Chapter 34: A New Buyer
After some consideration, Lu Fei chose a string of "Five Emperors Coins."
According to folklore, copper coins that have passed through countless hands accumulate the collective "yang" energy of many households, thus having the power to ward off evil, prevent misfortune, and attract wealth.
The Five Emperors Coins at the Evil Pawnshop, however, came from periods ruled by emperors who accomplished great deeds. Coins minted during these emperors' reigns carry the essence of nature, the spirit of China, the authority of royalty, and the prosperity of many families.
Its potency was doubled.
According to his family's evil object ledger, this string of coins was pawned by a tomb robber. Having looted countless tombs and incurring the wrath of the departed, he found himself haunted nightly. Desperate, he sought out the Evil Pawnshop, begging Lu Fei's grandfather to relieve him of the coins' curse.
Grandfather had accepted the coins and removed the evil, but he warned the man to retire from tomb-robbing for good, or he would not escape a gruesome fate.
The man agreed and pawned the Five Emperors Coins for a period of three months.
But three months later, he never returned to redeem them.
"Human nature is the hardest thing to fathom," Grandfather had said.
Since the pawn term expired without redemption, the coins now fully belonged to the Evil Pawnshop, which could do with them as it pleased.
Lu Fei threaded the Five Emperors Coins onto a red string, attempting to craft a bracelet.
Unfortunately, his handiwork skills were lacking—the bracelet ended up crooked and clumsy, like something made by a preschooler.
"Never mind. It's the utility that matters, not the look." Lu Fei tried several times before giving up.
He sent a message to Xie Yao, letting her know the protective charm was ready.
Xie Yao was thrilled and promised to come by right away.
After putting down his phone, Lu Fei stretched, feeling a surge of satisfaction as he glanced around the shop.
With three evil objects secured, he had met his grandfather's KPI, finally allowing him to run the Evil Pawnshop at his own pace.
As long as the family remained, his grandfather would return one day.
"Wonder when I'll finally hear from him…." Lu Fei drifted off for a moment before shaking himself out of it. "I'll build the shop up to greatness and give him a surprise when he returns."
The past few days of dealing with the Su family had left the shop dusty; it was time for a thorough cleaning.
Reluctantly, Lu Fei picked up a cloth.
"Maybe I should just hire someone for this…."
As he cleaned, Liu Fugui walked in, grinning from ear to ear.
"Little Lu! You're up? I wanted to check if everything was okay last night. I missed your call and got worried!"
"All handled." Su Liguo had wanted the incident kept quiet, so even Liu Fugui wouldn't hear the details.
"Good, good! I have fantastic news—the 'Turning Fortune Money' has three buyers interested! And all of them are offering a good price. Who should I sell it to?" Liu Fugui beamed, brimming with joy.
"Did you explain the restrictions clearly? That once they start making a profit, they have to stop using it?"
"Of course! This is important—I made sure to mention it. And they're all fine with it."
"Then go with the one with the best character."
"Got it! I'll call him over now."
Liu Fugui immediately called the buyer and went out to greet him.
Half an hour later, Liu Fugui returned with a scholarly-looking man in his forties, sporting black-rimmed glasses and an air of fatigue.
"Little Lu, this is Mr. Luo Haibo, General Manager Luo."
"Mr. Luo, this is Lu Fei, the master of the Evil Pawnshop. He may be young, but he's truly talented. You know the Su family, right? Just yesterday, Su Liguo himself requested his services."
"That's impressive!" Luo, well aware of the Su family's influence in Jiangcheng, now viewed Lu Fei with a newfound respect.
"Lu Fei, it's an honor to meet you. So, you really have a treasure that can turn my losses around?"
"Indeed." Lu Fei invited him to sit, producing the Ghost Coin with a slight smile. "May I ask, what business are you in, Mr. Luo?"
"I run a textile factory, providing manufacturing for several clothing brands. One of the brands owes us a lot in unpaid invoices, and with the cash flow disrupted, I'm on the brink of collapse." Luo sounded despondent. "I don't mind the losses myself, but I can't pay my employees—they have families to feed."
Lu Fei raised his eyebrows. "It sounds like you're a good employer."
"I worked my way up from the factory floor myself, so I know the hardships." Luo adjusted his glasses with a modest smile.
"That's no exaggeration," Liu Fugui chimed in, nodding. "Mr. Luo's got a heart of gold—he's even been in the news for his charity work."
"How much are you offering for the coin?" Lu Fei asked calmly.
"Eight hundred thousand. It's everything I have left."
"If you have eight hundred thousand, wouldn't it be better to use it to pay your workers?"
"I have over a hundred employees, plus rent, utilities… Eight hundred thousand doesn't even cover a month. Even if I manage to pay this month, I'll be in the same position next month." Luo sighed. "If I find a way to save the factory, I can keep paying wages on time every month."
His words were sincere and showed foresight.
"Mr. Luo, you're a rare kind of employer!" Liu Fugui raised his thumb in admiration. "Lu Fei, selling him the coin would be a good deed. Saving his factory would save all those jobs."
"Alright. Eight hundred thousand it is. It'll start working within a month, but let me remind you again—no shady business. The coin will work as it should, but once your factory becomes profitable, you'll need to destroy it immediately."
"I understand!" Luo nodded vigorously, barely containing his excitement.
After signing the contract and making the payment, Lu Fei handed over the Ghost Coin.
"Best of luck, Mr. Luo."
"Thank you, Lu Fei. And you too, Mr. Liu!"
Luo left the shop, holding the coin with an expression of hope.
Watching Luo's retreating figure, Lu Fei turned to Liu Fugui and asked, "Uncle Fugui, do you believe he was telling the truth?"