Chapter 98: Two Old Foxes
After an entire night, Yang Haoran found nothing, not even a single Wánglíng. This left him feeling quite helpless.
It had to be said, the Night Watchers of Lecheng were truly diligent. To not even sense a single Wánglíng all night long showed just how clean the city proper was.
The cleanliness of Lecheng's urban area was almost entirely due to Xu Meijing's efforts. Xu Meijing had practically taken charge of the entire city. With her around, it was indeed difficult for Yang Haoran to find a Wánglíng within or around the city.
It wasn't that Yang Haoran didn't want to go further afield to search for and guide Wánglíng; it was simply that he didn't have a car. He truly wanted to, but lacked the means.
"It seems I must acquire a car first."
After paying his respects to the Death God, Yang Haoran lay back in his chair, feeling it was time to buy a car.
Car first or house first? This was a choice. Yang Haoran's previous choice had been to buy a house first, so he could bring his parents into the city and let them enjoy a peaceful life, no longer toiling in the fields.
Now, his thoughts had shifted slightly. Since getting around was inconvenient, and if he wanted to guide more Wánglíng, he absolutely needed a car. This would expand his search radius several times over, making his efficiency far superior to walking.
However, his current New Beginning Coins were limited. Even with the Wu family's 300,000 New Beginning Coins reward, plus his years of savings, buying a car would be fine, but buying a house too would be insufficient.
Lying on his chair, Yang Haoran was deep in thought, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the tabletop. One solution after another flashed through his mind.
Mortgage.
Buy a second-hand house.
Buy a second-hand car.
Buy a motorcycle.
Buy an electric bike.
Buy a haunted house.
All these methods were feasible, but he didn't consider them ideal; they were last resorts. If he genuinely couldn't think of a better solution, he would have no choice but to pick the most suitable one from these.
He didn't make a decision immediately but continued to rack his brains for a better approach. Suddenly, his tapping finger paused, his eyes brightened, and a smile spread across his face.
But this smile was somewhat ill-intentioned, a little sly.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number—it was Old Master Wu's number.
It was still early, just after dawn, and many people were still sound asleep at this hour.
The call connected after only a few rings, and Old Master Wu's voice came through, showing no hint of displeasure, but rather sounding quite happy.
"Haoran, calling me so early, do you want to join this old man for some tai chi?"
After their reunion last night, Old Master Wu's address for Yang Haoran had changed. From "Little Brother Yang," it had become "Haoran."
A single form of address could show that their relationship had deepened, which was what Old Master Wu desired, and also what Yang Haoran desired. So, Yang Haoran didn't object to Old Master Wu's change in address; instead, he feigned being flattered.
"It seems there's a reason, Old Master, why your body is so robust. But I won't come over; I still have to open for business. I can only do some light exercise in my own shop," Yang Haoran said with a chuckle, deflecting the suggestion.
"You really are something. With all your abilities, why insist on staying at that dilapidated convenience store? Just say the word, and arranging a high-income, respectable job for you would be no problem at all."
Old Master Wu's voice held a hint of displeasure. It seemed that Yang Haoran spending his days guarding a broken sundry shop was, in his eyes, a complete waste, and he found Yang Haoran's actions utterly incomprehensible.
"Heh heh, I appreciate your good intentions, Old Master. I have my own reasons. Though this sundry shop is a bit broken and dilapidated, it holds a special meaning for me. " Yang Haoran replied with a smile, but he didn't elaborate on what that special meaning was.
Old Master Wu was a shrewd man; he knew what to ask and what not to ask. So, he didn't press the matter of what meaning a broken sundry shop could hold for Yang Haoran. Instead, he retracted his dismissive attitude towards the shop.
"This old man retracts his previous words. Since your convenience store holds special meaning for you, then your actions are now perfectly understandable to me. A person's life is actually quite short. Being able to do as many meaningful things as possible in this brief time is a good thing, even if others don't understand them, as long as you consider them meaningful."
As soon as Old Master Wu heard that the sundry shop held special meaning for Yang Haoran, his attitude not only changed, but he even started "feeding him chicken soup."
Whether Yang Haoran agreed or disagreed with Old Master Wu's words was secondary; what mattered was that, given his personality, he would certainly humor Old Master Wu's words.
"Old Master, your words truly resonate with me. Whether others understand something or not isn't the key; the key is that one must understand oneself, and know exactly what one is doing and if it holds meaning. " Yang Haoran said with a smile.
