Deep Sea Embers

Duncan had already expected Morris's reaction, and he just raised the topic to confirm.

According to the information he had previously obtained, ordinary people like Morris had no idea of ​​the existence of any fire - that sea of ​​​​fire only existed in the memories of Nina and himself.

Or strictly speaking, until she took control of this body, the fire only existed in Nina's own memory.

This topic was quickly brought up, and Morris did not have any questions about this inexplicable topic. Next, he introduced some information about Nina's studies and classes to Duncan, and asked some questions about Nina. family situation.

It can be seen that this old gentleman who cares about students has wanted to know this a long time ago, but Nina's uncle's previous bad and depraved life delayed all this until today.

Duncan's memory inherited from his body is limited, and he is not really clear about many of the old man's problems. Fortunately, he is flexible in thinking and can deal with the past based on his existing memories and sufficient brain power. As for those that he really cannot deal with ...I just blame it on my decadent life and alcohol harming people. I must change my ways in the future...

He has rich experience in "home visits" and knows the teacher's general questioning habits and focus. Although he has changed his world and his identity, these experiences can still be put to use to some extent.

And when the "business" in this area was finally discussed, Mr. Morris's attention unsurprisingly fell on his second concern.

The old man looked at the well-preserved antique dagger on the counter, and everyone could see the eagerness in his eyes: "Is this thing... for sale?"

Duncan suddenly smiled: "This is an antique store."

Of course the antiques displayed in antique shops are for sale.

At this time, he figured it out. Although this dagger came from the Lost Home, there seemed to be no hidden dangers in selling it if he thought about it. There were many things on the Lost Home, and not all of them were related to the extraordinary, like this dagger. Like this, if you throw it somewhere else, it will just be an ordinary antique... What can't be sold?

Compared with the pile of fakes in the store, the warehouse of the Lost Home is a good way to make money!

As soon as his thoughts were smoothed out, he suddenly felt that the world was vast. Duncan's heart immediately became enlightened. He suddenly realized that he had always been sitting on a treasure house - those things that he regarded as scrap metal were just treasures that had been placed in the wrong place. Waiting for the rich and destined person to come, look at the old Mr. Morris in front of you... isn't this a destined person?

Morris didn't know what thoughts were running in the head of the antique store manager in front of him. At this time, all his attention was focused on the well-preserved dagger in front of him. After hesitating for a long time, he cautiously said: "How much? "

Duncan: "..."

The world is at a loss because he doesn't know how much he should order.

Even if he completely inherited the memory of this body, he didn't know how much he should price it - this store has never sold any real ones since the day it opened... and there is no pricing standard for antiques. He is a thorough buyer. For a layman, how much is appropriate to shout at this time?

Duncan thought quickly and first ruled out the option of giving two to three hundred thousand based on the pile of price tags in the store - because even if the dagger was real and in excellent condition, it only had a history of more than a hundred years. At the same time, according to what the old man just revealed, although there are not many daggers from a century ago in existence, they are not unique. Sailors in those days used them as tool knives... This is doomed. Gadgets have limited value.

It is relatively recent, not an orphan, and has no special historical background. It is a modern product with excellent appearance but average collection and ornamental value. The old gentleman seems to like it very much. This can slightly increase the price, but no matter how much the price is increased, there is a limit. ——She is still Nina’s teacher, so this relationship must be taken into consideration.

Duncan thought about it for a whole time, which took less than a few seconds in total. Finally, he shook his head and said with a smile: "You make an offer - Mr. Morris, you are Nina's most respected teacher. I really There is no way to charge the same price as ordinary customers.”

He was clearly aware of the limitations of his knowledge. At this time, it would be more difficult for him to get a reliable figure for his price than to keep a goat silent for three days. Even if he opened high or low, it would appear that he was not good enough, so it would be better to just give him a random number. Steps, let the old man in front of you help you palm your eyes.

He believed that Mr. Morris could probably guess his intention.

As for whether this transaction will suffer a loss...Duncan is very optimistic.

How much money can be lost in a business without capital - he can get an unexpected income without any preparation, and he can also accumulate some experience. Meeting a professional in the field of history is actually a profit no matter what. of.

