Chapter 645: Market Couple

Shoe factories, clothing factories, pharmaceutical factories… factories stood shoulder to shoulder, each with a crowd gathered at its entrance.

Many among them held signs with the numbers "one" or "two" written on them—these marked the price for a single job.

Tan Tan Jinxiao took this very seriously: "We'll need to make signs too, pin the price on ourselves—makes it easier to find work, and avoids misunderstandings when it comes time to settle pay."

Juanzi looked at Tan Tan Jinxiao: "We didn't come out with you to work. Can you understand what I'm saying?"

Xiao Yeci checked his pocket watch—it was already eight at night: "At this hour, there are still so many people waiting for work?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "Underground city doesn't know day or night. As long as you've got strength, you can work nonstop, day and night, and no one will stop you."

A shoe factory had lined up its newly produced shoes along the street, waiting for buyers to collect them.

Li Li Banfeng picked up a shoebox, opened it, and took a look.

Whether in craftsmanship or material, these shoes were top-tier anywhere—in Pulu Province or the Outer Provinces.

And the brand—Li Li Banfeng had seen it before; it was sold in both Pulu Province and the Outer Provinces.

As for price, if you went by the store's marked price, Chen Chen Zhangrui's salary would take half a year's savings just to afford one pair.

These shoes had no price tags. Li Li Banfeng asked: "How much per pair?"

The worker at the door, seeing Li Li Banfeng's refined attire, answered politely: "Sir, we don't sell shoes retail."

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "I'm just asking the price—I'm not actually buying."

The worker looked uneasy: "If you want to buy shoes, go to a nearby shoe shop. We truly don't sell retail."

Tan Tan Jinxiao spoke up: "I used to work here. I don't know current prices, but back then, each pair sold for sixty."

Li Li Banfeng didn't catch it: "Sixty what? Silver dollars?"

"Silver dollars? Who's even seen silver dollars?" Tan Tan Jinxiao snorted. "Sixty Hengguo notes—that's not cheap."

Li Li Banfeng frowned: "That can't be right. Does that even cover cost?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "It does—and there's profit! It all depends on how you do the work. Don't mess around here. If someone comes to collect goods and sees you buying shoes, this factory won't survive. The boss'll have to grab a shovel and go find work elsewhere—these machines might even cost you your life."

"Machines losing their lives? What does that mean?"

"If machines get smashed, don't they lose their lives?" Tan Tan Jinxiao urged the crowd. "If you're here to work, I'll help you negotiate prices. If you're not here to work, don't interfere with their business."

As he spoke, a distant whistle blew, and a small train slowly approached.

This train was much like the ones in Heishipu's urban district. It stopped at the shoe factory gate. Workers loaded goods onto it; the conductor received and counted them, recorded the list, and the workers took the list back into the factory.

Li Li Banfeng said: "They don't pay cash?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "Once you've gathered enough lists, you go to the proprietor's counter for payment. Usually they don't delay. But if things go badly, you wait a bit longer…"

"Hey miss, write down what's useful, skip what's not. Why record how factories sell things? You writing all this—aren't you tired?"

He was speaking to Xiao Yeci.

Xiao Yeci wrote diligently: "I'm not tired. This stuff is very useful."

Tan Tan Jinxiao shook his head: "What use is recording this? Even if you don't tire, at least save ink and paper!"

As Li Li Banfeng walked along, he wanted to buy everything—clothing, hats, shoes, socks, pots, pans, bowls, chopsticks—everything was made exceptionally well. But every factory had the same rule: no retail sales.

Tan Tan Jinxiao pointed ahead to a general store: "If you want to buy things, go there—that's the real retail place."

Li Li Banfeng entered the shop, looked at clothes, shoes, pots, pans, tables, chairs—everything here paled in comparison to factory-made goods.

The shopkeeper was quite friendly, bringing out a suit for Li Li Banfeng to try on.

Li Li Banfeng's first suit had been bought at Feng's General Store; he felt a special fondness for things from general stores.

He bought the suit, but didn't try it on—the fabric smelled too pungent.