One poured "chicken soup" with earnestness, while the other responded with sincere smiles and occasionally shared his own insights. The two "foxes," one old and one young, continued this "tai chi" session for an hour. The little fox didn't state his purpose, and the old fox didn't inquire, making their game of tai chi quite magnificent.
After an hour of conversation, Yang Haoran's lips were dry and his throat parched, but he didn't give up. He continued to chat enthusiastically with Old Master Wu, his tone and the accommodating laughs never faltering or feeling awkward.
Old Master Wu seemed to genuinely treat Yang Haoran as a junior, endlessly serving "chicken soup," bowl after bowl, as if his pot held an inexhaustible supply.
"What's wrong with this old man today? He's usually so cooperative. Why is he putting up a fight with me now? With his shrewdness, how could he not know I need his help? He's always been eager for me to ask for help, so why is he being so strange today? What's he plotting?"
Yang Haoran continued to humor Old Master Wu, secretly speculating. Before he could fully figure it out, Old Master Wu suddenly changed the topic.
"Haoran, this old man is quite old now, with not many days left to live. But as long as this old man is still alive, I still have some say in Lecheng. If you ever encounter any tricky matters outside, remember to tell me. Ah, but you are a capable person. Perhaps even after this old man is gone, you still won't have anything that needs my trouble. On the contrary, it's this old man who will need your help quite a bit."
Upon hearing Old Master Wu's words, Yang Haoran's heart swelled with delight. After playing tai chi for so long, the old man finally steered the conversation back to the main topic.
"Old Master, you are too kind. While I do have some abilities, they are not omnipotent. Many things cannot be accomplished with my limited skills. However, if there's anything at all you need me for, please don't hesitate to ask. Don't be polite with me," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
"Haha, Haoran, you are too humble! A young man as capable and modest as you, your future is truly limitless! Limitless!"
Old Master Wu laughed heartily, sounding extremely pleased. However, his happiness wasn't due to Yang Haoran's humility, but rather Yang Haoran's promise. Even if he suspected it was merely a polite remark, it still made him very happy.
"Old Master, please don't make fun of me. Speaking of which, I actually do have something right now that I need to trouble you with," Yang Haoran said, feigning embarrassment.
"Haha, you actually do have something you need my help with? Then I am truly honored! Tell me, as long as this old man can do it, I will certainly handle it perfectly for you!"
Old Master Wu showed no intention of refusing; instead, he happily gave Yang Haoran his assurance.
"It's not a big deal. I just want to buy a car, but I don't know much about cars. I can't tell good from bad, and I don't understand the market prices. So, I was hoping, Old Master, you could introduce me to someone you know. With your esteemed presence, I definitely won't be treated like a fat sheep to be fleeced," Yang Haoran said with some difficulty, his voice growing even more abashed.
"That's all? " Old Master Wu's voice sounded surprised.
"That's all," Yang Haoran replied with certainty.
"Haha, this old man thought it was some thorny big matter! Don't worry, I'll have it taken care of for you in a moment."
Hanging up the phone, Yang Haoran licked his dry lips, a smile spreading across his face, his eyes curving into crescents that made him seem even more benevolent.
He didn't think about anything else, relaxing completely in his chair to rest. Although his Spirit Power could alleviate physical and mental fatigue to some extent, he still needed proper rest.
Unfortunately, after only a few minutes of rest, he was awakened by a customer.
"Boss, give me a pack of cigarettes."
Yang Haoran opened his eyes to see a young man with long dyed hair and a scruffy beard. The youth looked exhausted, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, and a foul stench wafted from him.
Yang Haoran, who had still been somewhat sleepy, felt all his drowsiness vanish upon smelling the stench—it was more effective than any medicated oil.
"Brother, what kind of cigarettes do you need? " Yang Haoran asked with a smile.
"This one. . ."
The youth pointed to a pack of cigarettes. Yang Haoran nodded with a smile and pulled one out for him.
"Ten New Beginning Coins."
Handing the cigarette pack to the youth, Yang Haoran stated the price with a smile.
The youth nodded, then readily pulled out several crumpled banknotes from his pocket. They added up to exactly ten New Beginning Coins, no more, no less.
Yang Haoran took the money, and the youth took the cigarettes. However, the youth didn't leave immediately; instead, he unwrapped the cigarettes right in front of Yang Haoran.
"Boss, I'll try it first to see if it's fake. If it's real, great. But if it's fake, don't try to welch on me—you'll have to exchange it! " The youth said, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it.
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