This was the first time Ren Fei had heard the name Shen Bingqing from Ning Zhishui.
Unsurprisingly, this was likely the “vile woman” in the so-called scumbag man and vile woman duo.
The more certain she became, the angrier Ren Fei felt.
Shen Bingqing was Ren Fei’s friend. They had known each other since they were young, their friendship only slightly shorter in duration than Ren Fei’s acquaintance with Lin Huaiyuan.
When she was a child, Ren Fei had been mischievous and had once gotten lost. Her appearance was so outstanding that as soon as she disappeared, people began tracking her.
They lured the girls back home, intending to sell them to the brothel. Among the girls were some who had been sold, some who had been abducted, including Shen Bingqing.
Fortunately, Ren Fei’s father, Ning Zhishui’s grandfather, acted swiftly and rescued all the girls.
Ren Fei and Shen Bingqing met from that time. Because they shared the same experience, their friendship continued through the years.
Ren Fei was somewhat careless and rough in her actions, while Shen Bingqing perfectly complemented her. Shen Bingqing was gentle and meticulous, and speaking with her felt like basking in spring sunshine.
Ren Fei liked Shen Bingqing very much. It was partly due to Ren Fei that Shen Bingqing also became friends with Lin Huaiyuan, and they got along well.
But Ren Fei could not believe for a million reasons that there was anything between them.
Calm down. This is my niece.
Ren Fei clenched her fists and tried to steady her breathing.
Ning Zhishui did not notice the expressions of Ren Fei and Ning Chengfeng. After recognizing Gao Yue, she turned her attention to the shop, examining the materials.
The items displayed were all rather ordinary.
However, since Aunt recommended this place, there must be something special.
Besides, Gao Yue was a genius sword cultivator. Although his current strength did not show it, he should not be weak either.
The materials he collected could not be ordinary.
“I have a list,” Ning Zhishui said after examining the materials. “Do you have paper and pen?”
Gao Yue nodded and handed them over.
Ning Zhishui paused briefly, then wrote down a list of more than ten materials. These were all compatible with Black Steel Azure, able to blend perfectly.
“If there is Frost Condensation Dew, that would be ideal. If not, Green Cap Liquid will do.” She handed the paper over.
“These items… you have Black Steel Azure?” Gao Yue asked with surprise.
Ning Zhishui was also slightly amazed. She did not expect him to be such an expert, recognizing the main material just by looking at the list.
“What does it matter? Just prepare the materials and give a price,” Ren Fei said.
Gao Yue glanced at her, puzzled.
She had been in a good mood when she came in. Why did her face look so stern now, as if she could explode at any moment?
“Two items are missing from the list, but I can gather them. You will need to wait a few days. Frost Condensation Dew can also be procured,” Gao Yue said.
Ning Zhishui was delighted. “That is great. What is the price?”
Prices in the cultivation world fluctuated greatly because the availability of materials was often unstable. Costs depended entirely on scarcity at the time.
Even with fluctuations, there was a range. Among the materials Ning Zhishui listed, only Frost Condensation Dew was rare. The quantities for the other items were small, so the total cost would not be too high.
Her small purse should be enough to cover it.
“Nine hundred spirit stones,” Gao Yue said.
Ning Zhishui glanced at Aunt.
Nine hundred… that probably only covers the cost.
He truly likes Aunt… I suppose that extends to me as well.
Ren Fei: …
Her ears turned red from irritation.
Ning Zhishui was talking nonsense.
“I will pay five hundred first, and the rest when all materials are ready.”
Ning Zhishui took out the spirit stone tickets and handed them to Gao Yue. She had six hundred spirit stones on her, plus some private savings, which would be sufficient.
“With Aunt here, there is no need for you to pay, little one.”
Ren Fei waved Ning Zhishui’s hand away, taking the tickets herself and handing them to Gao Yue. “Make sure you find the best quality. Do not give her inferior materials.”
Gao Yue nodded. “I will not.”
After collecting the tickets, he took out the materials he currently had for Ning Zhishui.
She checked them and found the quality satisfactory.
“I will come back in a few days to collect the rest,” Ning Zhishui said.
They exchanged sound transmission talismans and agreed to notify each other when all the materials were ready.
After leaving, Ning Zhishui finally asked Ren Fei, “Aunt, what is wrong? You look so displeased.”
Ning Chengfeng lowered his head nearby, observing quietly.
Anyone in this situation would be unhappy…
“Hmph. In a bad mood, not allowed?” Ren Fei asked coldly.
Why is Aunt acting like this? Did Gao Yue, this block of ice, freeze her?
Ren Fei wanted to roll her eyes.
Do not blame Gao Yue. This is your fault and has nothing to do with anyone else.
“By the way, Aunt, what have you decided about the fish blood issue?” Ning Zhishui asked.
Ren Fei’s eyes flickered. “I may not have that much money on hand. This matter still needs to be discussed with your parents. We will think about it.”
“Okay, but you can start arranging the Bright Moon Silk. It is quick to turn into cash and does not risk stockpiling.”
Mentioning money brought Ren Fei back to focus. “Fine, I plan to go out tomorrow to find the source.”
Ning Zhishui nodded.
Since I have returned, the Ning family must be well cared for. None of you can suffer.
To speed up cultivation, spirit stones are absolutely necessary. Some matters also need proper discussion with my parents.
Such a young body, apart from cultivation, cannot act freely. I wonder if they will trust me.
I will try my best.
Ren Fei’s heart moved slightly.
So Zhishui has a way to earn money? That piqued her curiosity.
Ning Zhishui’s words were flawless. To cultivate, one needs both time and spirit stones.
If the spirit stones are sufficient, time can be saved considerably.
For the fish blood business, even if it is a guaranteed profit, one needs enough capital. Otherwise, how can goods be stocked?
“Let us go home together,” Ren Fei suddenly said.
“Ah?” Ning Zhishui looked confused. “But Aunt, you just came from home.”
“I… just wanted to check on things. Now I want to go back. Come on, let us go together.”
If she did not go back together, how would she know what this little girl had in mind?
“Oh, okay.”
Aunt’s thoughts often changed, and she had no fixed plan. Ning Zhishui found it normal.