Chapter 32 We Met by Chance… Get Lost!

Li Chen thought for a moment, then shook his head. “In business, the key is securing money in hand. I don’t know when you’ll sell the salt or how much profit you’ll make, and I would have to share the risk. I’m just a craftsman. There’s no need for that.”

“Then what do you want?” Lin Ling’er frowned, a trace of irritation rising in her heart. Was he actually doubting her sincerity?

“One jin of refined salt for 5 taels of silver as a processing fee. Pay me directly. As for how much you sell it for, that’s your business and has nothing to do with me. If you earn more, don’t share it with me. If you earn less, don’t blame me,” Li Chen said.

Lin Ling’er shot him an annoyed glance and snorted. “Fine, as you say.”

“In that case, give me 500 kilograms of coarse salt. In three days, I’ll deliver 100 kilograms of refined salt. How about that?” Li Chen asked.

“Five jin of coarse salt yields one jin of refined salt?” Lin Ling’er calculated instantly, and her shock deepened.

Even the salt consumed by court nobles required nearly 10 jin of coarse salt to produce one jin of refined salt. Five jin of coarse salt cost only 500 copper coins, yet the resulting jin of refined salt could fetch at least 10 taels of silver on the market. If it could be supplied steadily, the profits would soar.

“More or less that ratio,” Li Chen nodded.

“Take the salt. I’ll wait for your refined salt in three days.” Lin Ling’er made the decision with a wave of her hand.

“Young Mistress is truly decisive,” Li Chen said, looking at her thoughtfully.

After a brief pause, he added, “If possible, lend me 50 guan of copper coins as well, for hiring workers and buying firewood.”

“Come with me.” Lin Ling’er did not hesitate. She led him outside to the round-faced, thin-mustached shopkeeper and ordered, “Give him 50 guan, in loose copper coins.”

“Yes, Young Mistress,” the shopkeeper replied quickly.

Lin Ling’er then instructed several assistants to weigh and load the salt. As the shopkeeper counted the money for Li Chen, his eyes darted restlessly. Li Chen said nothing, but every subtle change in the man’s expression was noted.

After a while, the shopkeeper finished counting and handed the coins to Li Chen, smiling. “Young Master, you exposed Lin Yuxin’s scheme so easily just now. Truly impressive.”

“You flatter me,” Li Chen replied with a faint smile.

“May I ask what business you are in, Young Master? Taking away 500 kilograms of coarse salt is no small matter,” the shopkeeper asked casually.

“Refining salt,” Li Chen answered plainly. There was no point in hiding it.

A flash of sharp light gleamed in the shopkeeper’s eyes before disappearing. He gave Li Chen a thumbs-up. “Ah, Young Master is truly remarkable to know how to refine salt. No wonder our Young Mistress made such a bold decision.”

“It’s just cooperation,” Li Chen said quietly.

“This craft is not something just anyone knows. Only the salt-field artisans possess such skills, and even then, the output is very low. Young Master must be truly talented. May I ask where you learned this technique?”

“Family inheritance,” Li Chen replied calmly. He had already finished counting the money, placed it into his satchel, slung it over his shoulder, and turned to leave.

By then, the assistants had loaded the 500 kilograms of coarse salt onto the cart.

“Thank you for your trust, Young Mistress,” Li Chen said with a smile. Then he stepped closer and, seeing no one nearby, lowered his voice. “Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but your shopkeeper seems… questionable. I would not have mentioned it, but I fear it might affect our business.”

“There’s no need for concern, Young Master. He is loyal,” Lin Ling’er replied lightly.

Yet Li Chen caught a sharp glint deep within her eyes.

In that instant, he understood. Everything was under her control.

But then, how had such a clever and strong-willed woman been kidnapped by bandits that night? The question rose again in his mind.

Li Chen cupped his fists. “In that case, I won’t disturb you further. Young Mistress, I’ll see you in three days.”

Lin Ling’er stared at him, her expression turning solemn. “Young Master, have we truly never met before? Or do you simply not wish to tell the truth?”

“I don’t understand what Young Mistress means,” Li Chen replied without a change in expression.

“Then may I at least know your honored name and where you come from? Surely I’m not to do business with you once and not even know your name or residence.”

“Just a chance encounter…”

“Get lost!”

Furious, Lin Ling’er slammed the door and stormed inside.

Li Chen shrugged and drove the cart away.

…

Standing on the embroidered balcony on the second floor of the salt shop, Lin Ling’er gazed downward. Li Chen was driving his cart along the bluestone street.

At that moment, as if sensing something, Li Chen suddenly turned his head and looked upward.

Startled, Lin Ling’er hurriedly shifted aside to avoid his gaze. With a loud thud, her forehead struck the window frame.

It hurt terribly.

“That damned oaf, that country bumpkin!”

Lin Ling’er crouched down, rubbing her forehead angrily.

“Ha ha…”

A clear, melodious laugh rang out beside her, bright as silver bells.

From the embroidered bed, a lithe figure leapt down, stretched lazily, and walked over with a teasing smile. “Little Ling’er, does it hurt?”

“Of course it hurts. Wouldn’t it hurt you? Ah, it’s swelling already!” Lin Ling’er stood up, still rubbing her forehead, and glared fiercely at the woman.

The woman was exceptionally tall, almost matching an ordinary man. Her face possessed a bold, untamed beauty, like a wildflower growing freely on a grassy slope, radiant and fragrant, indifferent to whether others admired her.

Her slender, powerful frame exuded strength. Dressed in a lake-green fitted outfit, with a short blade in a sharkskin sheath at her waist, she carried an air of heroic spirit, like a wandering swordswoman of legend.

“Tut, this is the first time I’ve seen you so infatuated with a man, Little Ling’er. I’m afraid you’ve truly fallen this time. You even went out to the countryside today to look for him. Is he the one?” the wild beauty teased.

“Bai Yuxiang!” Lin Ling’er stomped her foot in embarrassment and anger.

“Shh, my Little Ling’er, keep your voice down. I’m currently a notorious bandit leader wanted by the authorities. If someone hears you, I’ll be in real trouble.” Bai Yuxiang covered her mouth lightly and glanced around cautiously.

“This is my home. Who would hear?” Lin Ling’er brushed her hand away and shot her a glare.

“One must always be careful, no matter where,” Bai Yuxiang sighed.

“You came into the city again to mooch off me, didn’t you?” Lin Ling’er sat down and poured herself a cup of tea.

“My Ling’er is truly clever!” Bai Yuxiang gave her a thumbs-up and leaned closer with a grin.

“There haven’t been any good opportunities lately. The bandits within a 50-kilometer radius have all been beaten into submission by me and are hiding in the mountains. Those wealthy tyrants have hired large numbers of guards, making them difficult to rob. My brothers can’t even get enough to eat now, so I have no choice but to shamelessly come borrow money from you. Lend me 100 taels of silver. After we pull off a big job in a few days, I’ll pay you back.”

She rubbed three fingers together as she spoke.