Repay Grudges with Grudges

Feixu Valley, Qian's Wine and Grain Shop.

It was already late at night, and the wind and snow outside were growing fiercer. Yet Qian Wancheng, the shopkeeper of the wine and grain shop, was still behind the counter balancing the accounts.

It was not because he was naturally diligent. The wine and grain shop's business was important, especially at year's end, when Qian Wancheng had to report the final accounts to his superiors. There could not be the slightest mistake.

This shopkeeper knew very well that many people had their eyes on his position. So long as there was even the tiniest problem with his accounts, trouble would inevitably come knocking.

After flicking the abacus, Qian Wancheng revealed a satisfied expression.

After his "careful calculations," this year's submitted profits could be half a tenth higher than last year's.

Though half a tenth was not much, Qian Wancheng had been able to hold this position securely precisely because his profits increased year after year.

As long as his work won the True Person's approval, his position would naturally stand as firm as a mountain!

Bang!

Just as Qian Wancheng was basking in self-satisfaction, the door to the wine and grain shop was suddenly shoved open with force.

Qian Wancheng froze for a moment.

He remembered locking the door earlier.

A broad-shouldered, burly man with a face full of thick whiskers strode in with his head held high.

He grinned at Qian Wancheng. "Shopkeeper Qian, have you been well?"

Qian Wancheng was somewhat baffled.

The other man spoke with great familiarity, as though they were old friends who had known each other for years.

But he did not remember having such a friend.

The wine and grain shopkeeper instinctively became wary, silently gripping a Talisman in his hand.

Over the years, Qian