Ah Dai was taken aback and blurted out, "Does the test cost money? Uncle never mentioned that. How much is it?"
The Old Magician extended five fingers, shaking them slightly, saying, "Not much, just five gold coins."
Five gold coins, Ah Dai started counting on his fingers, a gold coin was worth ten silver coins that was worth a hundred copper coins, one copper coin could buy two steamed buns, so five gold coins could buy a thousand steamed buns. A thousand steamed buns? That was enough for him to eat for several months. He stuttered, "Sir, can you, can you reduce the price a bit?"
The Old Magician snorted disdainfully saying, "Reduce? How? It's a set rate. If you don't have the money, just leave now. Come back when you have enough."