Juanzi also liked the clothes in the shop. The shopkeeper often dealt with three-headed customers and knew what sizes fit; he picked out two shirts especially for Juanzi.

One shirt cost seven Mi Jiao nine fen; a suit cost twenty-eight Mi Jiao three fen.

Outside the store, Juanzi held the shirts happily. Mengzi was unhappy: "Why buy this junk? Smell it—how can you even wear this?"

Juanzi snorted: "Look who's talking. When we were poor, we went years without buying a single piece of clothing. You forgot?"

Mengzi truly had forgotten how many years it took to buy one outfit—but Li Li Banfeng could calculate it.

At underground city market rates, a worker barely earned two Mi Jiao a day. After food and expenses, he might save a few fen. If he had children or elderly to support, he saved nothing. How long would it take to save for a new outfit?

Yet the underground city wasn't short of clothes—right ahead was a clothing factory, loading box after box onto trains.

No shortage of clothes, yet no one could afford them. What kind of logic was this?

In the underground city, day and night meant nothing. Li Li Banfeng checked his pocket watch—it was midnight. Time to find lodging.

"Are there inns here?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao shook his head: "No inns. But there are restaurants. Pay five fen extra, and they'll let you sleep there."

Liang Liang Wucai said: "Then let's go check."

Tan Tan Jinxiao sneered: "Check what? Have you earned any money yet? How dare you go to a restaurant?"

Xiao Yeci studied Tan Tan Jinxiao closely. His words made sense—but within that logic lay deep flaws.

Li Li Banfeng said: "I've earned money. You're my guide—I'm satisfied. Three Mi Jiao."

"Pointing the way for three Mi Jiao?" Tan Tan Jinxiao was thrilled. "If you ever need this job again, come find me. I'll quit everything else—I'll serve you full-time!"

Liang Liang Wucai asked: "So only you can eat? We who haven't earned money can't eat?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao nodded seriously: "Exactly. If you haven't earned, you starve."

Li Li Banfeng pulled out a stack of notes: "We've all earned. You're my guide. Juanzi, Mengzi, Xiao Shan—my bodyguards. Miss Xiao—my secretary. The Liang sisters—"

Li Li Banfeng was still thinking of a suitable title when Liang Liang Wucai answered: "We'll warm your bed."

Tan Tan Jinxiao rolled his eyes: "That's it? I can do that too! You won't need to hire so many people—I'll be your bodyguard. Don't think I'm boasting—I'm Yunshang cultivation. My sect may not be powerful, but no ordinary person can get near me!"

He remembered he was a Yunshang cultivator—his memory seemed to be recovering.

Tan Tan Jinxiao glanced at Xiao Yeci, then said to Li Li Banfeng: "This girl—I can't replace her. I can't read well. You still need her as secretary."

Liang Liang Wucai asked: "Can you replace us too, if we warm your bed?"

"Of course!" Tan Tan Jinxiao slapped his chest. "I'm warm—sticky warm. My bed's been warmed before—it's perfect!"

Liang Liang Wucai smiled: "We're more skilled—we warm the bed, then we do other things too."

Tan Tan Jinxiao slumped: "I can't do other things. No one's perfect."

He led the group into a restaurant. Li Li Banfeng asked: "I saw several eateries on the street—why this one?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao answered honestly: "This place is delicious. I know the owner. With so many of us eating, I should support an old friend's business."

The restaurant wasn't empty.

Tan Tan Jinxiao sat down at a table and shouted: "Boss! What're you thinking about? Business is here!"

The restaurant owner, carrying a large wooden chest, walked over: "What'll you have?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "Today we eat meat. One bowl of braised pork rice each!"

The owner pulled out pen and paper from behind his chest to take the order, but Li Li Banfeng stopped him: "I don't want braised pork."

Tan Tan Jinxiao was displeased: "Braised pork's delicious. Listen to me!"

Li Li Banfeng said: "Do you have a menu? I'll order."

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "This isn't outside. No set meals here—only big-bowl rice. Just trust me—braised pork rice is the best value."

