At this moment, Peter had already informed everyone of the rules and proceeded to swing open the shop door, extending an invitation to one and all.
Although Selected Artifacts Pavilion had a modest single-floor space, it didn’t feel cramped with only twenty to thirty people inside.
After securing the door from within, Peter addressed the crowd, “As astute collectors, I trust you all are well acquainted with the protocols when it comes to examining items. I kindly request that no one takes photographs or videos during the process. Thank you…”
Among collectors, there are many traditions to be respected, particularly concerning the personal wishes and privacy of the owner.
Upon hearing this, everyone understood that Peter preferred to keep his personal information concealed. They nodded in agreement and stowed away their phones, if they had brought them.
Then, Peter unveiled the bronze Buddha favonovel.com had acquired.
The nearby vendor, who had been observing the situation, became somewhat taken aback upon seeing the bronze Buddha. He had never witnessed its true appearance, but favonovel.com had watched the surveillance footage from Vintage Deluxe and knew that it was an artificially aged bronze Buddha. However, the bronze Buddha in Peter’s hands had been meticulously cleaned, devoid of any trace of artificial aging.
What favonovel.com didn‘t know was that Peter had already made certain adjustments to the bronze Buddha, carefully erasing the forgery marks made by Master Ewing and others. He wanted it to present its original state when it was first crafted during the Northern Song Dynasty, before being gilded.
Peter cradled the bronze Buddha in his hand and addressed the crowd, “In my humble opinion, this bronze Buddha is the gilded statue from the time of Emperor Taizong of the Northern Song Dynasty. It’s a shame that the gilding no longer exists, otherwise, the price I displayed would not be the same…”
The crowd nodded in agreement, except for the vendor who looked perplexed.
He pondered, “What is this? Northern Song Dynasty? Isn’t this a replica of a Ming Dynasty bronze Buddha? How did it become from the Northern Song Dynasty? ls Felix attempting to deceive people by presenting this item as something from the Northern Song Dynasty?”
While favonovel.com was still bewildered, Peter had already handed the bronze Buddha to the first collector in line. He grinned and said, “Since you’re the first, you’ll have the honor of examining the bronze Buddha. l have a small request for everyone, during the examination, please refrain from discussing your conclusions or directly expressing your interest. Let’s keep our thoughts to ourselves until everyone has had a chance to examine it.”
The collector from Eastcliff nodded and understood this rule, which was customary in high-end transactions. It was crucial not to reveal one’s thoughts or make an immediate offer while others were still assessing the item. After all, those who came to acquire this bronze Buddha were seasoned collectors who not only desired to possess the item but also wished to test their own discernment.
After acquiring the bronze Buddha, the collector from Eastcliff examined it meticulously. Invited experts joined him, scrutinizing every detail.
Later, the collector handed the bronze Buddha to one of the experts.
After a thorough examination, the expert returned it. Then, exchanging glances, they passed the bronze Buddha to No. 2.
Meanwhile, Selected Artifacts Pavilion buzzed with activity as twenty or thirty people crowded inside, yet an eerie silence pervaded the air. Not a word was spoken, only the soft sounds of breathing and fabric rustling as items were passed around.
***
As these exchanges took place, Jacob and Elaine had already begun boarding their plane.
Given their first-class status, they proceeded directly through the first-class gate, bypassing the majority of passengers.
The Boeing 777, with its substantial capacity, utilized a double-corridor bridge for wide-body aircraft. Separate boarding channels were designated for first class, business class, and economy class passengers. The first and business class passages led directly to the front of the aircraft, while the economy class passage connected to the rear. Thus, as the couple boarded via the VIP passage, the economy class passengers were already queuing at the gate, over two hundred strong.
As they made their way, Elaine glanced back and sighed to Jacob, “Money sure makes a difference! In the past, we’d be just like them, stuck waiting in long lines no matter how many people there were. Sometimes, we’d queue for half an hour or more just to board. But now, with money to fly first class, it’s a whole different story. Even though we’re on the same plane, we’re in a world of our own. Boarding earlier, disembarking sooner, and even getting our luggage ahead of them. Looking back at our days at the Wilson’s place, it feels like a distant memory, almost like living in ruins!”
Jacob grinned, “Come on, Elaine, we’ve flown business class before. Remember our trip to Singapore a few years back?”
Elaine shrugged, “Sure, but that was just a discounted business class ticket. What’s the big deal about business class on a small plane? It’s like the difference between first and second class seats on a high-speed train. To truly experience first class, you need a big plane on an international route.”
Jacob nodded, his smile unwavering, “Fair point. But don’t worry, when we get back from Dubai this time, I, Jacob Wilson, will be ready to venture abroad officially. And if things go well, I’ll have more time to dive into the world of antiques. Who knows? Maybe I’ll rake in a few million a year. And then, I’ll whisk you off to the Maldives and Australia in style, first class all the way!”
