pjbooks Chapter 218 You might as well change your name to "Silly Sweetheart"
Chapter 218 You might as well change your name to "Silly Sweetheart"
Chapter 218 You might as well change your name to "Silly Sweetheart"
After parking the car at Long Beach Market, you're greeted by a dazzling array of stalls that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. It's much larger than the St. Bottom Flea Market I visited before.
Unlike flea markets, this place has clear zoning based on the items, with all items clearly marked with arrows and signs, so they are not sold together.
"Over here, over here, Jack, come quick!"
Valentina excitedly pulled him along, heading straight for the electronics section, which sold a wide variety of items, including LCD TVs, laptops, PS5 game consoles, and stereo systems.
In short, anything with a chip can be sold here.
The stall owners all seemed very laid-back, either lazily enjoying the sunshine or listening to music with headphones on, and they never actively solicited customers.
Because this isn't a computer mall, most people here are just selling off unwanted items, not doing it for a living.
Of course, there are also a small number of professional resellers and secondhand dealers among them. After all, as long as there is profit to be made, people will do any industry.
The two stopped at a small stall, where they saw all sorts of cameras displayed on a long, folding table.
The stall owner was a tall, thin guy with long hair, dressed in a retro British style, and wearing a deerstalker hat like the one worn by Sherlock Holmes, which made him look particularly artistic.
When customers came to visit, he didn't greet them. He just stood there with his hands in his pockets, looking like a socially awkward person setting up a stall for the first time.
Valentina casually picked up a piece of equipment and examined it closely, checking every detail. She first assessed its condition by its appearance, then picked up another and repeated the process. Finally, she spoke up, "Hey buddy, are you into street photography or birdwatching? You have so much equipment! How much did you pay for these two bullheads? Would you mind sharing?"
After she finished speaking, the stall owner's blank expression turned into a smile, while Ma Jieke was like listening to gibberish, saying, "What kind of cow-headed sheep-headed nonsense is this? You're making me hungry."
After Valentina's explanation, Ma Jieke finally understood that what she had just said was all photography jargon. "Street photography" refers to taking random photos on the street, "bird photography" refers to photographing birds, and "bullhead" refers to an expensive lens, while a cheap lens of average quality is called a "doghead".
Once the old-fashioned slang was used, the long-haired guy became less socially awkward and enthusiastically introduced the products: "Please feel free to look around, both of you. These are all my personal equipment. Although the models are a bit old, I guarantee they are all genuine."
"What, are you planning to retire from the entertainment industry?" Valentina asked curiously.
"That's right." The stall owner's smile was tinged with embarrassment. "To be honest, beautiful lady, cultivating this hobby is really expensive. And I'm the kind of person who can't control myself. I want to buy every new model I see. This is just a small part of what I've displayed. If this continues, my credit card will be maxed out."
Hearing his complaints, Ma Jie almost laughed. This was actually a psychological disorder, medically known as "hoarding disorder".
He once saw a video online about a rich second-generation heir worth millions who loved collecting brand-name clothes and sneakers, and squandered his entire fortune. His house was full of unopened new clothes and shoes, and there was no room to even step inside.
"Jack, are you sure you bought the equipment mainly to shoot videos, and not just take photos?"
Upon learning of the other party's situation, Valentina confirmed with Majek again.
"That's right." Ma Jieke nodded: "Ideally, it should have long battery life, so it can shoot for extended periods."
"Okay, then we can rule out SLR cameras. The main advantage of SLRs is taking pictures; video recording is just an additional function."
As she spoke, she picked up a digital camera that looked very lightweight: "This Sony a6300 mirrorless camera is perfect for you and is also the first choice for beginners. Its numerous phase detection autofocus points cover almost the entire field of view. No matter where the subject is in the frame, the camera can quickly track and focus, and it also supports 4K video recording."
After showering her with compliments, Valentina continued, "As for your claim of super-long battery life, I can tell you definitively that even the latest equipment on the market can only shoot for a few hours at most. So the most effective solution is to install an adapter and connect an external power storage device via USB. A power storage device the size of a suitcase can allow you to shoot continuously for more than ten days without power."
