Chapter 63: Steampunk (2/2)
Hans snatched the cocktail and drank it while saying, ”It’s a counterfeit No need to look It’s a gilt-bronze French-style mantel clock with Meissen porcelain flowers The real one was made in the same year as the Blucher you love so much”
The Blucher was made in 1814 It was the world’s first steaeneral had been hailed as a hero of England at the tiland to victory over Napoleon’s arift has made my day Come, I’ll show you your rooms before we and drink ‘til we’re tanked!”
The delicate looking youth curled his lip in contey felloho kno to build relationshi+ps and solicit favors We already have plenty of worthless counterfeits like this”
Just as Hans was about to answer, a group of seven or eight people careeted Hans and Li Du
”Hey, Big Fox, what brings you to Phoenix?”
”Sht, this guyalong with you?”
”China Li, why don’t you change your partner? I’ Fox”
Hans wore an arrogant expression and flashed his er at them ”You dare to try to steal my partner? Get lost! Li and I aren’t just partners, we’re brothers! Brothers!”
Bedes gave the two of thee beds The door looked like the cabin door of a ferry There were even rudders at the head of the beds It was a themed hotel
When Bedes went in, he rapped on the door and said, ”The sound-proofing is very good You can talk about any confidential matters in there”
Hans smiled ”Of course We trust you”
”If you trust me,” said Bedes, ”then for the sake of the antique clock, I’ll give you a warning”
”What is it?”
”Be careful this ti”
Hans frowned ”We haven’t earned eted so fast?”
Bedes asked, ”Not much? Your antique clocks alone sold for over 100,000 dollars How o?”
Later, they went downstairs to drink Within minutes some treasure hunters approached them
Hans and Li Du quickly becaeneral questions, but others asked about why they had come to Phoenix
”Do you have any inside information? If you do, can you let us in on soenerous fellow, aren’t you?”
”For Heaven’s sake, show us the way! I haven’t uy just couldn’t stand it and et ahead of yourselves This is Phoenix, not that countryside Flagstaff where you co from an auction in Phoenix!”
Li Du sht learn souy sporting a tattoo on his neck glared at Li Du as if to provoke hied, he looked about ready to explode Li Du put a hand on his shoulder and turned to Bedes ”We’ve had enough drinks We’ll go for a walk now See you later”
Before leaving, he turned back and asked carelessly, ”Oh yeah Did you buy a clock earlier? How much did you pay for it?”
Bedes was taken aback He pointed at the clock ”Oh You ht it for 1,000 dollars”
”I just bought an old house back in Flagstaff It needs a nice antique clock How about selling it to ed ”Why not? I already have—”
”Hey, Ironuy with a tattoo on his neck cut in