Chapter 120: Not Even a Young Lady Is This Shrewd Yet

“How much do you want for it?” Zhang Xiaolan asked succinctly, having already examined the jade thumb ring thoroughly and ready to discuss the price directly.

“Only fifty strings of coins,” the shopkeeper replied.

He was somewhat surprised that his ‘opening spiel’ had come to an end so quickly. He hadn’t even begun to extol the virtues of the jade thumb ring yet, and now they were already haggling over price. Still, he rubbed his hands together and held up five fingers.

“You must really be good at business! I think it’s nothing special—just a simple, ordinary design, and the jade isn’t made from any precious material. Asking fifty strings is hardly sincere.”

The jade thumb ring was cylindrical, flat at the bottom, and slanted at the top—a fairly conventional shape with some carvings. However, the material itself wasn’t particularly exquisite.

Though it was white jade, it contained impurities, and its color wasn’t top grade. Zhang Xiaolan, having worked in archaeology, could easily discern quality.

“Ah, young lady, you speak too lightly. My craftsman has poured a great deal of effort and care into this, and the jade material is quite difficult to source.”

Seeing Zhang Xiaolan dismiss the item’s quality, the shopkeeper immediately tried to persuade her with other words, showing no hint of insecurity.

“If you think I’m easy to fool, then I’m not going to buy it. Xiaolian, let’s look elsewhere!” Zhang Xiaolan said, pretending to turn and leave.

They had only taken a few steps when the shopkeeper, unable to hold out, hurried after them and hastily lowered the price by twenty strings—a significant cut.

“Please wait, young lady. I see you have a discerning eye. Thirty strings, and it’s yours.”

The shopkeeper lamented as if he were cutting off a limb, though he was still making a profit. Every merchant is something of an actor, after all.

He sensed Zhang Xiaolan wasn’t easily taken in, so he had slashed the price quite steeply, but now he realized he had underestimated her bargaining skills. He even feigned regret.

“Ten strings, no more. That’s already quite a lot—I might be getting ripped off here,” Zhang Xiaolan said, feigning indifference as she tossed out a low offer, pretending it was a sacrifice.

In truth, she had little knowledge of ancient currency and was simply haggling at random. Yet Xiaolian, holding her hand, secretly gave her a thumbs-up.

“You flatter me, young lady. Consider yourself lucky to have found someone who appreciates quality. Ten strings it is, but don’t tell anyone when you go home.”

Now the shopkeeper truly felt he was cutting himself deep. He had hoped for a good buyer, only to find one so shrewd.

“Of course. A merchant who knows how to do business well is bound to prosper!” Zhang Xiaolan finally smiled and praised the shopkeeper. Though it might seem like flattering after the fact, both parties were content with the deal, and a few kind words made the exchange more pleasant.

“You’re even sharper than I thought. I’ll wrap it up for you.”

The shopkeeper went behind the counter to box the item. Seeing Zhang Xiaolan’s gracious words, he smiled in acknowledgment—he had truly met his match.

“Miss, what exactly is a jade thumb ring?” Xiaolian asked, curious since she didn’t know what it was for. It looked like a ring of some kind.

“It’s used in archery. I want to buy one for Brother Li,” Zhang Xiaolan explained simply. Without her prior work experience, she wouldn’t have known either.