Chapitre 70: Full of Energy
"Fang Yi, wear it on your wrist. This piece has such a substantial patina; as long as it isn't submerged in water, it should remain intact…" Sun Lianda examined the string of Vajra beads for a considerable time before returning them to Fang Yi. However, through this bracelet, Sun Lianda gained a renewed understanding of Fang Yi.
To play with beads requires not only meticulousness but, most importantly, patience. The fact that Fang Yi could handle these beads so beautifully and empower them into a sacred artifact speaks to a state of mind that is as tranquil as still water—something that most individuals simply cannot achieve.
Yet, Sun Lianda was unaware that Fang Yi indeed possessed such a state of mind. He had worn several strings of beads in the past, but this particular string was not one he had cultivated over many years; rather, it was a hastily crafted product of his supernatural abilities.
"Teacher, I… I would like to inquire about the value of this string of beads?" After a moment of hesitation, Fang Yi finally posed the question.
"Sell it?" Sun Lianda was taken aback, responding, "Fang Yi, do you find yourself in need of money? Why would you wish to part with this string of beads?"
Sun Lianda was not a dealer in antiques; he harbored a disdain for the mercenary nature of merchants who would sell anything. In his view, something that had been personally cherished and handled for over a decade was not something one could easily relinquish—it was akin to a part of one's own being.
"Teacher, it's not about needing money…" Fang Yi shook his head, explaining, "I am currently in this line of business. I would never sell the items my master left for me, but as for this string of beads, I doubt I will have many opportunities to play with it in the future, so it might be better to sell it…"
As Sun Lianda had mentioned, had this string been something Fang Yi had painstakingly nurtured over a long period, he would surely be reluctant to part with it. However, having merely rolled it between his fingers for a night, how deep could his attachment truly be?
"But… but this is a sacred artifact…" Sun Lianda found himself at a loss for words. In his mind, Fang Yi had always exuded an air of indifference towards material wealth; it was perplexing to see him suddenly become so mundane.
"Teacher, initially, I had no intention of selling it, but the chubby one promised someone he would find a good item. Aside from what you've given me, this string of Vajra Bodhi beads is the only worthwhile piece I have…"
Fang Yi understood his teacher's sentiments. After all, as a consecrated artifact, it possessed the power to attract good fortune and ward off misfortune. Wearing such an item, while it may not guarantee complete protection from all evils, still offered a degree of merit that safeguarded against malevolent forces.
"Is that so?" Upon hearing Fang Yi's explanation, Sun Lianda pondered for a moment before responding, "Since you have made your decision, I won't dissuade you. However, I am not well-versed in pricing; you should consult Hongtao at noon. His appraisal will be fair…"
Sun Lianda also held a fondness for this string of Vajra beads, but he understood that if he expressed even the slightest interest, Fang Yi would undoubtedly offer it to him without hesitation. Thus, despite his affection, Sun Lianda refrained from revealing his desire.
"Alright, it's almost nine o'clock; you should hurry to the market…" Glancing at the clock, Sun Lianda issued a gentle dismissal, fearing that if Fang Yi lingered, he might inadvertently express a desire to purchase the beads.
When Fang Yi arrived at the antique market, he found that the chubby one and San Pao had already set up their stall. At this hour, the market was still relatively empty, with visitors fewer than the vendors, and a group of fellow traders was gathered around the chubby one and San Pao, engaged in lively conversation.
"Alright, disperse, my friends; we'll continue our chat later…" Upon spotting Fang Yi, the chubby one hurried over, throwing an arm around Fang Yi's shoulder. "Hey, Yi Ge, how did it go with that matter we discussed yesterday? Show me what you've found…"
"Fatty, you're so fickle; just this once…" Fang Yi shot the chubby one a glare before removing the string of Vajra beads from his wrist and handing it over.
"Wow! What a fine piece! Why haven't I seen you wear it before?"
After spending several days in the antique market, the chubby one had not only sharpened his tongue but also developed a keener eye. While he couldn't make definitive judgments like Old Sun, he could at least discern some quality.
"I have plenty of items you've never seen," Fang Yi scoffed at the chubby one's comment, though he felt a twinge of insecurity. He was too familiar with the chubby one and San Pao.
