Li Long had a simple meal at Engineer Liu's place, then bought all seven pieces he had carved during this time.
Whether because Engineer Liu's skills had recovered or because business was better here, two of the pieces he had obtained were quite large, each weighing over a kilogram. They counted among the few large pieces here.
Both retained their natural outer skin, one date-red and the other golden yellow. Each had been carved to suit its skin: one was a New Year Painting Doll carrying a red lantern, and the other a Wealth-Bestowing Child holding a golden common carp. Both were very auspicious figures.
The other pieces were small, but their quality was excellent, almost all Grade One White or above. They felt richly oily in his hands, and Li Long could hardly bear to put them down.
Besides Engineer Liu's carvings, Li Long bought nine pieces carved by apprentices. Their workmanship was somewhat stiff, but the material was good. Engineer Liu tried to dissuade him, but when that failed, he let him have his way.
Li Long's shoulder bag could not hold everything, so Engineer Liu found him a plastic bag, wrapped the pieces in newspaper, and put them inside.
Carrying his purchases, Li Long said goodbye to Engineer Liu, turned onto the main road, and waited for a bus back to the guesthouse.
He wondered whether he would see Yusufu again.
Buying jade this time had not only used up all the travel expenses the Supply and Marketing Cooperative had given him, but also cost him quite a bit of his own money.
Still, it was worth it. If he stocked up on these things, he could sell some when their value rose and recover a considerable amount of money.
That was Li Long's most basic thought