Chapter 6: with translation of chapter title

Flower Clam King Laolin isn't unfamiliar with them, but usually such large ones are farmed; wild ones rarely grow that big.

'Of course, my brother dug them up on the beach,' Xiao Hu said proudly.

'Your village over there has such a big Flower Clam King?' Laolin still doubtful, 'I've never seen one before.'

'Hmm, they're not usually common; maybe we're just lucky today. See how much you can give,' Ye Cheng replied calmly.

'Like this, the goods are decent, but this thing tastes similar to regular clams when eaten, can't fetch a high price; I can only offer 12 dollars per catty?'

'12?' Xiao Hu shouted excitedly, his happy expression giving himself away.

Ye Cheng glared at him; this kid is so impatient, how can he do business?

When the old sly fox Laolin saw that someone agreed, he hurried to grab a bucket to weigh.

'Wait,' Ye Cheng pressed down on the bucket without changing expression.

'How? Too little?' Laolin's face fell, he put the bucket down, spread his hands, 'If it's too little, forget it; I'm offering this price, you don't have much anyway, I originally wouldn't even take it.'

Ye Cheng calmly took a puff of cigarette; he's seen this trick many times.

Just like the client's dad, no matter what, first pick a bunch of thorns to press down the price before talking.

Yes, the Flower Clam King's texture is similar to regular clams, not much better than sand clams, but with seafood it's that tiny difference that matters.

And this head, when guests are invited to eat, what they want is grandeur.

How could it be as bad as he says?

This Laolin just wants the price.

'Lin Lao Ban, I know our goods aren't much, but the quality is indeed good; give us a bit more, and next time we have good stuff we'll come to you,' Ye Cheng said.

Laolin shook ash off his cigarette, shook his head and said, 'This is the price; I need to make money too, otherwise you can go elsewhere.'

Xiao Hu wanted to speak again upon hearing, but Ye Cheng glared at him and he quickly swallowed his words; he couldn't understand why Ye Cheng wasn't satisfied with 12 dollars per catty.

Ye Cheng feigned a sigh, looking disappointed, said: 'Forget it, we won't disturb Lin Lao Ban's fortune; let's ask elsewhere.'

'Xiao Hu, take the stuff and leave.' Ye Cheng picked up a bucket and led the way out.

Xiao Hu froze a moment, confused why they weren't selling anymore; he didn't get it, but he followed Ye Cheng, carrying the bucket out.

Seeing the two walk out the shop door without looking back, Laolin couldn't stay seated, stepped out and chased two steps, helplessly shouting, 'Hey, wait, wait, come back, let's talk again.'

Ye Cheng smiled smugly; merchants everywhere are the same, after all these years this trick still works every time.

If it weren't for Xiao Hu leaking the wind, I wouldn't have needed to use this trick.

'Brother, we're not going; he was obviously trying to lowball the price, that swindler.' Xiao Hu realized, feeling a bit indignant.

'Business is for negotiation, don't get angry.' Ye Cheng said calmly.

In business, you must stay steady; regardless of what others say or do, profit is paramount.

Ye Cheng carried the bucket back, but this time stood just inside the doorway, telling Lin Lao Ban he could leave anytime, applying psychological pressure: 'Lin Lao Ban, what do you say?'

Laolin shook his head, smiling at Ye Cheng: 'Everyone says Ye Lao Er is a good-for-nothing, but I think they've misjudged him.'

Ye Cheng smiled without words; they didn't misjudge, they just didn't know his soul had changed, turning into a seasoned workplace veteran.

Ye Cheng stayed silent; Laolin had no choice but to name his price: 'Like this, 15 dollars per catty, let's just call it making friends.'

'20, and if we have good goods later I'll prioritize you.'

'20 won't do, absolutely not; I couldn't sell for that much, I'd lose money.' Laolin waved his hands like a fan.

'Then what do you say?'

'At most 16; any more and I'd lose money.'

'18 flat rate; if we agree, we agree; if not, I'll go elsewhere.' Ye Cheng picked up the bucket.

'Hey hey, why this trick again? Fine, 18 it is, I'm scared of you.' Laolin looked vexed, 'Who the heck told me Ye Lao Er was a little punk? He's craftier than a ghost.'

Beside, Xiao Hu stared wide-eyed: 'Brother Cheng is awesome, he jacked the price from 12 to 18 in one go.'

Just, when did Brother Cheng become so capable? Could it be that peeking at Zhang Guafu bathing gave him enlightenment?

After settling the price, Laolin efficiently picked out the Flower Clam Kings, the happier he got picking them; even at 20 dollars per catty he'd still profit.

Seafood is like jade; as soon as quality steps up a level, the price multiplies tenfold.

Many big bosses like this rare wild high-grade goods; a higher price doesn't matter, for them money is no issue, encountering it is fate.

'I won't take these small clams.' Laolin set aside the Flower Clam Kings, the little Sand Clams remained in the bucket.

'It's fine, we'll eat these ourselves back home.'

After draining the water, they weighed it: '32 catties, total 576 dollars.'

'Over 500!' Xiao Hu's breathing quickened; this matched half a month's income for their family.

'No problem, let's scan the code.' Ye Cheng habitually reached for his phone to scan, then realized it's not the modern era—there's no QR code.

'What scan code?' Laolin blinked.

'It's fine, just saying; let's give cash.'

Only now did he realize a problem: it seems he doesn't even have a phone.

This is 2002; if it were the modern era, lacking a phone would be impossible to live.

Laolin gave Ye Cheng a puzzled look, thinking to himself that the nickname Ye Lao Er wasn't for nothing; he really is a bit of a mess.

He counted five big bills, then added 76 dollars in change; Laolin handed the money to Ye Cheng, adding specifically, 'Next time you have good goods, remember to come find me.'

'No problem, for sure, thanks.'

Having received the money, Ye Cheng felt all his day's fatigue vanish; a person needs a goal.

Over 500 dollars, if it were the modern era, you couldn't even afford a meal.

But now, that's half a month's income.

With this income, Ye Cheng thinks it's alright.

'Brother, with this much money, shouldn't we have a good meal?' Xiao Hu already feeling a bit elated.

What greeted him was a fried chestnut, "What are you eating? Any money you make gets eaten up."

Ye Cheng counted out 150 and handed them to Xiao Hu, "Take these back home for the family, don't spend them yourself."

Xiao Hu scratched his head a little embarrassed, "Brother, you gave too much; it's all what you dug up—just give me enough for a pack of cigarettes."

"Just take it if I let you; from now on follow me, there will be plenty of chances to make money, so you won't need to take it later."