Chapter 38: Yuzhou Laiqiang (VIII) Knowledge changes destiny. ...
The day ended in such intense emotions. He and Wei Yuanye didn't even have dinner. After expressing their feelings to each other, they snuggled in bed and recalled the first day they met. Wei Yuanye listened more and spoke less, occasionally answering a few questions about why he did that at the time.
As they talked, they fell asleep with their feet touching each other. They fell into a warm sleep. When they turned on the light and opened their eyes again, it was already bright outside, and Wei Yuanye was still beside him.
Zhang Deng asked, "Didn't you go for morning exercise?"
"No." Wei Yuanye seemed a little uncomfortable. He simply said, "Next time."
Zhang Deng smiled, then felt a little embarrassed. While it was inappropriate, there was a certain vulgar satisfaction in seeing someone who had always been self-disciplined break their rules for their own sake. From then on, the emperor's absence from morning court became notorious. In love, this shortcoming was considered a valuable virtue.
Zhang Deng felt a bit out of place, but Wei Yuanye seemed no different from usual. He didn't go for morning exercises this morning and seemed much more relaxed. He lay down for a while, then got up to shower. When he came out, he asked, "What do you want to eat?"
Zhang Deng had been feeling a little nauseous from the unfamiliar climate and had no appetite, but after thinking it over, he said, "It's all right."
"Either is fine" was not a difficult answer for Wei Yuanye to interpret. He said, "Go out and look for it."
When the two of them packed up and left, they saw a strange man sitting at the counter at the door. He was about 27 or 28 years old, with the temperament of a handsome scholar and a refined look. When he saw Zhang Deng and the others, he took the initiative to stand up and greet them.
"Hello," the man said, "I'm the shopkeeper here. Please tell me what you want to say."
Zhang Deng said, "You are the boss."
So young, Zhang Deng thought to himself.
"I'm the boss's son," the man said with a wry smile. "My dad hasn't hired anyone yet, so I'll fill in for two days. I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday, so I'll give you a discount."
He looked kind and started chatting with Zhang Deng: "I hope I didn't scare you."
Zhang Deng said: "I was actually scared."
The man laughed: "My name is——"
Before he could finish his words, a man asked, "Li Sen?"
The man looked towards the door and suddenly smiled. He said, "Oh my God, Shi Hong? Long time no see."
"Aren't you in Yanzhou?" Shi Hong asked, "Why are you back?"
Li Sen let out a "Hi" and said helplessly, "Something happened at the store back home. My dad asked me to rush back overnight yesterday. The store manager was killed."
Shi Hong was a businessman, so he was naturally well-informed. He asked, "Why is it so hard to hire people? Uncle Li told me that I have several people who can fill the role. I'll lend them to you. Why would you have to come back in person?"
Li Sen said, "I wanted to go home originally. I can't learn anything there, so I don't want to study anymore."
Shi Hong introduced Zhang Deng and the others, "This is my childhood friend, Li Sen. He's been learning the art of turning stone into gold in Yanzhou for the past two years."
Zhang Deng: "Can you really turn stone into gold?"
"Can."
Zhang Deng didn't quite understand. He said, "Then you don't need to start a business anymore."
"My current situation is like this," Li Sen explained, "I can only turn certain stones into gold. Ever heard of surging stones?"
Seeing that none of them seemed to have heard of it, he simply said, "This kind of stone costs 300,000 yuan a piece."
Everyone:"……"
"Ah," Zhang Deng said, "What a special hobby."
Li Sen burst into laughter and then said, "I don't have such a hobby. I'm just not as skilled as others. Turning stone into gold is my father's dream. He spent millions to let me learn it. I really can't afford it anymore."
"It's not your fault," Shi Hong said, "If this thing is really that easy to learn, it's bad."
Li Sen asked, "But what are you doing here?"
"I almost forgot," Shi Hong slapped his forehead, "I asked you to buy Qiang people. I found a supplier. Let's have a meal and talk while we eat."
"Are you going?" he asked Li Sen casually.
Li Sen said bitterly, "Forget it. I don't like eating Qiang, and I can't leave home without someone here. If something happens again, my father will beat me."