"Forget that; Fang Yi, how much is this worth?" The chubby one was not concerned about whether he had seen the item before; his focus quickly shifted to the monetary value.
"I'm not sure…" Fang Yi shook his head, saying, "I asked my teacher, and he mentioned that the price is difficult to estimate. I'll check with Brother Zhao at noon and see…"
"Alright, then I'll call Officer Bai and set up a meeting…" The chubby one nodded excitedly. Yesterday, due to their intention to purchase items, the girl named Bai Chuxia had given them her number, and the chubby one had been eager to find an excuse to call her.
"Once I find out the price, I'll give you the item, and you can sell it. Just hand the money over to San Pao…" Fang Yi said nonchalantly. Knowing that he could empower such ancient artifacts through his practices and that, so far, there had been no adverse effects, he felt that he could acquire as many as he wanted in the future, thus not overly concerned about this one.
"Don't be like that; it's your property, so you should handle the negotiations. The money from the sale should rightfully belong to you…" When it came to matters of principle, the chubby one was never one to joke. Originally, he and San Pao had brought Fang Yi down the mountain to explore the world, but now it seemed they were the ones benefiting from Fang Yi's success. He felt it would be inappropriate to take money from Fang Yi's personal items.
"Must we be so formal?" Fang Yi shot a glance at the chubby one. When had this money-obsessed fellow ever turned down a chance to profit?
"It's not about formality, Yi Ge. We owe our current situation to you and San Pao…" The chubby one lowered his head, speaking softly.
"What are you saying? Aren't we brothers?" Fang Yi was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected the usually boisterous chubby one to express such sentiments.
"Fatty, if I were in mortal danger, would you come to my aid?" Fang Yi suddenly shifted the topic, leaving the chubby one momentarily speechless.
"That's a given! If it costs me my life, I wouldn't hesitate…" The chubby one replied without a moment's hesitation, resolutely stating, "Fang Yi, both San Pao and I owe you our lives. You can take what you need anytime…"
San Pao had been bitten by a poisonous snake as a child, and Fang Yi had treated him. Recently, during a car accident, it was Fang Yi who had pushed the chubby one out of harm's way. Though they hadn't spoken of it, both understood the debt clearly.
"Then that settles it. We're brothers who would risk our lives for one another, so why bother with money? Let's pool our resources; whoever needs it can take it…" Fang Yi gave the chubby one a hearty pat on the shoulder, establishing a clear understanding regarding finances.
"By the way, my teacher gave me two thousand yuan for living expenses, and I won't be sharing that with you two, so don't even think about it…" Fang Yi thought for a moment and mentioned the two thousand yuan. Aside from not yet confirming the extent of his supernatural abilities, he had nothing else to hide from the chubby one and San Pao.
"It would be awkward to accept that from you…" The chubby one felt a rare flush of embarrassment at Fang Yi's words.
"Alright, people are starting to arrive; hurry up and sell your items…" Fang Yi nudged the chubby one. He was so used to the chubby one's carefree demeanor that he found it odd to see him suddenly become serious.
"Don't worry; our business will undoubtedly be the best in the market!"
Yesterday, the chubby one had indeed sold ten strings, which was quite an achievement during a slow weekday. After deducting the capital owed to Man Jun, the trio had made a net profit of one thousand yuan.
With business flourishing, the chubby one was brimming with energy. Each day brought in real money, and his earnings far exceeded those of office workers, making him feel as if he were wound up like a clock, almost ready to draw in customers from other stalls.
"By the way, Fang Yi, we need to establish our supply channels early…" The chubby one said, "San Pao calculated that the goods borrowed from Man Ge can only last us for two months at most. Some popular items may run out quickly, so we need to prepare in advance…"
The chubby one was a natural at sales, while San Pao managed the accounts. This assessment was based on their observations of the past few days' business.
"I'll discuss it with Man Ge later to see whether we should source our goods from Jinling or go to Beijing…" Fang Yi nodded. It had been previously agreed that the chubby one would handle sales, San Pao would manage accounts, and Fang Yi would oversee the procurement channels.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone