Chapter 181: Chapter 75: Wild Dad (3)
Steward Chen’s attitude had clearly grown much more enthusiastic.
He was looking at the bigger picture. Killing five large wolves in an instant with Hidden Weapons wasn’t just a matter of skill—the man’s own power had to be substantial as well.
Needless to say, his regard for Fang Rui had soared after this incident.
Steward Chen then offered to buy the wolf meat at a high price, saying he could add it to the caravan’s meals if Fang Rui was worried about having too much and it going bad.
"You’re too kind, Steward Chen. It’s just a bit of wolf meat. Please, take it."
Fang Rui gave a nonchalant wave of his hand.
Given his true power and disposition, he wasn’t the type to get excited over a mere caravan steward’s change of heart.
’Still, it’s never a bad idea to build connections. Once I get to Yunshan City, I’ll need to ask around about Fang Baicao. Who knows, I might need their help.’
With one party eager to flatter and the other open to making a connection, the two quickly grew friendly.
Meanwhile.
Seeing Fang Rui and Steward Chen chatting so warmly, Chang Qing felt his own importance diminish. Feeling ignored by the steward, he said with a sour tone, "Hmph, what’s he so proud of? Elder Wang, you’re no worse than him. If it weren’t for the lack of Great Medicine, you probably would have already broken through to Middle Grade!"
"Yes, Great Medicine... sigh!"
Elder Wang sighed and said with a wry smile, "That might have been true in my younger days. But now, at my age, it’s unlikely, even with a Great Medicine."
...
As night deepened, bonfires flared to life around the camp, and the aroma of cooking meat began to drift through the air.
Over at the Fang Family’s camp.
Fang Rui had let Steward Chen take four of the large wolves. The steward had been decent enough to pay a high price for them, leaving Fang Rui with the last one.
Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and Third Lady were cutting the meat, while the two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan, tended the fire.
Fang Rui, for his part, was working with some herbs, preparing a blend of seasonings to mask the slightly gamy taste of the wolf meat.
Meanwhile.
Mrs. Chang seemed to say something to Chang Qing. He stood up and hesitantly shuffled over. After a quick glance at Third Lady, he averted his eyes and said, "Friend, are you all making dinner? Sell me three bowls!"
That’s right, just the bowls. Once he got them, he planned to wash them repeatedly, just in case they weren’t clean.
As for chopsticks, he would, of course, carve his own.
"Fifty maces each!"
"What...? Why are they so expensive?!"
That was ten times the normal price.
"Take it or leave it."
"I’ll... take them!"
After buying the bowls, Chang Qing didn’t leave. He lingered, awkwardly trying to start a conversation. "What are you eating?"
Mrs. Chang had told him to come over to build a connection while buying the bowls. He knew his mother was right, and he knew Fang Rui was a capable person, but he just couldn’t bring himself to swallow his pride.
"A tonic."
In truth, it was a Great Medicine, but Fang Rui had sliced it and smoked it using a special method. Even another Middle Grade Martial Artist wouldn’t necessarily recognize it without tasting a piece.
"Why do you need a tonic?"
"Weak constitution."
Fang Rui took a bite from the slice of medicine, then offered the remaining, saliva-covered half to him. "Well? Want a bite?"
"How vulgar! Ptooey!"
Chang Qing looked as if he’d seen something filthy. He spat in disgust and turned to leave, practically fleeing.
Little did he know that the "medicine slice" he found so disgusting was the very same Great Medicine that Elder Wang yearned for but could never obtain.
Fang Rui rolled his eyes inwardly.
It wasn’t as if he would have actually given Chang Qing a piece of such a valuable Great Medicine. He had simply read the young master’s personality and was deliberately trying to get rid of him.
Fang Rui could, of course, see that this Young Master Chang wanted to befriend him.
’He wants to network, but he’s so arrogant and can’t get off his high horse... Truly... such a childish mindset.’
’Not to mention the incident with the wolves. While I’m not one to hold a grudge or retaliate, that doesn’t mean I feel nothing about it.’
’Why bother with a spoiled brat like him? My dinner is more important.’
Fang Rui shook his head, not wanting to waste any more thought on the man. He focused on mixing his seasonings.
...
CRACKLE!
The bonfire crackled, sending a shower of sparks rising with the smoke high into the air before winking out.
And it was in this very atmosphere—
—that the family of five—Fang Rui, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, Third Lady, Fang Ling, and Nannan—gathered around the bonfire, their faces illuminated by the flickering, yellow light as they ate stewed wolf meat.
The wolf meat had been stewed until it was fall-off-the-bone tender, and Fang Rui’s special blend of seasonings had perfectly masked its gaminess. The texture was firm yet succulent, the aroma was rich, and that first bite... mmm!
After dinner, it was time for bed.
...
「In the middle of the night.」
Fang Rui was startled awake by a faint, subtle sound, like a cat in heat.
He pinpointed the source: the Chang Family’s area. The voices—or rather, the sounds—were familiar. It was Elder Wang and Mrs. Chang.
A strange look crossed Fang Rui’s face. ’That Young Master Chang’s "stepfather" sure is a hard worker. Works hard during the day, and works hard at night, too.’
’Ah, well. What’s it to me?!’
He shook his head, paid it no mind, and went back to sleep.
...
The night was quiet, caressed by a gentle breeze. The rest of the night passed without incident.
...
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