Chapter 23: Buying on Credit

Lin Qiyue’s burning enthusiasm was instantly extinguished by that remark. His mouth twitched; he was the one begging for martial arts lessons, so how did it turn into the other party coaxing him into learning? He should be thanking his lucky stars that the man wasn't charging him tuition.

"Uh, heh heh, she's just like this, please don't mind, don't mind at all." He had repeated this line so many times tonight that he was starting to feel embarrassed.

Lin Chuyi pouted in dissatisfaction. "What’s wrong with me? I’m just stating facts. Didn't you just say you were willing to do anything? Doesn't that mean he’s gained a hardworking, devoted servant in you? Don't you think?" With that, she turned to ask Mo Yu with a bright, playful smile.

"The young lady is correct."

Lin Qiyue was rendered speechless. He couldn't help but feel there was some logic to it. He glanced at Mo Yu, and seeing the man's beaming face, his own expression began to falter.

"Brother Mo, don't misunderstand. Yiyi is just joking."

"I'm not joking. Brother Mo just said what I said made sense." Lin Chuyi even changed how she addressed him, leaning a little closer to Mo Yu.

Mo Yu suppressed a chuckle and said, "What amount of silver do you think would be appropriate, young lady?"

"Brother Mo, just call me Yiyi. Calling me 'young lady' is so distant."

Mo Yu nodded. "Very well, Yiyi."

"Yiyi!" Lin Qiyue tugged anxiously at Lin Chuyi’s sleeve. He hadn't even started doing anything for the man yet, and she was already talking about collecting money—it was truly unreasonable. If Brother Mo didn't have such a good temper, who knows how he might have dealt with them.

"Why are you tugging at me? And besides, you should call me 'Eldest Sister'." Lin Chuyi gave Lin Qiyue a stern look before turning back to Mo Yu. She deliberated for a moment and held up five fingers.

Lin Qiyue clutched his forehead in resignation and sat back in silence. He knew Yiyi’s temperament; he would just have to secretly return the money to Brother Mo later.

Mo Yu raised an eyebrow, watching Lin Chuyi with a smile, but said nothing.

Seeing this, Lin Chuyi lowered her head, looking conflicted. After a while, she held up three fingers. Before Mo Yu could react, she rushed to say, "That’s the lowest price, it can't go any lower!"

Lin Qiyue, sitting on the sidelines, felt his face go dark. Am I a piece of merchandise? To think she’s actually haggling over me...

Mo Yu feigned realization. "Oh, I see. Three taels of silver, is that right? No problem."

Seeing the blank, stunned expression on Lin Chuyi’s small face, Mo Yu nearly burst out laughing.

"Brother Mo, no, that's not it! It’s thirty taels, not three!" Lin Chuyi said, growing anxious.

Mo Yu was slightly taken aback. He had expected the little girl to ask for an exorbitant amount, but it was a mere thirty taels.

Seeing Mo Yu pause, Lin Chuyi assumed he thought it was too expensive. Biting her lip in a pained decision, she said, "Then... then twenty-eight taels. Brother Mo, you have to think long-term. Our little Qi is very capable. The food he cooks is exceptionally good—you just had some, and I’m not bragging!"

Mo Yu suppressed his laughter and put on a troubled expression. "As you can see, Yiyi, I am currently severely injured and have many expenses. Twenty-eight taels is really quite expensive."

Lin Chuyi looked disappointed. That’s right; how could she have forgotten he was injured? Medicine and tonics for his recovery would cost a fortune.

"How about this? If you trust me, Yiyi, I can pay the twenty-eight taels on credit."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chuyi nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes, let’s do that!"

Beside them, Lin Qiyue felt like weeping. What had he become? Now he was literally being sold on credit.