The style of speech from this gentleman, as before, remains consistent. When introducing goods, he always employs the distinct rap style typical of black individuals, speaking at a remarkably rapid pace.
However, the moment he speaks, a hint of timidity reveals itself.
Though Jin Muchen's knowledge of Western antiques is limited, he does know that this tea set is not in the Rococo style. The Rococo decorative style, typically found in architecture, is occasionally seen in Western antiques, especially in silverware. The characteristics of Rococo style are delicate and charming, often employing asymmetrical techniques in decoration, favoring curves and S-shaped lines. It particularly enjoys using motifs such as seashells, spirals, and rocks as decoration themes, creating a sense of flowing vines and intertwining curves that seamlessly integrate.
However, this tea set is clearly not in the Rococo style. Firstly, all the pieces in this tea set have square handles – the teapot, coffee pot, and sugar bowl alike. Additionally, the markings on them, specifically the lid of the pot, resemble the circular emblem of a French knight's helmet, a common feature in Rococo style. However, none of the typical Rococo motifs like swirls or rocks are present.
With just a glance, Jin Muchen knows this tea set is definitely not Rococo style, nor is it from England.
The nearby African American continues to chatter incessantly, but Jin Muchen dismisses his words as mere noise, for in his view, this fellow is nothing more than an amateur.
Ignore his extravagant claims; in reality, he knows nothing about this tea set.
Carefully examining the three pieces, Jin Muchen finds them exquisitely shaped with exquisite craftsmanship. At the base of the pot, there's a floral French signature in cursive script, though he struggles to understand it, he surmises it must be the maker's mark.
Regardless, these three pieces are undoubtedly antiques, surely valuable items.
"Well, my friend, your item seems decent. State your price!"
"Um..."
The African American didn't expect Jin Muchen to be so straightforward, so he's taken aback.
"My friend, you must know these three items are antiques, valuable relics. I won't demand much. How about one thousand US dollars each, totaling three thousand? How does that sound?"
Even his own tone carries a hint of doubt and lack of confidence, evidently unsure of the true value of these three pieces of tea ware.
Jin Muchen has been wandering around 39th Street for several weeks now, and encountering such a novice seller is a first for him.
In fact, over the past few weeks, he has encountered quite a few good items, even some Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain. However, every time he tries to negotiate with the stall owner, the outcome isn't as pleasant as one might hope.
The sellers here are generally quite knowledgeable about antiques, with a clear understanding of the true value of their goods. Especially when they see he's Chinese, they're even more eager to take advantage, treating him like a walking ATM.
The slick maneuvering of these stall owners is no less cunning than those in Beijing's Panjiayuan market. And trying to haggle or employ diversion tactics like back home in China simply doesn't work with these foreigners.
Buying antiques at local stalls in China, buyers often enjoy using diversionary tactics. For example, if they're interested in item A, they won't show interest but instead choose a relatively inexpensive item B. The stall owner usually tries to fleece the buyer by inflating the price of item B, then the buyer requests item A as an addition.
This tactic is well-practiced in China's antique market, but in the US, it's ineffective. If you want to buy something, you buy it; as for trying to add extras, that's a pipe dream. And as for the price, it's fixed; buy it if you want, otherwise, scram.
So after a few weekends, Jin Muchen has thoroughly grasped the obstinance of these American stall owners. No wonder many Americans say New Yorkers are bad; their eyes are only on money. These petty merchants have an exceptionally strong sense of commerce.
The tricks of the Chinese antique circle don't work with them at all.
And the African American he encounters today is evidently a novice seller. From his tone of uncertainty, Jin Muchen knows there's definitely room for negotiation with this tea set.
"My friend, although this tea set is decent, I must tell you clearly, firstly, this tea set is not used by British nobility. Look at the square handles and the circular lid with the French knight's helmet emblem; these are distinctive features of French tea sets..."
Having seen through the other party's nature, Jin Muchen naturally wields his bargaining knife without hesitation; there's no room for leniency.
The moment he speaks, the African American realizes he's dealing with an expert and his expression changes.
"Um... Not used by British nobility, but it could be used by French nobility, right, buddy?"
"Um... Alright..."
