Xu Yang glanced at some other items with feigned interest before fixing his gaze on the vase he had chosen. He pointed at it, saying, "This vase looks quite nice. I'll buy it, plant some flowers, and put it on the balcony. It should look good. Just this vase and the jade ruyi from earlier, together for five thousand, okay?"
The owner hesitated and said, "Young man, this vase was placed in Tang Bohu's own study..."
It was the owner's habitual phrase, uttered without thinking.
Xu Yang interrupted, "Can we be honest here?"
The owner grinned awkwardly and said, "Young man, look at this vase, the pattern is so beautiful. I bought it for three thousand. You'll have to give me a bit for the delivery. Let's say ten thousand for both, how about that?"
Xu Yang replied, "I need to go home and buy groceries. If my wife comes home and doesn't find me, I'll be in for a scolding. I won't beat around the bush. Eight thousand for both, take it or leave it."
