Selling Ginseng

Chapter 49

Gazing intently, Alex was eventually convinced that his suspicions were accurate.

With this realization, Alex made an effort to maintain a composed expression, ensuring that his thoughts weren't apparent to others.

"Sir, are you willing to sell me all of these birds?" he asked.

"Birds? I shall part with only one!" the old man replied.

"Cough, my good sir, I implore you to consider and sell me the entire lot. I have a purpose for these crows," Alex negotiated.

"I'm afraid not unless you add an extra 300 dollars."

"Sir, I understand that crows can be a nuisance for farmers, often unwanted. Therefore, I propose an offer of 30 dollars, and I'll take everything off your hands."

"No, no, you are quite the black heart young man, each time you bid, you strip a zero from the end."

"Well, very well then, if you're unwilling."

With this exchange, Alex ostensibly made up his mind to purchase solely the donkey.

Observing this, the old man hesitated momentarily and engaged in further negotiation with Alex until an agreement was reached. Alex managed to acquire all the birds by paying an additional 100 dollars.

With this deal, Alex secured a sickly donkey and six birds for a total of 1600 dollars.

Seeking a secluded corner, Alex proceeded to place the newly acquired animals into his ring, enhancing his ease of movement.

Subsequently, Alex resumed his exploration of the market, open to the possibility of finding anything else of interest to purchase.

While strolling, Alex faintly overheard a conversation from someone around his age who seemed to be in search of ginseng.

Initially, Alex had no intention of eavesdropping or involving himself in the matter, but circumstances led him to approach a bit closer.

Right in that area, a substantial gray buffalo caught Alex's attention due to its robust appearance. It was evident that the buffalo was a prime specimen at first glance.

"Excuse me, is this buffalo available for purchase?" Alex inquired.

"Indeed, it's for sale. Why wouldn't it be?" replied the seller.

"In that case, how much are you asking for this buffalo?"

"1200 dollars."

Upon hearing the price, Alex nodded in approval. From his assessment, the price seemed quite reasonable.

"Alright, I'd like to purchase this buffalo."

The seller appeared content, noting Alex's lack of negotiation regarding the price. After the transaction was completed, Alex took the opportunity to ask the seller a question.

"Sir, if I possess medicinal materials and wish to sell them, where should I go?"

"Ah, so the young sir is involved in cultivating medicinal herbs?"

"No, I just ventured into the forest and came across a bountiful harvest," Alex replied, not inclined to elaborate any further.

Observing Alex's reluctance to explain, the buffalo seller offered some guidance.

"If you're looking to sell herbal materials, you should head to the Thousand Medicines Pavilion. They provide appraisals and offer fair prices."

Upon hearing this, Alex's brows furrowed. "Sir, are there any other shops aside from the Thousand Medicines Pavilion?"

Observing Alex's displeased expression, the previous buffalo seller became curious, fueling his inclination for gossip.

"Is there some issue with the Thousand Medicines Pavilion? Is that why you're avoiding it?"

The person standing nearby also directed an inquisitive gaze toward Alex, clearly eager to listen in as well.

"Ah, sir, I went there, but they claimed my items were fake. I collected them directly from the mountain forest, so they can't be fake," Alex explained with frustration.

The buffalo seller nodded in understanding.

Meanwhile, a curious individual who had been eavesdropping couldn't resist the urge to inquire. "Excuse me, young man, what kind of medicinal ingredients do you have? Would you allow this older brother to take a look?"

Alex, upon hearing this, regarded the individual silently. Sensing the awkwardness, the person quickly clarified, "I apologize for my impolite eavesdropping. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Li Chen, the manager of a medicinal ingredients shop. If you're willing, young brother, I would be glad to offer my consultation. I won't hold any complaints against you."

Alex hesitated for a moment, appearing to be in contemplation.

"Brother, rest assured, Mr. Li is highly reputable. If you're unsatisfied with his evaluation, you're free to leave without any obligations," the buffalo seller urged, attempting to reassure Alex.

Upon hearing this, Alex nodded, though his expression still held a hint of doubt. Despite his skepticism, excitement coursed through his heart. This was the very opportunity he had been seeking.

As for concerns about potential deception? Well, such tricks might work on those of equal or lesser standing, but Alex brimmed with confidence in his abilities.

With resolve, Alex unveiled an item veiled in gauze. The onlookers' gazes shifted towards Alex, brimming with curiosity. Carefully, Alex untied the fabric, unveiling a small object covered in soil stains and dangling roots that resembled a dragon's mustache.

The onlookers were taken aback upon witnessing this.

Li Chen, who had been harboring curiosity, instinctively reached for the object in Alex's hand to examine it closely. Squinting his eyes, he carefully scrutinized every inch and proceeded to deeply inhale the scent of the ginseng.