The owner brought out a menu from behind his chest. Li Li Banfeng looked—it truly had no set meals.

Even without set meals, Li Li Banfeng didn't want braised pork. He ordered seafood rice—twelve Mi Jiao.

Tan Tan Jinxiao stamped his foot: "Why order seafood rice? Just clams mixed with rice—what's the point? Braised pork's better—thick fatty slices, filling and satisfying. Eat this!"

"Gala kezi" meant clams—Li Li Banfeng actually loved them.

Xiao Yeci looked at the menu: "These aren't expensive. You said you needed three Mi Jiao to eat meat, but here, a meat dish costs barely over one Mi Jiao."

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "Miss, you think you eat just once a day? You spend it all and don't think about tomorrow? Life's got to be lived slowly."

Xiao Yeci ordered pork rib rice. Liang Liang Wucai ordered two duck rice dishes. Juanzi ordered three braised pork rice dishes.

The owner wrote down the order and went to the kitchen.

Li Li Banfeng said: "This restaurant isn't small—why haven't I seen a single waiter?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao shook his head: "Who can afford to hire waiters?"

Xiao Yeci said: "Business seems good. They could afford two or three waiters."

Tan Tan Jinxiao sighed: "You don't do this work—you don't know the difficulties. Xiao Xiao Songzi and I once ran a restaurant. It's truly hard."

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Who's Xiao Xiao Songzi?"

"A friend. A longtime friend. But he left," Tan Tan Jinxiao said, then pointed to the kitchen. "The owner here is Chen Yongnian. We're old friends too. He has a wife in the kitchen—she can fry, steam, stew, boil—no need to hire extra help."

Soon, the owner brought out the food—not from iron trays, but from behind his large wooden chest.

Li Li Banfeng looked at his seafood rice: a plate of clams, a large bowl of white rice.

The clams were blanched in boiling water, then tossed in soy sauce—delicious, smooth, refreshing. Li Li Banfeng couldn't stop eating.

The owner pulled a jar of liquor from behind his chest and poured a cup for each person. Li Li Banfeng asked: "How much for the liquor?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao waved his hand: "Why charge for liquor? Order meat, and liquor's free. That's the rule—it won't change!"

The owner smiled: "Rest assured, the rule never changes."

The liquor was strong, pungent. Tan Tan Jinxiao pointed to his cup: "I'm not exaggerating—this is pure alcohol, no grain in it at all. It's potent!"

Mengzi snatched Xiao Shan's cup: "Kids don't drink."

Juanzi got angry: "What's the difference between you drinking and him drinking?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao pointed to his braised pork rice: "This meat's from the land market. Your clams are from the sea market. This meal's ingredients cost three fen. Seasonings and charcoal? Add another fen at most."

Xiao Yeci said: "That's still a big profit—more than half."

Tan Tan Jinxiao shook his head: "You haven't counted the biggest cost—rent. It eats up over six fen of this dish. Only one fen or so remains. Whether the owner makes anything depends on how many customers come. If too few come, he can't even cover rent—he loses money."

Tan Jin shook his head: "There's still a big cost unaccounted for—the rent for this shop takes up over six mao of this dish's price, leaving only a little over one mao; whether the shopkeeper can make a profit depends on how many customers come today. If too few come, he won't even cover the rent and will lose money."

Xiao Yeci said: "Rent's this expensive? Then just buy your own place to open a shop."

Tan Tan Jinxiao sighed: "Shops in the underground city aren't for sale—they all belong to the proprietor."

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Who exactly is this proprietor?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao couldn't explain: "The proprietor is just the proprietor."

After finishing dinner, Li Li Banfeng roughly counted heads—he needed to arrange lodging for everyone.

Eight people had come out this time; earlier, Tan Tan Jinxiao had said fifty cents could buy a night's stay for one person, so eight people meant four yuan.

He was about to pay when Tan Tan Jinxiao stopped him: "You can't pay like that—you don't know how to count? Three yuan's enough!"

Li Li Banfeng didn't understand: "Why three yuan?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "Three yuan buys one big room—we all sleep in it."

Xiao Yeci blushed: "Men and women are separate—how can we sleep together?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao waved his hand: "Don't worry—the room's big enough. Hang a curtain down the middle, no one sees anyone else. Just make do for tonight."

"Hang a curtain?" Juanzi felt uneasy. "Then what about me?"

The shopkeeper, Chen Yongnian, had just taken the three yuan and was about to prepare their rooms when a man entered the restaurant—wearing a high-collared wool coat and a black top hat.

"Oh my, Mr. Bao!" the shopkeeper froze. "It's not time yet."

"The schedule's moved up—new rules from the proprietor," the man named Bao said. He pulled over a chair, sat at the restaurant entrance, and ordered several subordinates to block the door.

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "See that? That's the proprietor's collector—Bao Bao Yaocheng. He usually comes at month-end. This month he's here days early—something's up."

Chen Yongnian dared not ask more and quickly pulled money from a wooden chest behind him.

He shoved a stack of bills into Bao Bao Yaocheng's hand. Bao counted them, then shook his head: "This isn't enough."

Chen Yongnian blinked: "Mr. Bao, I've run this shop for years—this's always been the price."

"Didn't you see the notice?" Bao pointed outside. "It went up yesterday. Rent's increased by thirty-five percent. Pay up, then go read it yourself."

Chen Yongnian rummaged in his chest for a long while, emptied every last coin—even the money for tomorrow's supplies—and still couldn't make up the thirty-five percent increase.

"Mr. Bao, I just bought coal yesterday—I've got no cash left. Can you give me two days?"

"No extensions!" Bao shook his head. "It's the proprietor's order!"

Chen Yongnian said: "Mr. Bao, come back tomorrow—I'll go borrow some money…"

"Don't waste my time. Cut the steam pipe."

Bao waved outside. Two subordinates opened a metal box at the restaurant entrance.

Inside the box was a metal valve. One man reached to turn it. Chen Yongnian lunged forward: "No! You can't do this!"

As Chen struggled with the two men, Bao Bao Yaocheng stepped forward and yanked Chen away.

"Who gave you the right to touch my man? Who gave you the nerve?"

Snap! Bao Bao Yaocheng slapped Chen Yong.

Chen Yongnian begged: "Please, just give me one day. Just one day."

SLAP!

Bao Bao Yaocheng swung back and slapped him again: "I'm lazy—once I swing my palm out, I have to swing it back. For these two slaps, I'll give you twenty minutes. Bring me the money."

Chen Yongnian lowered his head: "Mr. Bao, I can't borrow that much in twenty minutes."

"Fine—I'll give you more slaps, then you'll find the money!" Bao raised his hand again. Chen stood still, head down, not even daring to flinch.

He feared Bao would really cut the steam pipe—more important than his own life.

"Wait a moment," Li Li Banfeng stepped up to Bao Bao Yaocheng. "How much is the thirty-five percent rent increase?"

Bao Bao Yaocheng glanced at Li Li Banfeng: "What's it to you?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "Don't ask if it's my business—does the money concern you? Just tell me the number."

Bao handed Li Li Banfeng a slip. Chen Yongnian still owed eight hundred and twenty yuan in rent.

Li Li Banfeng handed Bao eight hundred and fifty yuan: "Keep the change."

Bao took the money, looked at Li Li Banfeng, then at Chen Yongnian: "What's your relationship?"

Chen Yongnian didn't know how to answer. Li Li Banfeng smiled: "Don't care what it is. Take the money and leave."

Bao glanced at Li Li Banfeng, spat: "What a fucking bastard."

Then he left with his men.

Chen Yongnian bowed repeatedly to Li Li Banfeng: "Sir, thank you for saving my life—I'll borrow money right away and pay you back!"

Li Li Banfeng waved him off: "No rush. Keep running your business."

Chen Yongnian said: "I can't take your money—I must repay you."

Li Li Banfeng smiled: "I never said you didn't have to repay. The longer you owe, the more interest you pay—I won't lose. Get back to work."

