Indeed, what could they offer in exchange? Rat the Great was somewhat worried; his suggestion of trading had merely been an attempt to divert Luo Chong's attention and spare their lives. Yet, when it came down to actual trade, they lacked valuable goods.
"We have… stone basins, would those suffice?" Rat the Great hesitated before making his offer.
Stone basins were essential household items needed by every tribe. Although not abundant, the Black Rat Tribe had a few they could spare, thinking it a fair trade for some food or possibly even the giant creature with the long nose.
Luo Chong chuckled disdainfully. Stone basins were plentiful in his tribe, hardly a rarity or of much interest.
Before Luo Chong could respond, the elder interjected, making it clear that their tribe had no need for more stone basins. They could consider trading for salt or additional manpower.
Rat the Great was taken aback by the elder's swift dismissal. To prove their point, the elder called for some children to bring forward a set of pottery. Within minutes, the children displayed a water jug, a pot, and several bowls. Some even held bowls of steaming meat soup by the cave entrance, casually enjoying their breakfast.
Stunned, Rat the Great watched as the children savored their warm meals. The aroma of the soup made his and his followers' stomachs growl in hunger.
"What is that?" Rat the Great pointed at the soup with genuine curiosity.
Noticing his interest, Luo Chong decided to demonstrate the pottery's use by offering Rat the Great a bowl of the meat soup. The warm broth not only satisfied his hunger but also introduced him to a new, delicious way to consume food, far better than the cold meals he was accustomed to.
The elder explained that the pottery could be used to cook meat over a fire, producing a nourishing soup that could feed many and conserve food—a crucial strategy for surviving the harsh winter.
Recognizing the value of pottery, Rat the Great immediately saw its potential to change his tribe's food situation dramatically. Black Rat Tribe did have a large stone basin, but it was nowhere near sufficient for preparing meals for the entire tribe.
Negotiations began earnestly, with Rat the Great expressing a strong interest in acquiring several pieces of pottery. However, when it came down to what the Black Rat Tribe could offer in return, they found themselves at a disadvantage—lacking the salt that Luo Chong's tribe desired.
Luo Chong suggested that they could also trade in pelts or manpower. Rat the Great was hesitant; his tribe didn't have surplus pelts, and suggesting manpower meant offering individuals from his own tribe—a high price.
After some deliberation, the elder laid out the terms: one pot for two young boys or an adult woman, a bowl for one boy. Rat the Great agreed to these terms but admitted that they hadn't brought anyone to trade on this trip. He requested to take a pot back as a guarantee, promising to return with people to trade.
Luo Chong was skeptical about extending credit, a concept alien and risky in these uncertain times. However, Rat the Great, desperate to prove his good faith, offered a bag of food they had brought as collateral.
Inspecting the bag, Luo Chong discovered it was full of peanuts—a valuable commodity unknown to his tribe. Recognizing the potential of peanuts as a source of food and oil, Luo Chong's interest was piqued. Peanuts could be used to make oil, an essential resource for making soap, candles, and even explosives.
Seeing an opportunity, Luo Chong proposed a direct trade: peanuts for pottery, adjusting the terms to ensure both tribes benefited. Rat the Great, relieved and excited by the unexpected resolution, agreed.
Thus, what began as a tense confrontation turned into a promising trade relationship, highlighting the importance of communication and mutual benefits in negotiations between tribes.