Chapter 383 The sYoung Master” Status (1/2)

Chapter 383: The “Young Master” Status

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Li Du asked, ”Both of you have been examining it so closely—was it to verify if it was a complete dodo specimen?”

Steve smiled. ”No, we checked for several things. Not just its completeness, but also its authenticity.”

Li Du was curious. ”Why do you need to check the authenticity?”

Steve explained, ”As the prices of the dodo’s specimens have risen in recent years, many people have started to produce fake specimens.”

”How does one fake it?”

Steve thought for a moment and then asked, ”Did you know that the dodo's bones are not very uncommon? It’s the complete dodo specimen that is rare.”

Li Du was aware, as he had read about this previously. In October 2005, a group of Dutch biologists had discovered an important dodo site in Mauritius, and had found the skeletal remains of many dodo birds from many different ages.

In December 2005, the bones were put on display for the public in the National Museum of Natural History in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, the Netherlands. Prior to this, the skeletal specimens of the dodo had almost disappeared.

Seeing that he had nodded, Steve added, ”After the bone fragments appeared, some people used these real bones in combination with the skeletal specimens of other birds similar to the dodo to fake a complete dodo specimen.

”There’re also other ways to make artificial bones, but the experts can spot these counterfeits at a glance, so they’re not as common.”

Recalling the fake mahogany furniture, Li Du could not help but sigh; humankind’s skill at producing fakes was really astonishing.

After confirming the authenticity of the specimen, Steve decided to buy it. He nodded and the old gentleman Elson gave Li a check.

Concerned over the huge sum, Li Du called the issuing bank—Wells Fargo—for verification. The other party confirmed the authenticity of the check.

After hanging up, Steve said in a friendly manner, ”Li, it seems like you’re in Boston for the first time?”

”Yes,” Li Du replied. ”I’ve been in Flagstaff my entire stay here.”

Steve asked, ”How do you find the city of Boston?”

Li Du answered, ”Lovely, a city full of charm and history.”

Steve then said, ”Then I think you may be keen to take a look around the city? If you are agreeable, I'll make the arrangements. I’d like to buy you dinner later on. It's still early now and I'm boring company. It may be more interesting for you to take a look around first. ”

As he finished speaking, he glanced at the check in Li's hand.

Li Du was momentarily stunned, and then nodded, ”Thank you, this would be a perfect arrangement.”

Just based on Steve’s words, one may think that he was trying to kick Li Du out the door.

However, after noticing Steve’s gaze, he realized that he was actually being considerate, offering him the opportunity to go to the bank to cash the check.

Obviously, Steve had guessed that Li was not trusting of the check.

There was nothing embarrassing about this. Since Li Du was not familiar with Steve, he would definitely think that it would be more secure to transfer the money to his own bank.

Elson made a phone call, and a Cadillac One made its way to the front of the house. He had arranged for a driver, and Li Du could communicate his instructions directly to the driver.