Chapter 3: The Two Foxes, Old and Young

fifty thousand taels

Yan Wenyuan, who never engages in unprofitable business, also has his eye on that platinum chain of a finger's width. Given its quality and weight, this price is indeed justified

... ...

Originally, Chen Moran was contemplating whether to take out the necklace and pawn it, just as she had when she was rescued by Third Master. However, recalling that Third Master had only exchanged her ring for a few pieces of silver, she decided to abandon that thought. Rather than allowing Third Master to be taken advantage of, it would be better for her to take action herself

However, he was not intimidated by the price of twenty thousand taels. Having run a pawnshop for thirty years, for Yan Wenyuan, it was not just a single item worth twenty thousand taels; he had dealt with items worth one hundred thousand taels and two hundred thousand taels, both in live and dead pawns. How could he be daunted by this mere sum of twenty thousand taels

fifteen thousand taels

This price is quite reasonable! Thank you for your guidance, Manager Xie

Hehe, I am a distinguished person from Beijing. That item of yours, although it may be worth around 100,000 taels, would fetch at most that price in an ordinary pawnshop

Since leaving home for the Spring Festival in 2007, although he spent the majority of the past three years holed up in his room making plates and counterfeiting money, Chen Moran still learned a great deal from his "partner" during that time. It is precisely for this reason that he believes he can definitely command a good price.

To welcome yet to refuse

The person in charge at the counter raised his head and extended his left hand

The pawnshop owner, with a smiling face and hands clasped, sent off the guests, causing Chen Moran, who had already risen, to silently lament in his heart. Could it be that he really had to limp his way to the next pawnshop and perform once more?

This esteemed gentleman, the transaction with mhetushucom.com is not honorable! Allow me to offer you a piece of advice!

If they do not cooperate at that time, although there may be some reluctance in the heart, one will still begin to move forward with the aid of a cane.

The items in the store are expensive, and I fear that the small shop cannot bear the burden

It is said that when I initially purchased this watch in France, I spent nearly 100,000 taels of silver. Now, having brought it to this pawn shop, this item is certainly something this place can afford to accept

Originally, Chen Moran, who was prepared to accept his price, gazed at the shopkeeper standing a few meters away and gently shook his head

Although the conversation flowed smoothly, Yan Wenyuan felt increasingly uncomfortable. It was already late in the year, and this prodigal son was truly repulsive. In Jinling City, who doesn't know that Wendan is the largest pawnshop in the city? Today, however, it was merely a visit to this pawnshop, and unexpectedly, he encountered this wastrel and his treasure. To his surprise, the price did not drop, and instead, he was left with a shiver.

Hearing this number, Chen Mo felt a surge of joy in his heart; this amount is quite good. With these five thousand taels, he can accomplish many things.

Thinking of this, Chen Moran couldn't help but feel a bit worried. The reason for being so demanding was quite simple: the need for money! In the past, he had been focused on acquiring money, but he had never needed it as urgently as he did now

Silently, there is no rice at home, so I will go to my second brother's house to see if I can borrow some rice

The hand that was originally inserted in the cuff suddenly lifted, and words were expelled from Yan Wenyuan's mouth

The cup fell from Yan Wenyuan's hand with a loud crash. He stared in astonishment at the cripple before him, who was thanking him. As he slightly parted his lips, the cripple had already limped out of the pawnshop.

The faint response of that spendthrift caused Yan Wenyuan's heart to sink, yet his face still bore a smile, entirely the demeanor of a businessman.

Hehe! The old man is just having some fun! 5,000 taels! In all of Nanjing, this price is probably the only one!

Three hundred taels of silver! As for the rest... um! A silver note from HSBC will suffice

Hehe! It is indeed strange for me to say so!

Greed! Every person has a degree of greed, but there are limits to that greed. In this business, the key is to seize upon human greed! However, one must exercise caution!

Looking at that hand, Chen Moran seemed to murmur to himself as he nodded.

Upon arriving in Jinling, I surprisingly forgot to inquire which shop in this city possesses such capabilities

As for why he previously mentioned fifty thousand, it was merely for amusement

However ... ...

Mr. Li, please issue the invoice

Twelve thousand taels, half a year's worth of labor

Once the guests had left, the attendant watched as the master began to "pluck feathers" from this person. Upon hearing the master's command, the person in charge at the counter quickly picked up a brush and began to write while singing the tune of the moment.

... ...

The figure reported by the prodigal son caused Yan Wenyuan to furrow his brow

At this moment, the humility of the merchant is no longer evident in Yan Wenyuan's words. It seems, as he said, that in times of emergency, he possesses a chivalrous heart. The reason he offers such a high price appears to be genuinely in response to urgent needs, as if he is truly trying to help those in difficulty.

During breakfast, the words of his third uncle made Chen Moran realize that if he did not find a way to make money, both of them would likely face difficulties as they approached the end of the year.

The voice from behind eased Chen Moran's mind, who was contemplating how to "display his presence" at the next pawnshop, and he turned around.

As for the Ministry of Revenue's official notes, Yan Wenyuan has not even mentioned them; the capital has been completely taken over by foreign devils. These official notes from the Ministry of Revenue could very well become nothing more than toilet paper one day.

