In the end, someone suggested, "Let’s just make it six hundred silver coins, no more adding, at worst we’ll let him read the book for free."
This suggestion was actually quite good.
Geng Shougong thought for a moment, finally nodding, "Yeah, books are hard to come by, we’re not lacking sincerity."
Qu Jianlei had already put this matter behind him; he did what he could, and didn’t need to worry about the rest.
The heating for the Settlement residents is really important, but... he lives outside the city!
Inside and outside the city are separated by a wall, but the difference is really, really vast.
At least outside the city, you generally have to find your own firewood for heating, and those in poorer conditions... can only rely on shivering.
Qu Jianlei’s small team is considered to have top-notch conditions, with engines running on mixed fuel and Energy Blocks, but mostly still relying on firewood.
Before winter, Claire had chopped so much firewood.
So he really wasn’t too concerned about the situation in the city; the main thing was to quickly cash in the rewards.
He and Flower Scorpion spent two days selling off a large portion of the loot gained from Black Wind.
People from Zhou Six, although they claim to follow the rules, weren’t hesitant at all in accepting stolen goods, even daring to take Black Wind Team’s truck.
Then the two of them loaded a large batch of food, water, fuel, and ammunition back.
After returning, they were stunned to find that Geng Shougong had delivered books, without even asking for a deposit, sending over three hundred books again.
Qu Jianlei could vaguely guess that this was the subsequent testing fee, and he was satisfied with this way of payment.
Furthermore, Spencer had gathered new information: the Black Wind Team was attacked, and there was a bounty of two thousand silver coins for clues.
This was another time Qu Jianlei was under a bounty, and he reacted calmly. Discover more novels at novel fire.net
"That guy called Fugui was only offered a bounty of one thousand silver coins... Were Black Wind’s losses really that severe this time?"
"I heard they were crippled, the second-in-command died," the old con artist was somewhat gloating, convinced that Black Wind was the one who sneak-attacked them.
Qu Jianlei seemed like an outsider, asking with confusion, "With their situation, can they still afford a bounty?"
"Doesn’t everyone have some savings?" the old con artist replied indifferently, "Besides, Red Snow also intervened, sort of as a backup."
Then he glanced cautiously at Qu Jianlei, "So... did I earn those fifty silver coins?"
The old con artist wasn’t just asking for a debt; it was clear he suspected the losses Black Wind incurred might be related to Boss Panda.
To survive this long in the Wasteland, you have to have some survival wisdom.
"Since you brought good news, I’ll give you twenty silver coins first," Qu Jianlei said expressionlessly.
"Now that Black Wind is crippled, when it’s convenient I’ll investigate further, and after confirmation, I’ll give you the remaining thirty silver coins."
He couldn’t admit it was his own doing, but giving nothing at all would be inappropriate.
"That’s great," the old con artist said with a beaming smile, though inwardly puzzled... Was the boss really in seclusion a few days ago?
But anyway, having money in hand is what really matters; for how many years now, he had never experienced such a prosperous winter.
"Then I’ll head back to the tavern to gather more info."
As he left, Flower Scorpion walked over and asked softly, "This guy... Seems not that reassuring."
Qu Jianlei shook his head and sighed lightly, "Some bottom lines... I still hope to maintain."
Flower Scorpion was actually testing, wanting to see if the boss was a ruthless person.
The answer was a bit old-fashioned, but it gave her peace of mind; no one wants their partner to be cruel and unrestrained.
"Can you continue teaching me the Tai Chi Thirteen Sabers?"
"Master the first seven moves first," Qu Jianlei replied casually, "I’m about to make a breakthrough..."
(This is the fourth update, seeking monthly votes and subscription.)