Chapter 263 - 19: The Hardships of Starting a Business (2)_2
"No, you’ll understand. We’re only responsible for mining. The ore we extract will be sold by you. However, the selling price must be negotiated between you and me. If you can’t give me a price I’m satisfied with, I can refer you to better buyers."
Jones was a bit confused: "Buyers? Why do I need buyers, and why would I negotiate prices with them? Can’t I just take the gold and mint coins directly?"
This time it was Barrel’s turn to be dumbfounded. He looked at Jones puzzled.
Jones pulled out the lump of gold he had dug up earlier.
Immediately, the dwarves burst into laughter, their mirth turning Jones’ face red.
Barrel reached out and took the lump of gold from Jones, took a deep breath, and said, "This is called native gold, usually found in gold mines. But if you’re hoping to make money off of this stuff, you might as well declare bankruptcy now. There’s very little native gold in a gold mine, and at least in this mine of yours, there won’t be much."
"Why won’t there be much in my mine?"
"Because of the terrain. In short, it’s unlikely. When mining gold, you either sell gold ore or refine it yourself. However, if you can’t even afford to hire Blood Clan overseers, then we’ll have to settle for selling gold ore. To be honest, I’m starting to worry—what if your mine turns out to have no gold at all?"
Well, some things are clearly only understood by professionals. Jones’ intelligence was once again humbled. The dwarves’ laughter grew louder, like a cold bucket of water pouring over Jones from head to toe.
After a while, a humbled Jones could only ask timidly, "The gold ore is sold by me, right?"