Admiration

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Chapter 76: Admiration

"Trade?"

Boss Yao paused for a moment, looking at Xiao Yan with confusion. Xiao Yan cupped his hands and spoke solemnly.

"If the medicinal herb is really as you say, with only second rank magical beasts roaming around, this kid is willing to go and retrieve it for you."

"Really?!"

Boss Yao's initial excitement quickly turned into a frown, his worry evident.

"Are you sure? Rank 2 magical beasts are equivalent to a Dou Shi (Dou Master), and even the most renowned mercenary group here usually avoids them as much as possible."

"Boss Yao, please do not worry. Since I have said so, it means I have enough confidence in this."

"Mm..."

Looking at Xiao Yan's confidence, Boss Yao pondered for a moment, then raised his brow and asked.

"What do you want in return?"

No matter what, it was still a gathering point of second rank magical beasts. Even if Xiao Yan was confident enough to go, it would be impossible for him to have no requests.

Although Boss Yao himself was a Physician, he would only act for good when it did not harm his own interests too much. He really did not believe that Xiao Yan would take such a dangerous task without any request in return.

Xiao Yan did not hide anything, directly saying:

"As long as I bring back the medicinal herb, I hope you can give me the Blood Lotus Essence in exchange."

"Blood Lotus Essence?" Boss Yao froze, raising his eyebrows. "Where would we have Blood Lotus Essence in our shop?"

"That one on the shelf," Xiao Yan pointed at it.

Boss Yao furrowed his brows and walked over to the shelf where the Yellow Lotus Essence was placed. He took it down and carefully examined it. Eventually, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

Indeed, this wasn't Yellow Lotus Essence, but Blood Lotus Essence.

Yellow Lotus Essence was a common medicinal ingredient, with dozens of pieces brought in every time. But Blood Lotus Essence was so rare that even from thousands of plants, there might not even be one. Naturally, Boss Yao did not have the time to distinguish them one by one.

However, what surprised Boss Yao was not that he had mistaken it but that Xiao Yan had pointed out that it was Blood Lotus Essence.

Boss Yao slowly turned his head, quietly staring at Xiao Yan. After a long while, he softly asked:

"Putting aside the value of the Blood Lotus Essence itself, do you know the price difference between Yellow Lotus Essence and Blood Lotus Essence?"

In response to Boss Yao's question, Xiao Yan answered truthfully.

"As far as I know, there should be at least a thousand times the difference." Xiao Yan then added, "Therefore, I don't think retrieving that medicinal herb alone would be enough to exchange for the Blood Lotus Essence. I only hope you can offer a discount. I will pay the rest in full."

"..."

Boss Yao fell silent, looking at Xiao Yan with astonishment.

He had met upright people before.

But someone as upright as Xiao Yan, Boss Yao had never seen before.

It might sound harsh, but in the eyes of others, Xiao Yan's uprightness might seem no different than foolishness.

Not taking advantage of a bargain—what's wrong with that? Isn't there something wrong with your brain?

However, in Boss Yao's heart, he felt admiration for Xiao Yan, this young man he had just met.

Xiao Yan's uprightness—he couldn't do it.

But that didn't mean Boss Yao would look down on Xiao Yan for his uprightness.

On the contrary, it was precisely because Boss Yao couldn't do what Xiao Yan did that he admired him so much.

Even those so-called famous strongmen, when it came to uprightness, perhaps only a handful could compare to Xiao Yan.

"Alright, the trade is settled." Boss Yao nodded lightly, bringing the Blood Lotus Essence to Xiao Yan. "Although I wanted to give you this Blood Lotus Essence directly, since you've resisted such a huge bargain, I'm sure you wouldn't accept it like that, would you?"

"The trade isn't complete yet. How can I take the reward in advance?" Xiao Yan said firmly, word by word.

Boss Yao chuckled and said, "I'll keep this Blood Lotus Essence for now, so it won't be bought by someone else. Once you bring back the medicinal herb, I'll hand it over to you without taking a single coin."

"Boss Yao? This..."

Xiao Yan froze for a moment, just about to say something, when Boss Yao raised his hand to stop him.

"If you hadn't pointed this out to me, I would have sold it as Yellow Lotus Essence. No matter how high its value is, it's none of my business." Boss Yao smiled and said, "You can just consider it Yellow Lotus Essence. For a hundred gold coins, you're doing a dangerous job. Either way, I'm the one who profited."

"…Then in that case, I can only thank you, Boss Yao."

Xiao Yan was taken aback for a moment, then cupped his hands and bowed respectfully to thank him. Boss Yao waved his hand lightly.

"Alright, wait here for a moment. I'll prepare the things for you."

Boss Yao went into the back room, rummaging through boxes and cabinets. After a while, he came out, holding two pieces of paper and handed them to Xiao Yan.

"These two drawings are one for the location of the medicinal herb and the other for its detailed appearance. With these two, it will be easier for you to find it."

"Mm."

Xiao Yan nodded and took the two drawings, putting them into his ring. He then went to the wall, took the Heavy Xuan ruler, and placed it on his back. He waved lightly at Boss Yao before turning to leave. Just as his foot stepped out the door, Boss Yao's voice came from behind.

"Be sure to be careful! Don't risk your life!"

"Thank you for the reminder."

Xiao Yan smiled and turned back to nod, then left Wan Yao Zhai, his figure slowly disappearing into the bustling streets.

Boss Yao watched Xiao Yan's disappearing back, a feeling of emotion rising in his heart.

A young man with such uprightness was truly rare.

I hope his uprightness can last forever...

Boss Yao thought to himself, suddenly frowning, rubbing his chin as he muttered.

"Speaking of which, Xian'er is almost of marriageable age now..." A flash of light appeared in Boss Yao's eyes, and he slightly grinned. "When they all return, I'll have them meet."

As he spoke, he suddenly thought of something, and his expression gradually darkened.

"Forget it."

Boss Yao softly dismissed his own thoughts, a trace of sorrow flashing in his eyes.

If they met and didn't like each other, that would be fine. But if they liked each other, then he would be causing harm to Xiao Yan.

Xian'er was destined to never have anyone accompany her in this life.

"Cough, cough, cough!!!"

Boss Yao, whose expression had been normal just a moment ago, suddenly covered his mouth and began coughing violently. His face turned pale, his body trembling as he could barely stand. He leaned on the counter, trembling as he took out a pill bottle from his sleeve and poured out a pill, swallowing it. After a few seconds, his complexion gradually improved.

Looking at the bright red blood on his palm, he couldn't help but smile bitterly.

(Am I really at my limit?)

Boss Yao leaned against the counter, slowly sitting down. The thoughts he had just dismissed resurfaced.

(Maybe I should let them meet.)

Even if it means betraying Xiao Yan, this upright young man, Boss Yao still hoped that someone truly trustworthy could be there to accompany Xiao Yixian.

Even if it wouldn't last long...

(End of Chapter)

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For every 100 power stones = 1 chapter

300 power stones = 5 chapter

500 power stones = 8 chapter