Chapter 499: Bargaining

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Things had changed now. Ever since Su Shen’s pig farm had been established, the lives of the villagers had improved significantly. This was especially true for the people of Daqing Village. With more money in their pockets, no one was willing to let themselves or their families endure the cold.

As a result, everyone would buy some coal according to their financial capabilities to prepare for the winter. Although the amount purchased was not substantial, it still marked the beginning of this new kind of expenditure.

Upon seeing Gu Zi’s arrival, Aunt Zhang hurriedly made her way towards her, guiding Gu Zi through the crowd. In no time, they reached the coal seller. Gu Zi noticed that the cart was not entirely filled with coal. There were also processed coal balls, which were more convenient to use.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Gu Zi decided to buy the coal balls. The price was clearly marked on the cart. The coal balls were slightly more expensive than the raw coal, sold at 0.13 yuan each.

Gu Zi observed that most people were buying raw coal because it was cheaper and they didn’t need much. Only a few villagers bought the coal balls, with the most anyone bought being twenty. Gu Zi had an idea and began to inquire about the price from the coal seller, “Boss, how much are the coal balls?”

The coal seller rolled his eyes and replied gruffly, “0.13 yuan each, can’t you read?”

Gu Zi wasn’t offended by his tone. She understood that some people naturally had loud voices and spoke harshly without any facial expressions. These people were too busy with their lives to bother with courtesy.

Gu Zi was not a sensitive person. She didn’t mind his attitude and continued to negotiate calmly, “We need a lot at my house. Can you give a discount? If you can, I’ll buy them right away.” As she spoke, she placed Su Le in the small cart to let her play for a while.

The coal seller sneered at her request and asked directly, “How many can you buy? Can you buy a hundred? If you can, I’ll give you a discount.”

Gu Zi didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she asked, “Do you only sell coal once a year? Oh dear, why is this little girl touching the coal? You shouldn’t smear it on your face.”

Gu Zi saw Su Le standing in a small cart, her tiny hand clutching a piece of coal, ready to stash it in her pocket. Gu Zi quickly snatched the coal away and put it back. Su Le’s small hand then touched her face, instantly transforming her into a little coal-dusted kitten.

Gu Zi touched her forehead, feeling helpless. The adults around them were amused by Su Le’s antics. Su Le then touched her nose, adding another black spot to her face, making her look even more adorable.

The coal seller, watching this scene, seemed to find some amusement in it too. His tone softened, “How much are you planning to buy if you’re only making one trip?”

Gu Zi replied, “I’ll take five hundred, priced at 0.08 yuan each, is that okay?”

Not only could the stove use coal balls, but also the large stove at home and the outdoor kiln. It was always convenient to have them during the cold weather. The household could certainly afford coal balls, so Gu Zi planned to buy more.

As soon as she spoke, numerous envious and jealous eyes were cast her way. True to the Su family’s reputation, they bought coal balls as if money was no object. Buying hundreds at a time was something many city dwellers wouldn’t dare to do!

At this moment, the younger women in the crowd were filled with regret. If only they had married Su Shen, they could have been the envied woman standing there!

A glint of surprise flashed in the coal seller’s eyes. He hadn’t expected to encounter such a big customer in this village.

However, they were seasoned business people who had been travelling south and north for many years. They were naturally very shrewd. At 0.08 yuan each, there was no profit for them, even if she bought a lot. This woman was not only beautiful but also very clever. Her bargaining was ruthless.

After discussing with his wife, the coal seller responded, “If you came to my house to buy coal, I could give it to you for 0.08 yuan each without a loss. But we’ve traveled over mountains and rivers to sell coal. At this price, even if you bought eight hundred coal balls, we wouldn’t make a profit. It’s not possible.”

He could sell eight hundred coal balls for 0.07 yuan each, but he intentionally exaggerated to make it harder for her to bargain.

Gu Zi, of course, understood his meaning. However, whether his words were true or not was not the point. The key was to get the price she wanted.

After pondering for a moment, Gu Zi let the others buy first. After a while, she approached the coal seller and said, “Let’s not beat around the bush. Let’s meet halfway. You help me deliver the coal balls to my house. I can’t carry them with the child, and it’s too much trouble to call my husband. Let’s settle at 0.09 yuan each, shall we?”

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