Chapter 24 Meeting a Benefactor

Gu Congli carried two large bags of medicinal herbs into the night market.

Instantly, they attracted attention.

In the dim night, their figures were a stark contrast – Gu Congli tall and straight, Gu Congshuang petite and delicate. But both carried large, eye-catching bags.

The first stall owner, acting as a lookout for the others, whispered:

“These two are unfamiliar. Could they be investigators?”

“I heard from above that restrictions are being loosened. They shouldn’t be here to investigate. Our business is small…”

The man nodded, but cautiously added, “Let’s keep an eye on them.”

Gu Congshuang placed the bags on an empty space, untied the ropes, and neatly arranged the herbs.

The two men following them saw how meticulously the herbs were arranged, assuming they were also merchants. Just as they were about to close up shop,

Gu Congli suddenly grabbed the stall owner:

“Fine medicinal herbs. Interested in buying some?”

The stall owner’s heart skipped a beat, almost revealing his disguise.

Hearing that Gu Congli wanted to sell herbs, he relaxed, his gaze falling on the herbs.

“My wife just had a baby a few days ago. I want to buy some herbs for her to nourish her body. Any recommendations?”

This stumped Gu Congli, who just wanted to sell quickly and buy his Mercedes-Benz.

He knew nothing about herbs.

Seeing Gu Congli hesitate, the stall owner frowned.

Gu Congshuang quickly interjected: “Postpartum mothers need rest. Medicinal herbs vary in effect depending on individual constitutions. It’s difficult to make specific recommendations. Different constitutions yield vastly different results, so we can’t recommend anything rashly.”

“This American ginseng slice is good for energy and complexion. I wouldn’t recommend it for pregnant women, but it’s excellent for soups. If you’re tired from work, a slice will refresh you…”

“And it’s much cheaper than the market price. You can’t buy this without coupons. It’s perfect for gifts. You can’t find these herbs anywhere else.”

The stall owner was tempted. Even visiting relatives required suitable gifts, and these herbs were valuable for both personal consumption and gifting.

After hesitating for a moment, he extended his hand, preparing to haggle in the traditional way, hiding his money in his sleeve.

Gu Congshuang was taken aback by this unusual bargaining method – a local custom. She was disguised as a man, but she wasn’t one.

She quickly signaled to Gu Congli, whispering, “Haggle well.”

After a round of hand gestures and price negotiations, they finally agreed on a price. The man happily took the herbs, reassuring the other stall owners.

“Just new herbalists. Quite rare. If you’re interested, go take a look.”

At that moment, a plump woman in red emerged from a stall.

“That’s great! I’ve been looking for a herbal supplier.”

The woman, wearing fashionable high heels, swayed to Gu Congshuang’s stall.

Gu Congshuang immediately recognized her as the first customer she had driven – Sister Luo.

First impressions are always memorable, especially given her striking figure in Yuehai City.

In these hard times, her ability to maintain such a figure implied considerable wealth.

Sister Luo had recently made a fortune in smuggling, often traveling to and from border checkpoints.

She was shrewd and had partners to help her accumulate wealth. She secretly owned many stalls in the night market.

She had a regular herbal supplier, but this year’s heavy snow had blocked the mountains, preventing the herbs from being transported.

Finding a herbal supplier here was unexpected. She immediately pulled out a prescription, buying large quantities of each herb.

She bought almost all of Gu Congshuang’s stock, leaving only a small amount.

Gu Congli had never seen such wealth, his eyes wide. He suddenly recognized the plump woman.

During the payment, he exclaimed,

“Ah, aren’t you the passenger we drove? We’ve met a benefactor!”

Indeed, a benefactor! This money would allow him to save for his beloved Mercedes-Benz.

Sister Luo looked at the two siblings closely, but she hadn’t paid much attention during the car ride and had forgotten them.

Seeing Sister Luo’s confused expression, Gu Congshuang quickly flattered her, “Remember the airport? We drove you home and you said you wanted to hire my sister as your driver.”

Sister Luo realized. The siblings’ striking appearance was memorable, and she was the only woman who drove at that time.

She looked around, but couldn’t see Gu Congshuang’s sister.

“Where’s your sister? I need a driver. I’ll pay more, 500 yuan a month, how about that?”

Gu Congli was drooling, wishing he could learn to drive immediately. A stable 500 yuan a month was better than the hard work of selling herbs.

“She’s here. It’s not convenient for her to be in the night market, so she’s in disguise.”

Gu Congshuang frowned. She didn’t want to get involved and didn’t want to reveal her identity.

500 yuan a month was a high price, but she suspected Sister Luo’s business wasn’t entirely above board, given her presence in the night market.

Before Gu Congli could retract his words, he spoke first.

She could only smile, tearing off the fake mustache. “Sister, I’m here.”

“You know how to put on makeup? You’re quite handsome. Sister admires your safety awareness!”

After placing the herbs on the stall, Sister Luo took them to a small restaurant.

While waiting for the food, Sister Luo said, “Meeting you here is fate. You’re attentive, considerate, and a safe driver. Come work for me.”

Sister Luo noticed Gu Congshuang’s hesitation. “Is there anything you’re unhappy about? Tell me.”

Just as Gu Congshuang was about to answer,

Sister Luo’s gaze drifted to the entrance. A man in a black coat entered.

He wore sunglasses, had a calm demeanor, and a gloomy expression. He walked slowly, limping slightly.

Sister Luo felt a sudden unease.