Tan Tan Jinxiao watched silently beside them.

Chen Yongnian tried to help Li Li Banfeng prepare their lodging. Li Li Banfeng had only requested one room, but the shopkeeper had prepared three: "Make yourselves comfortable—it's my small gesture. I'll go raise the money now."

Li Li Banfeng asked Tan Tan Jinxiao: "What does 'cut the steam pipe' mean?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "It means cutting his wife's windpipe—she can't emit steam. She can't breathe. He won't allow that."

Li Li Banfeng thought a moment: "Didn't you say his wife cooks and washes dishes?"

"Yes—as long as coal and water are supplied, his wife can do anything."

Li Li Banfeng stared in shock: "His wife is a machine?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao nodded: "Surprised? Machines can be wives too."

Li Li Banfeng couldn't imagine it: "There are people like this in the world?"

Tan Tan Jinxiao sighed: "I used to think he was mad. But if he's mad, so be it—life must go on."

…

In the kitchen, Chen Yongnian tidied up, shut the shop, and prepared to go borrow money.

A wooden spatula extended from a cabinet, gently brushing Chen's face, stroking his bruises.

"It's over now," Chen touched the spatula. "I'll borrow money—we met a good man. We can't let him down."

HISS!

A puff of steam sprayed over him—she felt his pain.

Chen opened the water valve and added coal to the stove: "Watch the shop. I'll be back."

…

Everyone split into rooms and slept. Li Li Banfeng had his own room. Juanzi, with her three heads, took turns resting—she guarded Tan Tan Jinxiao. Liang Liang Wucai and Xiao Yeci shared a room.

Deep into the night, Liang Liang Wucai waited until Xiao Yeci fell asleep, then slipped out quietly and entered Li Li Banfeng's room.

Li Li Banfeng was sound asleep. Liang Liang Wucai crawled into his bed.

Liang Wu whispered: "He's so cold—his icy skin makes me want to shiver with him."

Liang Wu said: "Cold's good. That's why we came to warm his bed."

The projector floated midair, silently watching the scene, filled with quiet reflection:

Melons like this are naturally cold—but disguised by light and shadow, not a single flaw shows.

Such is the power of art—to make falsehood appear utterly real.

In a way, this *is* real art. If I film this scene, show it to the Lady, then Seventh Director will…

Heh heh heh!

Thinking of it, the projector glanced around, fearing his gloves might suddenly appear and steal the film.

…

Tan Tan Jinxiao slept. Juanzi and Xiao Shan slept too. Only Mengzi remained awake, watching Tan Tan Jinxiao.

A haunting melody drifted in. Mengzi's eyelids grew heavy. After struggling a few times, he slipped into sleep.

Li Li Banfeng retrieved the music box, opened the door, and stepped into Tan Tan Jinxiao's room: "Stop pretending. Wake up."

Tan Tan Jinxiao opened his eyes: "What?"

"Work."

"What time is it to work? Even hired laborers need sleep!"

Li Li Banfeng said: "It's urgent. We just made a deal—the accounts aren't settled."

"Ah, that," Tan Tan Jinxiao finally understood. "It's urgent. I'd guess he's walked two streets by now."

…

Tan Tan Jinxiao was right. Bao Bao Yaocheng had indeed walked two streets.

Rent collection hadn't gone well today. Several shops couldn't pay the hike. He'd beaten, smashed—Bao wasn't soft. If they couldn't pay, he cut the steam pipe.

As he entered an alley, a cool breeze brushed his face.

He looked up—and saw a man in a black suit and black top hat standing before him.

"Who are you?" Bao asked.

Li Li Banfeng lifted his head: "Forget me already? I just gave you money."

Bao recognized him: "You—the one who paid for Old Chen? Regretting it? Go complain to him—not me. Who told you to be so stupid?"

"Two," Li Li Banfeng lowered his hat brim. "Old Chen's rent is paid. But what about the two slaps?"

