Embarking on -- Mission
After Liu Yong left, Ding Wen took it upon himself to meticulously rewrap the dozen or so precious Song Dynasty porcelain pieces with old newspapers. He then called his assistant and went to Shen Zhouping's residence.
"Old Shen, I hope I'm not disturbing you too much," Ding Wen greeted Shen Zhouping with the utmost respect, smiling on his face.
Shen Zhouping was not thrilled to see Ding Wen, nor did he fancy leaving his company to serve as an expert in treasure appraisal for Ding Wen.
However, given Ding Wen's background, it would be unwise for him to offend him outright. Hence, he kept his response ambiguous, neither agreeing nor refusing.
Despite this, Ding Wen persisted in winning Shen Zhouping's favor. Unlike his previous visit, Ding Wen arrived with a large cardboard box in his hand.
"Mr. Ding, please take a seat and have some tea," Shen Zhouping said in a somewhat formulaic tone, neither cold nor warm.