After listening to her explanation, Ma Jie finally understood. He guessed that the contestants in "Living Alone in the Wilderness" used this method. It was like carrying a large power bank. When the production team came to do physical examinations for the contestants, they could bring the new batteries along to achieve continuous filming until someone won the championship.
He was a complete novice in this area, so he could only follow Valentina's instructions. However, just in case, he decided to activate the Appraisal skill first. It would be foolish not to use a cheat.
SONY Alpha 6300 mirrorless camera kit (including lens): No obvious bumps or scratches on the body, no serious scratches on the screen, slight wear on some screws, 29777 shutter counts (officially rated at 20), assessed as 8.5% new. As this model is discontinued, there are no new products for sale through official channels. The estimated second-hand trade-in price is $400 to $600.
Damn... all that money after all that?
Ma Jie said he was confused; he thought it would be much more expensive, but it turned out to be only a few hundred US dollars, which wasn't even enough to cover the gas cost.
"Hey buddy, how much do you want for this?" With a rough idea of the bottom price in mind, Ma Jie still decided to ask for a quote. Even though it was cheap, he couldn't be a sucker.
The young man hesitated for a moment before saying, "550 US dollars."
"Too expensive, four hundred." Ma Jie refused outright.
"Please, friend, this is a classic model, and it's been maintained so well, with less than 3 shutter actuations. The beautiful lady who came with you knows what she's doing; you might want to listen to her advice."
"Jack, I think 500 is a good price." Valentina pulled him aside and lowered her voice: "There aren't any new products on the market right now, so this is already considered to be in pretty good condition. Of course, if you think it's too expensive, we can go to a few more stores and maybe find something better."
"Forget it, I don't want to make things too complicated." Ma Jie was too lazy to argue about these small amounts and said to the stall owner, "I'll take the $500, but you have to give me a lavalier microphone."
"OK, deal." The other party thought for a few seconds and agreed immediately. It was mainly because it was afternoon and the market was about to close. Besides, microphones weren't worth much and were usually given away as freebies to customers.
Ma Jie counted out $500 from his wallet, and the money was exchanged for the goods. In this place, both buyers and sellers defaulted to using cash.
Since cash is free, banks or third-party platforms usually charge vendors a 2%–3% transaction fee.
Markets are usually set up outdoors, far from the city center, so poor internet connection can also affect business.
And most importantly, it allows for tax evasion.
Because the IRS requires that if you sell unwanted items, you must prove that your selling price is lower than the original purchase cost. Once the account receives more than $600, you will receive a 1099-K tax return from the platform.
Based on this mechanism, many vendors refuse online transfers. They think, "I bought these things with my own money, so what's it to you if I sell them?"
Anyway, you can keep yours, I'll run away. If you're so capable, go ahead and arrest everyone. You're really giving me a hard time.
After buying the mirrorless camera, Valentina helped adjust some settings and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Jack, why did you suddenly want to learn photography? This isn't like you at all."
"So what style should I be? A street thug?" Ma Jie laughed self-deprecatingly and explained, "Actually, I want to participate in a reality show, so I have to learn how to film."
"Huh?" Valentina was a little confused. "What? 'Real talent shows' require contestants to film themselves? Aren't there cameramen filming the whole thing?"
You've probably heard of the tenth season of "Living in the Wild," right?
Upon hearing this resounding name, Valentina exclaimed, "Really? You're going to participate in 'Solo Survival'? On my god, this is the most exciting news I've heard all year! I'm a huge fan of this show, I've been watching it since the first season, are you sure you're not kidding me?"
"Why would I lie to you?" Seeing her exaggerated reaction, Ma Jieke laughed and said, "I happen to know the casting director of this program. She has given me a test. She wants me to shoot some footage that can show my wilderness survival skills. If I pass the review, I can enter the interview stage."
"My goodness, you have such a wide network of connections."
After her initial shock, Valentina gradually regained her composure: "Jack, I'm truly happy for you that you had the courage to participate in this show, but I have to say something you won't like to hear..."
"You think I don't have the ability, right?" Ma Jie interrupted her, "Okay, you women are all talk and no action, but it doesn't matter. I will prove with facts that I am qualified to participate in this program. And what you need to do now is teach me how to film. It's that simple."
