"Are you selling it to me, or do you want me to appraise it for you?"
Faced with Liu Zheng's flattery, this time the French Plane Tree showcased a considerable amount of sass.
"Is there a difference between the two?"
He asked.
"If you're selling it to me, I can appraise it for free, but you can't sell it to anyone else until you've paid the appraisal fee."
"If you just want me to appraise it, you'll have to pay the fee upfront."
The French Plane Tree said.
"How much is the appraisal fee?"
Liu Zheng asked.
"That depends. I'll need to see the item first."
The French Plane Tree replied.
"Someone as noble as yourself wouldn't set an outrageous price, right?"
He probed cautiously.
The French Plane Tree didn't respond, but merely graced him with a meaningful fake smile.
"If I choose not to have you appraise it, you'd still take me to the auction, right?"
Liu Zheng asked again.
The French Plane Tree remained silent—everything was implied without words.
