The old shopkeeper knew that he had encountered an expert and that further concealment would be futile, so he braced himself and complied, "When does the distinguished guest require it?"
"The sooner the better, preferably within an hour."
"The time is too tight, come to pick up the goods in one and a half hours," the old shopkeeper gritted his teeth, deciding to go all out.
"Fine, one and a half hours it is. Here is the deposit." Placing a large chunk of full-weight silver pieces on the countertop, the deal was considered done.
Before leaving, Xiang Fengchen turned his head towards the old shopkeeper with furrowed brows and joked half-threateningly: "Old shopkeeper, you're a smart man. We've come to you privately because we don't want to be linked to the Earl Mansion. If anyone slips up and displeases the noble lord of the mansion..."