Chapter 37: Shipping

After resting for a day at the inn, Li Banfeng and Little Fatty hired a carriage and set off.

Li Banfeng thought Qin Xiaopang would take him to a very special place. However, Qin Xiaopang actually took him to Ligou.

Standing on the street, Qin Xiaopang cautioned, "Brother, that person is too cunning. Don't listen to his complaints or his difficulties. You must have a price in mind; absolutely do not sell it for anything less than that."

Li Banfeng had an expected price in mind. His expectation was five thousand yuan per pill; he wouldn't sell for less. The reasoning was simple: if something worth ten thousand couldn't even fetch five thousand, Li Banfeng might as well consume the pill himself, as he wasn't short on travel funds anyway.

He also remembered the peddler's instruction: cultivators must not neglect their daily practice. In the future, if he encountered special circumstances, couldn't go out, or couldn't return to his portable dwelling, a Snake-Spotting Pill could make up for a day's cultivation. If the famous sprinter Qiao Yuesheng had possessed enough Snake-Spotting Pills, he surely wouldn't have died so miserably.

Having made up his mind, Li Banfeng asked Qin Xiaopang, "Aren't you coming with me?"

Qin Xiaopang shook his head, saying, "I'm not in a hurry to sell the pills. They're such good pills, I wouldn't bear to sell them cheaply. I originally wanted to go with you to haggle over the price, but last time I bought weapons from him, I spoke a bit too hastily and ruffled some feathers. So, I won't cause trouble for you this time. After you finish your business, I'll wait for you at the steamed bun shop at the street corner."

He spoke in a mysterious tone, but in the end, the place Little Fatty found was still Feng's General Store. However, if Little Fatty hadn't pointed it out, Li Banfeng would never have imagined that a general store would accept pills.

Entering the shop, Shopkeeper Feng greeted him with a smile: "Mr. Li, you're back! How was your business trip?"

Li Banfeng smiled, "The harvest was quite good. I've come to you to sell some goods."

Shopkeeper Feng was surprised: "Mr. Li, we don't accept Snake-Spotting Chrysanthemums here. I don't have a pill-making formula."

"It's not Snake-Spotting Chrysanthemum. Let's find somewhere to talk."

Shopkeeper Feng invited Li Banfeng to the inner room. Li Banfeng first took out thirteen hundred yuan. "Five hundred for the sickle, eight hundred for the shovel. Let's settle the bill first!"

Shopkeeper Feng accepted the money with a smile: "Mr. Li, you're generous! What kind of goods would you like to sell here?"

Li Banfeng took out a Snake-Spotting Pill and handed it to Shopkeeper Feng. Shopkeeper Feng took the pill, put on his reading glasses, examined it for a long time, and nodded, saying, "Excellent quality, better than the pills from the apothecary."

Li Banfeng took a sip of tea and smiled: "Shopkeeper Feng knows his stuff!"

Shopkeeper Feng also smiled, then returned the pill to Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng was startled: "What do you mean? You won't take it?"

Shopkeeper Feng shook his head: "It's not that I won't take it, but let me explain the rules first. This isn't an apothecary; it's a general store. Although I can do this business, it's not my main trade. At an apothecary, this pill could be worth twelve thousand, but I can't offer that price here. I don't make pills, so I need to earn a margin on buying and selling. Furthermore, if the pills sit here, I don't know when I'll be able to sell them. Therefore, I have to lower the price, and I'm afraid it won't satisfy you."

Li Banfeng nodded. He had anticipated Shopkeeper Feng's complaints about difficulties and was prepared for this. However, no matter what he said, Li Banfeng would definitely not sell for less than five thousand. "Name your price."

Shopkeeper Feng held up five fingers. Li Banfeng thought it meant exactly five thousand, but then heard Shopkeeper Feng say: "Fifty percent off. I can give at most a fifty percent discount, which is six thousand yuan per pill." This price was genuine. Shopkeeper Feng was being straightforward; this was the highest he could go. Because the pills' origin was unknown, he also had to bear considerable risk. Of course, there was another reason for not haggling; he had a favor to ask of Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng nodded. Six thousand yuan per pill—for him, this price was quite satisfactory. Although he was satisfied internally, Li Banfeng didn't show it on his face: "Six thousand is a bit low. How many can you take, Shopkeeper Feng?"

Shopkeeper Feng stroked his walrus mustache: "That depends on how many Mr. Li wants to sell."

"Sixty-five pills. Can you take that many?"

Shopkeeper Feng nodded: "Yes, I can."

"Shopkeeper Feng is a straightforward man. It's a deal!" With that, Li Banfeng took out his bag and poured out the pills.

Shopkeeper Feng counted the pills and nodded, saying, "Mr. Li is also a straightforward man. For such a large quantity, other places might put it on account, but here today, I'll pay in cash directly." With that, Shopkeeper Feng motioned and called his assistant over. The general store had only one assistant, named Shengzi. Shopkeeper Feng whispered a few words to Shengzi. Shengzi went behind the shelves, entered a small door, and shortly after, emerged with a leather case.

