Dockside Fishery Market, Visitors from Big Fishing Village

Chapter 9: Dockside Fishery Market, Visitors from Big Fishing Village

Chapter 9: Dockside Fishery Market, Visitors from Big Fishing Village

Time passed quickly, as did money. The path of martial arts required significant funds, and even just the dietary supplements were a headache for Lin Mo.

He had only been a Martial Artist at First Level for half a month. Relying on the Blood Essence increased by his Destiny, he had barely broken through to Minor Accomplishment in Skin Refining, and his remaining seven or eight taels of silver were already in sight of the bottom.

"Since I've become a Martial Artist, I can't just rely on my mediocre skills. I need to find a job to earn money."

After much thought, Lin Mo felt that finding a nominal position, like other Martial Artists at the Changhe Martial Arts School, was the most reliable option. However, his cultivation level severely limited his choices.

After inquiring with Xu Changfeng, he learned about a few nominal positions:

'County Constable, two thousand Large Coins a month, main duties include arresting criminals and maintaining order during court sessions...'

'Wang Family Head Guard, two thousand Large Coins a month, mainly leading a group of guards to ensure the safety of the Wang Family mansion...'

'Dockside Fishery Market Manager, one thousand five hundred Large Coins a month, mainly responsible for managing the Dockside Fishery Market...'

Minor Accomplishment in Skin Refining was certainly not high among those at First Level, and the positions Xu Changfeng recommended were all excellent.

Just the basic salary alone was more than what an ordinary fishing family could earn in a month, even working day and night, which was at most eight hundred Large Coins.

Not to mention that the first two positions also had so-called "gray income." Constables and Head Guards held a certain status, and the bribes and "convenience fees" from others were the real big money.

"It's a pity that both of these positions are highly coveted by Martial Artists from the Changhe Martial Arts School and others. Without reaching Great Accomplishment or Perfection at First Level, how could I be chosen..."

Lin Mo pondered. After much thought, he could only choose the last option: "Dockside Fishery Market Manager. Mostly interacting with those fishermen, Kudali, and farmers, offering a little help at crucial moments, and even gaining some Luck."

Overall, the job was relatively easy. Most of the time, he would be busy during the early morning fish trading. The rest of the time was quite free.

Although there was no hidden income, the salary was stable.

This job was still quite sought after, but it had the advantage that the Dockside Fishery Market had stakes from the Zhao Family Grain Store and the Li Family. Coincidentally, Master Yang was very familiar with the Li Family, so his registered disciple could also benefit.

Since he had made his decision, Xu Changfeng handed him a letter. "You can discuss this position with the Li Family Head Steward today. He will make proper arrangements."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Lin Mo took the letter and headed towards the Dockside Fishery Market. Arriving at the shore's morning market, he weaved through alleys to a makeshift shelter.

A canopy was erected above, and a table with tea was set up below. Despite the noisy surroundings, an elder in fine clothes with a mustache was resting.

The Li Family Head Steward looked him up and down and made a judgment: "Are you here for the nominal position?"

"Precisely. My master is Yang Yun. Here is the letter."

Lin Mo presented the letter with both hands. After reading its contents, the Li Family Head Steward's expression softened considerably. "Since you are Master Yang's disciple, I am at ease. Go and get a set of clothes today, and report for duty tomorrow morning."

"The daily work is not complicated. It mainly involves interacting with fishermen. If you encounter any petty theft, brawls, or suspicious individuals, be observant and call the yamen. Don't foolishly try to be a hero yourself..."

"Of course, if you encounter any important figures from merchant ships, be sure to say a few nice words. Don't just stand there dumbfounded... there's money to be made from this too!"

The Li Family Head Steward looked directly at him, his eyes filled with complex thoughts. "Absolutely do not cause any trouble. Even if you are Master Yang's disciple, it can be difficult sometimes..."

Lin Mo clasped his fists in salute and replied earnestly, "Thank you, Head Steward, for your reminder. Lin Mo will keep it in mind."

