Chapter 114: Softened Heart?

For Sonia and Victoria, the two ’Roses’ from Rocana, deciding to switch to robbery was naturally because of the incredible value of this batch of antiques!

Antiques are most valuable not when kept in a collection, nor when they’re lost, but at the time of auction. In a collection, they hold only artistic, academic, or preservation value; when lost, their whereabouts are unknown and their value becomes nullified. Rarity increases value, and antiques and relics are no exception. Although they inherently have this characteristic, fewer numbers always mean greater value, and the same item sees higher worth when contested for.

An auction is a legal and fair process of contest.

There was once a rare stamp, with only two left in the world, calling a high price at auction. However, no one bid. The auctioneer immediately took out a lighter and burned one stamp! This action shocked everyone. When the other stamp was presented at the same price, many people bid aggressively, and it eventually sold at an astronomical price. This was because once one was burned, the remaining stamp became unique in the world, instantly becoming more precious when everyone witnessed its uniqueness, encouraging a frenzy of competition.

When Sonia and her partners contacted an antiques fence, they knew that even with additional channels, immediate sale was impossible, which meant the goods might stay with him for a long time, possibly years. Additionally, stolen goods cannot be openly auctioned, and therefore won’t fetch optimal prices. Since they rely solely on his channels to fence the goods, Sonia and the others have no choice and will inevitably be severely undercut, which is the risk-reward for the fence. In the end, the return they receive might only be two or three-tenths of the antiques’ original value.

Therefore, with just two core members, there was less to divide. The hired help surely wouldn’t be from the same tier, they could be paid off with a portion of the money. Of course, they were just hoping for one big hit, not relying on this income, as they already had savings.

After hearing what Li Yan had to say, they were surprised he didn’t make an exorbitant demand and only asked for one-fifth, leaving Sonia slightly surprised.

"I didn’t expect... King to be so easy to negotiate with." Sonia had an unspoken thought—You’re so easy to deal with, I don’t really trust you!

Li Yan shook his head with a smile, "What’s the estimate you’ve got for this batch of antiques?"

"This..."

"Just say it! I won’t gouge you for it, I’m quite reasonable."

"Alright! The antiques trader helping us move the product, based on known pieces, has estimated that all the antiques appearing at tonight’s auction will exceed 50 million International Coin." Sonia said while watching Li Yan’s eyes.

Li Yan showed no greed, calmly stating, "And the return? How much will you get from this batch?"

Sonia, seeing he considered this aspect, relaxed slightly. "One plan—if we liquidate everything to him at once, he’ll pay us 15 million International Coin. If we’re willing to take on some fencing risk, by participating in storing the antiques, gradually selling off pieces over time, we can make 20 million International Coin."

"And your choice?"

"The first one."

Li Yan nodded, smiling, "Given our line of work, we don’t have the patience of merchants, unwilling to drag things out, and prefer getting paid all at once for peace of mind. So, let’s base it on 15 million International Coin. I believe you also need funds for hiring help, arranging plans, etc., but labor and material costs are rather cheap in East Continent, so I won’t calculate that. Just give me 1.5 million International Coin, or 10 million Cloud Coin, I’m not particular."

For Sonia, spending 3 million for peace of mind is worthwhile. Especially since he mentioned six other powers eyeing these antiques, yet they were only aware of two, this information alone, and his assistance, were worth the 3 million International Coin.

As for Li Yan’s mention of 1.5 million, she didn’t think it a mistake or that he didn’t understand math, thinking this was another of Li Yan’s tests. "Um... I have to discuss with Victoria, but I won’t report wrong data, hehe, if you’re taking a fifth, it should be 3 million International Coin."

"Time’s getting late, discuss and make a quick decision. And I’m not mistaken, 1.5 million International Coin, because we can only take half..."

"What?" Before Li Yan finished, Sonia interrupted, "Are you saying we can only take half of the antiques this time?"

"Yes, not exactly half, roughly half. That’s how much I can secure... if we aim for all, it’ll end in a fight to the death!" Li Yan shrugged, "Discuss thoroughly, it’s just over a hundred thousand for me, not much, last time I took down a Si Country agent, I earned tens of millions of International Coin."