In front of Li Banfeng, Shopkeeper Feng opened the case. It contained thirty-nine stacks of banknotes, each worth ten thousand. Though the shop was small, this Shopkeeper Feng was truly well-resourced. "Three hundred and ninety thousand. Please count it carefully."

Li Banfeng smiled: "Do you think I don't trust Shopkeeper Feng?"

Li Banfeng counted the money three times, then put the leather case away.

Shopkeeper Feng accepted the pills and smiled: "Mr. Li, thank you for your patronage. The business is done, but we need to clarify the rules. I didn't ask about the origin of your pills, and you must not inquire about who I sell them to in the future or for what price."

"Don't worry, I won't break your rules." Li Banfeng wasn't in the mood to ask about such things. Taking the money, he immediately headed to the station, bought a ticket, and quickly returned to Yuezhou. He first wanted to gauge the situation to see if the Dark Star Bureau would let him go. If there were no major issues, he would quickly go to the hospital to check on He Jiaqing's condition.

Li Banfeng was about to leave, carrying his money case, when Shopkeeper Feng called out: "Mr. Li, please wait. I've been keeping the item you wanted for you." With that, Shopkeeper Feng pulled aside a cloth covering, and the gramophone reappeared before Li Banfeng. It had an antique rosewood cabinet and three brass horns, one large and two small. Its mere appearance captivated Li Banfeng.

"Mr. Li, do you still want this gramophone?" Shopkeeper Feng observed Li Banfeng's expression, considering his next words.

"If I wanted it, I'm going on a long trip, and carrying this would be too inconvenient," Li Banfeng said, trying to avert his gaze from the gramophone.

Shopkeeper Feng was deeply surprised: "You don't need to take it with you on your trip. It's fine to leave it at home."

Li Banfeng picked up his lidded tea bowl and took another sip of tea: "If it's left at home with no one to care for it, wouldn't that be a waste of such a good item?"

Hearing this, the assistant repeatedly signaled to the shopkeeper with his eyes. Shopkeeper Feng sighed lightly: "Mr. Li is a straightforward man. Since you like this gramophone, I originally intended to give you a discount and sell it for one hundred eighty thousand."

Li Banfeng took a deep breath and said: "Wait, just wait a bit longer."

Shopkeeper Feng picked up a record and placed it on the gramophone, added two cups of water, and lit the wick beneath the gramophone.

*Pffft! Pffft! Pffft!*

From the small horn on the right, steam hissed out rhythmically. The record spun, and faint static slowly began. "Butterflies fly away, and my heart is gone. In this desolate long night, who will wipe away the tears from my cheeks..." It was that same tune again: "Wild grasses and idle flowers bloom in spring." Li Banfeng found himself struggling to resist.

Shopkeeper Feng sighed lightly: "Yesterday, a customer was interested in this gramophone. I told him it was reserved for another customer and didn't sell it to him. Mr. Li, if you wait any longer, I might not be able to keep this item. I truly hoped to wait for you to return and listen to another tune, but by your next visit, I'm afraid it might be gone."

*Return? Will I ever return?* Once back in Yuezhou, Li Banfeng planned to find a casual job and live happily in his portable dwelling, free from mortgage and commuting stress. He would likely never return to Pro Province. At this thought, Li Banfeng abruptly stood up and, carrying his money case, left the general store.

The mournful melody lingered in the shop. The assistant stamped his foot and said to Shopkeeper Feng, "Shopkeeper, I think he genuinely wanted to buy it, but we set the price too high."

Shopkeeper Feng sighed repeatedly: "I couldn't help it! If I sold it too cheaply, this thing wouldn't leave the shop!"

The assistant looked bitter: "What do we do now? When will we ever sell this thing?"

Shopkeeper Feng was full of helplessness, and sighs filled the general store.

When the song ended and the needle reached the end, Shopkeeper Feng extinguished the flame and released the steam. Just as he was about to cover the gramophone, he suddenly saw Li Banfeng walk back in. "One hundred sixty thousand. Deal or no deal?"

The assistant looked at Shopkeeper Feng expectantly. Shopkeeper Feng pondered for a moment, then calmly said: "Deal!" A few beads of sweat seeped from his forehead. Shopkeeper Feng casually wiped the sweat away, careful not to reveal any vulnerability to Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng immediately counted out one hundred sixty thousand and placed it on the table. Shopkeeper Feng didn't count it; he simply accepted the money. He instructed his assistant: "Shengzi, prepare the carriage. We'll deliver the goods to Mr. Li!"

The assistant was about to prepare the carriage, when he heard Li Banfeng say: "Wait!" The assistant was startled and looked at Shopkeeper Feng. Shopkeeper Feng remained calm: "Mr. Li, the deal is done. It wouldn't be appropriate to haggle further."

Li Banfeng shook his head: "It's not about haggling. I want to buy something else."