When Shi Hong came out, he said to Wei Yuanye and the others, "His family is incredibly rich. They're the richest in all of Yingzhou."
"I can see that." Wei Yuanye said.
Shi Hong whispered, "But I heard that his family seems to have some explanation."
"There's a sorcerer who devours people's luck," Shi Hong said. "Anyone who's close to him will have their luck sucked away. That's why everyone who stays in his shop is unlucky. I heard about this, and I'm just telling you."
Zhang Deng said, "If that were the case, wouldn't everyone just stop living there?"
"So I just heard it," Shi Hong said, "but it's all unfounded."
"Let me introduce this supplier to you. He has a background of some importance, but you need to pay attention to one thing," Shi Hongfu said seriously.
"What?"
Shi Hongdao: "He stinks, very stinks."
"They eat human food," Shi Hong explained simply. "People who eat a lot of human food have a fishy smell on their bodies. Be prepared and don't vomit at the dinner table."
Zhang Deng was about to get annoyed: "How many people would he have to eat before he stinks himself out?"
"His family raises Qiang people," Shi Hong said. "I heard that he doesn't eat any meat except human flesh. I also told him about today's meal that since you two are from outside the area, there are no Qiang people on the table."
Zhang Deng forced himself to go to the table to eat. Before coming, he had already made a portrait of this person in his mind, probably a rough and sturdy image, with an oily nose and cheeks.
But when they arrived, Zhang Deng was extremely surprised to see the ordinary middle-aged man sitting at the dining table.
The man was even polite. When he saw the three of them arriving, he stood up to greet them.
"You must be Wei Yuanye and Zhang Deng, right?" the man extended his hand kindly. "My name is Zhang Hu."
Wei Yuanye stretched out his hand to shake his, and Zhang Hu sat down with a smile. He looked no different from all the middle-aged men Zhang Deng had met in the past, or rather, he actually looked gentler and more polite.
Zhang Hu handed over the menu with both hands and said, "I ordered a few dishes, but I don't know if they suit your taste. Please add a few more that you like. Waiter, the food is ready."
Shi Hong sat next to Zhang Hu, then Wei Yuanye and finally Zhang Deng. Although Zhang Deng was very far away from Zhang Hu, he still felt a creepy feeling.
During the Warring States Period, Bai Qi, a famous general, killed 900,000 people in his lifetime. He was known as the "Human Butcher" and was feared by people all over the world. During the Battle of Changping, Bai Qi carried out the largest massacre in Chinese history. 400,000 soldiers were extremely hungry and refused to eat or drink. They watched helplessly as the pits dug for them grew deeper and deeper. He ordered his men to tie the hands and feet of the 400,000 surrendered soldiers and push them into the deep pits, which were filled with mud after being filled with wailing.
After Bai Qi's death, he was both praised and criticized, and people's fear of him lingered for thousands of years.
But this was the illustrious exploits of a god-killing warrior, his life recorded in history books, to be praised or criticized by anyone. But now, what about this man named Zhang Hu who was sitting at the same table with them?
How many people did he eat in his lifetime? How many Qiang people died because of him?
Is there a hundred thousand?
Or more?
But he just sat calmly at the table and handed them the menu.
Zhang Deng's hands were trembling slightly. There would be no historical records of this man named Zhang Hu, and no one would even remember him. He just lived such an ordinary life in this world as a dealer.
A huge fear spread endlessly in Zhang Deng's heart, and he was trembling slightly.
Wei Yuanye said, "No need. We just arrived and are still a little uncomfortable with the local climate. A simple meal will be enough."
Zhang Hu immediately said, "Of course. I'm afraid Yingzhou's products are not to your liking."
Wei Yuanye held Zhang Deng's hand under the table, feeling Zhang Deng's trembling and sweat in extreme fear. Wei Yuanye's face remained warm. He said, "Why don't we just order directly?"
Zhang Hu was ordering some wine when he heard this and said, "Hmm? Okay, then, don't you want to drink?"
Wei Yuanye glanced at Zhang Deng and showed an embarrassment. His expression was just visible to everyone. Wei Yuanye said: "I do want to drink, but -"
Zhang Deng also laughed and said, "I don't like him drinking."
