Chapter 18: Zhang Fugui

After dealing with the matters concerning the Wang family,

everyone returned to the Liu family estate, chatting and laughing in high spirits, the atmosphere warm and joyful.

“I told my dad I’d be back a bit late, but I’ve dragged this out way too long,” Nangong Lin mused aloud as she glanced at the group, suddenly remembering something crucial she’d forgotten.

“No way, I’ve got to get ready to head back!” Nangong Lin could already picture her father’s furious face in her mind.

“Brother Yan, what about you? Are you coming with me?” Nangong Lin turned her head to look at Yan Yi on the other side.

Yan Yi stole a quick glance at Liu Ruyan before his eyes darted back to Nangong Lin, evading her gaze. He stammered, “Uh… this… could you please tell the City Lord for me that I’ll return after some time?”

Nangong Lin then turned to Liu Ruyan with a gentler tone. “And… Sister Ruyan, what about you? Are you coming with me or…?”

Liu Ruyan also glanced at Yan Yi, avoiding Nangong Lin’s eyes with a guilty expression. “Little Sister Lian’er, I won’t be going this time. I’ll come visit you next time instead.”

Nangong Lin eyed the two of them and instantly understood everything. With a cold huff, she snapped, “Fine, just keep being all lovey-dovey then. Cling to each other until you can’t bear to part!”

“I’m suffering inside, but I can’t even say it out loud!” Nangong Lin let out a helpless sigh.

“What about you, Sister Wang Wan? Want to come with me?” Nangong Lin wasn’t ready to give up and tentatively asked Wang Wan.

Wang Wan looked a bit troubled, hesitating as she replied, “Little Sister Lian’er, I’ve got some things to handle and need to focus on my cultivation. I won’t be going.”

“Fine, fine! None of you are coming, so I’ll just go back on my own. That’s alright, isn’t it?” Nangong Lin stomped her foot in frustration as everyone made excuses to brush her off.

“Brother Gu, what about you? Ugh, I’m so silly. Of course, you’d want to come with me. Why even ask?” Nangong Lin turned to Gu Qingyi, grabbed his hand without waiting for a response, and started walking off.

…………………..

The two reached the door.

“Next time, you better come visit me, alright? Otherwise, heh heh, I’ll be really mad!” Nangong Lin turned back to the group with a hint of threat in her playful tone.

The trio quickly nodded in agreement. “Of course, of course!” They waved at the pair. “Take care, you two. We won’t see you off.”

“Brother Gu, let’s go!” Nangong Lin was fuming as she stomped her foot again and let out a cold huff. The two then left the Liu family estate.

Nangong Lin glanced around at the remote location of the Liu family estate. It was thousands of miles away from the City Lord’s Mansion.

Relying on just their feet, they’d probably collapse from exhaustion before even getting halfway there. So, she thought of renting a carriage.

“Brother Gu, look at how lively and bustling this street is!” As the two walked onto a busy road, Nangong Lin’s eyes lit up with excitement.

The street was a vibrant hub of activity.

People bustled about, coming and going in a lively crowd, their voices blending into a cheerful clamor. On both sides of the street, shops displayed an array of dazzling goods.

Vendors shouted their wares with fervor, their calls rising and falling, tempting passersby to stop and take a look.

Nangong Lin’s excitement bubbled over as she tugged Gu Qingyi’s hand and dove into the throng of people.

Elegant ladies in expensive attire strolled by, their faces glowing with contentment.

They chatted about the latest fashion trends, shopping being an essential delight in their lives.

Perhaps at some corner, they’d bump into old friends, greeting each other warmly and sharing tidbits of their daily lives.

Meanwhile, the street was also dotted with stunning young women.

Dressed impeccably with graceful figures and youthful energy, shopping wasn’t just a task for them—it was a way to savor life.

They walked in groups, their laughter ringing out, adding a splash of color to the busy street.

Many young men couldn’t help but pause and steal glances.

Of course, there were also handsome men around, some strolling confidently down the street, others reading in nearby taverns.

Some haggled with stall owners over prices. Their presence made the street even more vibrant.

“Don’t miss out as you pass by! Delicious snacks here, come take a look, dear customers!” Vendors put their all into their enthusiastic pitches.

“Tasty and affordable!” Their calls echoed through the air.

“Special promotion today—buy one, get one free! Come try it out!” Some stalls showcased an assortment of trinkets, while others wafted the irresistible aroma of food.

It was as if they were saying, ‘Pick whatever you like!’

From fragrant skewers to delectable fruit desserts, everything drew crowds eager to taste.

“Boss, give me one of these skewers!” A few pretty girls crowded around a stall. “I’ll take one too, this one!”

“Coming right up! Please wait just a moment, dear customers!” The vendor’s face was all smiles as his hands worked swiftly.

Many small vendors noticed Gu Qingyi and Nangong Lin, showering them with compliments. “What a perfect match! Are you a married couple?”

Nangong Lin smiled awkwardly and waved her hand, her cheeks flushing slightly. “No, we’re just friends right now.” She glanced at Gu Qingyi.

The vendor nearby saw through it but didn’t press, simply offering a knowing grin.

“Here you go, miss. Your skewer is ready—careful, it’s hot!” the vendor said with a warm smile.

Nangong Lin was almost lost in this paradise on earth, nearly forgetting why she’d come here in the first place.

Gu Qingyi watched her with a helpless expression.

