Chapter 17：Shopping (1/2)
Lin Mu looked up and saw the familiar 'Jing Wei's Emporium' written on the signboard. With his legs sore from all the running, Lin Mu wanted to plop down right then and there on the floor, but then decided against it. He pulled out the rolled-up pelts of the Black horned rabbit and Thorn tailed rat before walking into the shop.
Everything was the same as yesterday, dust everywhere, and no person at the counter. Wanting to rest, Lin Mu found an old stool in the corner and sat on it, not minding the dust on it. He rested his legs till they did not feel as sore as before and he could walk again normally.
Lin Mu must have rested for more than 30 minutes, yet no one came to check on him. There seemed to be no sign of the woman from before.
'It's been so long yet no one is bothering to check the shop, are they not afraid of getting anything stolen?'
'I guess no one even comes to the alley itself, not to mention this shop.'
Lin Mu wondered how the shop owner even survived considering the situation of the business. Pushing his thoughts aside, Lin Mu walked up to the counter and rung the small bell kept on it. Unlike before, he did not even have to wait for 10 seconds before the woman walked out of the door behind the counter.
”What are you here for today?” the woman questioned with an expressionless face.
”I brought more pelts to sell.” Lin Mu said with a little pep in his voice.
The woman unrolled the pelts and checked them. Not finding anything wrong with them, she put them on the side and pulled out a coin pouch from under the counter.
”I'll give you the same price as before 30 coppers.” The woman stated.
”That's fine, but I also need a few more things.” Said Lin Mu. He had originally thought of buying a weapon and some things from other shops but decided to try his luck here instead, hoping to get a better deal.
”What else do you need?”
”I want two pouches, a large sack, and a weapon.”
The woman raised an eyebrow in question but did not speak. She walked out from behind the counter and went towards a shelf to the left. The woman gestured for Lin Mu to follow her, which he did.
”Pick whatever sized pouch you want from here.”
Lin Mu eyed the haphazardly placed pouches on the shelf. They were mixed together and it was a little difficult to find the size you want. Lin Mu searched around and found two suitable pouches that he wanted and asked the price.
”How much for these two pouches?”
”10 coins for the smaller one and 15 for the bigger one.” The woman said with a straight face to which Lin Mu nodded. The woman then moved again towards a corner where a pile of sacks was kept and gestured for Lin Mu to pick, clearly not wanting to touch the dusty sacks herself. Lin Mu picked a sack that was big enough to cover half of him if he stretched it out.
”That sack will cost 25 copper coins.”
”I'll take it.” said Lin Mu
The woman looked at Lin Mu and then spoke with a stern tone.
”What kind of weapon do you want and how much is your budget?”
The woman seemed to be questioning whether Lin Mu would be able to afford a weapon after paying for the sack and pouches. Lin Mu understood the woman's tone and put his right hand inside his robe and pulled out 15 silver coins, pretending as if they were kept in there all this while.
'The boy clearly was not carrying those coins with him. I'm sure of my senses. Seems there's rather more to this boy' The woman said inwardly concealing her shock.
”I would like a suitable sword for hunting.” Stated Lin Mu, unaware of the woman's thoughts.
The woman went back to the counter, with Lin Mu following behind.