The value of this pile of gold and silver treasures clearly exceeded Sakura's management scope. She said, "Please follow me to the reception room, and I'll have the second shopkeeper come to handle the transaction with you."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded and immediately went to the reception room to await the second shopkeeper's arrival.
Fu Gui, dressed in a green robe that left one shoulder bare, walked slowly towards Ming Zhi Tian, with Sakura beside him.
Sakura whispered a few words into her ear. Upon seeing Ming Zhi Tian, Fu Gui immediately recognized him, "You are... the young man who was captured by the mad old man!"
Ming Zhi Tian did not deny it, "It is I."
Fu Gui was somewhat surprised, "Who exactly are you? To be able to escape from the mad old man's grasp."
Ming Zhi Tian smiled slightly, "Second shopkeeper, please do not mock me. It was sheer luck, merely luck."
Fu Gui nodded, half-believing, half-doubting, "Let's get down to business. Allow me to take stock."
Ming Zhi Tian opened the bundle, revealing many gold and silver treasures. Fu Gui carefully examined each item and then appraised them by the light filtering through the window.
After a long while, Fu Gui extended five fingers, "Adding these items together, my Ling Long Pavilion offers four million nine hundred and fifty thousand yuan coins. What do you think?"
Ming Zhi Tian was satisfied, but as no businessman is entirely honest, he did not show it. Instead, he frowned, "A lump sum, five million exactly, is that acceptable?"
Fu Gui nodded, "Deal. Consider it a gesture of friendship."
He took one hundred money bills, each worth fifty thousand yuan coins, totaling five million. Just as he exited Ling Long Pavilion, Ming Zhi Tian was so startled he felt like a cat ready to pounce, shuddered, and quickly ducked back inside!
Leaning against the door, he cautiously peeked through the crack. He saw a silver-haired old man in ancient, worn clothing looking around everywhere, not missing a single corner, as if searching for something.
It was the mad old man! Ming Zhi Tian cursed inwardly, "Damn it, why isn't the mad old man staying put in his den waiting for prey? How did he find his way here? I'm truly impressed."
Seeing the numerous holes in Ming Zhi Tian's back, revealing the cool air, Sakura covered her mouth and giggled, "Young master, what are you doing?"
Ming Zhi Tian quickly covered her mouth, startling her. Her heart pounded, and her face flushed crimson.
Ming Zhi Tian whispered, "Don't speak, someone is trying to kill me." Sakura nodded.
After a while...
Ming Zhi Tian released her. Sakura clutched her chest, gasping for air, "Is he gone?"
Ming Zhi Tian carefully observed the outside and, after confirming, nodded, "He's gone."
He looked at Sakura, who was shy and embarrassed. He forgot that this place had an ancient style, and people were much more conservative, especially women.
Ming Zhi Tian quickly apologized, "It was unavoidable, Miss Sakura... please forgive me!"
Sakura shook her head, "It's alright. I hope you will be careful."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded and smiled, "Thank you, we shall meet again."
Sakura smiled charmingly, "We shall meet again. Farewell, young master."
After Ming Zhi Tian left, Sakura murmured, "This young master is truly interesting."
Ming Zhi Tian hid among the crowd, still observing his surroundings, fearing that the mad old man would appear behind him the next second. That would be disastrous.
He darted into a clothing shop and bought a white outfit and a mask so no one would recognize him.
"Right, I can't use my name either. I'll have to change it to... Bai Tian Ming."
Ming Zhi Tian took out the letter Ao Zi Hua had given him before his death. He opened the envelope and took out the letter paper: "To my dear sister Xin Wen, when you read this letter, your brother will be gone. I have no regrets about venturing out alone for training; I only regret that I can no longer be by your side and leave you alone. I am sorry. Do not be sad; I am merely bidding you farewell. Live on, for the Ao family, and for me. I wish you happiness soon. Your ever-loving brother, Ao Zi Hua, last testament."
"The Ao family?" Ming Zhi Tian put away the letter, bought some steamed buns at a bun stall, and asked for directions. The boss said, "There's a Shui Ling Pavilion ahead. There's a know-it-all, Hundred Affairs Master there."