Chapter 82: Renting a House
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
When the pockmarked youth mentioned the price, Ye Ling’s heart also quivered slightly. The price was indeed quite good. It seemed that they intended to monopolize all the herbs she had.
As long as she refrained from trading with other herbal merchants, they could comfortably raise the price after processing the herbs.
Ye Ling remained silent, giving the impression that she was contemplating and considering. Then, she nodded slowly.
The pockmarked youth’s eyes brightened, and he slapped the table. “Alright, wait a moment. I’ll get you the money. Oh, by the way, do you want money or tickets? If you want tickets, there will be a discount.”
In this era, exchange tickets were more valuable than money, as money wasn’t universally accepted everyvvhere. It had lost much of its value.
Ye Ling rubbed her thumb against her index finger once again, indicating that she wanted money.
The pockmarked youth nodded in agreement. “Alright.”
After a while, the pockmarked youth returned with a bundle of bills. He handed the stack of money to Ye Ling with a hint of reluctance and said, “I’ve deducted a portion. It’s my cousin’s reward. Of course, if you come back to trade next time, you won’t need to deduct anything. Unless you’re directionally challenged and need my cousin to guide you, then he’ll still charge you for that service.”
Ye Ling felt that although the brothers were somewhat self-interested, they were still honest. They weren’t trying to deceive her just because she was a newcomer to the black market. They calculated every transaction. That was good. That’s how business should be conducted.
Ye Ling nodded, signifying her understanding.
Seeing that Ye Ling seemed to be mute, the pockmarked youth fell silent for a moment, then tentatively inquired, “My boss’s surname is Hei. If you mention Second Master Hei, everyone in the black market will know. You can also inquire about our reputation in the market.”
Ye Ling nodded again without saying a word.
The pockmarked youth felt somewhat helpless.
It seemed this person in front of him was truly mute.
Afterward, the pockmarked youth went behind a cabinet, retrieved paper and a pen from a drawer, placed them on the table, and asked, “Can you write? Do you have any other requests? My cousin can’t read, so if you need anything, just tell me. What other medicinal herbs do you have?”
Ye Ling was somewhat surprised to learn that the pockmarked youth could read. In this era, literate individuals in rural areas were quite rare. No wonder this youth could make decisions about purchasing herbs. It was probably why he had gained the attention of the black market boss.
Ye Ling ignored the pockmarked youth’s other questions and wrote a line on the paper.
The pockmarked youth frowned upon reading it.
The thin man curiously asked his cousin, “What did she write?”
The pockmarked youth responded, “She wants to rent a house, something more remote and with a yard.” His tone carried a hint of frustration, likely Decause ye Ling naan’t addressed ms previous question.
The thin man contemplated for a moment, then said, “I can help you find such a house. Moreover, the rent will be very affordable. However, there was a death in that house before. If that bothers you…”
Upon hearing this, Ye Ling thought, “Is this a good thing?” She nodded immediately.
After all, she had died once. Why would she be afraid of a house where someone had died? Saving money was more important.
The thin man nodded. “Alright, I’ll take you there later.”
Seeing that Ye Ling was about to leave, the pockmarked youth said, “My name is Mai Zi, and my cousin is Yang Zi. I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation in the future.” He extended his hand, adopting the mature demeanor of an adult and offering a friendly handshake to Ye Ling.
Ye Ling glanced at the pockmarked youth’s outstretched hand and simply turned and left.
The pockmarked youth was speechless.
Why was this person so arrogant? He rarely attempted to be friendly with others!
Yang Zi followed Ye Ling and led her to the rental house.
“See? This is it,” Yang Zi said.
Ye Ling looked up. The place was located beside a pond on the western side of the town. A total of three houses surrounded the pond, and Yang Zi was pointing at the largest one among them.
“The one on the left is the landlord. The row on the right is the rental houses. The house with a yard is at the back of the row. There’s nothing wrong with the house, just a bit worn. If you give the landlord some extra money, he might fix it up for you.”
Ye Ling didn’t say anything and walked straight into the room on the left.
Yang Zi followed her. After they entered, Yang Zi shouted energetically,
“Master Bai, I’ve found a tenant for you!”
The old and somewhat dirty curtains were lifted, revealing a tall and thin old man who walked out. Behind him was a little girl with two braids, looking to be about six or seven years old..
