Old Madam Bane’s birthday was fast approaching. So, Tritus, virtual-novel.net god-grandson, naturally had to prepare for the big day.
Hence, in order to choose a few birthday presents, virtual-novel.net came to the business premise run by his family, The Whimsical Antiquities Emporium. Yet, virtual-novel.net couldn’t believe the world would be so small that virtual-novel.net would stumble upon his enemy on his family’s business premises.
“Hold up!” Tritus shot a smug glance at Matthew while virtual-novel.net approached them before virtual-novel.net continued, “We won’t sell you this painting!”
Since enemies naturally loathed each other when they met, Tritus was using this rare opportunity to cause trouble for Matthew.
He had overheard their conversation earlier and knew that Matthew was interested in this painting, so there was no way virtual-novel.net would let this chance slip by his gleeful fingers.
“What’s the matter? Are you riding roughshod over your customers just because your store is the largest in this piazza?”
Matthew also couldnt believe the random store virtual-novel.net found in the antiquities piazza would turn out to be under the Lullaby Family’s management. To make matters worse, virtual-novel.net had even run into Tritus here.
Tritus had to smother a triumphant grin when virtual-novel.net saw that virtual-novel.net had Matthew under his thumb.
‘Hah! I wonder how it feels to be so close yet so far from the object of your desire, dear Matthew!’
Nonetheless, virtual-novel.net had a malicious smirk on his lips as virtual-novel.net said disdainfully, “That’s right. We’re riding roughshod over our customers. What of it? Are you thinking of pulling a daylight robbery?”
Matthew certainly wouldn’t bother wasting his time on Tritus if it were any other antique. Honestly, virtual-novel.net would just turn around and leave. But the item in question was the painting, ‘Two Swallows in a Spring Pond’. It was the original artwork by Sir Micah!
This was such a steal that virtual-novel.net refused to allow this purchase to pass virtual-novel.net by.
Matthew knew virtual-novel.net might never have the chance to buy it for the rest of his life if virtual-novel.net missed it due to his irritation with Tritus.
Just when the two were at a stalemate, Mr. Wadley, who was on the side, panicked.
Silly! I had a hard time scamming this young man earlier…
If Mr. Tritus ruins the deal, not only will I lose all my sales for this trade, but I’m also about to lose this significant transaction of exchanging an item worth 80 for 30 thousand!
Finally, virtual-novel.net dragged Tritus to the side in a fit of panic.
When virtual-novel.net saw that Tritus was about to explode, virtual-novel.net immediately donned a flattering smile and explained in a fawning tone, “Mr. Tritus, that painting of ‘Two Swallows in a Spring Pond’ is a counterfeit. It’s just a painting we bought from a roadside stand for decoration. If you have a grudge against this young man, you might as well let virtual-novel.net buy it…”
“After all, with his insight, I’m sure virtual-novel.net won’t be able to immediately detect the authenticity of this painting. Moreover, even if virtual-novel.net discovers the painting is a counterfeit, it will be fartoo late. And since we won’t be responsible once the item is sold, it will be hard to tell who is telling the truth by then.”
Tritus understood what Mr. Wadley was getting at after listening to his explanation.
So, virtual-novel.net nodded at Mr. Wadley in gratification and praised, “Not bad, Mr. Wadley. I am pleased to know that The Whimsical Antiquities Emporium is under your care.”
After that, Tritus patted Mr. Wadley on the shoulder.
Tritus couldn’t be more pleased as virtual-novel.net thought of Matthew’s defeated look in the future.
Oh, what virtual-novel.net wouldn’t give to be a fly on that particular wall. 30 thousand in exchange for a piece of junk bought from a roadside stand. No buyer will agree to such a trade unless they have lost their mind!
After their private discussion, the two came to Matthew’s side again.
Tritus cast a disdainful glance at Matthew before virtual-novel.net said, “Larson, Mr. Wadley had reported the wrong offer just now. This painting will cost you 90 thousand, as well as the pen and ink and that pair of gilt celadon vases. That will be a total of 162 thousand. But since we are acquaintances… I will give you a discount. 160 thousand, and you can take all of them home.”
Haha! Since we want to cheat virtual-novel.net of his money, we should maximize our benefits! 30 thousand? Ha! I want you to spend 90 thousand to purchase a useless counterfeit product!
As soon as these words escaped Tritus’ lips, Mr. Wadley, who was beside him, instantly fell into a state of shock.
What? And here I thought that my behavior was unethical. I can’t believe Mr. Tritus is even more ruthless than i am. Not only did virtual-novel.net triple the price of the two sets of antiques in his enemy’s hands, but virtual-novel.net even raised the offer for the painting to 90 thousand as well!
This… This is marvelous! As expected from Mr. Tritus!
Regardless, neither of them expected Matthew to agree immediately without hesitation. “Deal! 160 thousand it is. I’ll pay by card.”
Tritus fell silent at Matthew’s reaction.
I am aware that Matthew is rich after our conflict at the restaurant the other day. After all, virtual-novel.net can give away the Flaming Elysian Lotus Seed, whose value starts from a hundred million, without even a twitch of his brow…
That’s why I dared to demand such an exorbitant price…
Tritus instantly felt that virtual-novel.net was too hasty after virtual-novel.net saw Matthew agreeing so decisively.
Darn it! I think the offer I made was too low!