It was Jing Yunzhao's first time doing this (T/N: being in the medicine business) so she nodded, confused. She kept thinking that these people's eyes were looking at her weirdly.
As expected, that old man laughed, "Little girl, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. We don't buy medicinal materials here. These things of yours, unless you go to a personal medicinal spread…but even then, they probably wouldn't dare to take too much…"
Jing Yunzhao's body stiffened. She couldn't understand.
But then she heard that old man continue, "This is a TCM pharmacy. If we were to buy medicinal materials, it would have to be very rare materials or TCM beverages. And most of those TCM beverages all have medicinal plant factories they're contracted with. Unless the medicine you make is better and cheaper than theirs."
Jing Yunzhao's mind clicked and she instantly understood.
Medicinal plants belong in three categories. Type one has never been altered and is freshly pure. Type two has been parched, roasted, baked, steamed, soaked, simmered, or etc and can be concocted for use right away. And type three are made into medicine using the materials from type two, like the already packaged powdered medicine (you consume it after mixing it with water) sold in stores.
Jing Yunzhao was a bit worried. She had a lot of things stored in her brain, but she didn't have the knowledge of how reality and these relations worked. That was why she made a mistake.
"Thank you, senior, for your pointers. I now know what to do. But senior, would you accept already cooked medicinal plants (type two) if I bring them?" Jing Yunzhao asked.
Her voice was refreshing, making it pleasing to listen. Along with her brilliant looks, others easily have a good impression of her.
"As long as the quality is good, the store will consider. Oh, little girl, if you're in a rush to sell those materials in your hands, I know a good place…" The old man thought about it for a while. Looking at how cute and smart Jing Yunzhao seemed to be, he added another sentence.
Jing Yunzhao's eyes quickly lit up.
"In this county town, there is a grumpy old man who is a medicine-making maniac. No matter the quantity, as long as the quality of the materials is good, he'll take it. But his pricing might be cheaper than all the other places. You can give it a try. It's not very far from here…" The old man said and then told her the address.
Jing Yunzhao was a bit hesitant. It was nighttime after all. The place indeed wasn't far, but it was surrounded by alleyways. There weren't many people passing by.
However, after thinking more about it, Jing Yunzhao decided to go.
She had her space and she had also practiced some martial arts moves. The chances of something terrible happening to her was quite small. There was no need to worry too much.
After leaving some Pilose Asiabell Roots as thanks, Jing Yunzhao left for the place old man told her.
The lanes had twists and turns. It was nighttime and unlike the big streets, the alleys weren't brightly lit. She heard the sounds of nightingales from time to time. It was something that would bring chills down people's spines. If this was in her past life, Jing Yunzhao naturally wouldn't have to courage to be there. She realized that she now was much braver than she was in her past life. Being in that completely unfamiliar place, she didn't have a single feeling of fear.
After 30-40 minutes, she finally found the place.
The area had a strange smell. There was the smell of medicine, but there were also other smells, like a burnt smell and corrosive smell. Smells were mixed together. It was strange.
In front of her was a big, spacious house with an enclosed yard. The front doors were black and tall, making the place appear heavy yet calm. It gave off a very gloomy vibe. Jing Yunzhao kept noticing noises from the yard, so she chose to knock.
After ten seconds, the doors opened and a not-so-old face appeared.
The person was only in his thirties and looked quite spiritless. He gave Jing Yunzhao a few glances and said, "You have business here?"