Chapter 20 An Afternoon and the Empress (1/2)
Chapter 20: An Afternoon and the Empress
Translator: Vicky_Editor: Vicky_
”I think they might start a fight,” remarked Li Du on the way out. ”Are you sure we should go now? This conflict was started by us after all.”
”So what? You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this day. I would be happy if they started fighting,” Hans replied with raised eyebrows.
”Happy? Wouldn't it be even better if we get involved as well? Like if we also give that crazy cow a few punches.”
Hans was caught off guard for a moment, but then happily responded, ”Haha! Buddy, I'm starting to like you more and more.”
”Thank you, but I still like the treasures here more than you. How should we sell them?” questioned Li Du.
”Let's get rid of the garbage first; then we'll go to the second-hand store for the other stuff. As for the drums and the piano, we'll have to bring them to professionals to get a more accurate estimate,” Hans answered.
Hans was responsible for the logistics of selling everything while Li Du was only responsible for picking out the valuable items from both storage units.
The trash they needed to dump cost around 180 dollars to be processed, but Hans only gave the security guard 50 dollars, and he allowed them in without any registration.
”Isn't this bribing?” questioned Li Du in a shocked tone.
”No, to me, it's called accurately using my intelligence and my network. Plus, to him, this is extra income.”
After getting rid of the garbage, they went on to sell the other items such as the National Geographic collection and the desk lamp. Hans was quite familiar with Phoenix, and after visiting only two stores, they were able to exchange their stuff for 450 dollars.
The only thing left was the two boxes of National Geographic magazines containing all the editions starting from 2000.
”How much are these worth?” asked Li Du.
”If we are lucky, then we'll be able to sell them to someone for fifty dollars. You see, the ones here aren't continuous; otherwise, a collection that spans over ten years would sell for much higher.”
”You are very lucky then. That someone is right in front of you,” said Li Du. ”Here's sixteen dollars, these magazines are now mine.”
”Huh?” Hans was confused.
”I've recently found that I still lack knowledge about America. So I want to read these to learn more.”
”That makes sense, but why are you paying sixteen dollars?”
”You want to sell them for fifty, but that's only the starting price. So, after several rounds of bartering, the final price should be around forty dollars. According to our agreement, you get forty percent of forty dollars, which comes out to sixteen dollars.”
”Buddy, you are a sly businessman. You must be born for this work,” Hans laughed.
With nothing else to do, they soon arrived back in Flagstaff.
When they got back, they saw a dressed-up Hannah preparing to go out. When she saw the two, she gave them a smile, ”Why did you guys return so soon?”
”We made a big profit in a short amount of time. So, of course, we had to rush back. I didn't want to make my dear sister worry about us,” said Hans proudly as he patted the side of his pickup.
”Thank God, it looks like my foolish brother has finally grown up. I didn't expect you guys to come back so soon, so I didn't prepare any food. I've also got some stuff to do, so you guys will have to call for takeout.”
”Going out?” Hans asked. ”You finally have a day off, why not stay home and rest? You can accompany Li for a meal instead. He often speaks of you on the road. I think that you guys are still not too familiar with each other.”
Li Du, who was currently helping Ah Meow with its recovery exercises, glanced in their direction, ”Big Fox, what are you saying?”
”Nothing. Just that the weather is nice today, and that my sister is going on a date.”
”Have a nice date, Hannah.”
Their Phoenix trip was fruitful, but the journey still exhausted all of Li Du's energy.
When the two got back, it was already dusk. Li Du made a campfire in the backyard and sat on a deck chair. As he sipped from a freshly brewed cup of coffee, he quietly admired the sunset.
Beside him, Ah Meow glared at the dancing flames, occasionally using its front paws to try to reach them. However, with its lower body still wrapped in bandages, there was no room for much movement. As a result, it could only pitifully let out some low meow sounds.