Selling Snake Gallbladder (Part 3)

The extra five hundred coins still weren't enough for her to sell.

Seeing the manager's pained expression, and since it was nearly mealtime, she decided it wasn't worth going elsewhere.

After thinking it over for a moment, she said, "Fine, out of respect for the manager, we'll sell it at this price."

"The basket as well," the manager added.

"Alright, add ten more coins," Liang Hongyu replied amicably.

Huo Tianzhou glanced at her, speechless.

He silently turned his head, wishing he hadn't come.

The manager was taken aback and then laughed in exasperation, "It's just a basket, and you're haggling over a few coins. The price I've given you is the highest you'll find anywhere. I'm only making this concession because the shop needs it. This bamboo basket would sell for no more than five or six coins outside. You're actually charging me ten coins for it? Young lady, it seems you're the one lacking sincerity."

"Five or six coins?"

Liang Hongyu turned her head to look at Huo Tianzhou.

He had traded a large batch of bamboo items for just eight coins.

Liang Hongyu didn't know what to say to him.

Huo Tianzhou, feeling uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze, turned his head away.

Then, he thought since it was hit own things, he should be the one who make the decision, so he turned his head back to face her directly.

His expression was calm, unwilling to be outdone by her.

Liang Hongyu almost laughed at his stubborn look.

Taking such a loss and still having an attitude—was he proud of it?

Thinking that he was trying to save money for her travel expenses, Liang Hongyu swallowed her retort.

"Manager, it's not that I'm insincere," she said, turning her head back to him, "I risked my life to catch this snake, and selling it for such a low price, along with giving away a new basket, isn't fair. This basket is practically new, only used once. I can't take another loss."

"You know well that snake gall and venom are valuable. How about this: the basket for five coins, no less. If you agree, it's yours. If not, we'll take the basket back. A deal should be fair for both sides."

The manager considered for a few seconds before waving his hand, "Alright, you drive a hard bargain."

Since the pharmacy needed the snake gall, he overlooked the few extra coins and instructed the apprentice to fetch the money.

The apprentice counted out one tael in small silver pieces and five strings of copper coins, adding an extra five coins for the basket.

After confirming the amount of money, Liang Hongyu pocketed the money.

As they left the medical hall, she handed the five coins for the basket to Huo Tianzhou.

Huo Tianzhou looked at the coins in her palm, confused and not taking them.

"Take them," Liang Hongyu said, "You sold your basket, do you want me to hold onto your money too?"

Huo Tianzhou still stared at her, not reacting.

Liang Hongyu, without further ado, placed the coins in his hand.

After a few steps, she noticed he wasn't following and turned back, urging, "What are you looking at? Let's go."

Huo Tianzhou stared at the weighty coins in his hand.

Hearing Liang Hongyu' voice, he gripped the coins in his hand and followed her without further thought.

When hunters in their village caught wild animals but couldn't sell it in town, they would take it to the butcher.

Huo Tianzhou followed Liang Hongyu, without comment, as she headed towards the nearest noodle shop.

The wild animals in the basket had a noticeable smell, so Liang Hongyu first asked the noodle shop attendant if they could leave the basket at the entrance.

Since a new noodle shop had opened on this street last month, the business at this shop had been declining.

Normally, this time of day would be their busiest, but now they only had one or two customers.

Not only were they willing to watch over a basket left at the door, but they would have even held it themselves if asked.

The attendant eagerly agreed and warmly welcomed them inside.

"What would you like to eat? Don't worry, your belongings will be safe with us."

After they were seated, the attendant diligently poured them some tea.

"Two orders of your shop speciality."

They placed their basket by the entrance of the noodle shop.

Another attendant was standing outside, calling out to passersby.

Huo Tianzhou who is not entirely trusting them, glanced back and overheard Liang Hongyu's order.

The menu was posted on the wall, and Huo Tianzhou noticed that the noodles shop speciality cost ten coins per bowl.

The most expensive noodles he'd ever had in town were only three coins.

The attendant, being observant, noticed his hesitation and quickly reassured him before he could speak. "You have a good eye, sir. Our shop speciality uses only the finest noodles, paired with authentic braised meat. Every customer who tries it loves it. Rest assured, you'll be satisfied with your meal."

liang Hongyu chose this noodle shop because it looked quiet and was close to them.

The attendant was very enthusiastic, and since they were hungry, she casually make an ordered without listening to the whole menu.

Seeing the prices on the menu and noticing Huo Tianzhou's hesitant look, Liang Hongyu moved a cup of tea in front of him and told the attendant, "Two servings for now. If it's not enough, we'll order more."

"Got it!"

The attendant quickly went inside to inform the kitchen.

They sat on adjacent sides of the square table.

Liang Hongyu, after finishing her tea, turned her head to see Huo Tianzhou who is just now picking up his cup.

Huo Tianzhou usually tried to save as much as possible to repay his debts quickly.

Although he hesitated at the high price of the meal, since it wasn't his money that being used to pay, he didn't express much concern.