Chapter 106: The Huanghuali Wood Bed

In Xiangnan Province, before the 1980s, gray bricks were divided into three main categories, each with numerous specifications. Because the molds used for firing varied across the country, there were significant differences in the final products. The gray bricks used for building schools were mostly similar in size to standard red bricks. However, the gray bricks used for temples were several times larger. Furthermore, because temples were both superstitious and wealthy, they were very particular about their purchases; they would never buy bricks that lacked the kiln master's seal. This was why Liu Xing could identify them at a glance—he had heard about it from a brick dealer before his rebirth.

Boss Wang, unaware of these details, was stunned by Liu Xing’s words and felt quite embarrassed. "I really couldn't tell! You're quite the expert, kid."

"If he weren't an expert, would you be thinking of scamming him?" Zhao Hu caught the underlying tone and pulled Liu Xing away immediately. It wasn't that he had a strange temperament, but since Liu Xing was his guest, Boss Wang’s attempt to pull a fast one meant the deal was effectively dead.

Seeing this, Boss Wang grew anxious and regretful. Watching Zhao Hu and Liu Xing walk away, he shouted, "Wait! How about this? For this young brother, I’ll offer a fifty percent discount on all the gray bricks in my yard."

"What do you think?" Zhao Hu was tempted. He stopped and looked at Liu Xing with a faint smile. If they could truly secure high-quality gray bricks at half price, it didn't matter if they overlooked the boss's previous attempt to cheat them.

"Let’s go take a look first," Liu Xing replied after a moment of consideration. In business, one must remain businesslike; naturally, he also wanted to purchase high-quality bricks at a low price. Of course, he was now on guard against Boss Wang, so any further attempts at trickery would be impossible.

Seeing that Liu Xing agreed, Zhao Hu brought him back to Boss Wang. "We don't want the temple bricks; that’s bad luck. Give us the standard, high-quality 'clear water' bricks. If you have them, money is no object."

Mentioning money was actually a trap, as old goods rarely fetched a high price. Boss Wang, realizing Zhao Hu wanted high-quality bricks, had to be honest. He led them through the yard to a grassy area on the west side. Scattered across the grass were piles of pristine, sharp-edged bricks.

"Clear water" bricks, also known as model bricks, were gray in color and were the preferred building material for the grand estates and villas of wealthy elites in ancient times. By the modern era, the quality of these bricks had declined, with many manufacturers labeling inferior bricks as "clear water" bricks just to build a reputation. In the 1980s, finding genuine ones was incredibly difficult, yet the bricks Boss Wang was showing them were the real deal.

Liu Xing picked one up to examine it. It was heavy, and the quality was impeccable. It even bore the kiln master's seal. If bought new, these would cost several times more than regular red bricks.

After exchanging a glance with Zhao Hu, Liu Xing asked, "How are you selling these?"

"How many do you want? There’s no discount for small quantities," Boss Wang replied with a smirk. There it was—the face of a greedy merchant. Zhao Hu felt like slapping him, as this behavior made him look bad in front of Liu Xing, but he remained silent, unsure of how many bricks Liu Xing actually needed.

"Tell me your price first. Why are you asking how many I want?" Liu Xing looked around. He spotted some discarded old furniture under a chinaberry tree, including several carved beds made of yellow rosewood. His heart skipped a beat. He felt a pang of pity seeing them weathered and discolored by the elements, though fortunately, the hardness of the yellow rosewood had prevented any serious decay.

Boss Wang, having no idea what Liu Xing was thinking, realized the kid was shrewd and wouldn't be easily played. "For a small amount, eight cents per brick; for a large quantity, the lowest is five cents."

"So, if I ask for a fifty percent discount on that five-cent price, I could get them for about two cents each?" Liu Xing asked with a smile.

"You can't bargain like that!" Boss Wang was caught between laughter and tears. "The price I quoted is already the lowest discounted rate."

Liu Xing looked at Zhao Hu, who gave him a look that suggested five cents was indeed a very fair price. Any lower, and Boss Wang might not even cover his transport costs.

"How about this," Liu Xing said, gesturing to all the bricks and the old furniture under the chinaberry tree. "I’ll take them all. Give me one final price."

"You want to buy everything?" Boss Wang was stunned, then delighted—he had found a big buyer.

"Of course, why else would I be wasting my breath with you?" Liu Xing retorted.

"I have about 25,000 bricks. At five cents each, that’s at least 1,200 yuan. Seeing as you’re with Zhao Hu, just give me 1,000 and take them all," Boss Wang said, feigning generosity.

"Is that okay?" Liu Xing asked Zhao Hu.

"Buying them all for 1,000 is too expensive, considering many have chipped or broken corners," Zhao Hu said, catching on to Liu Xing’s bargaining strategy.

"Then what’s your price?" Boss Wang asked, not offended. He had no idea that Liu Xing’s true objective was the discarded yellow rosewood furniture.

"Fifty?" Zhao Hu countered.

"Are you kidding me?" Boss Wang almost spat blood.

"Does the price include delivery to Zhao Dongkui’s place nearby?" Liu Xing asked calmly.

"It’s close. If the price is right, I can include delivery," Boss Wang replied.

"Let’s do this: 70 yuan for everything—the bricks and those old pieces of furniture. Deliver it all to my brother-in-law’s place," Liu Xing said. He knew that for Boss Wang, these bricks were essentially cost-free inventory. He also knew that the early 80s were a time of rapid construction, and the demolition of pre-liberation buildings led to a massive surplus of second-hand materials.

Of course, this surplus was temporary. As rural conditions improved, the price of all bricks would skyrocket. Buying them now was a massive bargain. Meanwhile, red bricks at city factories were expensive—two to three cents each—and required official permits.

Boss Wang pulled a long face. "Add a little more, at least let me make enough for a meal!" He paused and asked, "By the way, what do you want that old furniture for?"

"My sister’s family is short on firewood. These are just going to waste here, so I’ll take them to burn," Liu Xing replied nonchalantly. Both Boss Wang and Zhao Hu believed him, as most rural households at the time relied on firewood, and the demand was high.

Zhao Hu chimed in, "Look, Liu Xing, tell Boss Wang to deliver everything—bricks and furniture—to your sister’s place, including loading and unloading. Just give him 80 yuan and be done with it. We don't have time to haggle."

"Fine," Liu Xing nodded.

Boss Wang wasn't satisfied. "Can you add a bit more? That furniture could fetch a few yuan just from charcoal makers!"

"Liu Xing, let's go," Zhao Hu said, turning away. They walked off briskly, without hesitation. Boss Wang waited, thinking they would turn back, but they disappeared from sight. Realizing he had ruined a potential deal over a few yuan, he panicked and chased after them. When he caught up at the gate and saw them waiting with smiles on their faces, he felt foolish. He finally realized he had encountered two experts, and he felt deeply frustrated by how the negotiation had played out.