Chapter 003: Expensive Ancient Books

This is the bottom line. The collector did not say much more, but once again turned his gaze to Shen Shi, asking, "What does this esteemed guest wish to trade this time?"

It was a mass of suspended black liquid

This effect similar to ``anonymous'' is a built-in feature of this terminal

It is evident that these are Chinese characters, which belong to the literature of their own era

Shen Shi was also uncertain whether this was his true appearance or a virtual image created within this trading market, as his terminal did not have the capability to fabricate such an image

His body bore no anonymous rainbow glow, nor any clothing; it was a form that blended art and technology. The trunk, as translucent as white jade, was woven with golden patterns of various designs, and the internal structure was faintly visible. With every movement, a cerulean light surged within his form, adding an air of mystery to him

Ten times. The collector's lips, woven with golden threads, are slightly parted

Seemingly sensing the collector's firm attitude, the guest fell silent for a moment before asking, syllable by syllable: "I will only use this transaction, how much do you require?"

This is the reason why Shen Shi noticed this place last time

One can make a decision without needing to think for too long

After all, it is the "black market"

His heart was pounding, yet he remained silent, for he had already realized that this was a great opportunity to see whether the books of his era were valued here and what kind of worth they held.

The three characters "robot" cannot possibly describe this body

"Wait a moment, I have not completed the transaction here yet." This is also a language that is difficult to understand, but it seems to differ from that used by collectors

Shen Shiyi silently watched as the collector approached, embodying the image of a "man of few words"

The decor of this store poses no issues from a modern perspective

- Sunzi

The voice of the collector is indistinguishable in terms of gender, leaning towards a neutral tone, as it is impossible to comprehend the language he uses, nor to discern the intonation.

A tattered, yellowed book, seemingly burned away for the most part, yet the remaining cover clearly bears two characters

It would be even better if these two individuals were to engage in bargaining

Shen Shi's gaze was also drawn to another item that appeared beside this guest.

Once a stranger, twice familiar, he pushed the door open and walked in. At first glance, he saw a colorful figure in front of the counter, as well as the collector sitting behind it

"Impossible!" The guest's tone had also undergone a transformation, yet from this single translation, Shen Shi seemed able to discern his determination

At this moment, another guest approached and interjected, but Shen Shi paid no attention. In a place that transcended his worldview, he adhered to the principle of "too many words lead to loss." At this moment, he merely focused his gaze on another item that was originally placed on the counter.

It appears to be a substantial half of a person, constantly surging as if it possesses life

If you can buy it outside, then feel free to do so. You should understand the rules here; I do not need this simulated morphing material, so its value should be significantly reduced. Furthermore, I am not an antique dealer; I am a collector.

He made every effort to blend into every "seven-colored silhouette" around him, even maintaining a similar pace. In this way, he leisurely arrived at a corner of the street, where there was a shop that, in his eyes, was distinct from the other buildings.

The price may be enticing enough to consider selling, but at the very least, it will not happen when there is no financial need, as one would not sell their collection for a slightly higher price.

"So it turns out to be a distinguished guest." The collector even set aside the guest in front of him and walked towards Shen Shi.

At this moment, he is not actually the way he originally was

For him at present, finding ways to gather more information and maximizing his own interests is of utmost importance; otherwise, even if he holds a mountain of gold, he may not be able to sell it at a good price

If the last sentence is translated accurately, Shen Shi will also understand it

What would the esteemed guest like to trade during this visit to my humble establishment

but is instead filled with a spectrum of seven colors of flowing light

The guest, who also concealed their appearance, remained unfazed and continued, "This is the latest product of Adelaide civilization! You should be aware of its popularity; when traded for currency outside, its value will undoubtedly surpass that of your book"

However, none of this is important

Yet it made the azure light in the collector's eyes distinctly brighter by several degrees

But perhaps there are other reasons that Shen Shi is not aware of

However, what exactly is this

What about Sun Tzu? In conjunction with the other parts, Shen Shi has already made a conjecture that it should be the Art of War by Sun Tzu

Antique dealers are in it for profit, while collectors are solely focused on collecting

However, at the moment of clearly seeing that object, Shen Shi's pupils slightly constricted

Are there any other guests

The situation is quite clear; this item presented by the guest is intended for the exchange of this book

The customs in this place are quite peculiar; there is no existence of currency, and transactions are conducted through barter. It appears to be particularly inconvenient.

Not only can one not discern the appearance, but even the body shape is indiscernible.

He is merely contemplating

The exterior wall is constructed of blue stone bricks, adorned with a brown wooden plaque. Inside the main entrance hangs a bell, which emits a crisp sound upon opening the door. Whether it is the rows of wooden shelves placed against the wall or the counter that discreetly separates guests, everything appears very natural, resembling a modern antique shop.

It is I. The voice that emerged from Shen Shi's mouth was slightly muffled due to modifications made by the terminal, and it conveyed no discernible emotion.

As Shen Shi contemplated this, the collector still refused to engage in the transaction

But one cannot blame him, for that is indeed this book

Shen Shi did not respond

Listening while continuing to focus on that book, appearing somewhat interested.

The collector's eyes, which radiated a soft glow, turned towards him, speaking in a language that Shen Shi could not understand, yet a simultaneous translation reached his ears

However, just as Shen Shi was contemplating how to speak, a guest who had concealed their presence suddenly interjected.

I just don't know whether it is incoming or outgoing

Looking around, most of the people walking back and forth on the street appear this way

Shen Shi scanned the collector and walked over calmly

In one's own room, there seems to be a copy of Sun Tzu's Art of War as well

The reason is quite simple

Welcome

It should be the item that another guest wants to trade

The collector looked at the guest and said, "The item you have presented, I cannot accept"

Although Shen Yi intended to explore the surrounding shops, the most important thing now is to ascertain the value of the "antique"

If it were not for the cover of the colorful flowing light, it would certainly have been discovered