"Dad, why are we traveling so far to the county to sell? Those officials only know how to exploit people."

"You're just a child, what do you know? The market tax is heavy these days, we can't sell there."

Outside Changhe County, an old man and a young man, carrying bamboo baskets and wooden buckets, waded through the muddy dirt road and crossed the county gate.

It was the morning market, bustling with various vendors and a clamor of voices.

Lin Hai was somewhat moved by the lively scene in the county.

However, the bamboo basket on his back was heavy, and the wooden bucket in his hand contained live fish, so it wasn't exactly easy. Lin Hai still had some complaints.

"Dad, we might as well become house servants at the Li Family. I've already inquired about the salary; it's seven to eight hundred Large Coins a month."

Lin Changshun looked at the tender child beside him and sighed. "That's a life of servitude, you'll never get ahead. Have you forgotten how you almost lost your life recently? What do you know, what the hell do you know!"

Seeing his father get angry, he gave up and changed the subject. "Dad, can we play around in the county more this time?"

"Sure. After selling these goods, we'll go see your brother Lin Mo. He hasn't been back for half a month..."

The two continued towards the dock. From afar, they could see the vendors from various townships and counties trading by the dock, with large and small baskets everywhere.

"Just put it here. It's two taels and ninety-eight wen in total, I'll round it up to three taels."

"Thank you, Little Steward Lin, thank you, Little Steward Lin..."

The hunched old man kept thanking him, tears welling up in his eyes. Ever since a considerate little steward came, the foot traffic at the dock had been lively.

"You're too kind, elder. Just call me Lin Mo."

Lin Mo helped the old man up, with a hint of helplessness. "I'm just a poor person working for the Li Family. We're all neighbors, I'll help as much as I can!"

He couldn't quite bear the title of "Little Steward" for now. However, the elders selling miscellaneous goods, vegetables, and fruits, and the neighbors around him, all trusted him.

Thus, they called him Little Steward Lin, which was already the highest honor in the eyes of these villagers.

"Little Steward Lin, look at mine, all fresh goods!"

"Okay, no rush. Everyone, take your time." Lin Mo replied with a smile.

[Good deeds, Luck gathered +1]

[Luck: 9]

Lin Changshun and his son hurried towards the dock. Along the way, Uncle Changshun had been lecturing his son quite a bit.

"Huzi, you must remember, when we meet them later, you must call the steward Ankang and the steward Jixiang!"

"Got it, got it..." Lin Hai replied absentmindedly. He looked at the lively scene at the dock from afar, and in a daze, he thought he saw a familiar figure.

He tugged at Lin Changshun. "Dad, look at that person... isn't that Brother Lin Mo?"

"Lin Mo is here too? It's good if nothing happened..." Lin Changshun looked around expectantly, but couldn't find the familiar figure he remembered. "Where? Don't lie to me, you silly kid."

"That... that... the one receiving the goods." Lin Hai excitedly pointed, just as a figure in fine clothes appeared. Lin Changshun's expression changed abruptly, and he kicked him. "What are you talking about? That's the steward! Do you know who the steward is!"

"Don't shout nonsense!" Lin Changshun emphasized. They, as poor commoners, dared not offend the steward.

"But..." Lin Hai rubbed his backside, feeling a little wronged.

When Lin Changshun looked again, he secretly sighed.

He looks so much like him... his features are so similar...

They watched the figure from afar. He wore a grey round-collar martial uniform with cloud patterns, the cuffs intricately embroidered with wave patterns, and his brows exuded a sharp energy.

Anyone who saw him would praise him as handsome!

His features were familiar, but this aura, this attire...

Is he really the nephew of a fisherman?

Could I have mistaken him?

It's been a while since I last saw Lin Mo, perhaps I'm hallucinating...

Perhaps I'm a little worried about him.

"Brother Lin Mo, that steward is really Brother Lin Mo!"