Wufu’s calling of "swindler" nearly made Shopkeeper Lin fall off his chair; that mouth of hers was really too impolite.
Even so, Shopkeeper Lin shamelessly said, "Swindler, swindler, no merchant succeeds without guile, that’s how it is for those of us in business, and the young lady has probably made transactions before, right? You should understand how things are."
Seeing how shrewd she was at such a young age, Shopkeeper Lin didn’t believe for a second that this was her first time carving, so it couldn’t be her first time trading either!
Wufu smiled and said, "It’s true, no merchant succeeds without guile. But I prefer dealing with honest merchants since a deal isn’t just a one-time thing, right?"
She spoke sensibly; after all, those in business naturally hoped for long-term relations.
Shopkeeper Lin thought for a moment and then said, "Fine, I admire that the young lady, at such a tender age, understands the way things work. Let’s round it up to fifty taels. If you have good ware in the future, come to our place." Fearing that Wufu would raise the price again, he added, "The jade ornaments from our Hundred Treasures Silver Building come with a quality guarantee, crafted by renowned masters. For your piece, fifty taels is quite generous."
"One Hundred Taels!" Wufu directly stated, "Shopkeeper Lin, give me some face, and if I have a fine piece in the future, I’ll still bring it to your shop, don’t worry, you won’t lose out!"
One hundred... one hundred taels of silver?
Why don’t you go rob someone?
With just these few pieces, you want one hundred taels of silver? Even a bank wouldn’t be so brazen in asking for such a price.
"It seems this deal can’t be made!" Shopkeeper Lin shook his head and sighed.
Wufu frowned suddenly.
What, did she ask for too high a price? She had already quoted lower than usual, and usually, people sought her out for her reputation and skills.
Shopkeeper Lin, observing Wufu’s expression, relaxed his facial features, appearing even more indifferent and unconcerned.
Indeed, he was unconcerned because the Hundred Treasures Silver Building had its own craftsmen. They preferred acquiring good raw stones to finished jade ware, as this allowed them to have complete control over the carving process.
However, Wufu’s little items were indeed exquisite. Selling them at a high price, one hundred taels was not out of the question.
"Shopkeeper Lin, one hundred taels—if your store acquires good stones in the future but can’t find a skilled craftsperson to carve and design, I would consider helping you," Wufu said, softening her tone.
Shopkeeper Lin felt a stir in his heart and said, "Then let it be sixty taels, and the young lady can come to work as a craftsperson in our shop."
He wasn’t blind to quality; if this Jade Ornament was truly crafted by the person before him, then she was a genius. Having such talent in the Hundred Treasures Silver Building was a good thing.
Wufu felt speechless and packed up her silk cloth: "If that’s the case, I’ll go and ask at other jewelry shops."
Eh, not talking anymore?
Shopkeeper Lin watched her pack up the silk cloth, astonished, wanting to say something when a clerk hurried in, whispering a few words in his ear.
He looked surprised, quickly stood up, and said to Wufu, "Young lady, please wait; I’ll be right back!" With that, he followed the clerk out.
Wufu stopped what she was doing, somewhat baffled. She only overheard Shopkeeper Lin quietly asking a couple of questions, catching the word "young master."
She didn’t think much of it and just looked at the Jade Ornament, wondering where to sell it next—should she go to the county or the city?
It was almost noon; even if she left now, she wouldn’t make it, would she?
While Wufu was lost in thought, Shopkeeper Lin returned, smiling ear to ear, and said to Wufu, "There was a distinguished guest just now that kept me. What has the young lady decided?"
"One hundred taels, not a tael less," Wufu insisted. "Shopkeeper, you know I still have to share a portion with Old Man Shen, and he’s getting on in years; he needs some money for his retirement."
Shopkeeper Lin pretended to deliberate and then declared, "Done, for the young lady’s sense of loyalty, let it be one hundred taels. Even if it means a loss, this old man will accept it. But I have one request; would the young lady be willing to work as a craftsperson at our Hundred Treasures Silver Building?"