura again, "Five cents!"

"No way, I'll pay for it!"

"Fifty-five cents?"

The stall owner still shook his head. Jinran made a move to leave, and the stall owner, feeling a bit awkward, said, "How about this: you give me one yuan, and I'll give you a small item in return?"

Jinran thought it was a good idea and decided to see what good stuff was on the stall.

Surprisingly, when I took a look, I actually fell in love with one.