"Oh, right. You actually know how to make medicine, kid."
Li Ping'an smiled faintly. "A little."
"Can I take another look?"
"Help yourself."
Taking a small packet of medicine, Wu Mengxi examined it and clicked her tongue in wonder.
"Hey, do you have any more of this medicine? How much?"
"Five Spirit Stones."
"That cheap? That's much cheaper than ordinary pills."
Wu Mengxi narrowed her little eyes, scenting a business opportunity.
The corners of Li Ping'an's mouth lifted slightly, as though he had guessed what she was thinking.
Wu Mengxi said, "I'll take all the medicinal herbs you have."
Li Ping'an shook his head.
Wu Mengxi frowned. "What? You're not selling?"
Li Ping'an said, "It's not that. How about this: find a few more people and come buy together, and I'll give you a discount."
"Really?"
Wu Mengxi's eyes lit up, but then she looked troubled.
"No! I'm an enforcement disciple. How could I do something like that?
Selling pills, medicinal herbs, and things like that privately violates Shushan's rules. Besides, you don't have a sales permit!"
Li Ping'an hesitated. "Then for every person you refer, I'll give you a ten-percent commission!"
"Deal!!"
Li Ping'an froze. Good grief, you change faces even faster than I do.
He had thought he would have to haggle with her for several more rounds.
"Here's to a happy partnership!" Li Ping'an said with a smile.
Wu Mengxi said, "A happy partnership!"
Just like that, the two established a partnership.
After agreeing on a time and place with Wu Mengxi, Li Ping'an returned to his quarters.
He had already found the medicinal ingredients he needed in Medicine Valley.
After a sleepless night, early the next morning...
A black, fist-sized pill appeared in Li Ping'an's hand.
The ingredients were right, but to be safe... he