"Ah—" Zhang Hu immediately made a gesture of understanding and said, "I understand. My parents are very strict."
Everyone laughed at the right moment, and Wei Yuanye said, "It's really because I drank too much and my drinking habits are too bad. I can't talk about anything."
Zhang Hu: "I understand, I understand."
"You two have a great relationship," Zhang Hu said enviously, "That's great."
"Alas," Shi Hong said, "stop thinking about your sister-in-law all the time."
Zhang Hu's expression darkened, and the dinner table became a little dull. Shi Hong and Zhang Deng explained, "Brother Zhang Hu is truly a good man. His sister-in-law was kidnapped by a white tiger on a mountain road and died over 20 years ago. Brother Zhang has never found another woman. Countless women in Yingzhou have thrown themselves at him, but he remains unmoved. He's a role model for our generation."
Zhang Deng: “…”
Is it necessary to make the character so complicated?
Zhang Deng complained in his heart, who would believe this?
Wei Yuanye said: "I want to learn from you."
"Don't," Zhang Hu said. "What's the point of studying? Brother, I see you're a real person, and I'm going to tell you something from the bottom of my heart: I don't want to be like this at all. I see other people in pairs, and don't I envy them? Every night, I think about women, and I want to go out and play, but as soon as I close my eyes, I think of your sister-in-law..."
Zhang Hu said this, tears welled up in his eyes again: "I really miss him."
Shi Hong patted his shoulder, silently comforting him, sighed, and said, "Alas."
As Zhang Hu sobbed and cried, the air in the room became even more smelly.
"Let's get down to business," Zhang Hu said, wiping away his tears. "I brought 237 Qiang people from Yuzhou this time, but only a dozen or so have been booked. I was originally going to sell them for this Martial Spirit Festival, but my brother said you're his friends and want to buy them. I'll naturally let you, but I really can't afford the breach of contract fee. You might even have to pay for it. Is that acceptable?"
Wei Yuanye said, "Okay."
Zhang Hu said, "If you're so happy, I'll be happy too. One price, seventy thousand yuan."
Shi Hong immediately said, "Hey, brother, give it a discount. Your price is too high. It's almost like selling a virgin boy or girl."
"I don't make any money, really," Zhang Hu also said, "This man is from Yuzhou. Yuzhou prices are high, you know that."
Wei Yuanye thought for a moment and said, "Actually, price is not a problem."
Shi Hong looked at him like a fool. Wei Yuanye placed his fingers on the table, tapping them rhythmically, and said slowly, "Just look at what the money is used for."
Zhang Hu rubbed his eyes and observed Wei Yuanye quietly.
Wei Yuanye said, "If we buy Qiang, it will be too expensive."
Zhang Hu knew that he had more to say and did not interrupt him.
Wei Yuanye said: "But if it is to please my wife, it is not very expensive."
Zhang Deng suddenly understood, that's it!
Zhang Hu asked for such a high price because he knew why Wei Yuanye wanted to buy this group of Qiang people.
Zhang Hu was a dealer, so he naturally knew what had happened to his goods and why someone suddenly wanted to buy them all. Besides, it was not difficult to find out. Yu Zhi and the others would tell him that it was because Zhang Deng made friends with the Qiang people.
If this is the case, then they will have to bear the loss.
Because Wei Yuanye had to buy it no matter what, even if he asked for 100,000, Wei Yuanye would still buy it.
Wei Yuanye was neither hurried nor slow, showing no anger at being slaughtered. He said, "Actually, there are other ways."
Wei Yuanye looked up at Zhang Hu and said, "I don't know if you understand me, but I do have some tricks up my sleeve. They're just Qiang people, so it's not difficult to release them all. Even if I tell you, you won't be able to find me then."
Zhang Hu laughed awkwardly, and Shi Hong said, "I'm not bragging. My friend is really amazing."
Zhang Deng thought to himself, this Shi Hong is really considerate. Whether he is a businessman or really likes them, he has already given his all at this dinner table.
Zhang Deng said, "Don't say that."
Although it is indeed a criticism of Wei Yuanye, it has no practical significance in stopping it.
Wei Yuanye waved his hand, signaling to stop talking, and said: "Look, my wife prefers peace. She likes to live a simple life. If I want to live a good life, I must also love peace."
