Jane was mesmerized by Zhang Tianxing's swift and decisive way of handling matters, a youthful infatuation, as poetic as a maiden's heart.
What's more, Zhang Tianxing's demeanor at this moment was exceptionally cool and striking. He simply waved his hand and said, "No need to check, everything is under control."
It was truly a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder; even the posture of escape was incredibly handsome and charming.
Jane's phone rang. "Oh, okay, you're right, understood, thank you, my dear, you've been a great help."
"Zhang Tianxing, I know who the collector is! Sarah relayed your needs to him, and he's invited us to his home tomorrow to discuss it," Jane said jubilantly. Sarah was a fine comrade, efficient in her work.
Having such a best friend really brought her honor; even the most difficult matters were easily resolved. What remained was matters between Zhang Tianxing and her, a question of money, nothing more.
However, for Jane and Zhang Tianxing, money was not an issue at all. Problems that could be solved with money were not problems at all.
The collector was named Charles, a renowned gentleman with a vast collection.
When Zhang Tianxing and Jane arrived at his home, they couldn't help but sigh. Good heavens, this collector was quite wealthy.
Jane merely glanced around, and a single oil painting left her mouth agape. This was too extravagant!
Wasn't this the famous painting "The Last Supper"? Jane clearly remembered her teacher explaining the masterpiece to her.
Jane leaned closer, scrutinizing the oil painting for a long time, her face filled with surprise as she asked, "Is this painting real? I truly never expected to see an original in my lifetime."
Charles smiled and nodded. "It's nothing, just a painting. Jane, you've grown more beautiful. Please send my regards to your father."
Jane's face lit up with joy. "Mr. Charles knows my father?"
"We've had a few encounters, with victories and defeats on both sides. But we're past the age of competing now; those past matters are all forgotten," Charles said calmly.
Jane's face instantly fell. What was this? At first, she thought he was her father's good friend, and she could have acted cute and coquettish, offering Zhang Tianxing some support.
She hadn't expected him to be her father's rival. What was she to do? It seemed she couldn't provide any support now.
It would be good if it didn't backfire. This Mr. Charles seemed to have a decent disposition.
"Little girl, don't be afraid. What happened between your father and me has nothing to do with you. This young man from the mysterious East, you're looking for this Pig's Head Bronze sculpture, aren't you?" Charles asked with a smile, appearing like an old, cunning fox.
Zhang Tianxing smiled and nodded. "It is indeed I. To be frank, this is my first time seeing the Twelve Zodiac Heads. Suddenly, I felt a strong desire for them to return to China. I wonder if the elder could grant me this opportunity to fulfill my dream."
Upon hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Charles burst into laughter. "A straightforward person! I'll be direct. If I were to put the Pig's Head in a museum for exhibition, I would consider selling it. However, I don't know how much my young friend is willing to offer?"
Getting down to business, Zhang Tianxing hesitated about how much to offer. "The item belongs to you, sir. Please name your price. I will listen. If it's reasonable, I'll take it. If the price isn't suitable, I can only apologize."
Damn it, this old fox is hard to deal with. He wants me to name the price, but I won't fall for this trick.
Charles chuckled. "The Twelve Zodiac Heads, this is just one of them. I won't ask for an astronomical price. How about this, young man, let's be friends. It's just one figure, not much."
"Ten thousand US dollars, it's a deal!" Zhang Tianxing was overjoyed, not expecting it to be so easy. Ten thousand US dollars was indeed not expensive.
Charles laughed. "Young man, I didn't mean ten thousand US dollars. I meant ten million US dollars."
"Sir, you don't think this Pig's Head is made of gold, do you? Even with diamonds for eyes, it wouldn't be this expensive. You're asking for the moon! Name a realistic price, and I might buy it," Zhang Tianxing sighed. Damn it, this old fellow is truly black-hearted. If he had two more Zodiac Heads, I wouldn't be able to afford them even if I sold myself.
"No, this ten million is something I've carefully considered. It holds special significance for you, which is why you'll find a way to bring them back to China. That's where its value lies. The metal of this Pig's Head alone is not worth much," Charles frankly admitted the price was high.
Sorry, we're targeting you because only Chinese people would be so eager to have these Twelve Zodiac Heads return to China.
Zhang Tianxing took a deep breath. "Sir, allow me to introduce myself. I am Zhang Tianxing, a student at Harvard University, known as the 'Number One Short Seller.' Your family's strength is quite impressive, and you were not severely damaged in this internet bubble. I admire you."
After speaking, Zhang Tianxing stood up and bowed to Charles. Charles's expression changed.
He hadn't expected to misjudge today. He hadn't expected this young Eastern man to be the "Number One Short Seller," Zhang Tianxing.
It was said that this Zhang Tianxing had excellent foresight and displayed superb skill in the stock market, shorting the Nasdaq with one hundred million US dollars, and was a proud son of Harvard.
Such a figure could only be befriended, not antagonized. Otherwise, in the business world, who among the big players didn't have a few listed companies?
What did listed companies fear? They feared short sellers like Zhang Tianxing.
Although Zhang Tianxing was Chinese, his current reputation was immense. He could be said to be a commanding presence in the stock market.
If Zhang Tianxing were to target a listed company, that company would soon be completely devoured by short sellers.
In this day and age, achieving such results meant either being a madman or a genius; there was only a fine line between the two.
Charles would not risk his family's fortune. Moreover, he was well-provided for and had finally achieved a happy and fulfilling life.
Those who have shoes wouldn't risk their lives against those who are barefoot, because their lives are precious.
Charles looked at Zhang Tianxing and let out a soft sigh. "Since the 'Number One Short Seller' has spoken, I will certainly reduce the price. Let me hear your offer, young friend Zhang. How much are you willing to pay?"
"One hundred thousand US dollars. I won't offer ten thousand anymore. I believe this price is quite fair," Zhang Tianxing said. This figure had been carefully considered.
It wouldn't affect subsequent auctions of the Zodiac Heads, and it also saved the collector some face. Zhang Tianxing believed that the price of the Pig's Head Bronze sculpture in the previous transaction would not exceed one hundred thousand US dollars.