Alex, observing this, was slightly alarmed. He worried that if Li Chen continued to inhale the medicinal essence of the ginseng plant, it might end up entirely absorbed into the depths of his lungs.

However, Alex's concern proved unnecessary. Li Chen finished his examination, seemingly content with the specimen in his grasp.

"Yes, indeed. These are wild medicinal plants freshly harvested from the mountains. This medicinal material is likely around 30 years old, and its medicinal value is quite substantial!"

Alex, upon hearing this, nodded. Despite being taken aback by the other party's earlier behavior, he was relieved that, at the very least, the other party didn't seem to be attempting to deceive him.

"Well, if that's the case, then was the Thousand Medicine Pavilion being dishonest?" Alex posed rhetorically.

In response to this, Li Chen's actions suddenly became rigid. Initially, he had been uncertain about what this man, dressed in humble attire, and seemingly possessing an air of a rural tough, was implying. However, upon hearing the reference to someone at the pavilion, suspicion started to creep in.

Li Chen was well-acquainted with the individual running the Thousand Medicine Pavilion, as he was the manager. He had recently been tasked by higher-ups to acquire 20-year-old wild ginseng. Initially, he had assumed this would be a straightforward assignment, but over several months, he had been unable to locate one. It was as if this typically not-too-rare plant had suddenly become exceedingly rare.

He initially believed that events had unfolded as such, but the explanation provided by the young man suggested a more complex situation.

"Then, young man, are you interested in selling this ginseng?" Li Chen inquired, displaying his urgency to acquire the ginseng in Alex's possession. He didn't seem to be overly concerned about the pavilion's reputation; his focus was on obtaining the ginseng.

Alex responded, "I am willing to sell, but the price would depend on Mr. Li's offer."

Li Chen, after hearing this, began to deliberate. Determining the value of medicinal materials was inherently challenging, yet there were generally accepted minimum and maximum standards.

"Young man, 30-year-old wild ginseng typically fetches between 200 to 400 dollars per pound. In your case, your ginseng weighs exactly 2 pounds. However, considering the rapport between us and my interest in this particular ginseng, I am prepared to offer you 900 dollars for it."

Upon hearing this, Alex nodded in agreement, aligning with his understanding of the market price. The monetary aspect wasn't his primary concern; he was more interested in gaining experience, which prompted his deliberate exploration of the pricing.

"Very well, Mr. Li Chen, I accept the offer."

"Could we also exchange contact information, so we can engage in future transactions?" Li Chen proposed, seeking to establish a more direct means of communication for potential future deals.

"Sure, here you go," Alex replied, exchanging contact details with Li Chen.

With the transaction concluded smoothly, Alex departed with the newly acquired buffalo, and his spirits lifted.

As he headed back, Li Chen's demeanor underwent an abrupt shift from friendly to indifferent.

"It appears these individuals are hastily plotting against me!"

Driven by this realization, Li Chen promptly made his way to the Thousand Medicines Pavilion, a fierce expression etched onto his face.

…

Upon returning home, Alex made sure to discreetly transfer all the animals and items he had purchased to the back of the pickup truck, hidden from view. With that done, he could leisurely head back to his village.

Upon his arrival, Alex was greeted by the playful presence of Lilith and Rose. They both regarded him with keen curiosity.

"Big brother, what's your plan with all these animals?"

"Yes, are we going to consume the meat from these animals? It's such a large quantity, Lilith surely won't be able to finish it all!"

"Woof! Woof!"

"Don't worry, if the little mistress can't manage it, I'm more than happy to help out. This plump meat must be quite delectable!" chimed in Jamu, enthusiastically sharing his perspective.

"Who's going to eat them? They're all here for you guys to raise and play with."

"Isn't that a bit extravagant?" Lilith innocently asked.

"It's alright, help Daddy bring down the little ones."

"Alright, Daddy (Big Brother)!"

With that, one man and two girls got busy, while a dog rejoiced as if it had just found the most fragrant food.

As Lily, who had just arrived home, witnessed the hustle, she couldn't help but ask, "Russel, what do you plan to do with all these animals?"

"I'll keep them as pets and take care of them," Alex casually replied.

Hearing this, Lily initially felt a surge of anger, thinking her husband was being extravagant again. After a moment, she suppressed her irritation.

"Hmp, as long as he has the money, he can spend it however he likes," Lily muttered to herself.

Deciding not to dwell on it, she headed inside the house to freshen up.

"Dad, what kind of bird is this? Why is everything black?" Lilith pointed at something, looking both puzzled and curious.

"Yeah, did it eat black paint?" Rose was also baffled.

Alex, hearing this, immediately understood what the children were referring to without even needing to see where they were pointing.

"Oh, are you both curious?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

...

thanks to: John_Carlo_Jalasco, yasir321, DaoistRqGZq8, and realkiller11111 for power stone.