READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 38
Chapter 38: Taking Antique Machinery to the Extreme
Sima Shengjie smiled and responded, “Certainly, but these items won’t come cheaply.”
“Oh, what if I exchange it with this?” Fang Jian presented an exquisite tea set and used a flashlight to capture the data, which he then sent.
Sima Shengjie took a look, and his demeanor subtly shifted. It was a complete set of Longguo Jingdezhen tea utensils manufactured in 2020.
A millennium later, Sima Shengjie had developed a passion for antique machinery, although his financial means didn’t allow for collecting antiques. However, he possessed basic knowledge and understood the tremendous value of ancient objects from a thousand years ago. After the world war devastated Earth, these ancient artifacts became irreplaceable treasures.
Sima Shengjie took a deep breath and requested, “Sir, could you please grant me some time? I’m not well-versed in these items, so I’d like to consult with someone else.”
Fang Jian nodded and stated, “That’s acceptable, but I prefer to keep this low profile.”
Sima Shengjie assured him, saying, “You can trust me. I won’t disclose any information.”
The call concluded, but Sima Shengjie requested another call after just twenty minutes.
Fang Jian accepted the call, and Sima Shengjie looked serious as he inquired, “Sir, what would you like to trade?”
Fang Jian presented a stack of documents, took photos, and sent them over. He was willing to take responsibility, even if it meant facing severe consequences.
Sima Shengjie examined the documents and used software to confirm, “Sir, are these some of the most advanced instruments from the ancient Earth era, between 2020 and 2030?”
Fang Jian smiled and acknowledged, “You’re absolutely correct. You’re indeed a professional in this field.”
Sima Shengjie proudly smiled and said, “Sir, apart from these, do you have any other requirements? We can provide all the archived instruments from before the Great Destruction.”
Fang Jian’s eyes sparkled as he inquired, “Can you supply all the instruments listed here?”
“Of course,” Sima Shengjie confidently stated, “These are merely child’s play.”
Fang Jian chuckled, saying, “My expectations are rather high, and you should comprehend that.”
“I understand,” Sima Shengjie assured, patting his chest. “I guarantee that all the instruments will be impeccably crafted, indistinguishable from that era.” He paused and continued, “Naturally, they will have the same appearance and materials, but these are replicas, not antiques.”
Fang Jian furrowed his brow and asked, “So they will only share the same appearance but won’t be functional?”
“Functional?” Sima Shengjie exclaimed in surprise. “Of course, they can be used.”
“What about the performance? Will it match the actual machines from that era?” Fang Jian inquired.
Without hesitation, Sima Shengjie replied, “I assure you that the finished products will at least meet the specified maximum value. However… these low-end ancient machines are mainly for display, right? You don’t plan to use them, do you?”
Fang Jian silently regarded him for a moment and then responded, “Since we’re aiming for a truly retro style, we should go all the way. It’s not just about retro instruments. The finished products should also reflect that same style.”
Sima Shengjie was momentarily puzzled, trying to grasp the logic behind this. He thought he was already a passionate enthusiast of retro machinery, but he didn’t expect that people were pursuing an even more extreme level.
He nodded vigorously and asked, “Alright, may I know how to address you, Mr. Fang?”
“Just call me Mr. Fang,” he replied.
“Okay, Mr. Fang. I can prepare the list you requested within a week. Can we proceed with the transaction after a week?” Sima Shengjie asked.
Fang Jian suddenly smiled and said, “Sima, do you think our transaction is fair in terms of price?”
Sima Shengjie’s face instantly turned red, and he stammered, “Mr. Fang, I can compensate for the price difference.”
Fang Jian chuckled lightly and said, “Alright, we’ll note the price difference for now. If I need anything in the future, I’ll come to you. I hope you won’t renege on our agreement.”
Sima Shengjie was overjoyed and quickly replied, “Mr. Fang, rest assured, I’m not that kind of person. Moreover, we can sign a contract, and if I breach it, I’ll be subject to a tenfold penalty.”
Fang Jian nodded in satisfaction, signed the contract with him, and left.