He wanted to buy a bed. Since he planned to live permanently in his portable dwelling, sleeping on the floor all the time wouldn't do. He had originally intended to buy a bed after returning to Yuezhou, as online shopping offered cheaper prices and more styles. However, after reflecting on his journey so far, Li Banfeng decided to buy it directly from the general store. He no longer wanted to live on the train. He didn't want to encounter three-headed monsters at SanTouCha again, nor resist unbearable temptations at Kudaikan. He could live in his portable dwelling; as long as he kept the key hidden, he could successfully avoid all dangers within the train car. If he bought a bed and stocked up on food and drinks, even if the train broke down again, it wouldn't disrupt Li Banfeng's happy life.

"A bed..." Shopkeeper Feng was about to say he didn't have one, but next to the shelves in the inner room, there was precisely a four-poster wooden bed. The "four posters" referred to four pillars on the bed, with a canopy frame above and railings in the middle. The bed was 1.5 meters wide and 1.2 meters high. Its entire structure resembled a small house, offering a strong sense of security when sleeping inside.

Li Banfeng liked this bed: "Shopkeeper Feng, name your price."

Shopkeeper Feng didn't look at the bed; his eyes were fixed on the gramophone. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but the gramophone seemed to twitch slightly. *Oh no, this thing might not want to leave.* Shopkeeper Feng gritted his teeth and said: "Mr. Li, I appreciate your straightforwardness, and you've given me plenty of business. This bed, it's on me!" He didn't want to waste any more time; he didn't want to delay for a moment.

Li Banfeng waved his hand repeatedly: "How can this be..."

"Mr. Li, if you don't accept it, you're looking down on me!"

"That's not what I mean. How can I take such a good bed for free? Name your price, and I'll also look at some bedding."

"Bedding is easy. Shengzi, bring two sets of satin-faced bedding for Mr. Li."

"No, wait, Shopkeeper Feng," Li Banfeng said, confused by the situation. "I came here to buy things, not to get something for nothing. I also plan to buy two outfits..."

"Shengzi, get the tape measure and take Mr. Li's measurements!" Shengzi stepped forward and, without argument, measured Li Banfeng from head to toe. He then returned with a pure white suit. "Mr. Li, I've decided to be your friend, so this outfit is also on me."

"No, I don't usually wear white. It's hard to keep clean..."

"Bring the black one!"

"Black gets dirty easily too..."

"Bring the beige plaid shirt!"

"Fine, I'm not buying clothes," Li Banfeng said, thoroughly bewildered by Shopkeeper Feng. "I'll just buy two candles then."

"Shengzi, get a bundle of candles and bring Ingrid's candelabra for Mr. Li too."

"No, wait, you, I, I'm not buying anything! I'll just buy two records."

Shopkeeper Feng went to the shelf, grabbed a dozen records, and placed them all on the counter: "I'll also give you two barrels of fuel, one barrel of engine oil, a kettle, two cups, a bucket, and a bundle of wicks. I also have a complete tool set here—pliers, wrenches, all included. If the gramophone has any minor issues, you can fix it yourself."

"No, I, uh..."

Shopkeeper Feng then took a feather duster and thrust it into Li Banfeng's hand: "The gramophone can get dusty, so you should clean it often. Mr. Li, I'm just a straightforward man. If you don't accept these, I'll truly be upset!"

Li Banfeng was speechless. He couldn't say anything more.

The assistant hired a carriage. First the bed was loaded, then the gramophone, followed by blankets, clothes, fuel, candles, a bucket, and all the other items onto the carriage. Li Banfeng stood at the doorway, duster in hand, in a daze. The assistant helped Li Banfeng into the carriage. The shopkeeper called out: "Mr. Li, take care! We still look forward to your patronage!" With that, Shengzi urged the coachman, and the carriage departed.

Watching the carriage disappear down the street, Shopkeeper Feng and his assistant stood in the shop for a long time.

"Shopkeeper!" Shengzi's voice trembled slightly.

"Shengzi!" Shopkeeper Feng was also a little choked up.

"Shopkeeper!" Shengzi's eyes were red.

"Shengzi!" Shopkeeper Feng wiped away tears from his eyes.

"Shopkeeper, did the item really sell?" Shengzi still had some doubts.

"Shengzi, go check the inner room. I feel like I sold it a bit too cheaply. Take a closer look, has that thing come back?" Shopkeeper Feng's attitude was also very cautious.

Shengzi jogged into the inner room and was back out in a flash. "It didn't come back! This time, it's really gone."

"Shengzi!" Shopkeeper Feng began to cry aloud.

"Shopkeeper!" Tears streamed down Shengzi's cheeks.

"Shengzi!"

"Shopkeeper!"

The two sat on the ground, weeping loudly.

The assistant wiped his tears and said: "Finally, we can conduct business in peace."

Shopkeeper Feng stood up, tidied his clothes: "What business are we doing?! Let's close the shop for today, go to Phoenix Pavilion, order a good table of wine, and have two girls accompany us. Let's enjoy ourselves for a few days first!"