Jin Muchen is almost exasperated by the African American's words.
"Secondly, this tea set is clearly not in the Rococo style..."
"Um... Not Rococo style, it could be Baroque style..."
The African American's response is swift, almost causing Jin Muchen to explode.
"My friend, do you think this is a castle? It's neither Rococo nor Baroque; we're talking about silverware. The most valuable silverware is the 18th-century Victorian style used by British aristocrats. And among them, Rococo style is the most valuable. Neither of these styles fits here. You're asking for three thousand US dollars; don't you think that's a bit excessive?"
After Jin Muchen's persuasion, the confidence of the African American wavers, honestly, he's not sure what style this tea set is or whether it's English or French.
He's only ever served drinks with this tea set for his master before.
"Alright, alright, then, buddy, you tell me, how much are you willing to pay?"
The African American finally relents, and pricing enters the negotiation phase.
"Well, how about this? I'll offer one thousand US dollars."
"What? Buddy, are you kidding me? This is a top-notch silver tea set used by 18th-century French nobility, and you're offering only one thousand US dollars for each piece?"
The African American quickly counters, catching Jin Muchen off guard.
"No, no, at least two thousand US dollars each."
Seeing Jin Muchen's silence, the African American's head shakes like a rattle drum. But Jin Muchen certainly can't yield like this; he knows there's still room for negotiation.
So he takes out his phone directly and opens eBay.
"Hey! Buddy, take a look for yourself. On eBay, similar silver tea sets like yours are selling for only three hundred and fifty to three hundred and eighty US dollars per piece. Here's the deal: I can offer up to one thousand five hundred US dollars. If you accept, we have a deal; if not, then forget it."
"Oh, damn eBay! I hate e-commerce..."
The African American glances at the listings of similar silverware shown by Jin Muchen, rubbing his forehead with his hand, cursing under his breath.
Actually, he has no idea that the links Jin Muchen
showed him were for low-priced silver tea sets, and the quality of those sets is much inferior to his. But at this moment, the African American clearly doesn't have the patience to examine them closely, and he's not particularly knowledgeable about antiques himself.
Faced with Jin Muchen's final offer and considering he hasn't made any sales all day, the African American grits his teeth.
"Alright, deal, brother!"
Jin Muchen graciously accepts the box containing the three tea sets from the African American, tucking it into his large backpack, then pulls out a wad of cash and counts it out to hand over.
As he watches Jin Muchen count the money with a smirk, the African American says with a chuckle, "Hehe, buddy, I love doing business with you Chinese folks because you always carry cash... Just seeing those green Franklins can make even the sourest mood disappear..."
Taking the bills, the African American counts them himself, "Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty..."
"Huh! Wait, wasn't it agreed upon fifteen hundred? Why is it two thousand here? Hey! Buddy, do you think I can't count?"
Making fun of us black people's math skills, huh! But as soon as the words are out, the African American immediately regrets them upon seeing Jin Muchen's amused expression.
"Indeed, it is two thousand. The extra five hundred is payment for some valuable information."
The African American is momentarily stunned; a piece of information worth five hundred dollars? Well, this business seems profitable. He mimics a shooting gesture with his hand.
"Proceed."
"Very well, my friend, my inquiry is simple: where did you acquire these items?"
"What do you mean by that?"
The African American's expression changes, his tone now tinged with annoyance, yet Jin Muchen simply smiles.
"My friend, don't be agitated. I myself deal in antiques. Your acquisition of these items is impressive, hence my curiosity about your source. If it's convenient, I would like to acquire a few pieces myself."
With Jin Muchen's explanation, the African American's expression softens. So, this lad wants to explore old estates! Yet, he hesitates. Jin Muchen decides to apply a bit more pressure.
"What's the matter? My friend, do you think five hundred dollars is not worth it? Very well, return the money to me!"
Reaching out, he attempts to reclaim the cash, but the African American quickly deflects his hand.
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you. These items are from Mr. Friedrich's estate, located at 15th Avenue, Upper Manhattan, on the fourth floor. The entire floor belongs to Mr. Friedrich."
As the African American speaks of the place, his expression turns somewhat nostalgic, indicating a sentimental attachment to the location and Mr. Friedrich.