Hearing his last remark, Sonia internally scoffed, you’re fed, ignoring others’ hunger! You made tens of millions, but what about Eva? She lost her life for it!

At the same time, those words were a testament to his strength and influence. Merely comparing Eva’s information and the subsequent revealed circumstances, King’s formidable strength was evident.

"You mentioned you could ’secure’ it... is it due to the six powers involved?" Sonia asked again.

"No kidding! If it were just you, I wouldn’t bother doing anything! I’d just join you in splitting the loot."

Sonia wasn’t easily fooled: "Then why half? Could it be that you’re only targeting two groups, and you also have dealings with the other? You’re taking 1.5 million from them and 1.5 million from us, showing both sides face?"

Li Yan thought to himself, isn’t it just like that? If it weren’t for needing that stone, and not letting anyone know I took it, I’d have to help Old Ten against you!

"Apart from securing half and getting 1.5 million from you, I swear I didn’t get a penny from others!" Li Yan gave a vague answer, denying payment from others but not denying dealings.

However, wouldn’t it make one wonder who would forgo a connection for 1.5 million International Coin under such stakes? This again created an impression of having no dealings with others.

"And the other half... is for explaining to the other five?" Sonia hesitated.

"Consult with Victoria, if it’s okay, transfer to me quickly, time is running out for everyone. Once the funds arrive, I’ll need to contact people and accompany you, acting accordingly. If you want to know which six groups are involved, I can tell you in detail..." Li Yan glanced at the clock on the wall.

Sonia understood time was precious, having already spent two cigarettes’ worth talking.

She took out her phone, trying to smile, "I’ll call Victoria from the restroom."

Li Yan nodded, just as she entered the restroom, he made a call to Yue Yao, asking her to send the overseas bank account for receiving funds.

Hearing his request, Yue Yao paused before speaking softly, "You’ve decided to cooperate with the ’Roses’?"

"Sort of."

"But... didn’t you say... the others... are your friends?"

Li Yan sighed, "Yes, they are friends, and I’m not being disloyal. They told me only today and asked for my cooperation while the Roses approached me two weeks ago. Colleagues also have integrity. Additionally..."

"Are you in trouble?" noticing his pause, Yue Yao quickly asked.

"Because of that past connection with the Rocana Roses, they know my appearance, and from that movie opening ribbon-cutting news, accidentally recognized me. So, either cooperate this time and let them retire, treat them as friends, or..." Li Yan spoke calmly without a hint of malice, so Sonia in the restroom wouldn’t notice.

Yue Yao immediately realized, "They haven’t appeared together before you, and attempting to silence them now can’t be done at once; any action would alert the others, bringing retaliation against those around you or revealing your identity, leading to mutual destruction?"

"Yes. That’s why I’m balancing between the two parties. Maybe neither will be fully satisfied, but at least there’s an explanation."

Li Yan could indeed eliminate Sonia first before bringing out Victoria, but even if both were taken down, who knew if they hadn’t set up another back-up plan? Just like when Eva was killed, no one expected ’Roses’ to number three.

The last encounter with Sonia was two weeks ago, enough for them to make arrangements. Killing two seasoned Assassins wasn’t easy, nor was it guaranteed secrecy if something happened, possibly leading to the Roca side disclosing information. Since a friendship was possible, there was no need to create enemies.

He suddenly realized... after mixing in the urban environment for the past two or three years and among ordinary people, he was no longer so merciless and bloodthirsty! Could it be that over the past half year, due to increased romantic life, his heart softened?

"And you’ll still take their money?"

"If I don’t take the money, or take less, it would raise their suspicions. It must be taken! 1.5 million International Coin."

"Understood! I’ll keep watch, and notify you upon receipt."

After Yue Yao hung up, she sent over the account details.

After waiting for a while, Sonia finished her call and reported the discussion with Victoria, "Pleasure working with you! We have no issue."

(Thanks for yesterday’s tips: V Lelouch V, jys0022, pro.Eve, Cold Night Purple Snow, jp^^, Book Friend 100415003406288, しょぅけん, 281132272, dongmin8061, Book Friend 100228165125125, Cp Pampas) (To be continued, for more details please visit www.qidian.com, encourage the author, support original reading!)