Chapter 24: Acting Like a Snob
Steve looked grave. He had less than 100 in original gold with him.
How could I afford 10,000 in original gold for the certification fee?
Seeing that Steve did not even have 10,000 in original gold, Martin believed that Steve had stolen the serum. After all, any legitimate pharmacist could easily afford 10,000 in original gold.
"Young lad, I do not know where you stole these serums from. But, I shall be merciful today and pay you 100 in original gold for each bottle. Take the money and leave!"
Martin arrogantly took out four pieces of the thumb-sized original gold. Original gold was a type of black electronic metal. It could be used as a source of energy and also could be replenished by absorbing solar energy.
A mere 100 original in gold per bottle?
Steve's eyes were filled with anger as he said, "I am not selling them!"
"Refusing to sell? You stole the serum and came here to sell it! I have seen many thieves like you, who dare not reveal their faces. If you don't sell the serum to me, I'll call the police right now and have them arrest you." Martin showed a fierce look, his tone filled with arrogance and disdain.
Masa Mall was known and trusted by pharmacists for the acquisition of serum regarding reasonable pricing. However, this fair pricing only applied to established pharmacists.
It was a common dog-eat-dog practice for Martin to treat a commoner and thief like Steve. To Martin, this kind of thief often stole the serum and was more than eager to sell it for money.
As Martin had the final say on the pricing of the stolen goods, since he acted as a reseller to sell the stolen goods under the name of the mall, he always earned a huge profit. He had been doing this for several years, and had amassed a huge fortune already.
Previously, he had encountered many uncooperative thieves like Steve. However, each time he threatened to call the police, the other party would comply obediently. Although he did not recognize the type of serum that Steve took out, he was confident that it would fetch him a great profit, just judging by its extraordinary appearance alone.
"Thief? You took me for a thief!"
Steve became more furious and said, "I refined the serum myself. Had I not spent all of my money in the process, I would have paid a pharmacist for a serum certification test."
Martin sneered. He did not believe Steve and said, "Every thief, who comes to me to sell me his stolen goods, claims that he is a pharmacist."
"Humph! You can go ahead and call the police, then!" Steve said coldly. "See if you can prove that I am a thief. Making a false accusation is no small crime, after all!"
Martin was taken aback, as he had not expected Steve to be so tough. He knew that the serums were extraordinary, and in his heart, he wanted to own them very badly.
"Alright, I will double the price to 200 in original gold per bottle. Take it if you want, or get the hell out of here with your serum," Martin sneered.
Steve felt humiliated and said, "Oh. Now that you wish to buy, I do not want to sell to you."
He picked up four bottles of the serum and walked to another counter nearby. Martin was stunned, not having expected that Steve would really reject him.
He said angrily, "How dare you reject my offer? I will call the police now, then let them arrest you."
As he was talking, he had already picked up the phone and called the police. Martin wanted to make sure that Steve regretted not being cooperative!
On the other side of the counter, Jasmine smiled sweetly at Steve, who had just walked over. She then said, "Sir, is there anything I can help you with?"
She had witnessed the argument between Martin and Steve, but had no idea what they were arguing about. However, as their line of businesses were very different than her own, she simply chose to ignore what had just happened.
"I wish to sell the serum on consignment," Steve said.
Serum on consignment items could be sold at the counters in Masa Mall and also purchased online. However, there are fees involved with consigning goods.
For instance, after the goods are sold, handling fees would be deducted from the sale. Besides that, the amount of time required for each sale is uncertain. If the goods are not sold within three days, another sum of money would have to be paid in order to continue the consignment.
Steve had very little living expenses left, which was the reason why he had wanted to sell the serum directly to Masa Mall in the first place. He had not expected to be treated like a thief!
"Alright, Sir, I will set up the consignment channel for you. Please place your items up on the counter and fix your own retail prices upon each," Jasmine said with a sweet smile.
Swish!
A transparent square-shaped glass with electronic sensors flew out in front of Steve suddenly. With it, one could enter the product description and retail price of each item they were selling.
Steve placed the four bottles of serum on the counter and hesitated, saying to himself, "How much should I set for the retail price of the enhanced Subatomic Serum?"
The perfect grade Subatomic serum had a 50% increase in efficacy, as compared to a normal grade serum. It also cost twice as much...
The more effective the serum was, the higher its costs rose. Some serums could fetch several hundreds in profits. The enhanced Subatomic serum was twice as effective as the normal grade. As such, Steve was at a loss for how much it should cost.
"According to the market analysis, it's recommended price is 50,000 per bottle," the Heart of the universe said.
"Wow, per bottle?!" Steve was surprised that the price was five times that of a normal grade serum. However, he trusted the data given by the Heart of the universe, so he priced the serum at 50,000 in original gold per bottle.
"Enhanced Subatomic serum: Twice as effective as the normal grade Subatomic serum. Price: 50,000 per bottle."
After looking at the description and price, Jasmine was shocked and asked, "Sir, are you sure there are no mistakes?"
"Yes, prices are all confirmed," Steve said.
"Since you insist, we can only follow your orders." Jasmine sent Steve an email and said," This is your consignment card. We will notify you when the products are sold."
"The original gold collected will be wired directly to your account after the handling fee is deducted. The consignment fee will be 100 in original gold for three days."
Steve's heart was pounding as he took out 100 in original gold. That left him now only 20 dollars to cover his living expenses. He gritted his teeth and paid the fee.
It was still unknown whether the serum on consignment would be sold within three days. Since the recruits' ranking battle would take place in three days time, so it would be ideal if the bottles of serum were sold beforehand.
"The procedures are completed. Have a good day!" Jasmine said with a smile.
Soon after Steve finished his tas, two men in police uniforms arrived at his side.
"Sir, we suspect that you have stolen some goods, please come with us for investigation," a fat police officer said coldly.
"You're calling me a thief? Do you have any proof?" said Steve.
"Evidence? The serum that you just consigned for sale is the evidence!"
Just then, Martin walked over. He pointed at Steve and said, "Officers, I am sure he is a thief! The bottles of serum on the counter there are the stolen goods."
Steve looked at Martin angrily and said, "So, you are the one who tried to frame me."
The other officer had a well-built body and was named Officer Owenna. After he examined Steve's clothing and his consignments of serum, he started to believe what Martin had just said. According to his many years of experience, a commoner like Steve would not be able to possess such high grade serums.
"Sir, would you please explain to us where your serum came from?" Officer Owenna said, his tone decidedly unkind.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone