Chapter 267: Su Zhen
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Chuan exchanged the cow for fifteen fish and a basket of eggs.
Based on the market price, a healthy and plump cow is worth fifteen fish. For such a skinny cow, at most ten fish would suffice. However, Jiang Chuan felt that the old women was kind-hearted, and they didn’t lack a few extra fish, so he decided to give her more than what the cow was worth.
Jiang Xia inquired about the condition of the old women’s husband. Although she knew that the isatis root might not help, she still believed that they might find something useful at the pharmacy. So, Jiang Xia packed another basket of isatis root for the old women.
The old women was deeply moved and was at a loss for words, not knowing how to express her gratitude.
Suddenly, a shout came from outside, “Granny Liu, Su Zhen is in the village! Send someone from your house to see him.”
Granny Liu responded and prepared to escort Jiang Chuan’s family out with an empty basket.
Zhou Lan kindly said, “If you have something to do, you don’t need to send us off.”
Granny Liu smiled, revealing her yellowed teeth, “It’s alright. There will be a line to meet him anyway. Sending you off won’t delay anything.”
Jiang Xia was curious, “Why do you need to queue up to meet someone?”
Granny Liu explained, “Su Zhen is not from our village. He’s from Locust Tree Bay and often goes to Grand Cloud Mountain to trade wild animals for grains. He then distributes a portion of the grains to nearby villages. He’s a good man, often giving more to those in need. So, every time he comes, we line up to receive grains.”
“So, he’s basically doing charity?” Jiang Xia blurted out.
Jiang Gu asked, “What’s charity?”
Jiang Xia took a moment to explain the concept to Jiang Gu. Years later, whenever Jiang Xia looked back on that afternoon, she’d marvel at how her actions that day led to the creation of the most prominent female philanthropist of the ’90s.
At the village entrance, a long queue had formed, consisting of around forty or fifty people. More than half were elderly, seemingly representing each household.
Walking further, they got a clearer view of Su Zhen. Tall and thin, he wore a baggy shirt and had a unique hairstyle. He didn’t look particularly friendly.
Granny Liu sent them to the village entrance and went to line up.
With two adults, two children, and a skinny cow, they naturally attracted Su Zhen’s attention. After a brief glance, he approached Granny Liu and handed her some grains, “Granny Liu, since your husband is ill, you shouldn’t be waiting here. Take these grains and go take care of him.”
Though not much grain, around five pounds, his gesture showed genuine concern.
Granny Liu expressed her gratitude and left with a smile.
Jiang Chuan suddenly became very interested in this man. Considering the surrounding villages combined had nearly two hundred households, and each household got a few kilograms of grain, it seemed that Su Zhen’s financial situation was very good.
Moreover, looking at Su Zhen, it appeared that he remembered the name of every individual, and knew in detail any incident that happened in their homes. His meticulousness was starkly different from the vibe he generally gave off.
After seeing off Granny Liu, Su Zhen unexpectedly approached them for a chat, “Did you come to the village to buy Granny Liu’s cow?”
Jiang Chuan nodded, briefly recounting the events at the marketplace. After hearing the story, Su Zhen’s attitude towards them became much friendlier. He probably felt appreciative because they had helped Granny Liu.
He naturally stood next to Jiang Chuan, looking at the people lining up for grain and asked, “Which village are you from?”
Jiang Chuan realized Su Zhen was probing them. With his memory, he would know everyone from these villages. His query was undoubtedly an attempt to determine their origin.
Without hiding anything, Jiang Chuan replied, “We’re from Pushan Village. Our eldest daughter married a hunter on Grand Cloud Mountain, and we came especially to visit her.”
“Oh? Which family did your daughter marry into?” Su Zhen was clearly intrigued by this topic.
Jiang Chuan answered, “She married into the Zhang family, where the head of the household recently passed away.”
Su Zhen’s expression changed slightly. Without saying more, he headed towards the crowd.
Zhou Lan whispered to her husband, “1 think there’s something off about him.”
Jiang Chuan nodded in agreement. Su Zhen had asked many questions about Jiang Chuan’s family but had shared nothing about himself. Clearly, he was a man with strong defenses.
Jiang Xia also approached, “And I believe his reaction earlier indicates he certainly knows the Zhang family..”
