"You're too kind, Manager. When can the appraisal begin?"
Zhou Changqing rose, his demeanor perfectly composed as he addressed the enchantress before him, unfazed by her pleasantries.
Ya Fei was momentarily surprised by his calm posture, but her reply was swift. "We can begin immediately, if you wish."
"Good. Then I'll leave it in your hands."
With a nod, Ya Fei gave a subtle look to the middle-aged appraiser beside her. The man understood instantly, taking the three weapons and respectfully withdrawing to begin his tests.
"It will take a short while, honored guest. Please, sit and have some tea while you wait."
It had been a long time since she had met a young man, in the prime of his youth, who could remain so tranquil in her presence. The more she looked at the youth before her, the more pleasing he was to the eye. It was simple, really; just as men appreciated beautiful women, women found handsome men a delight to behold, a fact that naturally brightened her mood.
Zhou Changqing had no objection and returned to his seat at Ya Fei's gesture. Ya Fei, for her part, settled into a chair beside him, her slender waist swaying with an enchanting grace. Every movement she made was a picture of elegance and allure.
"Honored guest, may I ask for your surname?"
"My surname is Zhou."
"So, it is Young Master Zhou…"
The two made small talk while they waited. For the most part, Ya Fei asked the questions while Zhou Changqing responded with a simple nod or a brief answer. His attitude was neutral—neither arrogant nor immature. Ya Fei was also tactful, carefully avoiding any questions about the Steel-Rending Weapons.
Soon, the middle-aged appraiser returned with the three weapons in hand. He leaned in and whispered a few words to Ya Fei, whose beautiful eyes lit up, the smile on her face becoming a little more genuine.
"Hehe, Young Master Zhou, your Steel-Rending Weapons have been appraised. There are absolutely no issues with them."
Ya Fei's gaze on Zhou Changqing was now tinged with delight. This was, after all, a significant transaction. She had heard the term 'Steel-Rending Weapon' countless times recently. As the chief auctioneer of the Miteer Auction House, no one understood the value of such items better than she did. If handled correctly, the profits could rival those of a Tier-Two Medicinal Pill.
Zhou Changqing nodded, his tone even. "Since you've confirmed their authenticity, are you interested in purchasing them?"
"Of course. Young Master Zhou must be aware of how popular Steel-Rending Weapons have become in Wu Tan City. Miteer would not miss such an opportunity. I have two methods of sale for you to choose from. The first is a direct sale, where the auction house will purchase them at the market price of nine thousand gold coins each. The second is to have us arrange an auction. With the right promotion, each weapon should fetch no less than twelve thousand, though the auction house will take a one percent commission on the final sale price."
"Which would you prefer, Young Master Zhou? If you are not in a hurry, I would recommend the second option to maximize your earnings." As she spoke of business, Ya Fei became noticeably more serious, explaining the Miteer Auction House's policies.
Zhou Changqing's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment's thought, he answered decisively, "An auction is too much trouble. I'll sell them directly."
He didn't want to wait. The difference was only a few thousand gold coins, not enough to be worth his time. In the past, without any real money-making skills, he had to live frugally off the meager income from his smithing, never wasting a single coin. But things were different now. Though his Art of Forging was still developing, the mere ability to create Steel-Rending mortal weapons was enough to generate a continuous and substantial income. He was no longer the beast of burden from his past life; his perspective had broadened immensely since his transmigration. Having already wasted six years, he now wished he could split every minute in two.
Still, the fact that this woman had recommended the more profitable option for him improved his already favorable impression of the Miteer Auction House.
Ya Fei hadn't expected this answer. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Most clients who came to Miteer chose to auction their items; very few opted for a direct sale. Of course, a direct sale was more profitable for the auction house, so she certainly wouldn't refuse. After all, any item worthy of being accepted by the auction house was a treasure on the open market. The price difference between a direct sale and an auction could easily be thousands, or even tens of thousands, of gold coins. No one would turn their nose up at more money.
As her thoughts raced, a possibility bloomed in Ya Fei's mind. For this young man to so easily disregard a difference of several thousand gold coins, he must not consider these Steel-Rending Weapons to be all that valuable! This could only mean one thing: he possessed something even better.
What could be more valuable than a Steel-Rending Weapon, an item whose value was comparable to a Tier-Two Medicinal Pill?
At this thought, a hint of fervor crept into Ya Fei's gaze. She had been sent to Wu Tan City with a mission. Only by creating greater profits for the Miteer clan could she escape the fate that had been arranged for her.
Taking a soft breath to calm her racing heart, Ya Fei smiled and nodded gently. "Since Young Master Zhou has made his decision, I will say no more. I will arrange the payment for you at once. Please wait a moment."
With that, Ya Fei stood up to settle the account.
"Wait."
Zhou Changqing's voice stopped her.
Ya Fei paused and turned back, a light smile on her face. "Is there something else Young Master Zhou requires?"
"Manager Ya Fei, please don't trouble yourself with the cash. I need to purchase a few things, and it would be more convenient to deduct the cost from the proceeds."
"Of course," Ya Fei smiled. "I'll have paper and a brush brought over at once. Young Master Zhou can make a list, and the auction house will do its utmost to procure everything for you."
A moment later, a servant girl brought the requested writing materials.
Zhou Changqing began to write.
First on the list were metal ores. He was no longer content with forging weapons from ordinary iron; he needed better materials. In all of Wu Tan City, besides the smithy of a man named Jie Luo, only the Miteer Auction House could provide what he sought.
Next were books on formations and the art of refining medicinal cauldrons. Although he had created his own Art of Forging, he had to admit his foundational knowledge was still shallow. To further perfect his craft, he needed more knowledge, and these books would provide invaluable insight for his future endeavors.
As for Dou Techniques, Zhou Changqing wasn't in a rush. He knew the price of a Yellow Rank, Mid-level Dou Technique, and the earnings from these three weapons would, at best, buy him a common one. There was no need to waste money on that now. It was far better to invest in his Art of Forging. Once his skills were more refined, would he ever have to worry about not having enough money for Dou Techniques?
After finishing his list, Zhou Changqing handed it to Ya Fei.
"I'll have to trouble Manager Ya Fei to gather these items as quickly as possible. If the total exceeds the amount from the sale, I will settle the difference on my next visit."
Ya Fei took the list and glanced over it, her smile unwavering. "Rest assured, Young Master Zhou. These items will not be difficult to find."
"Many thanks. Farewell."