The details of the ebony cabinet appeared vividly on screen as Ryan adjusted his camera angle under the host's direction. The host seemed genuinely intrigued, urging him to showcase as many features as possible. From the intricate carvings to the naturally rich, dark wood grain, every part of the cabinet radiated the timeless charm of antique craftsmanship.
"This looks like a 19th-century ebony storage cabinet," the host said, a mix of excitement and professional certainty in their tone. "Ebony is an incredibly rare material—it was almost impossible to source after the late 19th century. Judging by the craftsmanship, this could very well have been made by a skilled European artisan of that era."
The host paused briefly, studying the screen as if verifying their analysis, and then added, "This cabinet isn't just valuable for its material. The design itself is highly refined. While it might not have appreciated much due to its relatively recent history, its potential for future value is undeniable."
The host's detailed appraisal sparked lively discussion in the live chat, which had been quiet moments earlier:
"Seriously? It just looks like an old cabinet to me. How could it be worth that much?"
"The craftsmanship is definitely impressive, but the price still sounds a bit exaggerated."
"Clearly, you don't know what you're talking about. Ebony furniture like this has always been pricey—what the host said makes total sense."
"My dad used to collect similar antiques. They're definitely not cheap."
Reading the chat, Ryan's emotions became a mix of pride and anxiety. On one hand, he felt validated to see the cabinet recognized for its worth. On the other hand, he couldn't shake the nagging question: could he actually sell it for that price?
The host nodded at Ryan, their expression serious. "This piece is undoubtedly valuable. If you're planning to sell it, I'd recommend targeting private collectors or exploring auction houses. Items like this are ideal for people with a unique appreciation for antique craftsmanship."
After thanking the host and leaving the livestream, Ryan leaned back in his chair, unsure of his next move. While the appraisal was encouraging, he still had no concrete plan to sell the cabinet.
Just as he was about to log out of the app, a notification popped up on his phone—a private message from an unfamiliar user:
"Hello, I'm a private collector. I'm very interested in the ebony cabinet you showed in the livestream. I'd be willing to pay a fair price, but before I make an offer, I'd need to confirm the authenticity and condition of the piece. If it matches what I saw on the video, I could offer $4,200. For safety, the transaction would need to be done in person with cash or immediate transfer."
Ryan's pulse quickened as he reread the message. He tapped on the user's profile, but it revealed little—a simple description that read, "Independent art and antique collector." There was no photo, no real name, and no further details.
Although the message was straightforward and seemed genuine, Ryan couldn't help but feel wary about dealing with an anonymous stranger.
Sitting on his worn couch, Ryan stared at his phone, the message still open on the screen. After days of frustration and failure, this felt like the best opportunity to complete the system's task. Yet, he couldn't ignore the risks: the buyer could be a scammer or even someone looking to steal the cabinet.
"Is this really safe?" Ryan muttered under his breath. His mind raced with scenarios, both good and bad. This collector could be his ticket to completing the task—or they could be a trap.
He decided to probe further and replied cautiously:
"Thank you for your interest. Could you clarify how we'd ensure a secure transaction? Also, if the condition meets your expectations, are you open to using electronic payment for the deal?"
The response came quickly:
"We can meet at a public venue, such as a café or a restaurant, where both parties feel safe. Regarding payment, I'm happy to use electronic transfer on-site, provided the cabinet's condition aligns with the livestream details."
This reply eased some of Ryan's nerves. The offer of a public location and an electronic payment option made the deal seem more legitimate. Still, he wasn't ready to fully commit without testing the waters further.
Ryan glanced at the $4,200 offer displayed on his screen. The amount was more than enough to complete the system's task, but a nagging voice in his head wondered if he could push for more. Given the cabinet's rarity and craftsmanship, there was a chance the buyer might go higher.
He typed out a careful reply:
"$4,200 is a fair offer, but considering the rarity and the high quality of this piece, similar cabinets in private sales have been known to fetch higher prices. Would you be willing to raise your offer to $4,500?"