Yan Wenyuan, known as the "Old Fox" in the pawn industry of Jinling, surprisingly found himself at a loss for words

Although hearing these words felt as disgusting as swallowing a fly, and he was inwardly defending himself, Yan Wenyuan still wore a smile on his face

Su Caoping: In 1900 (the 26th year of the Guangxu era), the Qing government changed the measurement standard for the silver used to collect grain from the southeastern provinces to silver taels. This standard gradually became adopted by the public, with variations in different regions, generally prefixed by the name of the locality, such as Su Caoping and Shen Caoping. Shen Caoping refers to the Shanghai standard, where 1 tael is equivalent to 36.65 grams

Although the earlier bluster achieved its intended effect, the current daze of the shopkeeper made Chen Moran involuntarily worry whether he had indeed gone a bit too far

I am not sure whether you prefer cash or foreign banknotes and currency vouchers

When it comes to murder, it is a slaughterhouse

11,000 taels, including your platinum chain!

The watch still clung to his ear, as if it had no intention of being put down. In Chen Moran's view, this shopkeeper, who appeared to be over fifty, seemed to be contemplating whether it was worth the value.

I am afraid this gentleman is going to shed hair

As previously mentioned, it is indeed difficult in emergencies! We are willing to offer a high price, all for the sake of you, our friend

Thinking of that piece of watch that cannot be broken or soaked, Yan Wenyuan extended both hands into his sleeves

As Yan Wenyuan opened his mouth but could not speak, a clerk at the counter suddenly burst into laughter. Suppressing the anger rising in his heart, Yan Wenyuan turned his head and glared at the oblivious clerk, but as soon as he turned back, a smile reappeared on his face

If it were at our establishment, we could add another 3,000 taels

Understanding the meaning of this old sly one, Chen Moran felt a surge of joy in his heart; this old ghost was a typical example of considering himself a victim.

This ... ...

Oh!

Are you perhaps intimidated by the price you set yourself

Sitting in the chair, Chen Moran crossed his legs and gazed at the fox in front of him, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Upon receipt, a Swiss gold watch, a French platinum necklace, weighing... Sir, your chain!

If my pawnshop is small, I fear I do not know which pawnshop in Jinling is larger

five thousand taels

As if lost in thought for a moment, Yan Wenyuan, with a look of regret, placed his watch on the table and gently pushed it forward. However, his small, mouse-like eyes remained fixed on the watch on the table, reflecting a sense of regret and helplessness.

The sound of the cane echoed, and Yan Wenyuan felt a tightness in his chest. As he watched that prodigal son about to leave the shop, he couldn't help but notice the expression of the head clerk on the counter out of the corner of his eye, prompting him to reach out involuntarily

With a raised eyebrow and a light heart, Chen Mo revealed his offer.

The valuation of the Su Cao is twelve thousand taels, for a period of six months, with an interest rate of five percent and six tenths. If overdue, an additional interest of forty percent will be charged. If not redeemed after one year, it will be considered a dead pledge

Hehe, take care, sir! No need to see you off

For a considerable amount of time, indeed for a full half a moment.

When making a concession, Chen Moran noticed that although the pawnshop owner appeared regretful, a glimmer of amusement seemed to flash in his rat-like eyes upon hearing his words and seeing the books

Unlike Chen Moran's concerns, the head clerk, who had been with the shopkeeper for over twenty years, turned around and couldn't help but chuckle at the scene before him

Considering that this business deal is likely to yield a greater profit for the shop this year, perhaps due to a good mood, I couldn't help but pay a little extra when receiving the items handed over from outside the counter

There is a scam

After singing the song, the ticket was issued. Yan Wenyuan took the ticket from the hands of the attendant and placed it on the table

As he spoke, Chen Moran seemed to cast a disdainful glance at the three rooms, the six cabinet doors of the nanmu tall cabinet, while simultaneously leaning on his cane as if to rise and leave.

As soon as he spoke, Yan Wenyuan seemed to puff out his chest with pride, and the shrewdness that had previously been evident in his rat-like eyes was nowhere to be seen

This result was absolutely beyond Chen Moran's expectations. He glanced at the watch on the table and then looked up at the pawnbroker.

Silently thanking the shopkeeper for today's high virtue, there will surely be a generous reward in the future

As the silver entered the bag and the items were placed in the cabinet, when Yan Wenyuan was about to speak, Chen Moran stood up and respectfully performed a bow.

Yan Wenyuan extended a hand

The advice of his partner flashed through Chen Moran's mind, and recalling that counsel, Chen Moran realized that he seemed to be a bit too greedy

What does a pawnshop rely on to make a profit? It is nothing more than buying low and selling high. The term "low" naturally has its nuances. The apparent low prices on the counter are merely small amounts; the real profits come from negotiating the prices of valuable items. How is this negotiation done?

At that moment, Chen Moran had already reached out to put the watch and platinum chain from the table into his inner pocket. He did not notice the unusual expression on the pawnbroker's face as he made this move

Play this hand with grandpa

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