“Miss Nangong, didn’t we come here to rent a carriage? If we’re late, won’t it cause trouble?” Gu Qingyi asked with a sigh.

“Oh, right! We’re here for a carriage!” Nangong Lin snapped out of her daze and tapped her head as if waking up.

“Boss, is there anywhere around here to rent a carriage? We’re in a hurry!” Nangong Lin asked a vendor while munching on her snack.

“Miss, just head two miles down this road and turn the corner. You’ll see Zhang Family Carriage Rentals,” the vendor paused his work to point toward the shop not far off before resuming his tasks with a friendly nod.

Nangong Lin quickly finished her skewer, wiped her hands with a handkerchief, and turned to the vendor with a polite smile. “Thanks, boss!”

She grabbed Gu Qingyi’s hand and the two headed off in the direction described.

Following the vendor’s instructions, they walked a short distance and turned the corner. A massive signboard came into view.

Nangong Lin looked up to see the enormous sign reading ‘Zhang Family Carriage Rentals’ and stepped inside.

As soon as they entered, Nangong Lin’s eyes sparkled at the sight before her.

An array of exquisitely crafted carriages lined the space, with a steady stream of customers coming and going.

Suddenly, a slightly plump middle-aged man with a round face approached them. Dressed in lavish clothing, his wealth was unmistakable.

“Are you two looking to rent a carriage? Do you have anything in mind? Allow me to offer some recommendations,” the man inquired with a courteous tone.

Gu Qingyi and Nangong Lin looked up to meet the gaze of the man speaking.

Nangong Lin regarded the middle-aged man calmly. “That’s right, we’re here to rent a carriage. What good options do you have, boss?”

“Greetings, I’m Zhang Fugui!” The man introduced himself with a beaming smile. “I manage Zhang Family Carriage Rentals. Just call me Fugui. Please, come inside, and I’ll show you around!”

“Take a look at this carriage. Not only is it spacious and comfortable, but it’s also simple in design.” Zhang Fugui leaned in and whispered, “More importantly, it’s affordable.” He rubbed his hands together. “What do you think? Does it suit your taste?”

Gu Qingyi and Nangong Lin both shook their heads.

Seeing their dissatisfaction, Zhang Fugui flashed an apologetic smile. “No worries if this one isn’t to your liking. Let’s check out another. I’m sure we’ll find something that satisfies you both.”

With a cheerful grin, Zhang Fugui led them to a lavishly decorated carriage.

“Please, take a look at this one. It’s not only luxuriously designed inside and out with vibrant colors, but it’s also spacious, comfortable, and offers excellent protection. It can handle any unexpected situations,” Zhang Fugui explained eagerly.

“And! This deluxe carriage matches this young lady’s elegance perfectly, as if it were custom-made for her.” Zhang Fugui cleared his throat and pointed in a direction. “Also, look at this horse. Its coat is a brilliant red, with well-defined muscles. It’s clearly a fine steed, known as a thousand-mile horse.”

“It can travel a thousand miles in a day, no problem.” Zhang Fugui hovered near Nangong Lin. “The carriage complements the lady’s grace, while this horse will highlight the gentleman’s valor.”

“As they say, a fine carriage befits a beautiful lady, ahem, you get the idea,” Zhang Fugui hinted with a knowing look at Gu Qingyi.

Gu Qingyi looked at Zhang Fugui and thought to himself, “If this old fox were in the modern world, he’d be a top salesman for sure. What a waste of talent otherwise.” He was about to decline.

But Nangong Lin cut in with a bold declaration. “How much for this carriage? I’ll buy it outright.”

“M-Miss, are you serious?” Zhang Fugui was stunned by her boldness, his voice trembling as he spoke.

His face broke into a wide grin as he continued, “The daily rental is three low-grade spirit stones, but to buy it outright, it’ll be five high-grade spirit stones and one mid-grade spirit stone.”

“However, as a gesture of friendship, I’ll offer it to you for just five high-grade spirit stones… heh heh.” Zhang Fugui chuckled, holding up five fingers before rubbing his hands eagerly.

“No need for that. I’ll pay the full price.” Nangong Lin didn’t haggle. She casually took out five high-grade spirit stones from her ring and tossed them into Zhang Fugui’s hands with flair.

Pointing at the carriage with excitement, Zhang Fugui declared, “From now on, this carriage belongs to you two!” He glanced down at the shimmering spirit stones in his hand, barely containing his glee.

“Please take this. In the future, with this token, any rentals at Zhang Family Carriage Rentals will come with a twenty percent discount from me, Zhang!” After a moment’s thought, he handed them a small token.

Zhang Fugui provided meticulous service with a thrilled expression. “Come, step aboard from this side!” Gu Qingyi and Nangong Lin boarded the carriage and departed from Zhang Family Carriage Rentals.

“Safe travels, you two!” Zhang Fugui watched them leave, his wide smile impossible to hide as he waved enthusiastically from the entrance.

After the carriage carrying the pair rolled away,

Zhang Fugui hurried back to his room and slammed the door shut behind him.

“Hahaha… I’ve struck it rich! Five high-grade spirit stones! Even after handing most to the family, my commission is still a full high-grade spirit stone!” Zhang Fugui stared at the stones, his face splitting into an uncontrollable grin.

He picked up one, kissed it repeatedly, and carefully stashed it away—into his personal stash, of course.