The buyer's reply came after a short pause, and their tone remained polite but firm:
"$4,500 exceeds my budget. While the cabinet is unique, items like this are challenging to resell due to limited demand in the market. I'd be willing to increase my offer slightly, to $4,300, but that would be my maximum."
Ryan couldn't help but smile. The mention of "limited demand" was clearly a subtle attempt at negotiating the price down, but $4,300 was still well above the task's $3,000 requirement. He typed back:
"That works for me. Let's finalize the details."
The buyer responded with a list of suggested public venues, such as cafés or restaurants, and emphasized the importance of choosing a well-lit location with security cameras for mutual safety.
After sending his final confirmation, Ryan exhaled deeply, letting his body sink into the couch. His eyes drifted toward the ebony cabinet, its dark surface catching the light in his small apartment. He chuckled softly and murmured, "Barely got my hands on you, and now I have to sell you already."
The next morning, Ryan prepared the ebony cabinet for transport. He carefully wrapped the corners with thick foam and fabric, ensuring it wouldn't be damaged during the ride. After double-checking his work, he used a few old ropes to secure the packaging tightly. Only then did he feel reassured enough to lift it into the trunk of his beat-up secondhand car. The vehicle, with its rusty exterior and an almost-detached side mirror, hardly looked like it was capable of carrying something so valuable. Ryan glanced at it and sighed, muttering to himself, "This car's probably worth less than what's in the trunk."
Sliding into the driver's seat, Ryan started the engine and began the drive to the café in the city center where the meeting had been arranged. It was a slow, cautious drive, as he couldn't afford even the slightest mishap with the cabinet in tow. Along the way, his mind wandered. He found himself repeatedly imagining how the transaction might unfold, playing out different scenarios in his head. Would the buyer be difficult to deal with? Would they raise unexpected questions? Or would everything go smoothly, allowing him to finally complete the system's task?
About twenty minutes later, Ryan pulled up in front of the café. It was located in a bustling, upscale part of the city, and its façade exuded charm and sophistication. The exterior was a rich brick red, paired with intricate black wrought-iron window frames. Outside, there were several small round tables, each adorned with a fresh flower arrangement, where customers sipped their coffee under the soft glow of hanging string lights. The warm, inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint strains of soft jazz music drifting from inside the café.
Ryan stepped out of his car and took a moment to observe the café's tasteful décor. The attention to detail was remarkable, and it was clear this was the kind of place frequented by people who valued quality and elegance. He couldn't help but think, "This place has a lot more style than I was expecting."
After locking his car, he pulled out his phone and checked the most recent message from the buyer. The text confirmed they had already arrived and included a brief description of their attire: "White top, dark pants."
Ryan read the message a couple of times to commit the details to memory. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he stepped into the café. His eyes began scanning the room as he walked in, taking in the surroundings while trying to spot someone who matched the description.
The interior of the café was just as refined as its exterior suggested. The wooden floors gleamed softly under the morning sunlight streaming through large windows. Black-and-white photographs hung on the walls, interspersed with vibrant green plants that added a touch of freshness to the space. The soothing music playing in the background blended seamlessly with the murmur of quiet conversations, creating an atmosphere that was both calm and inviting.
As Ryan looked around, he noticed something unexpected: the only person in the café who matched the description—a white top and dark pants—was a young woman. She appeared to be in her late twenties at most, with shoulder-length brown hair casually draped over her shoulders. She wore a crisp white shirt paired with tailored dark gray pants, a combination that was understated yet effortlessly stylish.
She was seated by the window, a cup of cappuccino on the table in front of her. Her posture was relaxed but poised, and she seemed completely absorbed in whatever she was reading on her phone.
Ryan froze momentarily, caught off guard. In his mind, he had assumed that a collector interested in something like an antique ebony cabinet would most likely be a middle-aged man, perhaps someone with a slightly academic or traditional demeanor. The idea that the buyer could be a woman—and a relatively young one at that—hadn't even crossed his mind.
This realization left him momentarily disoriented as he stood by the entrance, still processing the unexpected turn of events.