Morris thought seriously.

He didn't think much about it, most of his attention was on the dagger now.

"Three thousand...three thousand and four hundred solas, that's my estimate," Morris finally spoke. He seemed to have thought carefully before settling on this number. "Mr. Duncan, you may think this price is too low." A little bit, but you have to take into account the age of the dagger itself and its historical position... The discount of this kind of non-orphan collection in the market is very high. Of course, it is in very good condition, which is rare, but. Also consider that not all collectors will be interested in it..."

The old gentleman seemed to be trying to explain the reasons for setting this price. While Duncan was listening, he was already calculating rapidly in his mind——

In Xiacheng District, the total monthly expenses of an ordinary family of three only amount to more than two hundred solas - and the monthly income and expenditure of most common people in Xiacheng District has almost no balance, or very little.

This dagger is almost equivalent to a year and a half of the income of an ordinary family in Xiacheng District.

This is the value of a "real thing" here, and a less expensive "real thing" at that.

He didn't know whether to lament the state of the antique business, which "doesn't open for three years, but only lasts for three years after opening", or whether he should lament the astonishing gap between the lives of ordinary people in the lower city and the so-called "respectable hobbies of the upper class."

Maybe he should sigh that the old man in front of him is really rich.

"Deal." He exhaled softly and said to the old gentleman with a smile.

He didn't waste time thinking about bargaining.

In any case, this is a lot of money for Nina and him now - it is far less than reporting a cultist's den.

Not long ago, he was still thinking about ways to make money, but now he found that the matter no longer seemed so urgent.

Nothing is permanent.

Morris felt that Duncan agreed too happily, and he even apologized a little: "Actually... you are at a loss for this price. Under normal valuation, judging from the current quantity and condition of this dagger, it is at least still good. It should be 10% or 20% more expensive...but..."

The old gentleman touched his nose and seemed a little embarrassed: "I have spent a lot of money collecting antiquities recently, and I have a little money..."

The old gentleman was more candid than Duncan expected.

"I think this is a very good price. Let's just consider the difference as 'fate'," Duncan said with a smile. Then he seemed to suddenly remember something, stood up and walked behind the counter, "By the way, to celebrate this 'big business' ', I also have a gift."

Morris looked at it curiously and expectantly, and saw Duncan take out a small amethyst pendant from a grid behind the counter.

The old gentleman had sharp eyes and saw at a glance that the label of a certain glass workshop on the pendant was not removed.

Morris: "..."

"A pendant with the effect of calming the mind and dispelling evil. The crystal has been blessed and can guide the correct direction in illusions and curses. The ancient hypnotists used it to protect their spirits and deal with the dangers lurking in the dream world." Duncan pushed the pendant over with a serious expression, "It has protected generations of owners, and now it is destined to be with you..."

Morris pointed to the label of the pendant hesitantly: "But it says produced by Johnny Glass Workshop..."

"I know, I forgot to take it off," Duncan took off the label expressionlessly, "This is a gift. How can I have so many genuine products as gifts in this store?"

Morris was stunned for a moment and couldn't help laughing: "Okay, that's what I said - thank you very much for your 'gift'. With this thing... I hope my daughter can nag me less."

As he spoke, he put away the pendant, then fumbled in his arms for a long time and took out a checkbook: "I didn't bring that much cash with me when I went out - this check can be made at Cross Street or at Pland in the uptown area. Do you think it’s okay to pay it at City-State Bank?”

Duncan smiled: "Of course."

As he said this, his eyes fell on Morris's check.

He had some doubts when he first heard Nina mention his history teacher. Today, after actually coming into contact with Mr. Morris, his doubts popped up again.

Whether judging from his dress, his daily words and deeds, or his professionalism in history and cultural relics, this old gentleman is obviously not an ordinary person - even if he doesn't know the situation in the uptown area, Duncan can tell that this is the case. A scholar should be found in an uptown university rather than in a crosstown public school.

Even without considering other factors, there is an obvious question:

Can an ordinary public school history teacher easily spend a year and a half of the income of an ordinary person in Xiacheng District to buy a collectible that happens to be his or her own?