Li Du didn't know much about Audubon, which proved that he had to continue to expand his knowledge if he wanted to work in the warehouse auction industry.
Audubon was extremely famous in the United States. He was considered a great bird naturalist and painter when he was alive. After his death, his influence was even greater. Even his name became a symbol of animal protection.
Founded in 1886, the Audubon Society was an organization with a history of more than 120 years. It was mainly responsible for leading generations of Americans to love nature. From its inception, it was one of the largest environmental organizations in the United States.
However, it was a bit ironic. Audubon's paintings relied on hunting birds to make specimens. He had no concept of environmental protection and bird protection at that time. It was purely a hobby and the popularization of ornithology.
As a result, he had become the ancestor of animal protection, bird protection, and environmental protection. Li Du wondered if the birds that died in his hands would curse him in the underworld.
Li Du couldn't care less. He had to entertain Bravo Tompsey and his party. The Audubon Society was very famous and powerful in the United States.
Bravo was a gentle man. When he met Li Du, the two of them exchanged greetings.
He was polite to Li Du and took care of Li Du's feelings. This was because he had been introduced by Cole and knew Li Du's identity.
It suddenly dawned on Li Du that he was the one who had sold the book. After he got "Birds of America," he posted it on his Twitter and Face Book. Cole must have seen it and helped him contact the customer.
"Can we look at the book first?" asked Bravo.
Li Du nodded. "Of course."
The book was very large, and the birds in the paintings were one-to-one with real birds.
On the first page were three fat birds with yellow and white patterns. Bravo saw it and said, "This is a prairie hazel grouse. The two fighting must be roosters, and the one in the back is a hen. The two roosters are fighting for territory and the hen."
Flipping to the next page, the drawing on it was even more beautiful and complicated. There was a nest on a tree with four eggs inside. Next to it were four birds standing on the treetops or flying in the air. On one of the branches was a large snake with white belly and black scales.
"These are the nest and eggs of the Brown Curvebilled Mockingbird. They are the most maternal birds. This snake wanted to eat their eggs, so they didn't hesitate to fight the snake."
Just like that, the five of them gathered around the desk and started flipping through the book, discussing it as they read.
He flipped the book over. On the back cover, there were two birds sitting together. One had cyan feathers, while the other was purplish-red. It had crimson eyes and a golden beak. It was very beautiful.
When they saw this picture, the five of them cried out in surprise at the same time.
"Oh, look here. The original form of this bird has yet to be discovered. It seems to be an extinct bird of paradise?"
"Ha, the description of it in this book is too clear. The books in other museums all have problems with this page."
"Yes, the back cover of the Smithsonian's' Birds of America 'was also badly damaged. This is the first time I've seen this bird so clearly."
"They shouldn't be the same species, right? From its size and appearance, you can see that it has never appeared in real life. "
"That's the value of 'Birds of America,' man. Audubon wouldn't have painted a bird he hadn't seen. This beautiful bird must have existed, but they should be extinct …"
The five of them read the book for nearly an hour, carefully analyzing the pictures on each page. They didn't look like people from environmental protection organizations, but more like ornithologists.
After the study, Bravo lovingly stroked the book and sighed. "There are a total of 85 species of birds in it. Sixty-one have become extinct so far. Alas, it's a pity."
Li Du said, "So we should protect the environment together. You are doing a good job now, guiding people to cherish and care for nature. This is the greatest cause of mankind."
Hearing this, Bravo smiled and said, "We are honored to receive such praise from you. This is our duty, and I hope we can do better."
After another round of pleasantries, Sophie finally served coffee and they began to talk about the book.
"Do you want to sell it?" Bravo asked. "What's your expected price?"
Li Du gave Hans a look. It was time for Hans to step in.
Hans, in high spirits, listed the difference between the performance of the previous "Birds of America" at the auction and the two books, and then said with certainty, "Sixteen million dollars, gentlemen, you are knowledgeable people. That's a reasonable price, isn't it? It's a natural fossil of the United States! "
Bravo's group showed their desire to buy the book, but they could not afford such a price. The highest price they were willing to pay was ten million dollars.
From this, one could see the strength of the Audubon organization. They were a public-spirited environmental organization, but they could pay at least ten million dollars for a book!
However, considering that they had a history of one hundred and twenty or thirty years, and had made a lot of financial investment, coupled with public donations, it was understandable that the association was rich.
Hans could not accept this price. He had promised that the book would sell for more than fifteen million dollars.
Li Du did not expect the book to sell for fifteen million dollars. The previous book sold for 11.5 million dollars, mainly with the help of the international auction.
He expected the book to sell for about eleven million dollars. With inflation and the protection of the book, he thought it would not be a problem to sell it for that price.
The two sides began a tug-of-war over the price. Bravo and the others were very stubborn and refused to increase the price after ten million dollars.
Hans was like a dog gnawing on a stone. Although he had a glib tongue, there was nothing he could do.
However, he was not in a hurry. At worst, he would not sell the book to the Audubon Society. There were many museums interested in the book.
Li Du listened to the argument between the two sides, then he thought for a moment, clapped his hands and said, "Everyone, be quiet, guys, be quiet and listen to me."
The crowd stopped arguing and looked at him.
Li Du continued, "Obviously, the Audubon Society's love for this book is obvious to all, and we know the value of this book. Ten million dollars is too low."
"Why don't we all take a step back and sell this book for fourteen million dollars …"
Bravo and the others shook their heads.
Li Du said, "The price is fourteen million dollars. When we close the deal, we will donate four million dollars to your association. How about that?"
The big shots of the Audubon Society were moved. They discussed it together, and then Bravo came forward and said with a smile, "Mr. Li, thank you for your support of global environmental protection."
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