Chapter 512: Grit and Cowardice

However, Li Ruanyu didn't hide it from Zhao Chi and told him straight where the stockings came from.

But Zhao Chi couldn't think of any way to hint around and ask about the black market situation.

But it is what it is.

Zhao Chi decided to just be direct.

"Instructor Li, I heard a black market in our town was recently wiped out."

Li Ruanyu gave him a strange look.

Thinking to herself, wasn't it your family that reported it?

Why are you acting like you don't know?

But she just nodded: "Mm."

"Then… are there any black markets near our town?"

"No."

"Huh? None?"

"None."

"I heard before that it seemed to the north of our town…"

"Also gone."

Zhao Chi: "…"

Then just accept it—pay the taxes when they're due.

But this way, his ability to sell items was also limited.

The most profitable stockings couldn't be sold, so he could only focus on selling fire oil.

Although the ultra-bright fire oil was good and could shine far, it wasn't irreplaceable.

At least spirit-energy lamps could shine very far too.

If there were no spirit-energy lamps, just light a few more torches.

So it wasn't strongly necessary.

That was also why Zhao Chi dared to bring it out and sell it.

But the ultra-bright fire oil still had its advantages.

After all, it was brighter, and in the end it was more convenient.

Sales channels probably wouldn't be a worry.

Just as he was thinking, he reached the outskirts of the village.

Li Ruanyu didn't drive in, but pulled over to the side.

"Zhao Chi, it's not convenient for me to enter the village right now, so I'll drop you here."

"That's fine, it's already very close. Thank you, Instructor Li."

"You're welcome. Your clan can stay stable for a while longer, but the road ahead is ultimately dim. What you need to do is raise your strength as soon as possible. Even if you join us, it's still a difficult road—thorns everywhere, dark clouds overhead. Do you understand?"

"I understand…"

"Alright, get ready for the monthly exam. During this period, don't use up too much energy. Good luck."

"Thank you, Instructor Li."

"You're welcome. I still have a few pairs of these stockings on my legs. I can give you one pair to equip your heroine."

Zhao Chi was a little surprised.

He quickly waved his hand: "No, no need. Thank you, Instructor Li."

"Alright then, goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Li Ruanyu zoomed off.

Zhao Chi stood in place, organizing his thoughts.

Too many things going on.

Too messy.

Too little time.

But in the end, Zhao Chi didn't want to just lie flat.

If he were content with the present, he'd feel like there was plenty of time.

Li Ruanyu's car drove farther and farther away.

A horse-drawn carriage passed her small vehicle, heading toward the village.

It was Uncle Liu's carriage from earlier, but now there were three people sitting in it, chatting and laughing about something.

They were a few young people from the Xiao family.