"Okay." Faced with his assertive attitude, Valentina went straight to the point: "Based on my understanding of 'Wilderness Solitary Life,' if you want to pass the audition, the best way is to completely simulate how the show is presented. This requires three camera angles: first, a campsite perspective, using the Sony a6300 you just bought; second, a first-person perspective, just fix the GoPro to your waist; and third, a handheld perspective, which requires another GoPro. Take these devices to the wilderness and film for about a week, and you'll get a lot of footage. I'll edit it for you, and you'll definitely pass."
"Is editing free?"
"You're so annoying!" Valentina punched him hard on the shoulder after hearing his joke.
Without wasting any time, Ma Jie immediately ordered two of the latest GoPro models from Amazon, along with spare batteries and accessories such as stands, for a total of $1100.
Since we were already here, we weren't in a hurry to leave. After all, we had paid for our tickets, so we figured we should at least take a look around.
As the two were walking and chatting, they saw a stall not far away where many customers were picking and choosing, and every now and then a gasp of surprise could be heard.
It was only then that Ma Jieke realized he had unknowingly wandered into the old collectibles trading area.
Besides everyday necessities, the biggest feature of Long Beach Market is its collection of antiques, both genuine and fake, which occupy at least 30% of the stalls.
Squeezing through the crowd, I discovered that the stall owner was actually from my hometown in China. He was dressed in a traditional Chinese long gown and wore a small melon-shaped hat on his head, looking just like a prince in a Qing Dynasty drama. In front of him were three small porcelain bowls turned upside down.
Seeing Ma Jieke enter, accompanied by a beautiful woman, he greeted her exaggeratedly, "Hello, Watts? I'm from Liang Xiaolong."
"Hello." Despite his enthusiasm, Valentina didn't introduce herself. Who the hell introduces themselves to a stranger right away?
"Hey pretty lady, how about we play a little game?" As she spoke, she placed a small sponge ball into the bowl on the left, then slowly moved it around a few times, smiling as she said, "You can choose any item from my stall. If you can guess which bowl the sponge ball is in, you can take it for free. If you can't guess, you have to pay the original price."
"Really?" Before Ma Jieke could speak, the silly girl immediately took a liking to a small celadon vase, picked it up and held it in her hands, playing with it with great affection.
For Westerners, Chinese porcelain seems to possess a unique magic; almost no one can resist its charm.
"Put it down, put it down." Realizing something was wrong, Ma Jie quickly stopped her: "You didn't even ask the price."
"What was the price? The stall owner gave it to me for free." She pointed confidently to the small porcelain bowl in the middle: "I saw it very clearly just now, the sponge ball was under this bowl, so this little vase is mine now."
No... Ma Jie is a bit too much. You might as well change your name to "Naive and Sweet". Someone like you would only survive half an episode in a palace drama. Don't you even know what kind of place this is? There's no cheap stuff that's going to be taken advantage of by you.
"Alright, bet's on." Prince said, about to flip the bowl over, but Ma Jack stopped him first, blurting out in Chinese, "Brother, aren't you trying to fool me? You think I can't see through the Three Immortals Returning to the Cave trick?"
The so-called "Three Immortals Returning to the Cave" is an ancient Chinese magic trick. Unlike Western magic, it has no mechanisms or props and relies entirely on manual skills.
To put it simply, it involves using the instant of flipping the bowl to hide and retrieve the ball. It appears as if the ball is placed in the bowl, but it is actually hidden in the palm or between the fingers. While moving the bowl, the ball is concealed by the edge of the bowl or the hand, allowing it to be inserted or taken out.
So no matter how you guess, the result will be wrong.
No wonder this silly girl fell for it. If she hadn't specifically searched online, how could a foreigner have understood this kind of trick?
The other person gave an awkward laugh and lowered their voice: "Dude, Chinese people don't lie to other Chinese people. It's not easy for me to make a living here, so please don't mess things up for me."
"I didn't mean to get involved," Ma Jie said calmly. "I don't care if you lie to foreigners, but you can't lie to me. I brought this girl here, and I don't want her to be fooled by you. Besides, you should have made quite a bit of money here. How much loss could deliberately creating a flaw cause you? If you keep winning, even a fool can see it's fake."
"Just consider it helping out, brother, okay?"