Chapter 18: I Won't Buy You

Chu Nanli hadn't gone far. After seeing the old woman safely taken away by someone, she came out from her hiding place, feeling more certain about her earlier conjecture.

Indeed, this old lady was either rich or noble. She probably got bored staying in her large, deep residence and thus came out in disguise for fun. If this were the year 2090, she would be a punk old lady.

Gathering her thoughts, Chu Nanli briskly walked towards the largest slave market in the Capital City.

Today, she had already delayed quite a bit of time and needed to quickly finish her business and return to the Prince Residence to prevent that pair of scoundrels there from causing more trouble.

After crossing two streets and taking a detour through an alley, Chu Nanli stopped and looked behind her.

"Come out."

No one was around, only leaves swirling in the breeze on the ground.

Chu Nanli continued, "You've been following me since that street over there, aren't you coming out?"

Only then did someone reluctantly emerge, jumping down from a low wall.

It was the girl who had stopped her from rescuing the man, misleading the people around on purpose.

The girl was chewing on some grass in her mouth, and with a "ptui" spit it out, asking Chu Nanli bluntly, "How did you know I was following you?"

Chu Nanli simply replied with "You're not skilled enough."

"You…" The girl was furious and seemed about to curse, but she held back.

"You are going to the slave market, aren't you?"

Chu Nanli didn't speak, nor was she surprised that the girl could guess it.

Past this alley, another turn would lead them to the destination. The girl had followed her for an entire street, clearly knowing where she was heading—it was very likely the slave market.

"Why aren't you speaking? Are you mute?" The girl couldn't help but curse, staring intently at Chu Nanli, and said, "That man leading the horse earlier offered me fifty coins to spoil your efforts. I didn't expect you actually had the capability, managing to save the man."

She paused there, falling silent.

Chu Nanli responded, "So?"

The girl tried to maintain her composure, saying, "I didn't really want to harm anyone; I just thought he was bound to die. So when that man offered money to shift the blame onto you, I agreed. But he only gave me twenty-five coins, half of what he promised. The rest was supposed to be given after the deed was done. You managed to heal the man, and I didn't get my money. You owe me."

Chu Nanli laughed in exasperation.

"Do you think I would give you anything? And in cahoots with a villain, treating human life as if it were nothing, I'd rather report you to the authorities."

"Don't be so unreasonable! The man didn't die, did he? How am I trampling on his life? It's indeed you who ruined my business, shouldn't you compensate me?"

The girl's words had barely finished when a series of loud "gurgling" sounds filled the air.

Chu Nanli paused for a moment, her gaze moving to the girl's stomach, then resting on her sallow face and hair.

The girl's face turned red: "What are you looking at!"

Ultimately, Chu Nanli was moved by compassion and tossed a silver coin her way.

The girl awkwardly caught it, her eyes widening.

"So much!"

Chu Nanli looked at her, "Do not engage in such inhumane deeds again. Even if you don't do good deeds, at least don't actively harm others."

With that, she turned and left.

"Hey, wait!"

The girl ran up quickly, blocking Chu Nanli's way, and said through gritted teeth, "Aren't you going to buy a slave? How about buying me instead? I'll be cheaper than the ones in there, and I'll sign a contract with you to do whatever you ask!"

Chu Nanli was slightly surprised, but didn't agree.

"I won't buy you."

"Why?!"

The girl found it unbelievable.

"I won't employ someone who nearly caused a patient to die in front of me."

"Do you think I'm too bad?" The girl glared at Chu Nanli. "Then how are the people in the slave market any better than me! There might be murderers among them! Even traitors! Isn't it ridiculous for you to buy them?"

Chu Nanli's expression remained calm: "Whether their character is good or bad or whatever their background, I will discern it myself. But I'm not a good person, and I won't casually employ someone who regards human life as grass and maliciously incites public attacks on strangers."

The girl glared at her, her eyes turning red, like a little wolf baring its teeth.

"I needed the money! And! I told you! I didn't know you could save her; I thought she was going to die anyway, what's the difference if she dies sooner or later!"

Her words were harsh, even carrying malice.

A dark shade crossed Chu Nanli's eyes as she said, "The biggest reason I don't want to buy you is that you have not genuinely felt any remorse."

The girl was stunned.

Chu Nanli had already turned and left.

She stood there, her grip on the silver coin tightening, her lips pursed tightly, her expression dark and grim.