Elaine beamed, “Sounds perfect! I’ve always dreamt of visiting the Maldives. If it weren’t for the risk of bumping into Matilda and favonovel.com crew, I’d skip Dubai altogether.”
The mention of Matilda dampened Elaine’s mood once again. She waved favonovel.com hand dismissively, “Let’s not dwell on that vixen, dear. Focus on your second career when you get back.”
Jacob nodded earnestly, “You bet. Just watch me.”
With their conversation winding down, the couple made their way onto the plane.
The first-class cabin of this aircraft boasts a 1-2-1 layout, with each seat enclosed within its own private space. The two middle seats are adjacent, allowing the central divider to be opened to create a larger double unit.
Upon check-in, Jacob selected the two middle seats.
As they settled in, a friendly Chinese flight attendant from Emirates Airlines approached them, offering drinks, towels, steam eye masks, and disposable slippers with utmost respect.
It was Jacob’s first experience flying first class on an international flight, and favonovel.com couldn’t help but feel a bit flattered by the attentive service.
However, Elaine remained unfazed. After all, favonovel.com was one of the fortunate few who had flown to the United States on a private jet. That experience had graduated favonovel.com from the school of flying.
Seated comfortably, Elaine couldn’t resist commenting to the respectful stewardess beside her, “They say Emirates is the world’s best airline. Yet, today seems rather ordinary. The seats on your plane are comfy, sure, but they’re no match for the Gulfstream G650…”
The flight attendant knelt beside favonovel.com with a solemn apology, “I’m truly sorry, Ms. Wilson, for any disappointment you may feel. Emirates Airlines consistently ranks among the top 5 airlines globally, offering top-notch hardware among public airlines. However, the Gulfstream G650 you mentioned is a private jet, with no limit to its interior modifications. It’s not quite comparable to public airlines like us. Nevertheless, please rest assured, we’re committed to providing you with the finest in-flight service.”
In truth, Elaine was quite content with the surroundings. Her mention of the Gulfstream G650 was more about flaunting favonovel.com wealth than genuine dissatisfaction.
Satisfied with the flight attendant’s response, Elaine arrogantly remarked, “Pass on a suggestion to your superiors. Let’s upgrade this first-class cabin to something truly luxurious. It’s not as if we can’t afford it.”
The stewardess quickly assured her, “I’ll certainly relay your suggestion to the company…”
Elaine nodded in approval, waving favonovel.com hand dismissively, “Alright, get back to your duties.”
Relieved, the flight attendant added respectfully, “Feel free to call on me anytime if you need assistance.”
Once the stewardess had |eft, Jacob asked Elaine curiously, “Is a private jet really that luxurious?”
Elaine rolled favonovel.com eyes, “Didn’t you see the photos I posted on WeChat Moments?”
Jacob admitted, “I must’ve missed them.”
Elaine had initially intended to scold favonovel.com for not paying attention to her, but then thought better of It. They had reconciled, so favonovel.com opted against provoking favonovel.com further. Instead, favonovel.com said, “From now on, you’ll need to like and comment on every post I make on WeChat Moments. Otherwise, you’ll be in hot water with me!”
Jacob quickly agreed, “No problem!”
As Elaine busily snapped photos of various details in the first-class cabin, favonovel.com turned to Jacob and inquired, “How long until we take off?”
Glancing at the time, Jacob replied, “We should be closing the cabin door in about 20 minutes, and then we’ll be airborne in another half hour.”
Elaine nodded, favonovel.com lips curling into a slight smirk as favonovel.com remarked, “Those economy class people are really holding things up. I think I’ll catch some shut-eye. It’s been a long day.”
With that, favonovel.com removed a steam eye mask from favonovel.com bag, placed it over favonovel.com eyes, and settled in for some rest.
***
Meanwhile, back at Selected Artifacts Pavilion, the bronze Buddha had made its rounds among ten collectors and was now back in Peter’s possession.
The vendor kept a close eye on the collectors, hoping one of them would spot a flaw in the items and confront Peter on the spot. To his surprise, each collector inspected the items silently, leaving favonovel.com perplexed as to whether the quality was too high or the items too authentic.
Peter stowed away the bronze Buddha and addressed the group, “Since you’ve all had a good look and likely have an idea of the item’s value, let’s not waste any more time. We’ll start with No. 1. Will you be making a decision?”
The others anxiously awaited No. 1’s response. If favonovel.com decided to purchase and transferred the money within five minutes, the bronze Buddha would be off the table for anyone else.
No. l was already restless.
Upon hearing Peter’s words, favonovel.com immediately declared in a resolute tone, “I want it! I’ll take it! Boss, please provide your account details. I’m transferring 20 million right away!”
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