Chapter 4: Poor Bastard, Get Away If You Can't Afford It!

After taking a moment to calm himself, Ye Feng began to think seriously about the situation.

"Could it be that the rumors are false? No way! The Marrow Cleansing Pill definitely appeared on this antique street. The grandfather and grandson who are supposed to be selling it haven't shown up yet. Yes, that must be it! They'll arrive soon!"

Determined to find the Marrow Cleansing Pill, Ye Feng decided to wait patiently at the stall where he believed they would set up. He was resolved not to let anything stop him from getting his hands on that rare item.

Meanwhile, in a shadowy corner of the antique street, Qiang Zi lounged back, wearing dark sunglasses and smoking a cigar. His gaze was fixed intently on Ye Feng.

"Brother Qiang, why do you think the young master asked us to keep an eye on this kid?" one of his lackeys, a brash young man named Ah Fatongyang, asked. He adjusted his own sunglasses and looked skeptical.

"Look at him! He's dressed like a beggar. Do you really think he can afford to buy antiques?" Qiang Zi replied, a smirk creeping across his face.

"Exactly! And all the antiques here are likely fakes anyway," Fatongyang scoffed.

"Honestly, I don't understand why the young master wants us to steal the antiques he buys. It's all just a waste of time," Fatongyang grumbled, taking a puff of his cigar.

They both laughed, feeling superior to Ye Feng. In their eyes, someone dressed in rags was always an easy target for mockery. 

"Forget about it. Our job is to follow the young master's orders. We'll keep an eye on him and come up with a plan to humiliate him later," Qiang Zi said, his eyes narrowing with intent. He had long been frustrated by Ye Feng's disdainful attitude toward him and his crew, especially since Ye Feng always acted superior in front of Ling Tian.

As the afternoon sun hung high in the sky, Ye Feng continued to navigate the bustling antique street. He was on a mission, his heart set on finding the Marrow Cleansing Pill, knowing that it could help him break through to new heights.

"Damn it! Why haven't they arrived yet?" Ye Feng muttered under his breath, glancing at the entrance to the street, hoping to catch sight of the anticipated sellers.

His patience was rewarded when he noticed an elderly man setting up a stall in a previously empty booth. Beside him, a child was absorbed in a mobile game, completely oblivious to the world around him.

Ye Feng approached the stall cautiously, hoping he wasn't mistaken about the old man being the one selling the Marrow Cleansing Pill.

"My antiques are genuine, young man. Take a look!" the old man said, beaming at Ye Feng with a toothy smile. Old Li Tau, as he was known, was eager to attract buyers, especially young ones who he believed were inexperienced and willing to spend money.

Ye Feng didn't respond immediately. Instead, he carefully examined the items on display, noting the dust and wear that suggested they were far from valuable.

"This Song Dynasty bottle is a steal! You won't regret buying it!" Old Li Tau urged, his eagerness evident.

Ye Feng felt his frustration bubbling to the surface. This old man was far too pushy for his liking. He could tell immediately that the antiques were fake, and he felt insulted that the old man thought he could trick him.

Suppressing his irritation, Ye Feng reminded himself that he was not there for antiques. His focus was on finding the Marrow Cleansing Pill.

"How much for this bottle, old man?" Ye Feng finally asked, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

Old Li Tau's eyes sparkled with greed as he saw Ye Feng's interest. "This is an antique from the Ming Dynasty. I won't sell it for less than 100,000 yuan."

Ye Feng's expression darkened. He felt like he had just swallowed something bitter. He only had 200,000 yuan total, and he wanted to buy more than one bottle. This was turning into a frustrating situation.

"This bottle looks fake to me. Can you lower the price? How can it be from the Ming Dynasty?" Ye Feng asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Are you questioning my integrity? I, Old Li Tau, have been in the antique business for decades! I never sell fakes!" the old man retorted, his face flushed with anger. He felt insulted that this young man would doubt his credibility.

Ye Feng inhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm of anger brewing inside him. The bustling antique street was filled with passersby, which kept him from unleashing his frustrations physically. He couldn't let the old man get away with trying to deceive him.

"What are you looking at? You think I don't know what I'm talking about?" Old Li Tau sneered. "You must be poor if you can't afford to buy a simple antique! Get lost if you can't pay!"

The contempt in Old Li Tau's voice only fueled Ye Feng's anger. He hated being called poor; it was an insult he couldn't stand, especially given the money he had earned since his rebirth.

"Who said I don't have money?" Ye Feng shot back, his eyes blazing.

In a show of defiance, he unzipped his backpack and revealed stacks of cash, the crisp bills neatly organized.

Old Li Tau's jaw dropped. "Hahaha! Young man, you are full of surprises!" His demeanor shifted dramatically; he no longer appeared mocking but rather friendly and eager to please. "I knew you were not an ordinary person! It seems fate has brought you here to own these treasures!"

With a newfound enthusiasm, Old Li Tau quickly recovered. "How many bottles do you want? I can definitely work with you on this."

Ye Feng saw an opportunity. "I'll give you this backpack with 200,000 yuan if you sell me all these bottles," he said, his tone firm. 

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed the bottles from Old Li Tau's stall, feeling a sense of triumph. He knew the old man was greedy, and if he tried to negotiate, he would only demand more money.

As Ye Feng walked away with the bottles, he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. He had successfully outmaneuvered the old man and was one step closer to obtaining what he truly desired.