This was said for others to hear, but Zhang Deng's ears also blushed. He always felt that Wei Yuanye seemed to be sincere here as well.
The exposure of their relationship actually made it easier for them to do what they were going to do.
Wei Yuanye said, "Then again, I think Brother Zhang is also a man who loves his wife. We are kindred spirits. Is 80,000 yuan too much for making friends?"
Zhang Hu laughed heartily and said, "Just do it, just do it."
Shi Hong also picked up the wine glass. He poured himself a glass and said, "I have to say something to you, brother. Look at what you have done. You have made your younger brother lose face."
"Okay, okay," Zhang Hu said, "I won't say any more."
He made a "seven" gesture and said, "Seventy-five thousand, no more words."
"Seventy thousand." Shi Hong said, "I won't say much. I'll treat you to dinner."
Wei Yuanye said, "Don't be like this, Shi Hong, don't make things difficult for Brother Zhang."
Shi Hong said, "Look, look, look at my brother, Brother Zhang, you...ah, seventy thousand is three hundred yuan each, three hundred yuan, a virgin on the street is only three hundred and fifty yuan, Brother Zhang, don't narrow the road."
Zhang Hu also had his own thoughts. He hesitated for a moment, then knocked his cup again and said, "Forget it."
"You're a meticulous person," Zhang Hu commented on Wei Yuanye. "You can accomplish things."
Zhang Hu said, "But I'm also putting this on the line. From now on, you'll be doing this business with me. Do you understand?"
Wei Yuanye said, "Of course."
Zhang Hu: "If I don't make any money, then I don't make any money. Seventy thousand is seventy thousand."
Zhang Deng knew that there was still a huge lie here, but at this point, it was enough.
Wei Yuanye didn't really care about the price. He poured himself a glass of water, toasted Zhang Hu and Shi Hong, and said, "It's an honor for me to have two good friends. I'll have to rely on you to help us in the future. We won't be isolated and helpless in Yingzhou anymore."
Zhang Hu smiled and said, "That's what I meant."
After the meal, we agreed to pay and receive the goods in the evening.
When they came out, they sent Zhang Hu away first. Shi Hong looked at them and smiled: "How is it? Are you satisfied?"
Zhang Deng was grateful to Shi Hong and said, "Without you, this thing really couldn't be done."
"You're wrong," Shi Hong said with a nonchalant smile. "You can do it without me, it just takes more effort, and maybe it'll be cheaper."
Wei Yuanye said: "Time is money. For us, this is the most labor-saving method."
Shi Hong said: "You are really such a person."
Shi Hong seemed to really admire Wei Yuanye from the bottom of his heart, probably because the temperament Wei Yuanye exuded was very attractive to men.
"Let's go," Shi Hong said, "Lin Yuzhou and Dong Yu are playing at my place, let's go together."
Zhang Deng was a little reluctant to go, so Shi Hong said, "You guys have to go get the money anyway, so let's go together. I'll show you the way."
There was no way to refuse now, so I could only go to Shi Hong's shop again.
Zhang Deng and Wei Yuanye also discussed this issue. They had been in Yingzhou for two or three days, but they still had not found out who their beneficiaries were, nor had they found out the "evil" of this world. They knew so many people, and the only possible ones seemed to be Lin Yuzhou and Dong Yu, but these two people did not seem to have suffered any particularly painful things.
Zhang Deng said, "Lin Yuzhou and Dong Yu both have the character 'Yu' in their names. What a coincidence."
"There are many names with the character '宇' in their names," Shi Hong said. "Generally, if parents are spiritual practitioners, they like to give their children the character '宇', which means dome, implying upward movement."
Zhang Deng said, "I see."
Shi Hong: "When Wuhun's true body was alive, his name also had the character 'Yu' in it. His name was He Tongyu."
"What a big name." Zhang Deng said.
Tongyu, is it as vast as the universe, or as eternal as the universe?
This is a name that cannot be chosen lightly in the world of Zhang Deng, as it will definitely shorten your lifespan.
All three of them have the character "宇" in their names. Is there any meaning behind this?
Zhang Deng muttered to himself, but could not find any clues or basis.
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