After a long, rare silence from Zhongli, Su Bai waited patiently.
What he sought was not merely an answer regarding this single matter, but a response covering all commercial aspects—to what extent the Geo Archon, Morax, the supreme ruler of Liyue, would tolerate.
Time passed minute by minute, second by second. The setting sun cast the shadow of the window frame slowly eastward, as if paving the way for the morning sun of the morrow.
"Liyue is a nation of contracts, of fair trade. Since you, young friend, are willing to provide Liyue with a large quantity of supplies, I imagine Morax would not be stingy in this regard."
Finally, after the tea had gone cold, Zhongli spoke.
"In ancient times, the land of Tianheng was rich in minerals. The price of ironware plummeted due to advancements in technique. Later, when the mines of Chasm were opened, prices rose again all the way, due to the cost of transportation and labor."
"The price in the market is determined both by what manpower can achieve and what it cannot."
As he spoke, Zhongli raised his hand and materialized an object. A mora coin manifested in his palm, radiating divine power, shimmering with a hazy glow. From emptiness to substance, it condensed into characters:
One Hundred Thousand Mora.
'As expected, whoever controls the mint holds the real power.' Su bai thought
"From a universal rational perspective, you may proceed as you see fit, young friend. Food, clothing, and other necessities are also provided by living beings. As long as it does not violate the contract, Morax will not interfere."
With these words, Zhongli dissolved Su Bai's questions along with that one hundred thousand mora coin, dissipating them into the air. Thus, the matter was settled.
In addition to his daily business, Su Bai also needed to supply materials to Liyue according to the second contract, including but not limited to minerals, timber, food, etc.
Sold at preferential prices, purchased by the official authorities.
As for how preferential? From a universal rational standpoint, it surely had to be slightly lower than the usual market price, right? Reasonable and justified!
"In that case, I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Zhongli."
Su Bai stood up, cupping his hands in a salute of thanks to Zhongli. He took two green gems from his backpack, placed them on the table, and pushed them toward Zhongli.
"You are too polite, young friend. Those golden apples are already of equivalent value. These gems are extraordinary; it would be better for you, young friend, to sell them to Tianquan," Zhongli declined courteously.
However, to Su Bai's ears, these words carried a different flavor.
After all, the person before him was the incarnation of the Geo Archon, the God of War, a six-thousand-year-old veteran deity. With all these titles combined, Su Bai had to take it seriously. Thus, he interpreted the words inversely:
He's not interested in gems; merchants love those. But this is still an equivalent exchange, just using up the value from last time's golden apples.
The subtext: In the future, don't come asking again. Really, how inept.
"My apologies, that was presumptuous of me. I shouldn't be so vulgar. Our friendship is as mild as water; some habits of mine have offended you, Mr. Zhongli. Please forgive me." Su Bai generously admitted his fault but did not retrieve the green gems. Instead, he pushed them to Zhongli's side.
Seeing this, a flicker of light passed through Zhongli's eyes, but he did not speak.
"Speaking of apples, you overpraise them, Sir. They're just from the tree in my home. I brought some more for you today. I was so focused on seeking advice earlier." Su Bai smiled apologetically, opening his backpack on the table and placing down nine golden apples.
"Young friend, where did you learn such rhetoric at such a tender age?" Zhongli's expression was unreadable, and it was unclear whether his words conveyed concern or disappointment.
"Ways to survive in a foreign land," Su Bai replied cheerfully, as if oblivious to Zhongli's expression. He stood up and stepped back.
"If there are any young ones in your family suffering from illness, you might have them try it. It's said this item has a chance to cure all negative statuses. My business here is done; I take my leave."
Zhongli shook his head helplessly. However, he knew that after today, Su Bai would show his true mettle. This amiable demeanor might never be seen again.
"Boo! Hehe, were you scared?" Suddenly, a mischievous, teasing voice exploded by his ear, as a lively, quirky figure popped out from behind.
"Director, such boisterousness is undignified." Without even looking, he knew who it was. This time, Zhongli sighed in genuine helplessness. There was no helping it; when it came to Hu Tao, he was truly at a loss.
"Oh? Did someone send you gifts? Who's the unlucky one?" Hu Tao's eyes lit up; she hadn't listened to Zhongli at all, her attention entirely captured by the two green gems and the pile of golden apples on the table.
"Ah, Director, if you like them, take them. However, I need to keep three of these apples; they serve a purpose." Zhongli divided the apples into two portions, pushing three toward Hu Tao. He also selectively ignored Hu Tao's blunt words.
"Can you even eat this thing?" Hu Tao leaned down, blinking her crimson plum blossom eyes, and poked a golden apple with her fair finger.
"You can, though it's not typically used that way. This object has restorative and healing properties. Using it as mere food... would be a waste." By the time Zhongli finished speaking, it was already pointless—Hu Tao had taken a big bite.
Now he rather felt like going out for tea. Though noisy, at least it wasn't mentally exhausting.
"Mmm, doesn't taste any different. Zhongli, did you get scamm—" Hu Tao chewed loudly, about to ask if Zhongli had been duped, when a wave of warmth spread from her abdomen, making her whole body feel comfortably warm.
This wasn't something an ordinary apple should do; it felt more like the restorative power of Hydro, healing her entire body.
But the degree of restoration from the golden apple seemed significantly stronger. Even the scars from injuries she'd sustained over years of activity at Wuwang Hill now tingled with a healing sensation.
Hu Tao hastily pulled up her sleeve to look. A small cut from a branch she'd gotten on her way back earlier had now completely vanished without a trace.
Moreover, her mental state felt clear and refreshed—a sensation hard to describe, but those who know, know.
Zhongli could understand this. Otherwise, even he wouldn't hold these golden apples in such high regard.
"Amazing, simply amazing."
Hu Tao quieted down now, her face no longer wearing its usual playful, mischievous grin.
As the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she could immediately grasp the immense value such an item could bring with its effects.
If someone like her, with her constitution, could experience such miraculous effects...
Then what about those who were weary, suffering, near death, or gravely injured?
"Director, since he insisted on leaving these two gems, take them to Mingxing Jewelry. Consider it some income."
"Hehe, not bad, Zhongli! You actually know how to make money now. Well, I won't disturb you any further. I'm off!" Hu Tao grinned, pocketing the two green gems, and skipped out of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
It wasn't long before the distant sound of a sprightly, dark little nursery rhyme could be heard...
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100 powerstones = 1 chapter
200 powerstones = 3 chapters
300 powerstones = 5 chapters