Bao laughed: "How do you want to settle it? I hit him—he got lucky. You gonna hit me? Who do you think you are? Who are you talking to? Try touching me—I'm…"

SLAP!

Li Li Banfeng's right hand shot out—a sharp slap across Bao's left cheek.

Bao spun half a circle, nearly falling.

"You hit me?" Bao gasped, lifting his head. "Do you know who I am…?"

Crack!

Li Li Banfeng struck another slap, again on the left cheek.

Bao Bao Yaocheng's jaw was knocked askew; he spoke with difficulty: "I—I'm collecting rent for the Proprietor..."

Crack!

Li Li Banfeng delivered a third slap, still on the left cheek: "I'm a hardworking man—I don't like using the back of my hand. I use my palm to slap you."

Several henchmen rushed forward; Li Li Banfeng slapped each one once, knocking them all down.

Li Li Banfeng raised his hand to strike again; Bao Bao Yaocheng burst into tears, snot, tears, and blood streaming together.

"I only hit him twice, twice—you've hit me three times..."

"Don't you owe interest?"

Crack!

Another slap; Bao Bao Yaocheng lay on the ground weeping, too afraid to rise.

Li Li Banfeng said: "Just now you called me lowlife. Ten slaps—is that too many?"

"I wasn't calling you," Bao Bao Yaocheng hurried to explain, "I was cursing Old Chen..."

"You cursed again just now. That's two curses total—twenty slaps. Is that too many?"

"Master, I know I'm wrong..."

"You still owe me thirty copper coins—one slap per coin. Is that too many?"

"You said you didn't need to give change..."

"How's the interest calculated here?"

"Master, I—I beg you..."

Crack!

Another sharp crack; two of Bao Bao Yaocheng's molars flew out.

Li Li Banfeng controlled his strength perfectly—he'd struck dozens of slaps, yet only the left side of Bao Bao Yaocheng's face was damaged. He hadn't killed him, nor knocked him unconscious.

After settling all principal and interest, Tan Tan Jinxiao walked over to tend to their injuries. He scolded Li Qi: "Look at you—your hands are too cruel. Look what you've done! He doesn't even look human anymore!"

"Brothers, don't cry, don't cry—you look so pitiful. Let me apply some medicine. My medicine is miraculous—both external ointment and internal draught. Come, brother, open your mouth—I'm going to pour it in!"

A thick, greenish-yellow liquid was poured into Bao Bao Yaocheng's mouth and smeared over his bloody wounds.

After struggling for a while, Bao Bao Yaocheng's eyes rolled back, his lips curled upward, revealing a blissful smile.

Tan Tan Jinxiao said: "Brother, watch closely—this technique is called Golden Juice and Jade Liquid."

Li Li Banfeng gave a slight nod.

He could turn men into fools—and naturally, he could pretend to be one too.

The door to the side chamber rattled; someone entered the room.

The person did not pause in the main chamber but went straight to the second chamber.

He moved quietly and was easily overlooked.

The phonograph's flame burned steadily—as if the occupant were asleep.

Yet Zhao Xiao's puppet slowly opened its eyes.

Voices drifted from the second chamber.

"Brother, the time has come. I've taken the key from that bastard—now I only wait for you to join me in our grand plan!"

"Younger brother, how could you be so reckless? That man is suspicious by nature—stealing his key will surely alert him!"

"Brother, I'm already breaking ties with that bastard—why should I care if he notices?"

"Younger brother, calm down. Let me carefully consider this with you!"

"I have no time to deliberate. Tonight, I must settle things with him. If you won't help me, our brotherhood ends here—after this, we're strangers."

The second chamber fell silent. Zhao Xiao wondered if her technique was insufficient to hear their voices.

After waiting a moment longer, Zhao Xiao decided to try another method—when suddenly, someone in the second chamber spoke again.

"Younger brother, I have a technique to pass on to you—let me lend you a hand first."

"Our Dao sects differ—I couldn't possibly learn your technique."

"You're a shadow—you can learn my technique. But this matter must never be known to anyone else."

PS: What is the true origin of the Proprietor of the Underground City?